From the Chair: 14 Sept 2022

As we approach the successful completion of three school terms, I hope our Radford families are all well and looking forward to the holidays.

Sports Precinct update
Since I last wrote to you/our community, the College has signed FDC Construction & Fitout as lead contractor for Stages 3 and 4 of the Sports Precinct.

Despite the challenges presented by ongoing wet weather, work has commenced on construction of the Cricket Centre, adjacent G. Wigg Sports Centre extension, and the construction of the Multi-Purpose Hall.

The College is hoping for these facilities to be open by late July next year.

Board Retreat
The Board will hold its annual Retreat next month and I’m pleased to be able to share some of the areas of focus for discussion over the two days.

The College, like many employers nationally and internationally, is dealing with a dynamic and changing labour market as a result of the pandemic and fluctuating economic conditions. The Board will be discussing how the College can recruit and retain the best staff, in order to continue delivering the high-quality education and operations for which Radford is renowned.

Also on the agenda is a discussion about the role of “Digital in the Education Environment,” where Radford is placed and what innovation we could look at for the future. While Radford performs strongly in this area (as evidenced by the Junior School’s Apple Distinguished School status being extended for three years), the College needs to remain nimble in order to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

The College’s climate change mitigation measures are also an important area of consideration, as outlined in the Radford College Strategic Plan: A Vision for Our Future 2021–2025. The Sustainability Working Group, made up of Radford staff and students, has done good work over the past 12 months and the Board recently approved the School Environmental Management Plan. I’m delighted that the College’s Sustainability Captains, Joshua Kingston and Yasmin Surman-Schmidt, will present to the Board during the Retreat.

There will also be an opportunity for the Board to reflect on the disruption of the past two years, what lessons have been learned, what to take forward with us and what to leave behind.

We look forward to welcoming Fiona Godfrey back from sabbatical in Term 4. I wish to express the Board’s thanks to Andy Gordon for so capably stepping into the Principal role and also to all other staff who have assisted Andy during the term, taking on new and expanded roles. It has been a magnificent testament to the depth and commitment of our College staff.

As always, I want to thank you for choosing Radford and for being a part of our community. I wish you and your families a safe and relaxing school holidays and look forward to updating you later in the year.