By Mr Andy Gordon, Interim Principal

Welcome to the start of Semester 2. We trust you were able to take time to relax with family and friends over the break.

The start of the second Semester is an ideal time for learners and families to reflect on their goals for the remainder of this year, and review what they were able to achieve and what is yet to be achieved. It is a great opportunity for students to continue improving upon the standards they have set this year.

Over the holidays, while in Thailand, I had the opportunity to revisit a thought-provoking book by Hugh Mackay, The Good Life: What Makes a Life Worth Living? Hugh explores the idea of what makes a life worth living. This question is not new, people have struggled with it for centuries, and the quest to establish answers forms a rich historical tradition influenced by culture, religious beliefs and time.

Hugh is a well-known social researcher and commentator, and he addresses this topic quite purposefully and passionately in his book. Hugh asks us to consider whether it is status, wealth, achievements, desire for perfection, or even elevated levels of happiness that makes life worth living. I am certain we have all grappled with such questions at some stage of our lives and have come to some depth of understanding of the answers.

According to Hugh, a good life can hardly be based on some assessment of how happy we are, as the pursuit of happiness for the sake of happiness only, is doomed to failure. He states that happiness is at best a byproduct and not the goal of a well-lived life. A good life is determined by our capacity for selflessness and willingness to connect with those around us in a meaningful and useful way. This resonates with me, particularly as we strive to live with respect, listen deeply, see again and act with kindness.

I am especially excited for this new Semester because we get a chance to reset, and to plan to celebrate students and staff for their diligence and enthusiastic involvement in the life of the College.

Watch here to find out what's happening at Radford this week.

I wish you and your family an incredible Semester 2!

Andy