11 April 2025

"I wonder what you will notice, see and hear today?" Senior Chaplain Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger's words echoed throughout the Collegians Centre, setting the tone for Radford College’s 41st Foundation Day Service—a celebration full of colour, movement, music and storytelling.

Held on the final day of Term 1, the atmosphere was electric as students, staff and family members gathered to mark this special occasion. The Foundation Day Service is, as one student put it, "like our birthday"—a joyful reminder of the College's history and the journey it continues to take.

From the moment Junior School students marched proudly into the space, shaking their homemade musical instruments, there was a palpable sense of joy and unity. Wearing their House shirts, students from the Junior and Secondary Schools came together to create a rainbow across the Collegians Centre.

Rev. Katherine’s theme rang true again and again throughout the morning, with the audience noticing the movement: painted banners lifted high, dancers hopping playfully in bunny costumes and graceful ballet dancers weaving around the centrepiece of the celebration—the vessel.

The audience would have seen the spires being placed into the vessel by Secondary School students, representing the hopes and dreams of the community. The vessel was then lifted to the ceiling by students and filled with the House colours—a magnificent finale.

And the audience certainly would have heard the energy: the stomping of feet, the rhythmic drumming from Year 10 student Rubin Leach and the Junior School students creating the sounds of nature—rubbing hands to mimic wind, rustling bags for rain, shaking rice instruments and clicking fingers. The musical landscape was rich and diverse, with moving sounds of the didgeridoo and clapsticks by Duncan and Jakida Smith of Wiradjuri Echoes; performances from the Chorale choir, with Year 11 student Natalie Tam on piano; and the band, Is the Ocean a Soup.

This year, the storytelling incorporated Ngunnawal language—highlighting the College’s ongoing commitment to honouring the land on which it stands. Year 12 leaders delivered The Story of Yunggbali—a creation story blending biblical themes with Radford’s history and House spirit.

Principal Mr Christopher Bradbury, celebrating his first Foundation Day at Radford, described the service as "a magnificent way to come together as a school community." He invited everyone to reflect on what has been achieved over the past 41 years—reminding us that our founders were intentional in their vision: to create a warm, compassionate learning environment where students thrive.

“We could not be blessed with better students to be able to carry that torch and that flame of Truth, Compassion and Wisdom, that was at the very heart of the founders' vision 41 years ago.”

The legacy of Radford was further celebrated through the presentation of the Bishop’s Cup by Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School, Mrs Louise Wallace-Richards, who has attended 20 of the College’s 41 Foundation Days, and Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Junior School, Ms Karen Mahar.

The Bishop's Cup invites students to cultivate House spirit, have fun and demonstrate good sportsmanship while competing in activities from sport to rock climbing, dancing to Esports. Points are collected during the activities and the Bishop's Cup is presented to the House with the most points. The winner of this year's Bishop's Cup will be announced next term.

By Ms Sophie Davis, Radford College Nurse

When I was leaving high school, my godmother, amongst others, asked me the age-old question: “What are you going to do?” When I told her I was thinking of training to be a nurse she responded, “Oh no, that is all just dirty bums and bedpans”. I do love to tell her how these very rarely feature in most nursing situations (and actually, it is a privilege to be able to assist someone who may need this sort of assistance and do it in a dignified and caring way).

Years later, I found myself in a situation where my work-life balance needed to change, and fortuitously, I saw the position for a College Nurse at Radford advertised. When I discussed it with some of my nursing colleagues, they were quick to advise against it. “No, you don’t want to do that. It is all snotty noses and band aids.” Some days, I must admit, it does feel like that, but I have also been challenged in ways I could never have imagined.

We have such a vast community of young people, many of whom live with complex medical and mental health conditions. I am privileged to be able to walk with them for some of their journey at Radford and, hopefully, help them along the way.

No two days in this job are the same. On any given day, I might dress burns, clean wounds (oh, if I had a dollar for every grazed knee I see!), treat an anaphylaxis emergency, respond to a diabetic or epileptic crisis and tend to a broken bone. There are always medications to dispense and situations that need mental health and well-being support. This care is not just for students; there are occasionally also staff members who need assistance with medical or mental health conditions.

On top of this, there is much medical planning that goes into excursions, camps and immunisations, not to mention the commitments around policies and the Work Health and Safety Committee.

Some of my favourite experiences at Radford – but not without their challenges – are the camps. It is wonderful to experience first-hand how students gain confidence and resilience in these situations. I attended the Year 7 Camp earlier this year and witnessed many students overcome homesickness and the fear of the unknown to not just scrape through the experience, but to grow, thrive and enjoy it.

Being a school nurse is hard work, but very fulfilling. I wouldn’t change it for the world! I look forward to what the rest of 2025 at the College has to offer.

Some friendly advice: we are heading into cold and flu season. I strongly encourage our whole community to consider getting a flu vaccination, revisit hand hygiene routines, stay home when they are unwell and remember that mask wearing is acceptable!

By Mrs Kirsten Knight, Head of Co-Curricular Music

Our Foundation Concert was held on Tuesday, 8 April in the T.B. Millar Hall. This year we celebrated with the theme 'Wild Wonders'. An appropriate theme for a school situated in a bush setting, the music reflected our need to respect and take care of our environment so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

The evening was opened with Camerata singing three songs, beginning with local composer, Dan Walker’s beautiful work, 'How Can You Catch the Wind?'.

Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger then offered a blessing followed by the Corelli Chamber String Orchestra who finished with a very wild 'Hoe Down'!

Our planned guest Collegian unfortunately had to cancel for medical reasons, so instead our Performing Arts Prefects, Charlotte Knight and Tim Kopras, interviewed three music staff Collegians, followed by a performance by the Big Band, featuring one of those Collegians, Mr Ben Marston, on trumpet.

Our Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury, gave an impactful address, stressing the importance of students engaging in their musical passions.

The final item for the evening was given by our College choir, Chorale. They began with 'The Storm is Passing Over' and aptly finished with 'All the Wild Wonders'.

The evening was a fitting celebration of who we are as a College and where we are in terms of location and history, as we celebrate our foundation. Every group performed extremely well, and my thanks go to the students and staff involved in the concert.

Meet Mr Kyle Ramsay-Daniel, Radford College’s dedicated double bass teacher and tutor, whose passion for his instrument is only matched by his enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of musicians. Since 2007, Mr Ramsay-Daniel has played an integral role in Radford’s music program, introducing students to the world of double bass and sharing the joy he’s found in playing. In addition to his teaching role at Radford, Mr Ramsay-Daniel is also a proud member of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, where he has had the privilege of performing with some of the finest musicians in the country.

How long have you been part of the Radford community, and what initially brought you to Radford?

I have been teaching double bass at Radford on and off since 2007. Since 2021, I have also been involved in Radford’s Year 3 Strings program. I first took over teaching the double bass students in 2007 when a fellow ANU student left Canberra and needed someone to continue his teaching. At the time, it was my first real experience teaching double bass, but Radford gave me an incredible opportunity to learn and grow as a player and teacher.

What do you find most rewarding about your role at Radford?

The most rewarding aspect of my role at Radford is introducing the double bass to a new cohort of students each year. It’s inspiring to see how excited students get about the instrument I love and have dedicated a large portion of my life to.

At what age did you begin playing the double bass, and why did you choose it as your instrument?

I started playing the double bass just before I turned 17, which is considerably older than most students at Radford. I come from a somewhat musical family and began playing bass guitar in Year 9. At the time, the double bass seemed like a larger, cooler version of the bass guitar. However, it wasn’t until I played in an orchestra that I truly fell in love with the instrument.

What is it like to play with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra?

Playing with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic experience. I passed my audition for the orchestra in 2007, right around the time I began teaching at Radford. Since then, I have played consistently with the orchestra, first as a section or ‘tutti’ player, and as Acting Principal from 2013. It has provided countless amazing experiences, and there’s truly nothing like performing in the midst of a full symphony orchestra.

Are there any particular performances or experiences in your career that have had a significant impact on you, either as a musician or as a teacher?

Leading the double bass section of the Canberra Youth Orchestra in Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (The Organ Symphony) at the Opera House, with my teacher Max McBride conducting, was indescribable. I also had the incredible opportunity to perform Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony with Simone Young and the Australian Youth Orchestra in Brisbane in 2012. Additionally, every time I see my students perform and share their love of the double bass, it’s incredibly inspiring, and I’m always proud of what they achieve.

Do you have any tricks or tips for staying calm and focused on stage during high-profile performances?

For me, staying calm and focused during performances comes down to preparation. Putting in the practise time to thoroughly know my part and understand how it fits with the other sections of the orchestra allows me to stay engaged and listen actively to the group.

What’s your favourite piece of music to perform?

My favourite orchestral pieces to perform include Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, Sibelius’ Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony (there seems to be a pattern here!). I also love performing Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and Brahms’s First Symphony. Frankly, I don’t think I could ever choose just one.

People would be surprised to know …

I used to work as a route setter at a bouldering (rock climbing) gym!

By Mrs Jane Smith, Assistant Principal Student Engagement

This week, former school teacher and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training (DARTA), Paul Dillon, delivered presentations to students in Years 10 to 12. The sessions were tailored to suit the needs of each year group, focusing on relevant and age-appropriate topics. For Year 10, the emphasis was on young people, alcohol and risk-taking, with a strong message about looking after your mates. Year 11 students explored the topic of alcohol, vaping and cannabis, framed around the question: "What do you and your friends need to know?" For those in their final year of school, the session addressed a broader perspective with the theme: "What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?"

The key takeaways from the sessions were for students to have a plan, to look out for one and another, and to seek early assistance if faced with difficulty. In each session, he reinforced the need for students to know how to look after an alcohol or drug-affected friend, the important role of the recovery position and when to call an ambulance. The key message for students was that they are a friend not a doctor, and when in doubt, to never be afraid of passing the problem to an adult and by calling for an ambulance. Paul Dillon’s storytelling and use of statistics reinforced that it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Paul Dillon has developed a range of resources for parents with information about the impact of alcohol on brain development, tips on parenting regarding drugs and alcohol, and tips for parties.

By Ms Pip Buining, Junior School Teacher

The 41st Artshow at Radford is around the corner, and we are very excited to see the artworks by members of the Radford College staff, students and wider community.

One of the artworks that will be featured this year is Rainbow String by First Nations artist, Jodie Munday, myself and 2024 Kindergarten Arts students.

Rainbow String (2024)

(Lomandra grass, wood, grass, sticks, bark, string, wool, wire and feathers)

What a deeply rewarding journey it has been to collaborate with Pip Buining and the 2024 Kindergarten cohort. The deep respect and listening from the students during the whole process was truly beautiful. Watching the students’ knowledge and curiosity of Aboriginal Culture grow along with the growth in themselves as both a team, and individually, is a memory I will hold dear to my heart for years to come. Marrumbang Yindyamarra. Kindness, love, respect. – Jodie Munday

In 2024, Kindergarten Arts created a collaborative artwork with Ms Jodie Munday (Wiradjuri Artist-in-Residence) and Ms Pip Buining (Kindergarten Arts Teacher). Inspired by the lyrebird and its use of found materials to weave its nest, we wandered on Gossan Hill to mindfully gather materials to create the artwork: a communal nest – a place of belonging.

Lomandra, a native grass growing in the gully, was dyed using gathered fallen bark, and then plaited to form the warp. Whilst the weft was woven from natural and man-made materials. Students wove the work across the year, finishing with celebratory gold and silver. Feathers gathered all year long fringe the work, completing an inquiry from the beginning of the year on their form and function, their collaborative ability to enable flight.

The creative process engaged students in invaluable cultural learning, supporting their connection to country on Gossan Hill. Students worked collaboratively as they learnt new techniques and processes in art, and developed critical thinking through research, discussion, responding and reflecting.

Student artist's statement:

This is a speshal (sic) artwec (sic).

We weaved this all together. We did this by listening and doing. We worked together. We gathered things. We walked in the bush. We found feathers. We used the string going over and under. It’s about the stories we read, Lilah and Leonard the Lyrebirds (by Jodie McLeod). When we finished the weaving, we voted to name it Rainbow String. And that’s the whole story.

At Radford College, the Media Crew plays a vital role in bringing school events to life. From filming to projecting live events, this year’s team of 18 students ensures everything runs smoothly and reflects the energy of the moment.

However, while many students see the finished videos, few understand the work, focus and attention to detail involved in creating them.

We spoke to five students from the Media Crew to explore the benefits they’ve gained, what they love and what they wish others understood about the work they do.

For many students, the Media Crew offers hands-on experience in a field they’re passionate about. Whether filming live events or working with cameras and audio equipment, they’re learning skills that extend beyond Radford.

“I’ve learned a lot about media production, from setting up cameras to using editing software,” says Thomas Liu, who is the Media Crew Captain and a Year 12 student who joined in 2021. “It’s not just about having fun with cameras; it’s about capturing the right moments.”

For others like William Pennington, a Year 8 student, the Media Crew sparked an interest in pursuing a media career. “Before I joined, I just thought it was cool to see behind the scenes,” he says. “Now I definitely see myself pursuing a job in media.”

The experience isn’t just about technical skills. Many students have learned the importance of teamwork and working under pressure. “There is a lot of pressure and stress involved,” says Miles Greig, a Year 10 student. “People expect a professional product, despite us not being professionals, so we really have to work together.”

Despite the fun and rewards, the students point out that the work can be stressful. Jeexin Lu (Year 10), who has been a crew member for about a year, says, “It’s not all fun. You’re constantly trying to capture the right moments and make sure you don’t miss anything, all under pressure and with a lot of people watching.”

Thomas adds, “We really have to focus as we’re often receiving instructions through our earpieces while we’re watching our surroundings and making sure our camera is pointing in the right direction.”

There’s also the pressure of quick delivery. Today, the Media Crew was tasked with capturing Foundation Day and Bishop's Cup events, with a turnaround time of just two hours.

“I wish people understood the amount of work we put in and saw the screens as more than just screens. If they looked up into the booth and saw the people working behind-the-scenes, they’d realise that we do a lot more than just pressing buttons and filming,” says one of the Media Crews' Year 10 students.

They also say that Media Crew Teacher Mr Tim Minehan works incredibly hard to make the co-curricular engaging and takes the time to help each crew member learn their role.

Miles agrees: "I really like the way Mr Minahan explains things."

All the students also wish that their peers better understood the difference between the Media and Tech Crews.

“The way the two crews approach events is very different. We focus on capturing content, while the Tech Crew handles the physical setup,” Thomas explained.

"It’s like the Tech Crew handles the pre-show work and we handle during the show,” Jeexin adds.

Looking ahead, some students, like Thomas and William, are considering media careers. “I'm pretty interested in media in general, especially on the storytelling aspect of it. So, if I did end up going to university for media, arts or communications, I would probably want to try and work towards probably filmmaking and telling stories,” says Thomas.

“I love the adrenaline during a show and working with all the equipment,” William adds.

Regardless of future careers, all students agree that being part of the Media Crew has been a rewarding experience and enjoying learning new skills alongside friends. “It’s one of the best things I’ve done at Radford,” says William.

Last Friday, we celebrated our annual Hispanic Day in the Junior School. We welcomed representatives from embassies of Spanish-speaking countries around the globe, which included the Embassy of Colombia, Guatemala, Spain, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and El Salvador.

In addition to the representatives from these embassies, the students also got to experience Spanish music and dancing. Thank you to In Rhythm, the Kokoloco Dance Studio, Cesar Alvarez Velasquez and Sinuhe Pacheco from the Afro-Cuban Percussion School.

Events like these reaffirm our commitment to global education at Radford from a very early age.

By Mrs Gemma Wilson, Junior School Teacher Librarian and Year 6 students Jayden Huang, Yongmin Yin, Amelia Hardy, Naomi Wang and Faye Sun

This week, Radford College entered three teams, consisting of 12 students from Years 5 and 6, in the Canberra heat of the Kids Lit Quiz at Merici College. Even though none of our teams made it through to the nationals, it was a very enjoyable day.

The Kids Lit Quiz is a competition that invites students from different schools to compete in a literature quiz. It is a trivia-style, annual competition for book lovers and eager readers in Years 5 to 8.

Here is an example of some of the questions our students had to answer. See how many you can get right. The answers can be found at the bottom of this article.

1. Why does Pinocchio’s nose get longer?
2. What is the name of Superman’s dog?
3. What is the name of the Harry Potter play?
4. Who fell from a vertical structure made of bricks and concrete?

The quiz is made up of ten categories, each comprising of ten questions. Each correct answer is worth one mark. Students could also choose from a list of categories to earn double points. These categories can be about anything and sometimes can be very unexpected! This year's categories included accidents, babies, famous animals, food and Christmas.

After every round, a five-dollar minute round is held. A question is read out and the first person to raise their hand and give the correct answer receives $5 in cash.

One of the Radford College teams competed against a team from Canberra Grammar in a sudden-death round and reigned victorious! The Radford team members each received a book of their choice.

Thank you to the Book Cow for providing books for the event. All competing students also had the opportunity to purchase a book from the Book Cow stall in the auditorium.

By Mrs Jane Smith, Assistant Principal Student Engagement

This week, Radford Vice-Captains Jeb Jeffrey and Anvi Gupta led the Prefects and Year 7 buddies in facilitating the delivery of a sweet treat to every student in the Secondary School to celebrate Easter.

Dressed in bunny ears and full of spirit, the student leaders took on the roles of Easter bunnies, distributing eggs to each mentor group. Adding to the excitement, the student leaders organised a golden ticket hunt within each year level’s precinct. Those lucky enough to discover a golden ticket could exchange it for a prize, making the celebration both fun and memorable for everyone involved.

Thank you, Jeb and Anvi, for your hard work in leading the Easter fun.

By Mr Nick Akhurst, Head of Co-Curricular Drama, Dance and Technical Theatre

The Radford Theatre Company proudly presents Legally Blonde, The Musical!

A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde, The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, this musical is so much fun, that it should be illegal!

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Performance details:

2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 May at 7.00 pm in the T.B. Millar Hall.

Get your tickets here.

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International (Australasia). Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Screenplay by Heather Hach. www.mtishows.com.au

By Mrs Monique Glavonjic, Community Engagement Manager

Please join us on Friday, 16 May for the Gala evening of the annual Artshow@Radford.

Celebrating the vibrant creativity within the Radford community and beyond, this special evening will feature a curated exhibition of outstanding works by Radford College students, Collegians and established professional artists. The event also offers guests the opportunity to purchase original artworks.

The founder of Grainger Gallery, Kacy Grainger, is our guest judge this year. Established in early 2020, Grainger Gallery showcases a diverse range of artworks from both nationally renowned and emerging artists. The gallery is dedicated to fostering a personal connection between patrons and artists, emphasising the importance of art as an expression of identity and a meaningful addition to one's life.

As an accomplished artist herself, with a son who has also pursued a career as an artist, Kacy is dedicated to nurturing the local art scene and supporting young emerging artists.

Kacy will present the judges' awards to artists at the Gala Opening.

The prizes include: First Prize $2000, Second Prize $1000 and Emerging Artist $500.

Tickets are $20 per person and $5 per for children older than 10. Buy your tickets here.

Date and time: Friday, 16 May 2025 at 7.00 pm

Location: T.B. Millar Hall, Radford College