Five minutes with Ms Nerida Dyne

What brought you to Radford College in 2012, and where were you before?

I came to Radford after working in both government and private roles, looking for a people-focused role where I could make a real contribution. Thirteen years on, I’ve not only gained a deep understanding of how a school functions, but Radford has become part of my family’s story. It’s been incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally.

You’ve worked in both Secondary admin and HR since 2012. In your HR role, what do you enjoy most about welcoming new staff to Radford?

Culture is everything. For me, welcoming new staff begins well before their first day. It starts in the recruitment and onboarding stages, where showing genuine support helps new staff feel valued, connected, and inspired to give their best.

What I enjoy most is being part of those first steps – creating a positive experience where high expectations and genuine care come together.

As a Collegian with 3 children who attended here and a daughter who worked here, what does Radford mean to you?

It’s not just my workplace – Radford is deeply woven into my family’s story. My parents enrolled me when the campus was just bushland on the corner of Haydon Drive and College Street. I even met my husband when we were both in Year 10 at the College in 1989, and one of our children was christened in the College Chapel!

I also have a strong connection to the people and traditions of the College. I know many of the legendary teachers who shaped its early years, and I particularly value the College Historian’s work in capturing and sharing Radford’s heritage and traditions.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen at Radford over the years?

Radford has grown tremendously – more students, more staff, and impressive new facilities. The College is now much more complex.

I remember when the end-of-year Celebration was held outside because T.B. Millar Hall hadn’t yet been built, and ALL the buses and parent cars flowed through the single entrance at the turning circle for drop-off and pick-up! A particularly special memory is that Mr Jock McKinnon, the founding Principal, taught all the Year 7 religious education classes. And the canteen was where the IT office is now!

What are your favourite things to do outside of Radford?

If I’m not off-grid somewhere hiking for a week, you’ll probably find me trail running with friends, exercising our two wayward Labradoodles, or enjoying our next book club read. I’m also part of the organising team for the Capital to Coast trail run – a 100km multi-stage event held each August, running from Canberra to the South Coast across a weekend.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised to know…

…that in my late teens I was a taxi driver in Canberra — years before Uber and google maps was a thing.