A world worth imagining
By Mr Andy Gordon, Interim Principal
In this, our final week of another wonderful, inspiring and rewarding semester, I want to share a reflection from Holly Ransom.
Holly is a global speaker, event specialist and teacher providing pragmatic leadership tools to audiences worldwide.
Holly recently said:
Imagine a world where everyone feels they belong, where each individual can express their true self without fear of judgement.
In 2018 I was on the organizing committee of the APPA (Australian Primary Principals Association) conference in Brisbane. One of my roles on this particular day was to be the Speaker Minder; when the speaker arrived, to take them to the AV desk to get them mic-ed up.
I was standing with Holly at the side of the stage, and I was doing the “you are inspiring; you are incredible” and she made a comment about her partner. I made the mistake of saying “what does your husband do?” She very quickly gave me a lesson in forming assumptions and for not using a more inclusive term.
The above quote goes on to talk about a process of allyship. For the things that we know, and the needs that we know people have in life, she questions how we create spaces of acceptance, what action might we take, and do we do that with humility?
By embracing acceptance, taking action and practicing humility, you can make a real, lasting impact every day, not just during celebrations.
Is this not how we define respect. We listen deeply. We see again. We act with kindness.
Think – How do you create safe spaces for everyone, as well as yourself?
Feel – Do you feel motivated to take action and advocate because with privilege comes responsibility . . . accountability?
Do – Challenge yourself to use moments to deepen your allyship to those around you who might need it. Can you engage in dialogue around what your organisation could do better or differently?
Our Guest of Honour at Friday’s Official Opening of the Boorer Family Cricket Centre, Ellyse Perry, has not just represented Australia in football and cricket, she is also a role model for inclusion.
I found this quote from Ellyse last week which I think aligns with Holly Ransom’s message:
No one is perfect, and no one should be made to feel like they have to be perfect. It's nice that we all have unique qualities that make us different as athletes and humans. That's why it's so important to surround yourself with people who truly care about you.
It is a quote that perfectly reflects Radford’s values – Truth, Compassion, Wisdom through Respect.
Our Cricket Student Representatives Josh McIntyre, Amber Smith and Lukas Boorer led Friday’s gathering of student cricketers, staff and VIP guests.
Amber and Josh’s Q&A session with Ellyse Perry offered many valuable insights on not just sporting, but personal, development and excellence.
I spoke about Radford’s long and proud cricket history.
Our major donor and Inaugural Radford Foundation Patron, Greg Boorer spoke of his passion for life, cricket and Radford.
He spoke about how he was raised by his parents, David and Kerrie Boorer, who were present at the opening, to always leave a place better than you found it. That was his goal when he and his family first arrived at Radford College – a goal that has now been realised.
Greg’s comments were featured on WIN News and in The Canberra Times.
After Greg and Ellyse unveiled the plaque, Board Chair Vicki Williams joined them in cutting the. ribbon
Local band Archie, made up of Radford staff and Collegians, performed a rocking version of C’mon Aussie C’Mon before our Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger blessed the building.
The official opening was followed by a skills session with our Radford cricketers joined by members of the ACT Meteors and Comets.
Our historian Annette Carter curated some special cricket memorabilia for the occasion.
Another special day in our 40th year to celebrate who we are and who we are becoming.
Wishing you all a safe and refreshing three weeks. To those staff and students going on tours, have an amazing time.
See you in Term 3.
Go well.
Andy