Staff Insights
News
Radford College’s commitment to the World’s Greatest Shave reached a remarkable milestone this year, as the school celebrated its 15th year participating in the event. The tradition continues to grow each year, bringing the Radford community together for a common cause – supporting the Leukaemia Foundation and raising crucial funds and awareness for blood cancer research.
This year, in response to the growing number of participants, the event was spread over two days, Thursday and Friday, 3-4 April, during lunchtime. A total of 95 brave students and staff, including Head of Year 12, Ms Ashlee Turner and English Teacher, Mr Declan Coyte, took part in the shave. These participants made a bold commitment to shave or cut their hair in support of those affected by leukaemia.
For Radford’s Year 12 cohort, the World’s Greatest Shave has become a cherished annual tradition that unites students and staff in support of the Leukaemia Foundation’s life-saving work. The event is organised each year by a student committee, and this year’s team did a phenomenal job managing what is one of the largest fundraising efforts in the ACT.
As usual, Radford College is leading the charge in the region for the foundation, raising a staggering $80,000 – a testament to the passion and generosity of the Radford community.
The event continues to attract the attention of not only staff and students but also the wider public. This year, our efforts even caught the eye of WIN News and The Canberra Times, who interviewed Principal Mr Christopher Bradbury, Mrs Simone Yates (College Registrar), her daughter Cynara, and Year 12 Service Prefect Madeleine Klegeris, who played a crucial role in organising the event.
One of the most memorable moments of the two-day event was when Mrs Yates shaved her daughter Cynara’s head. Cynara, the only Year 12 female student to go for the full shave, showed incredible bravery, and we could not be prouder of her dedication to this cause.
While the shave event has come to a close, there’s still time to donate. Donations can be made via the World’s Greatest Shave website, and every contribution helps support the life-saving work of the Leukaemia Foundation.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave – your courage, generosity and dedication are inspiring.
By Mrs Maddie Grieger, Artistic Director of Co-Curricular Dance
“You dance love, you dance joy, and you dance dreams.” – Gene Kelly
What an exciting start to the year it has been for the Radford Dance Academy (RDA)! With more than 50 dance classes running per week, 20 dance teachers, 25 student class helpers, and close to 340 students enrolled, we are, without a doubt, one of the largest dance schools in Canberra.
At this point in the term, we are already seeing amazing improvement from all our dancers, who have been working hard in their classes.
From our ballet dancers perfecting their feet and arm positions, to our Hip Hoppers breaking down moves and learning the difference between a Bart Simpson and a Biz Markie, all the RDA classes have been a hive of training and dance education, with lots of fun mixed in!
Our performance groups and hip-hop crews have been busy learning their routines in regular classes and at weekend rehearsals. These routines will be performed in competitions throughout the year, with our first of five competitions starting in June.
Those of our soloists who have already competed at other local competitions have received outstanding results, with most placing in the top three each time they’ve taken the stage.
RDA staff
RDA welcomed 6 new teachers this year, along with many returning faces. Our RDA teachers have a wonderful passion for dance and many have been dancing from a very young age.
Take a look through these iconic photos and see if you can match Miss Tish, Miss Maddie, Miss Elodie, Miss Georgia and Miss Cleo to their photos.
Coming up
As we move into the holidays and look ahead to the rest of the year, there is so much to be excited about. Preparations are already underway for the 2025 End-of-Year Showcase, and the title and theme are actually hidden in this article! Can you find it? Stay tuned to the RDA Nexus page to find out if you guessed correctly.
RDA enrolments are open until the end of Term 2, so there is plenty of time to get involved and join in the fun.
Radford rowing shines at Championships
By Ms Megan Fritsch, Director of Sport
The journey to the Australian Rowing Championships was long and demanding, but Radford’s rowers rose to the challenge in spectacular fashion! On Saturday, 22 March, 33 dedicated rowers and coxswains, along with their coaches, travelled to Tasmania to compete against the nation’s best.
Head of Rowing, Gordon Marcks, took on the immense task of transporting the boats, navigating a challenging road trip and ferry crossing to ensure everything arrived safely at Lake Barrington. Once on-site, Radford’s rowers wasted no time rigging their boats and getting on the water.
Day one of racing brought tough headwinds, but Radford competitors showed resilience. As the regatta progressed, eight rowers (singles and doubles) advanced to A and B Finals, placing them among Australia’s top 16. Year 11 student Isobel Egan delivered a golden performance, claiming the PR3 (para-rowing) Women’s Single Scull title to become a 2025 Australian National Champion!
Isobel’s success didn’t stop there—she went on to win gold in the PR3 Mixed Double Scull and the PR3 Women’s Sprint, making her a triple national champion. Meanwhile, Radford’s Senior Boys and Girls Coxed A Quads battled fiercely in their A Finals, securing 6th and 8th place in Australia, respectively.
Radford finished 14th on the national medal table and was the top-ranked school and ACT club at the event. Individually, Isobel Egan was the highest-ranked ACT athlete, placing joint 12th out of 620 medal winners.
This year’s nationals campaign showcased Radford rowing’s strength, determination, and skill. Congratulations to all our rowers, coaches, and support staff on an outstanding achievement!
Radford Rowing has once again made its mark on the national stage—we could not be prouder.
Cricket presentation night
By Mr Wally Wright, Head of Cricket
On Friday, 21 March, the Radford College cricket community came together for the annual cricket presentation and curry night.
The following students were awarded perpetual trophies:
- Thomas Derix – Christopher Pollard Award
- Elyse Denman – Most Improved Female Cricketer
- Owen Henderson – Most Improved Male Cricketer
- Amber Smith – Female Cricketer of the Year
- Ishaan Khan – Male Cricketer of the Year
The Radford Hawks (Stage 2, Division 3) were also announced as the Team of the Year.
Thank you to all the parents who contributed curry dishes to the event, and a special mention to Ms Amanda McIntyre for coordinating the catering effort once again.
Student achievements
Year 8 Lachlan Stevens has qualified to compete at the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth – an incredible achievement! After winning the ACT Championships and hitting the qualifying time in the 200 metre hurdles, he is now set to take on the nation's best. Lachlan has also been selected to race in the Under 16 Boys 4x100m relay. Best of luck, Lachlan!
April school holiday camps
Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinic
Radford is excited to promote the Manchester City Football School Holiday Clinic during the Term 1 school holidays! Built on the Manchester City Academy philosophy, these clinics focus on fun, skill development, and confidence-building.
Participants will receive high-quality coaching from experienced and knowledgeable coaches, helping them refine their technical skills, tactical awareness, and overall game understanding.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity. Follow the links in this flyer to register. More information can be found here.
Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camps
Coerver Coaching Holiday Camps offers a fun-filled soccer experience for students. Each day will include Ball Mastery, 1v1 attack and defence, receiving and passing, small-sided Coerver games and mini Coerver Cup tournaments.
Players who attend a Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camp will receive:
- 12 hours of programmed Coerver Coaching sessions delivered by Coerver Diploma-accredited coaches
- Coerver Coaching training Shirt
- An Adidas training football
- Coerver Coaching Home Study Program
- Coerver Coaching Home Study Program Online Support
- Coerver Coaching certificate of attendance
Dates: Monday, 14 April – Thursday, 17 April
Time: 9.00 am–12.00 pm
Venue: Northside – University of Canberra, Bruce. Southside – Trinity Christian School, Wanniassa
Register: Click here
By Michele Sharp, Head of Languages
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart – Nelson Mandela
Last week Year 10 Japanese students hosted 13 students from Konko Gakuen, our exchange partner school in Okayama, Japan. These exchanges not only foster enhanced language and communication skills, but students learn valuable life-skills such as developing respect, empathy, cultural understanding, and an increased awareness of world issues. Through exposure to different ways of thinking and living, the homestay component is an opportunity for personal growth as it assists students to gain confidence, experience independence, as well as develop adaptability and resilience.
Prior to the Japanese students' arrival, the Radford Year 10 Japanese class studied a unit on homestay, where we discussed the importance of hospitality. Japanese people are well-known for the concept of おもてなし(Omotenashi). Whilst often translated as ‘hospitality’ it is a far broader concept where people think selflessly and anticipate the needs of others through a genuine desire to be of service. I was very proud of our Radford families who lived this ideal. Thank you for all your efforts as host families.
During their visit I developed a program of experiences for the visiting students to gain a taste of what Canberra and Radford College has to offer. They arrived just before the weekend, so the Radford host families were on duty and introduced them to a variety of activities such as the Balloon Spectacular, Corin Forest, and Canberra city sightseeing. On Monday, the students were welcomed by Radford Principal, Mr Christopher Bradbury who spoke of the importance of language study in our global world, and Rev. Andy Fleming provided a blessing for our exchange.
Activities during the week included attending classes with their host, a lunch time game of Oztag organised by the Language Captains, a Year 12 Japanese class, and an excursion to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a guided tour of native plants and animals.
The Japanese students also undertook some special classes including an art class focused on the nature around us, and a woodtech class in which the students made their own chopsticks. They also took part in a cricket lesson and had the opportunity to make Australian delicacies, such as pavlova and fairy bread for their host families.
Our exchanges are a Radford team effort. Exchange students are welcomed into usual lessons, and many support staff and teachers gave up their time to assist or deliver special lessons. In particular, I would like to thank the following staff: the communications team, Andrea King, Bláithin Murphy, April Frias, Dianne Rose, Rev. Andy Fleming, Sam Lonsdale, Lisa Bourne, Paul England, Cathy Jackson, Neil Craven, Anne Sutherland, Fiona Glover, Amanda Marshall, Damien Nemeth, Stephanie Comino, sports staff, and the languages department.
While it is sad to say goodbye, 20 of the current Year 10 Japanese class will be travelling to Japan to see our friends again in September. Please read some reflections from the Year 10 students below.
"Hosting a Japanese exchange student was an experience I'll never regret. I learnt that friendship expands beyond conversation, beyond borders. Through this opportunity, I made friends I'll never forget, and memories I'll always treasure" – Tilly
"I am so glad I participated in this experience. Not only does this exchange provide unique ways to learn more about Japan's language, history, culture, and society, it also fosters deep connections and is an extremely rewarding and fun experience. I would encourage anyone to accept this offer if presented to you as it is an amazing opportunity with almost endless benefits" – Zoe
"Having a Japanese host student stay with me for 6 days was an amazing experience that allowed us to build a strong friendship despite language barriers. We bonded over shared interests, using a mix of English, Japanese, and gestures to communicate. It was fascinating to see the cultural differences, from daily routines to social customs, and I especially enjoyed introducing them to Australian life while learning about theirs" – Methmal
"The Japanese exchange student program provided so much to my language skills, whether it was just being able to practice daily conversations or learn to use words in ways I didn’t know I could, the exchange was incredibly valuable to me and everyone else who took part. I’m sure we all made some lifelong friends in Japan, and I can’t wait to go there in September!" – Alex
By Mrs Emily Leong, Director of Keyboards
Last Thursday, 10 students from Years 9–12 music classes had the opportunity to attend the concert Night and Now by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO) at the Llewellyn Hall. For some, it was their first orchestral concert experience. We were invited to a pre-concert talk, where we met two CSO musicians who shared with us what it was like to be a professional musician.
The program was conducted by Jessica Cottis, a Radford Collegian, and consisted of three works: The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives, Elena Kats-Chernin’s Flute Concerto and ending with one of Tchaikovsky’s most significant works, the Pathétique Symphony No.6. At this talk, we learnt about key musical features which helped us prepare for what we were about to hear.
We were excited to see so many familiar names of current and past Radford music staff in the program, and as we took our seats, we spotted each one as they came on stage with their instruments.
Here are some thoughts from students about their concert experience:
“I really liked the horns in the 3rd and 4th movements of the symphony.”
“I liked the final movement; it was very dramatic and immersive.”
“I enjoyed the string swells in the Kats-Chernin and the way they integrated the percussion.”
“I noticed elements of more modern music that you sometimes hear in film.”
“Even though you would expect the flute concerto to feature the flute, there were moments where it took a backseat so you can hear the other parts shining through."
Going to live concerts not only supports the arts, but it is also an important part of learning in the Performing Arts. It offers a chance to hear the music as it was meant to be performed, with the fullness and richness of sound that recordings cannot fully capture. Watching skilled musicians perform helps students observe techniques and inspire them in their own playing. Students can experience and appreciate firsthand how music can move and connect people. We hope to provide more opportunities throughout the year for students to attend live performances and develop a love for the arts. A special word of thanks to Ms Margaret Thomas for attending with this group of students.
By Emily Begbie, Assistant Head of Junior School & Sustainability Committee member
Last Friday evening Emily Passlow, one of Radford’s Year 12 Sustainability Captains, was invited to participate in a Climate and Nature Community Forum in Canberra’s inner north. She joined experts and members of the community to discuss the state of our climate and nature, and participated in a panel focusing on intergenerational aspects of the dual climate and biodiversity crises.
Emily was the youngest panellist present. She discussed the fact that young people’s understanding and knowledge about issues relating to climate and nature are regularly underestimated, and their voices often dismissed. She expressed the fact that young people can often experience more fear than hope in relation to climate, and emphasised the importance of young people’s voices being heard by decision makers.
The panel was asked to discuss what keeps them going as they contend with the challenging issues surrounding climate and the environment. Emily shared several things that bring her encouragement: seeing how passionate other people are about making things happen and getting things done; engaging with peers at school, both those with similar views and differing views; watching a happy news blog that shares climate wins; and coming together in community and celebrating the little things.
Earlier this week Emily and a group of seven Radford Secondary School students, led by our Sustainability Captains and supported by staff from the College’s Sustainability Committee - Mr Spencer Edwards, Ms Emily Begbie, and Ms Kath Notley - proudly represented the College at the Schools Climate Action Conference at the University of Canberra this past Tuesday. Joining peers from high schools and colleges across the city, our delegates shared their passion and commitment to sustainability.
The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for students to collaborate on real-world sustainability challenges. Through hands-on workshops, they explored solutions to key environmental issues within our school, while also gaining insights from local change-makers, including the ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, as well as academics, business leaders, and community representatives from a range of organisations.
The day concluded with each school presenting their action plans and priorities for the year ahead. It was an inspiring and empowering experience, amplifying student voices and fostering meaningful change. The College’s Sustainability Committee looks forward to working closely with our delegates to turn their action plans into reality.
By Ms Leanne McKenzie, Year 2 Teacher
As part of our Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry, Year 2 students have been exploring the following central idea: "design connects us to our environment". Students have participated in a range of learning experiences, inquiring into the differences between natural and built environments.
We went on an excursion to the National Arboretum of Australia, where students investigated how this unique place is a managed environment rather than being a natural or built environment. The children identified the similarities and differences between these environments.
Students have also benefited from listening to visiting guest speakers who have spoken about:
- the process of designing cities
- the design-thinking process
- the needs of our natural world and
- the needs of people to connect with natural environments.
These experiences have inspired our students to think deeply about Frog Gully, which is located behind the Gold Room at the Junior School. Year 2 students can enjoy this area as it is the outlook from their classrooms, but the children would like to work together to try to find solutions on how all students could access Frog Gully. They are also keen to think about supporting the fauna and flora in this area of our school, both now and into the future.
The children have walked and made observations in this area and investigated the design-thinking process. Now they are developing their ideas. It has been a rich learning experience in which the students have been able to see authentic connections. The Inquiry links strongly with our Bush School program, where the children learn collaboratively to appreciate Country and to develop a love of outdoor learning.
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
Many people in Canberra and beyond do fantastic work to make life better for others. These individuals and organisations often rely on support in the form of time, advocacy and money.
At Radford College, we love helping people do what they do well. We acknowledge the generosity that God shows towards us and seek to be generous in a myriad of ways in response.
Junior School
Radford Reaches Out (RRO) is the annual Foundation Day fundraiser that invites Junior School staff and students to raise funds to support organisations working in communities near and far.
Students use agency by inquiring and then selecting where they’d like to donate funds. The Radford Student Council (RSC) oversees the allocation of funds and will share the results of RRO with the Radford community in Term 2.
RRO was launched at the Junior School Celebration in Week 7. Students and teachers in each year level have come up with a goal to aim for. Once confirmed, fundraising goals and details will be shared with families to view through Nexus year-level pages.
Families can send cash donations with their children and online donations can be made by clicking here (click on 'book now’ and follow the on-screen instructions to make your donation).
Secondary School
Secondary School students do fundraising throughout the year for organisations such as the Leukaemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave, mental health organisations through the Push Up Challenge, the RSPCA through Cupcake Day and the Lions Club of Canberra's sponsorship of the World Festival of Magic for local families with children with disabilities.
In the lead-up to Foundation Day, we are encouraging donations to the Anglicans in Development Lent Appeal. Radford Awareness and Service (RAS) has already raised $600 for the appeal at the Athletics Carnival BBQ. Funds raised will be used to help women break free from violence, justice and oppression through support of gender action groups in Zambia, literacy programs in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, and economic empowerment in Kenya and the Philippines.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
By Mrs Amanda Marshall, Head of Creative Arts
This term, our students have had some fantastic learning experiences in the creative arts department.
Year 7 and 8 students created still life lino prints and are beginning to paint appropriations of Australian artworks and an abstract representation of memory.
After Year 9 students submitted entries to the Little Archies, they started developing their understanding of form and the figure through the construction of wire sculptures and drawings, and paintings of hands.
Year 10 students painted a collaborative up-scaled work by contemporary surrealist artist Rodel Tapaya and then created their own surrealist paintings.
Year 11 studied narratives in art throughout history, then went on to create sculptures and accompanying drawings that represented their narrative-self. They all embraced the extra challenge of creating a variety of large-scale drawings of their sculptures to develop their observational drawing skills. These works are currently on display in the Morison Centre.
Year 11 and 12 photography students are currently studying visual narratives and were able to hear first-hand the experience of international photojournalist George Calvelo. His work includes images of the "war on drugs" in the Philippines that led to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
After George’s visit, students shared the impact that his stories had on them as they realised how a person’s fight for justice can place them in life-threatening situations. They also discussed how their concept of photography had changed, particularly its capacity to transform lives.
We were fortunate to have George coach our students one-on-one on our excursion to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. These students also studied photographers William Yang, Destiny Deacon and Saul Leiter to inspire the creation of their own narrative photographs. Their great work can be viewed below.
Our student media crew covered various events this term, including the athletics carnival and assemblies. I had the privilege of witnessing students in action in the media booth at these events and was mesmerised by the agility in problem-solving, level of engagement and technical and collaborative skills our students are developing under Mr Tim Minehan’s mentorship.
What a privilege it is to be part of the students’ creative journeys! I am already looking forward to Term 2 where many of their work will be on display at our annual Artshow@Radford from 16–18 May. See you there!
By Mrs Kirsten Knight, Head of Co-Curricular Music
The Foundation Concert this year, entitled Wild Wonders, will be held in T.B. Millar Hall from 5.30 pm on Tuesday, 8 April. You are invited to join us for an evening of music exploring nature, the environment and other interpretations of what it is to be wild.
The evening will feature performances by the Chorale and Camerata choirs, Corelli Chamber String Orchestra and Big Band.
This is a free event and tickets are not required. Please come and join us for a wonderful evening of music.
Mrs Monique Glavonjic, Community Engagement Manager
Are you a business owner or industry professional eager to inspire the next generation of leaders? The Radford Collegians would like to invite you to take part in our upcoming Radford Collegians Network Career Expo on Monday, 23 June 2025.
This event connects students in Years 10 to 12 with diverse industries and career opportunities. Participation is open to all - you don't need to be a Collegian to get involved!
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking expressions of interest from businesses and organisations across a wide range of sectors, including but not limited to:
- Technology and IT services
- Creative arts and media
- Health and wellness
- Finance and business services
- Environment and sustainability
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Education and training
- Hospitality and tourism
- Retail and e-commerce
- Social enterprises
Why participate?
- Inspire young minds by sharing your career journey and industry insights.
- Showcase your business and connect with motivated students.
- Create networking opportunities for future talent.
- Promote work experience opportunities to students.
- Engage with the community and promote your brand.
Event details:
Date: Monday, 23 June 2025
Time: 11 am to 3 pm (Set up from 9 am)
Location: Radford College
What we provide:
Chairs and trestle tables for your setup.
How to register:
If you are interested in participating in this exciting event, please register your organisation's details by Friday, 30 May via the registration form link. The event guidelines can be found here.
Join us in shaping the future of our students and showcasing the opportunities that await them in the professional world. We look forward to your participation!
For any enquiries, please contact Monique Glavonjic on 02 6162 6217 or email.