Greetings From Our New Deputy Principal

By Brad Cooney, Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School

It is with great pride and excitement that I join Radford College as your new Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School. I look forward to partnering with you to ensure all students in the Secondary School are celebrated and supported on their learning journeys. Together, we will ensure that we maintain our tradition of excellence and strong sense of community that make Radford such a special place.

2023 marks my 24th year in education. As an educator, I am driven by the individual development and growth of every student. I have devoted my career to educating, inspiring and advocating for students, both as a classroom teacher and as an experienced Secondary School Principal. I am excited to bring my passion, enthusiasm and experience to cultivate the unique educational and co-curricular programs that Radford has to offer. Above all, I am willing to observe, listen, learn, and understand what makes Radford College thrive as a leading learning organisation in the nation’s capital.

At our whole-of-school Commencement Service on Tuesday, 31 January, our College Prefects introduced our theme for 2023: ‘Be brave and try everything’.

Encouraging bravery and trying new things at school can be a great way to help our students grow and develop, both academically and socially. At Radford, we provide a supportive and safe environment that allows students to undertake appropriate risks and challenges. This includes encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones on camp, try new co-curricular activities and engage in hands-on practical learning experiences.

I would encourage all students and Secondary School staff to be brave and try something new this year. From sports and arts to science and technology, there is something on offer for everyone.

Effective communication between the College and home is a vital tool in ensuring the success of every student in the Secondary School. For this reason, it is imperative that if you alter your email address or your contact details, you advise the College as soon as practical of these changes so that your records can be updated. Our key communication medium is through the School’s Learning Management System (LMS), Nexus. Nexus contains regular practical information, the College calendar, excursion notes/details and academic reports, etc. Parents are encouraged to regularly check Nexus for updates and to check the contemporary and relevant information contained therein.

I extend a special thank you to our parent community for your ongoing support and for entrusting your young people to the care of Radford College. Your involvement and engagement are invaluable to the success of our students, and I look forward to continuing this productive partnership throughout 2023.

I heartily welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this year. Let us always keep our young people at the heart of all that we do and the primary focus of our work.

As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to working in partnership alongside our wonderful students, parents and staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, either by phone on (02) 61626211 or via email at Bradley.cooney@radford.act.edu.au