Principal's Message

That's a wrap

The end of any school year is a time to reflect on all that has been accomplished over the past 12 months and make plans for the future. In my view, 2022 will be remembered as a highly productive and successful year inside and outside the classroom and one that felt like things were returning to normal.

Students in every year have continued to produce excellent academic results. Many have produced entertaining music, dance, and drama performances, and Radford has arguably had one of its best years ever on the sporting field.

While all these achievements are most laudable, it is the development of students into well rounded and grounded people, who show compassion and empathy for those around them, that is the real test of a successful school. I am very pleased to say I have witnessed these traits on multiple occasions throughout this year.

The end of the school year is also a time of ceremonies to acknowledge student achievements from the year. Over the past two weeks, I have attended Year 12 Graduation, Year 12 Formal, Year 6 and 10 Celebrations, Kindergarten Nativities, and Junior School and Secondary School Celebrations. They have all been uniquely wonderful events, showcasing and appreciating students’ talents and achievements. I can genuinely say that I am always so enormously proud of our students on such occasions.

Planning for the future will not only continue until the end of the year, but also many of the senior staff will return to Radford in January to ensure the beginning of the 2023 school year is smooth and productive.

Year 12 results

We will receive Year 12 results in stages over the holidays.

Our BSSS students will receive their ATARs from 9:00 am on Tuesday, 13 December via their online BSSS student profile. They will then receive their Senior Secondary Certificates in person from the College on Wednesday, 14 December. Further details about collection times can be found on the Year 12 Nexus Page.

Our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students will receive their final results from 10:00 am on Friday, 3 January 2022.

We will be releasing a Year 12 publication in the New Year to celebrate the Class of 2022’s achievements and journey through Radford.

Semester 2 Learning Summaries available after Friday

We are pleased to advise that the Semester 2 2022 Learning Summaries for Junior School and Secondary School students (Years Pre-Kindergarten–11) will be visible after Friday via the parent/guardian portal in Nexus.

Here is the direct link to the Learning Summaries Nexus page.

This page includes information about how parents and students can access learning summaries, as well as information about Approaches to Learning and Grade Descriptors.

Staff Farewells

As is customary at this time of the year, we are farewelling some staff who will not return in 2023.

The most senior staff member leaving Radford is our current Assistant Principal Curriculum, Ms Lindy Braithwaite, who has accepted a similar role at Canberra Girls Grammar School. Lindy has been at Radford for nearly 20 years, and during that time, she has held several leadership roles, including Assistant Head of Humanities, Head of Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE), Administration Coordinator, Dean of Senior Studies and IB Coordinator. While it is difficult to summarise Lindy's achievements in those many roles, highlights include Lindy managing the recent changes to the reporting process, leading the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme authorisation process, organising overseas SOSE tours, and overseeing curriculum changes and initiatives. In all that she has accomplished at Radford, Lindy has always maintained a very calm, positive, measured, and professional approach to her work, colleagues, and the students. She will be sorely missed, but after 20 years, Lindy is looking forward to a new work experience.

Mr Nick Moss has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum for Semester One 2023. The role will be advertised in the New Year.

After 14 years of service to Radford College, Communications Officer Ms Celia Lindsay will retire in early January. Celia is an extraordinarily talented writer and has shown herself to be an incredibly professional and dedicated employee. I am sure Celia will enjoy having additional hours in her days to garden, walk, and read - her three passions in life.

Mr Justin Wood is leaving Radford after seven years working in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department. During that time, Justin has been a Head of Year and is currently the Head of HPE. He has been a highly respected colleague and teacher and someone who always gives a huge amount of energy and commitment to the College. We wish him well as he transitions across to Marist College.

SOSE and PE teacher, Mr Tom Milenovic, has decided to relocate to Sydney at the end of this year. Tom has worked at Radford for the past four years, and during that time, he has developed into a talented teacher who is willing to get involved in all facets of school life.

Junior School teachers Ms Sarah Wiley and Ms Tegan Masters are moving to other schools in Canberra, while Ms Trudy Dempsey and Ms Vicki Goss will not be returning from maternity leave.

2023 commencement letters

Parents and caregivers are advised that both Junior School and Secondary School commencement letters will be sent during the week commencing 16 January 2023. These letters contain important information about the beginning of the new school year, as well as informing you of your child/ren's classroom teacher (Junior School) or Mentor (Secondary School). Parents and caregivers will be required to update their family details, including contact details, medical details and photo permissions, before they can access the commencement letters.

And finally…

I conclude my final Bulletin article for 2022 by sending my very best wishes to the Radford College community for the festive season. I sincerely hope you all have an opportunity to experience the real meaning of Christmas, enjoy the festivities of the New Year and spend quality time with loved ones. Furthermore, I look forward to welcoming everyone back at the start of the 2023 academic year.

Contact