By Mr Andy Gordon

Over the past sixteen months, I have been honoured to serve as Interim Principal of Radford College.

One of my goals in this role was to be an approachable presence in our community. Whether sharing moments with students in the playgrounds, attending parent events, being in the front row at concerts, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting our staff in their work, I have enjoyed every opportunity that I’ve had to connect with the people who make up the Radford community. I hope this has helped build a strong sense of trust and collaboration throughout our College.

I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to have served during the College’s 40th year. This milestone gave us all a unique opportunity to reflect on Radford’s history, celebrate its achievements, and renew our commitment to its future. It was a year where we celebrated the opening of world-class facilities like the Collegians Centre, Boorer Family Cricket Centre, and the Baker Family Sports Precinct. These are spaces that inspire learning, foster belonging, provide students with a place to hone their skills, and build community.

I have been proud to lead a community that embraces tradition, effort, innovation, service and achievement. We have strengthened our commitment to sustainability through initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations and the School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), earning recognition as Sustainable School of the Year in 2023. We’ve also enhanced learning experiences through programs like the Eden Canoes Project, IB Primary Years Programme Exhibitions, cultural and sporting experiences, language immersion exchanges and the re-invigoration of the G-trips.

Leading Radford has taught me so much about the power of collaboration, the importance of relationships, and the potential of every young person when they are supported by dedicated educators and families.

We are now in the process of welcoming Mr Christopher Bradbury as the next Principal of Radford College. Christopher brings exceptional experience from his time leading Northholm Grammar School. I am confident that under his leadership, the College will continue to thrive and achieve continued success, and I look forward to supporting him in his transition.

Yesterday, I had a front row seat to the graduating Class of 2024's last day at the College. They attended their last Chapel service led by Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger and Reverend Andy Fleming which concluded with the traditional Avenue of Honour.

All Radford College students and staff lined up to bid them farewell and wish them good luck for the future. Our youngest students sent them on their way with a heart-warming rendition of An Irish Blessing. The words could not have been more suited to the occasion and echoes my own wishes for this group of young people as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

All the best,

Andy