Staff Insights
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
At Radford, we believe in the power of reflecting on learning experiences. As the philosopher and educator John Dewey once said, “We do not learn from experience; we learn from reflecting on experience.” This principle lies at the core of our learning journeys, which are a component of our assessment and reporting process from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.
Learning journeys provide a unique opportunity for parents and caregivers to step into their child’s world during the school day, walking alongside them to gain a deeper insight into what and how they learn. It’s a time to witness firsthand the progress, creativity, and understanding that unfolds in our classrooms, affirming the growth and achievements of each student. By sharing these moments, we strengthen the connection between home and school, celebrating the joy of learning together, as a connected community.
Learning journeys are more than just a showcase of student work; they are vibrant celebrations of growth, understanding, and the joy of learning. These events empower students by giving them a voice and choice in how they share their learning. Students are encouraged to take the lead, guiding their parents and caregivers through various learning spaces, sharing their achievements, engaging in hands-on activities, and connecting with the significant adults in their lives. By doing so, students not only demonstrate their knowledge but also reflect on their learning processes, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of their educational journey.
At Radford, we value student agency – encouraging students to make choices about their learning and to express their understanding in unique and authentic ways. As you walk through our Junior School during a learning journey, you can almost feel the energy and enthusiasm in every corner. The excitement is palpable as students proudly showcase their work and articulate the thinking behind their projects. It’s a testament to their hard work, the support of their teachers, and the rich learning environment that Radford College provides.
Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, beautifully captured this with the statement, “There are three teachers of children: adults, other children, and their physical environment.” This philosophy is evident in our learning journeys, where students learn not only from their teachers but also from their peers and the spaces they explore every day. Each journey highlights how our community – students, educators, and families – collaborate to foster a love for learning.
Specialist teachers also play a vital role in our learning journeys by contributing unique learning experiences from their subject areas. From art and music to physical education, Spanish, Godly Play, library, and well-being, each specialist’s involvement enriches the overall learning experience, providing students with a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation of the diverse curriculum offered at Radford.
Our students are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dynamic learning community. We are grateful to our families for choosing Radford as your child’s learning environment. Your engagement and encouragement are critical in supporting these moments of achievement, joy and reflection.
We look forward to facilitating many more learning journeys where we continue to celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and accomplishments of our students. Malaguzzi reminds us, “Nothing without joy.”
By Rev. Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
One of the things about working at a school that I find encouraging, is the acceptance by students of the diversity of other students. I remember my schooling in the ‘dark ages’ of the 20th Century, when this definitely wasn’t the case. While there was a friendliness towards each other at my high school in Sydney, we mostly congregated in our own so-called 'cultural’ groups. I am impressed that our students accept each other on the basis of their personality and character.
Without knowing it, students are naturally accepting each other on Christian principles of inclusion. In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul wrote:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
The notion that we are all one, points to the inclusive culture that we strive for at Radford.
In the Parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus indicates that those who are inclusive and welcoming will be blessed. These are blessings that come from the relationships formed when we welcome others. We find out how much richer our lives can be by learning from those who typically find themselves on the fringes of society. Personally, my life has been enhanced by learning about the sophisticated way indigenous cultures work with creation to ensure both are sustained, and how people with a disability are able to engage with a world set up for able bodied people. It is both encouraging and inspiring.
We pray for a spirit of inclusion in our hearts and communities. Help us to welcome and value everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. May we actively seek to include those who are often overlooked or marginalized. Let our actions reflect your love and acceptance.
Thank you for the diversity that enriches our lives. Help us to embrace it and to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. Guide us to listen to and learn from the experiences of others, broadening our perspectives and deepening our empathy. Help us to challenge our own biases and prejudices, striving to create a more inclusive and equitable world. May we be advocates for inclusion in all areas of life – from our workplaces to our communities to our places of worship.
We pray for those who feel excluded or isolated. Provide them with a sense of belonging and help us to be part of the solution. Thank you for the beauty of inclusion. Help us to live out this value in all that we do, creating a world where everyone is welcomed and valued. Amen.
Go in Peace,
Rev. Andy
News
By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations
Our Junior School students are our future decision-makers. Ensuring they have a deep understanding of current environmental issues is crucial for ensuring our planet's long-term health. By fostering interest in sustainability and environmental stewardship, our students can help create a future where pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are understood and acted upon. This awareness has the possibility to inspire them to make informed lifestyle choices and advocate for positive environmental change.
Each day in our Junior School students work together in groups where the environment is the focus.
Year 5/6 Round Square – Environmentalism
This term our Years 5 and 6 Round Square students have been focusing on the pillar of Environmentalism.
Round Square schools encourage their students to develop a spirit of Environmentalism: understanding our place in the universe, the forces that shape our surroundings and the impact we have on those surroundings.’
During Science Week students were visited by Julie Armstrong from ACT for Bees. Students learnt about the importance of bees and how we can take care of them at a local level. Julie outlined that bees are vital and without them our ecosystems would suffer, and our way of life would be severely impacted.
After finishing their work with Julie, students submitted a proposal to create a garden planted with natives that would encourage more bees. Students researched which local native plants would be best to incorporate in our grounds, and then they travelled to a local nursery to purchase them.
Since returning to school, students have been in contact with our facilities team to assist in preparing the ground for planting. Our hope is to have all natives in the ground and thriving prior to the school holidays.
5/6 Round Square Environmentalism staff: Mr Jon Craddock, Mrs Daniela Gray and Ms Tracey Markovic.
RAS Bird Houses
Our Years 3 and 4 RAS Junior School students have been learning about the importance of native birds in our playgrounds. The existence of native birds in our school environment allows students a hands-on way to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems. It fosters curiosity, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to nature. Observing birds in their natural habitat can teach children about bird behaviour, habitats, and conservation in an engaging way.
Earlier this year our RAS students identified that they would like to revamp our existing bird houses as they were looking a little weathered. Students had initially planned to have new bird houses constructed, however, thanks to a coincidental suggestion by Ms Tracey Craze, they decided to purchase a locally and sustainably made birdhouse.
Habitat Innovation and Management is an Australian company who design habitats and provide consultation services to ensure that the unique Australian biodiversity is protected and preserved. Students selected to purchase a Two Unit Nest Box to ensure the local birdlife has access to suitable habitat.
In addition to the new nest box, RAS students are continuing to repair the original bird feeders. They are currently spending their lunch times sanding, and once ready they will paint them in colours that attract native species of birds.
Students have also conducted research into how much birds should be fed dependant on the season, to ensure they are not over-fed.
RAS Junior School Birdhouse Project staff: Mrs Mackenzie Perfect and Rev. Andy Fleming
By Miss Melinda Hamilton, Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten students has been learning about insects and their features as they investigate ‘How the World Works’. To support their investigations, students headed to the Caretaker's house to see the beehive in person.
The Radford College Caretaker, Mr Florin Suciu and Ms Cristina Ciordas welcomed the students to their backyard and Florin told the students interesting facts about bees. There are more than 40,000 bees in this particular hive!
The bees collect nectar from flowers nearby and make honey. The bees are more active in warmer weather, but these bees are used to cooler weather since they live in Canberra. We learned that scout bees go and find the best flowers and then communicate to the other bees where to go by doing a waggle dance.
Ms Ciordas baked some delicious honey biscuits with honey from the hive to share with students. For many this was the highlight of the visit!
After learning so much about bees, the Kindergarten students wanted to plant some more bee friendly plants in our playground area to provide even more ways for the Radford bees to collect nectar and make honey. Students planted some native trees along the new bush stairs connecting Pre-K to Kindy and are excited to care for these plants as they grow for many years to come.
I love honey and it was so yummy! – William
We could see all the bees going in and out of the hive. They were flying very fast – Isabella
My honey biscuit was so good – Harsheen
There are some bees that don’t have a stinger. I have a beehive like that one at my house, but it has different legs – Ollie
Junior League Football Semi-finals
On Saturday 7 September, the Radford U16 Girls and U16 Open Division 1 Football teams competed in their semi-finals. The U16 Girls were the better team but an awkward bounce leading to a handball and subsequent free kick in prime territory was the decider. The U16 Open put on a commendable performance against a strong Marist team.
Congratulations to the U14 Girls who secured the Premiership with one match to spare and the U14 Open Development squad who finished as runners up on goal difference.
Radford NPL final rounds for the season
In windy conditions, the Radford U14s boys kicked off the day with a promising start, dominating the first half and leading 2–0 and 3–1 early. However, Belconnen United FC shifted into high gear, ultimately winning 7–3.
The highlight of the day was the U15s match, where our boys took the lead in the first half and held on with gritty determination to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory. Their resilience was commendable!
With illness and injury affecting our U16s, the very talented BUFC U16's secured the Minor Premiership, making it a tough match for our boys.
For the Radford U18s, what should have been a celebratory game for making the semi-finals, turned into a frustrating end to the season. Our boys needing a win against a struggling BUFC team, but the match ended in a 4-4 draw. This resulted in the U18s missing out on the Finals due to a 5–0 victory by the Tigers over the Gunners.
Belconnen Athletics Carnival
Radford was proudly represented by 56 enthusiastic students from Years 2-6 at the recent Belconnen Athletics Carnival. The competition was fierce, but our students competed with enthusiasm and pride for the College.
At the conclusion of the carnival, Radford had come away with 5 first places, 6 second places, 3 third places and 6 fourth places.
Radford's efforts across all events resulted in the College placing second overall in the girls' category, second overall in the boys' category, and first overall across all schools competing! We now have 16 students who have qualified to compete at the SSACT 12&U Track and Field Championships on 17 September at Woden Park.
Congratulations to all students who competed.
Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camps – Registrations now open
Coerver® Coaching Holiday Camps offer a fun filled soccer experience for boys and girls aged 5 years and older. The camps will include Ball Mastery, 1v1 attack and defence, receiving and passing and small sided Coerver games.
Participants who attend the Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camps receive:
- 12 hours of programmed Coerver Coaching delivered by accredited Coerver Coaches
- Adidas Shirt
- Adidas Ball
- Home Study Program
- Certificate of Attendance
Dates:
Monday 30 September – Thursday 3 October at the University of Canberra, Bruce.
Tuesday 8 October – Friday 11 October at Trinity Christian School, Wanniassa.
Times: Each session will run from 09.00 am – 12.00 pm.
Please click this link to register.
By Mr Nick Martin, Assistant Head of Junior School Teaching and Learning
As part of National Numeracy Week, we were excited to host the World of Maths incursion, a dynamic and engaging event that brought mathematics to life for students from Years 1 to 5.
The event offered a series of hands-on, interactive problem-solving activities that challenged our students to think critically, work collaboratively, and – most importantly – have fun with numbers!
Throughout the week, students worked together in small groups to tackle a variety of puzzles and real-world maths challenges. These activities were designed to be highly engaging and accessible, covering a broad range of mathematical concepts such as logic, measurement, geometry, and number sense. Students could explore and experiment with maths in a tangible way, applying their knowledge to practical problems.
Aligned with the IB’s Approaches to Learning (ATL), students had the opportunity to strengthen their communication skills, engaging with peers to exchange ideas and articulate solutions. Through teamwork, they also developed their social skills, learning the value of cooperation and working effectively within a group setting. These hands-on problems encouraged creative thinking, allowing students to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and explore innovative solutions.
Their confidence in handling unfamiliar situations grew, fostering self-management skills as they navigated through each task. These sessions nurtured a sense of curiosity and inquiry, reinforcing the idea that mathematics can be both enjoyable and deeply rewarding.
A big thank you to the World of Maths team for making this fantastic learning experience possible! We look forward to more events that spark a love for learning and empower our students to explore the world through numbers.
