26 June 2025

By Ms Linda Oakman, Human Resources Manager

At Radford College, our strength lies in our people. With more than 180 teaching staff and over 240 college services staff working across education, administration, sport, the arts, and operations, we are proud to be a vibrant and diverse workplace, one that functions much like a large and complex organisation.

Behind the scenes of this dynamic environment is a small and committed Human Resources (HR) team dedicated to supporting every staff member to do their best work.

While the day-to-day work of teaching and co-curricular programs is highly visible to the Radford community, what happens in the background is equally important. The HR team plays a strategic role in ensuring that our people practices align with the College’s values, support its long-term goals, and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.

Our work is shaped by a deep understanding of the complexity of schools as workplaces. With a workforce governed by multiple Enterprise Agreements and employment types, our role extends far beyond recruitment and compliance. We support leaders in navigating employment matters, developing strong teams, and embedding practices that promote professionalism, care and accountability.

Whether it’s attracting inspiring educators as well as professional and committed college services staff, guiding new staff through induction, supporting team development, or leading and supporting whole-of-College projects such as policy initiatives or professional development, our work is grounded in both strategy and service.

A focus for the HR team recently has been interpreting and implementing the new Cooperative Multi-Enterprise Agreements. This is a significant piece of work that impacts every employee at the College.

Most importantly, we are driven by the belief that when staff are supported, students flourish. When people feel safe, valued and empowered at work, they bring their best to the classroom, and every co-curricular experience that enriches student life.

The HR team – made up of myself, Ms Maddie Looker, Ms Nerida Dyne and Mrs Rita Leskovec – is proud to support the people who make Radford such an exceptional place to learn, work and grow.

Since joining Radford in 2022, Dr Tyson Peppler has brought not only a deep passion for physics but also a thoughtful, philosophical approach to teaching. With a doctorate in physics, a master’s in teaching and a background in rural education, he blends academic rigour with real-world perspective. Whether he’s explaining the mysteries of quantum fluctuations or sharing the story behind his now-signature tweed hat and beard, Dr Peppler reminds us that science isn’t just about formulas – it’s about curiosity, service and the joy of discovery.

What brought you to Radford and what were you doing previously?

My move to Radford felt somewhat providential. I had just relocated to Canberra with my partner, who had secured a role in federal health, and Radford happened to be looking for a physics teacher. Prior to that, I was teaching at a rural school in the small town of Birchip, Victoria, while completing my master’s through the University of Melbourne’s Teaching Internship Program.

You have a doctorate in physics. What inspired your love of the subject?

As a student, I was drawn to physics because of its ability to distil reality into something logically coherent – the "why" and the "how" behind what we see. Physics offers answers to the biggest questions and explores the broadest horizons – its scope encompasses the entirety of nature.

What drew you to a career in teaching over research?

I’ve always loved learning, so teaching was a natural consideration. It’s also deeply rewarding as a service to the community – preparing the next generation with the knowledge we’ve accumulated so far. While research is also vital, I felt content with my contributions in that area. Teaching, for me, offers a greater sense of purpose and long-term stability.

If you had the opportunity to share one thing about physics with the world, what would it be?

I’d highlight the fundamental nature of physics – how it underpins our understanding of the world and enables technologies that reduce suffering and improve lives. Many breakthroughs, especially in medicine, often originate from the blue-sky curiosity of physicists. That said, it’s crucial we use this knowledge responsibly. With great power comes equally great ethical responsibility.

Your beard and hat have become your trademark. Is there a story behind them and have you ever considered sacrificing your beard for the World's Greatest Shave?

The hat is from a hat maker in Gordon, Victoria, where a former physics colleague worked part-time. It's English tweed, very comfortable and perfectly suited to Canberra winters. The beard? Well, that’s the source of my power. If I were to part with it, the price would need to exceed inflation – indexed to housing prices – year-on-year. An impossible feat? Never say never.

People might be surprised to learn that…

Empty space isn’t truly empty. It’s a seething sea of virtual particles and antiparticles, constantly popping in and out of existence, borrowing energy from the vacuum before annihilating one another. These are called quantum fluctuations.

By Mrs Kirsten Knight, Director of Strings

Last night our Year 3 students and their loved ones braved the cold and rainy weather for the year group’s first concert on their stringed instruments.

Most of the students only picked up an instrument for the first time in February, so it was a huge achievement to present a full program of music.

Students demonstrated their plucking and bowing skills, how they learnt to hold their bow, singing and solfa. There was even audience participation as the students challenged their family and friends to do one of their class activities.

At Radford all students in Year 3 learn a stringed instrument as part of their music curriculum. They are allocated either a violin, viola, cello or double bass and have weekly lessons. Many students choose to continue their stringed instrument after Year 3 and are then able to join Radford’s string orchestra program.

The Year 3 students have worked very hard in the lead up to their first concert and we congratulate them on their wonderful performance. We are already looking forward to their second performance later this year.

On Friday, 20 June students embraced the winter chill with their cosiest scarves, beanies, earmuffs, gloves, woolly jumpers and hoodies as part of this year’s Anglicare Winter Pantry Appeal. Students were invited to donate an item for the pantry appeal and wear a 'winter warmer' or a 'winter woolly' alongside or instead of their school uniform.

As donations flowed into the collection points, the whole College was abuzz with how much we had collected.

All donated cash and food were given to St John’s Care in Reid, an Anglicare partner. Every day St John’s Care do incredible work bridging the gap and breaking the cycle of disadvantage, isolation and economic hardship with compassion, advocacy, respect, and encouragement through the provision of emergency relief and other programs.

Over $870 was raised through donations and the lunchtime BBQ organised by Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) students.

A huge thank you to all the staff and families who donated money or non-perishable items. Our collection filled several van loads from St John’s Care and will make a tangible difference in the Canberra community.

Jason Haines, the Managing Director of St John’s Care, and Robbie Speldewinde, the Operations Manager, have expressed their sincere thanks to Radford College for this incredible partnership with St John’s Care. We also partner with St John’s Care through the service-learning program where students volunteer at community lunches and stacking the shelves.

To find out more about St John’s Care or to further support their work through a tax-deductible donation click here.

By Mrs Monique Glavonjic, Community Engagement Manager

The Radford Collegians Centre was buzzing with activity on Monday as industry leaders and professionals gathered to meet and greet our Year 10, 11 and 12 students during the first Radford Collegians Career and Networking Expo.

The event featured several Collegian businesses, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to engage with experts from a diverse range of industries. A special thank you goes to our keynote speaker, Mr Harry Hoang OAM of Tailored Accounts, for sharing his insights.

We also had Collegians from the Class of 2023 at the 'Ask Me Anything' booth, who provided many students with valuable insights about their journeys after they graduated from Radford.

This event played a crucial role in helping students explore future pathways, provided the opportunity to ask meaningful questions, and allowed them to gain real-world insights that extended well beyond the classroom experience. It was a fantastic occasion for our students to connect with professionals and envision their life after Radford.

Radford College celebrated the much-anticipated launch of the 500 Club on Friday evening.

The 500 Club is a community of generous donors who pledge a tax-deductible gift of $500 per year for five years, enabling the College to offer life-changing scholarships and bursaries, upgrade essential facilities and equip students with the skills and confidence to make a difference in the world.

Radford Foundation Chair, Mr Alistair Coe, introduced the 500 Club, and Radford College Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury, thanked each donor for their invaluable commitment to this great cause. Mr Bradbury emphasised the privilege of being an educator and thanked the attendees for the trust they place in our school to nurture and care for their children.

We invite more families to get involved in this inspiring initiative. Join the 500 Club today by clicking here: https://www.radfordcollegefoundation.com/

By Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

We are so excited to welcome Tash Kaiser to the Dirrum Dirrum Festival in 2025.

Tash Kaiser is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Gomeroi tribe in NSW. She is the founder and owner of Wurrumay Collective, a proud Aboriginal owned and family operated business specialising in luxury home, bath and beauty products located in Braddon.

The shop is filled with incredible products made by Tash as well as art, clothes, cultural items, children’s books and activities made entirely by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There is always something that will make a beautiful and meaningful gift while supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and this small business.

Tash has a great story to tell about her life so far and what inspired her to start Wurrumay Collective. Please come along to the Dirrum Dirrum Festival on Saturday, 16 August.

Be sure to register for Dirrum Dirrum Festival to hear Tash's insights into this year’s theme: Tomorrow’s Promise.

In case you missed it, please click on the links below to find out a bit more about the other speakers at this year's festival:

• Australian Idol 2023 winner, Royston Noell will perform at Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2025
• Journalist, author and filmmaker, Professor Stan Grant to speak at Dirrum Dirrum Festival 2025
• Shaun Christie-David will be one of the speakers at the 2025 Dirrum Dirrum Festival

By Mrs Annette Carter, College Historian

As our Radford families have now received their ordered copy of the most recent Radfordian (2024) it seemed a good opportunity to reflect on just how far this publication has come and how it has changed over the years.

The first Radfordian was published in Radford College’s first school year in 1984 and was made up of only 40 pages. On the front cover was the original sketch design for the school.

The publication opened with an article about Bishop Radford, after whom the school was named, messages from Tom Bruce (T. B.) Millar, the Parents and Friends, and inaugural Principal Jock Mackinnon. There was also a student reflection on the opening of the school and Foundation Day, followed by information about competitions, co-curricular activities, excursions, camps and a sports report for the two year groups that started in 1984 – Years 7 and 8. Sadly, there was also an 'In Memoriam' to Steven Bell, a student who had passed away in an accident during the August school holidays.

The first Radfordian to appear with colour photographs was as late as 2009. By then the publication had grown to 210 pages.

The 2024 edition had 212 pages so while the page count hasn’t changed significantly in the last 20 years, the style and feel of the publication certainly has.

Radford Raptors Soar at ACT Finals

Congratulations to our Radford Raptors boys’ basketball team who were crowned ACT Champions at the Years 3/4 Jamie Pearlman and Sue Geh Cup ACT Finals at Belconnen Stadium yesterday.

The players delivered a dominant performance, going undefeated throughout the day. Their teamwork, composure, and passing ability were truly impressive.

After a slow start to the day, the Radford girls’ team demonstrated outstanding improvement and determination across their four matches. They earned a well-deserved win against CGGS in Round 3 and fought hard in all other games, showing excellent sportsmanship and pride in their performance.

Holiday Camps

Basketball camp with Nicole Munger and Nyadiew Puoch from the UC Capitals

For one day only the UC Capitals are bringing their talent, energy and passion for basketball to our campus.

Join UC Capital players Nicole Munger and Nyadiew Puoch for an unforgettable day of hoops, fun and elite-level coaching.

Whether you're just starting out or already love the game, this camp is a fantastic opportunity to learn from some of the WNBL’s best, right here at Radford College.

Camp Details

Date: Monday, 7 July
Venue: G. Wigg Sports Centre, Radford College (1 College St, Bruce ACT 2617)
Ages: 6–16 years old
Capacity: 48 participants per session
Cost: Single Session – $100 | Double Session Package – $180

Session Times

• Session 1: 9.00 am–12.00 pm
• Session 2: 1.00 pm–4.00pm

What’s included

Expert Coaching: Led by UC Caps players and coaches
Bonus Ticket: Free ticket to a 2025/26 UC Capitals WNBL home game
Snacks Provided: Complimentary snacks like fruit and popcorn during session breaks

Click here to register.

NBA Basketball School Australia

NBA Basketball School Australia is excited to host its 5th consecutive holiday camp at the G. Wigg Sports Centre at Radford College. This camp offers an excellent opportunity for junior players to develop their skills under the guidance of NBA-accredited coaches, all in a fun and structured environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your game, this camp is designed for all skill levels and age groups.

Camp Details

Dates: Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18 2025
Location: G. Wigg Sports Centre, Radford College
Price: From $56.85

Daily Schedule

Rookies/Starters (Ages 6–9): 8.30 am–10.30 am
All-Stars (Ages 10–13): 10.45 am–12.45 pm
MVPs (Ages 14–18): 1.00 pm–3.00 pm

Register Now!

Don't miss out—secure your spot today! For more details or to register, visit the links above or email enquiries@nbabasketballschool.com.au

Other camps and holiday activities:

• Australian Sports Camps
• International Sports Camps
  Radford families can use the code RAD35 to receive a 35% discount.
• Coerver Holiday Programs and Camps
• UBX Teen Boxing Workshops. Email belconnen@ubxtraining.com.au for more information.

By Ms Rowena Stevens, Spanish Language Teacher

Last week our enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 Spanish students, along with their teachers, Señora Stevens, Señor Lamson and Señor Salman, had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious taste of Peruvian cuisine — traditional empanadas!

This experience was part of our broader unit on Spanish-speaking cultures, where students have been exploring the rich diversity of traditions, geography, and customs from around the Hispanic world. Year 8 students in particular have been focusing on food vocabulary, making this activity a perfect hands-on extension of their classroom learning. Para mí, una empanada de pollo, por favor (A chicken empanada for me, please).

Sampling authentic Peruvian empanadas not only brought the topic to life, but also sparked great conversations about the ingredients, preparation and cultural significance of the dish. It was a fun, engaging way for students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Peruvian culture, while also developing their language skills in a meaningful, real-world context.