From the Chair: 30 Mar 2022
As we approach the end of a busy Term 1, I hope the year has started well for you and your families, in these strangest of times.
I was delighted to have been appointed the Chair of the Radford College Board in December, and I am pleased to be able to update you on a number of areas of Board focus.
Thanks to Steve Baker
Firstly, I want to take this opportunity to thank our departing Chair, Steve Baker, on your behalf, and on behalf of the Board. Steve served the College for a decade, firstly on the Finance Committee, then on the Board itself, and as Chair of the Board from 2017. Steve has left the College in a fantastic position, from a strategic as well as a governance standpoint. In updating you on the Sports Precinct, I recognise Steve’s enormous contribution over the years to the development of the College’s campus and facilities.
Sports Precinct
With the amount of rain that the ACT and other parts of Australia have received in recent months, it is not surprising that progress on construction of the College’s Sports Precinct has been delayed. Nonetheless, you will all have noticed significant activity around the campus, and I am grateful for your patience, as we undertake these exciting additions to our school.
Stage 2 of the Sports Precinct – six new courts (three tennis and three multi-purpose) – was originally due to be open by now, but will not be available for use until the start of Term Two. There is also uncertainty about whether special surfaces, which require significant curing time, can be applied to the courts before the colder weather arrives. Should the need arise, temporary bitumen courts with line markings will be laid as an interim measure for winter, and the special surfaces will be laid later in the year.
Stages 3 and 4 of the Sports Precinct involve the construction of the Cricket Centre and adjacent G Wigg Sports Centre extension, and the construction of the Multi-Purpose Hall. The tender process is underway, and the College expects to appoint the lead construction company by June, with construction to commence in July.
New Board members
I want to welcome our newest Board members, Emily Purvis and Michael Tabisz.
Emily is a current parent and not only joins the Board, but has also been appointed Chair of the Finance Committee. Emily previously served on the school board at the Trinity Christian School for a number of years. She is currently a member of the Governance Executive for Anglicare, where she works across all Board committees and advisory groups, including the Care Governance Advisory Group and Risk Committee.
Michael is a current parent and has more than 15 years’ experience in the cyber security sector. He has previously held roles in both the private and public sectors in penetration testing, digital forensics, risk management, cyber security consulting services, implementing and managing cyber systems, and as a Director of Cyber Security for an Australian Government agency. Michael is a current member of the Cyber Security and Fraud Working Group for the Australian Digital Identity Ecosystem, and he is interested in sharing his knowledge of IT systems and security with the Board and the broader Radford community.
Seeking expressions of interest in joining Board committees
As some of you may be aware, the College Board is supported by three Committees:
1. Finance Committee
2. Education and Wellbeing Committee
3. Building and Grounds Committee
The Board is seeking expressions of interest to fill upcoming vacant positions on the Committees. Expressions are sought from people who have relevant experience in operating on boards and/or governing committees or sub-committees, with relevant skills appropriate to the roles and responsibilities of the committees. Please contact David.Perceval@radford.act.edu.au to obtain the respective committee charters.
Expressions of Interest are to take the form of a brief half-page outline of relevant skills and experience and your reason for expressing interest.
Expressions should be provided to the Secretary by no later than 30 April 2022, via email to David.Perceval@radford.act.edu.au
Reappointment of the College Principal
I am pleased to inform you that the Board has appointed Principal Fiona Godfrey for another five-year contract. Fiona is already the longest-serving Principal in Radford’s history, and her reappointment provides important continuity of College leadership in the uncertain times that we face.
The last two years have been a challenge for all in the Radford community, and we may well have more to come. It is worth noting, however, that with the leadership shown by Fiona and her Senior Executive Team, the College has managed to navigate those challenges, as well as continuing to achieve our goals and embrace the opportunities presented, including the ongoing delivery of our Master Plan.
I want to thank you for choosing Radford and for being a part of our community. I wish you and your families a safe, relaxing Easter and school holidays, and look forward to updating you further in Semester Two.