We Walk Inclusion

By Mr Andy Gordon, Interim Principal

I love moving around Radford, and interacting with our students, staff and families.

It is why my vocation called to me. I was led to work in schools. They are relational places and the conversations I have remind me of why I have such a passion for my job.

Radford is a progressive, innovative, and lively learning community of young people, with equally diverse guiding adults. We pride ourselves on our sense of belonging.

But . . . I have learnt that creating a culture of belonging takes work.

I wonder if, as families, we have taken the time to have a conversation with our young friends about the concept of inclusion. It is never OK to make fun of someone for their height, their weight, their skin colour, their appearance, their demeanour, the contents of their lunchbox, or the model of car their family drives.

Sometimes we hear “they’re different” used as an insult. At Radford, we say “how awesome are they, that they are different.”

No-one knows what the person standing in front of them is going through. But if we lean into our Radford Ethos, we remind ourselves to:

• See Again

• Listen Deeply

• Act with Kindness

Today many of our students immersed themselves in RadPAC – the Radford Performing Arts Carnival.

It is a significant event on the College calendar.

The only division is defined by what House you are in. Beyond that, everyone is invited to find their space. To belong.

I cherish this day. RadPAC represents inclusion. We don’t just talk it, we walk it. I was honoured to be on the judging panel, and I can tell you that it was difficult to choose a winner.

Today, everyone was a winner.

Go well and include everyone.

Andy