Nurturing Young Minds
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
At Radford, we believe our vibrant community — comprising of dedicated educators, committed College staff, co-curricular teams, coaches and experts, along with parents and caregivers — come together to enrich every student’s schooling experience.
We are committed to shaping well-rounded individuals who are not only caring but are also critical and creative thinkers, poised to make a positive impact in their communities.
Our collective journey in education goes beyond individual growth; it enhances the entire community. A strong learning environment sets the stage for uplifting and transformative experiences that benefit each member, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
In our inclusive learning community, relationships and people come first. We recognise the importance of shared responsibility for learning, health, and well-being, and we aim to ensure that everyone feels they belong, are valued, and are empowered to contribute meaningfully to our collective success.
A Community of Action
Across all levels of our Radford community, we see action being taken every day.
Our Pre-Kindergarten students celebrated National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day in the ELC, where the theme was "Strong in Culture, Stronger Together," where we highlighted the power and resilience children derive from their connection to culture and community. Our youngest learners embraced this theme, honouring the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the strength that comes from unity.
Our Year 6 students are launching into their Primary Years Program (PYP) Exhibition, a collaborative project that encourages them to explore real-world issues and "Play Your Part" in creating change.
Meanwhile, our senior students hosted the annual Dirrum Dirrum Festival, an event that truly embodies the spirit of our community. With the guiding values of "Recognise, Inspire, Lead, For the Common Good," the festival brought together a diverse group of guest speakers who inspired our students and staff to listen deeply, reflect, and take action.
The Dirrum Dirrum Festival is more than just an event; it’s a call to action for everyone in our community to lead with purpose and compassion. It reminds us of the power of shared experiences and the importance of working together for the common good.
Even at the highest levels of leadership, action is evident. This past weekend, our College Board members and senior leaders participated in the annual College Board retreat. This workshop challenged us to think deeply about our purpose and the strategic direction of the College, reaffirming our commitment to holistic and future-focused education.
Action and Agency: Empowering Change
At the heart of our PYP learning philosophy is the belief that every student is an agent of their own learning. Action, deeply connected to agency and global-mindedness, is student driven and can be evident in various forms — whether individual or collective, short-term or ongoing. Authentic and meaningful action is supported and celebrated within our community, whether it’s through participation, advocacy, social justice, social entrepreneurship, or lifestyle choices.
As our Year 6 students embark on their PYP Exhibition, they are encouraged to explore real-life issues, collaborate, and reflect on their role in the world, applying the theme "Play Your Part" as a powerful provocation. This project exemplifies how student-initiated action can lead to dynamic and transformative outcomes, reinforcing the idea that our learners are not just participants but partners in their educational journey.
We remain dedicated to fostering future-ready skills in our students — critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and responsible citizenship, and so doing, prepare them to thrive and lead in an ever-changing world.