Staff Insights
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
Two weeks into a new school year, we are reminded that learning is more than just academics. It’s about people, relationships and a sense of belonging that allows each student to thrive. While the curriculum and content are important, our staff and students also prioritise connection because we know that relationships matter.
Research tells us that when students feel safe, nurtured and connected, they do better academically. A strong sense of belonging positively impacts emotional well-being and enhances physical, social, emotional and spiritual development.
Simply put, students learn best when they feel connected and valued.
This is why the first weeks of school are so important in setting the tone and culture for the year ahead.
Last Friday, our entire student body, from our youngest learners in Pre-K to our Year 12s, alongside our dedicated College staff, gathered in the Collegians Centre for a powerful ceremony about unity and inspiration.
This event was an opportunity for reflection, connection and celebration. Through inspiring words, uplifting music and heartfelt singing, the gathering was infused with a sense of positivity and belonging.
Amidst a sea of vibrant House colours, we watched a short video featuring Radford students and staff waving hello, reinforcing the message of connection and warmth. A highlight of the service was our Year 12 prefects' creative retelling of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, reimagined with a Radford twist. Their storytelling beautifully captured the diverse opportunities available to Radford students, illustrating the journey of curiosity, growth and exploration that defines our school community.
Beyond this formal gathering, belonging is nurtured through countless informal moments—collaborative activities, shared experiences and daily interactions. Over the past fortnight, students have formed meaningful connections through team-building activities and fun group games. These moments, both intentional and implicit, help shape a culture of inclusion and camaraderie.
Belonging doesn’t happen by chance. It happens through intentional conversations and shared experiences. Whether it’s a morning greeting, a light-hearted joke or taking the time to really listen to others, these daily interactions matter. They create a culture where students feel seen, heard and valued.
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to foster belonging is by knowing and using a person’s name. A name is more than just a label. It carries personal history, meaning and connection. When we take the time to learn and use someone’s name correctly, we show respect and appreciation. It’s a way of saying: I see you.
In our large and vibrant community, we embrace the challenge of knowing and addressing each other by name. This year, our Junior School has taken meaningful steps toward this goal, encouraging students to learn the names of peers and educators beyond their own class groups.
By making a conscious effort to learn and use names, we foster a culture in which both students and staff feel seen, valued and included, creating an environment where everyone is more likely to engage, contribute and thrive.
As we begin this new year, let’s remember that connection is the foundation of learning. When students feel a sense of belonging, they don’t just grow academically—they flourish in all aspects of life.
Here’s to a year filled with heart, connection, fun and the joy of coming together!
"Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be." – Dr. Rita Pierson
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Spirituality is a word that is used a lot and yet it can be hard to define. Meaning, belonging, purpose, connection, belief and action all play a part. Robust spirituality embraces a rhythm between the inner and the outer life. We nurture who we are through connecting with God, ourselves, others and the world around us. This, in turn, leads us to look outwards as we engage and offer what we have to others. One of the joys of being a chaplain is accompanying people of different ages and backgrounds on a path of spiritual formation, where ideas are explored, community is built and moments of quiet and stillness in Godly Play, chapels and other settings are embraced.
At Radford College, we have a service philosophy based on coming alongside others. Service is done with others, never to or for them. As our students begin another school year, the opportunities for service abound and we wish them all the best in the connections they will make. It was great to see students at the Lifeline Book Fair last weekend making sure that customers were served, and everything was where it needed to be.
The Australians of the Year Awards are a great way to celebrate exemplary acts of service in the broader community. It was fantastic to see Canberrans Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, co-founders of the social enterprise Café Stepping Stone, recognised as recipients of the Local Hero award. Since opening, Café Stepping Stone has employed over sixty migrant and refugee women at their two sites at Strathnairn Arts and Dickson. If you are looking for a place to have coffee or lunch this weekend, consider giving them a visit.
St Valentine, whose feast day is celebrated today, reminds us of the connection between spirituality and service. He is also an example of the cost that can come with living a life of conviction. A priest from third-century Rome, Valentine’s steadfast commitment to sharing his faith eventually led to his death. Many legends are associated with St Valentine. One of the more subversive legends involves Valentine defying official orders by marrying Christian couples in secret. If a man married, he was entitled to a year’s leave and could avoid conscription in the Roman army. Valentine provides an ancient example of the tension between church and state and witness to the desire that love, and not empire, should have the final word.
News
By Mrs Jane Smith, Assistant Principal Student Engagement
This week, our Prefects participated in the annual Anglican Schools Student Leadership Retreat, which was hosted by Burgmann College. The students enjoyed collaborating with Anglican Schools from Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Broulee. They participated in a range of leadership activities and worked as a team to set goals for the year.
A highlight of the retreat was an address delivered by The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP who spoke to the students about leadership and balancing different responsibilities. He gave some helpful tips about time management, such as exercising first thing in the morning and being intentional about where you give your attention. He also revealed his commitment not to watch TV during his senior school years, instead focusing on his studies and sport. The students had the opportunity to ask questions and there was a high level of engagement about Dr Leigh’s experience in parliament and some current issues. Dr Leigh answered honestly and shared great insights.
During the Secondary School Commencement Assembly on Tuesday morning, our College Captains and Vice Captains warmly welcomed Mr Bradbury to the Secondary School community, and gave wise and timely advice to our student body. They encouraged Secondary School students to make the most of the many opportunities within and beyond the classroom, as well as the role that every individual plays in building a strong sense of belonging and positive relationships at the College. They also spoke about the importance of calling on their support networks, including trusted adults, in the face of adversity.
At the Whole College Commencement Assembly on the previous Friday, the Prefects performed a Radford reimagining of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Prefect’s retelling of the story reinforced the transformative nature of education and the importance of working with grace, grit and determination in the pursuit of personal excellence. They concluded their performance with an upbeat dance, which was enjoyed by all in the audience.
Finally, on Friday evening, the Prefects and their Year 12 buddies brought energy and dynamism to our annual Welcome to Year 7 disco. The theme of the evening was 'coastal', which the Year 7 students thoroughly enjoyed. Events such as the disco show how important student leadership is in creating distinctive memories for their younger peers and helping pull together the College community.
We thank all of our student leaders for their energy and commitment in their work as agents of positive action in our community.
Running a half marathon on land is no small feat, but Radford College Secondary School Maths and Science Teacher and Collegian (Class of 2014), Mr Liam Braithwaite, took it a step further last weekend. Liam swam 21.1 kilometres on Saturday, raising money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Involved at the College for nearly ten years, Liam couldn’t imagine one of his students or their families going through a serious illness without proper support. Liam’s connection to the cause also runs deep—when he was a child, his cousin spent significant time in hospital in a life-threatening situation. "My cousin, who is a legend, spent a lot of time in hospital when she was little, and it was touch and go. No one should have to go through that. While Starlight can't change the medical situation, it can do kind things to brighten that time.”
The Starlight Foundation believes every child deserves a happy childhood, even when faced with serious illness. By encouraging play, creativity and social connection, they bring joy to children and their families during some of the toughest times.
Liam's dedication to the cause has touched many, including students and parents who personally thanked him for his efforts after last year’s swim, having benefited from the funds he raised. This encouragement motivated Liam to dive back into the pool for Starlight’s Super Swim challenge again this year. “I see the Starlight Super Swim as a win-win,” Liam explains.
“I get to push myself with each lap, improving my well-being and fitness. I'm supported by my wonderful friends, family and the Radford community, and together, we raise money to bring joy to people at their lowest."
Liam was surrounded by support during this year’s 21.1 km swim. His mother, former Radford College Assistant Principal of Curriculum Ms Lindy Braithwaite, and Director of Service Learning and Round Square Coordinator, Ms Kath Notley, came by to offer moral support. He was joined in the pool at various points by Head of Year 9 Mrs Rebecca Hunter, Secondary School Teacher Ms Sam Lonsdale, Collegian Mr Ollie Lonsdale (Class of 2024) and brother-in-law Mr Ross Waddington (Class of 2012). His wife, Mrs Taylor Braithwaite (née Woodward, Class of 2015), joined him for the final 1.1 km, and they swam the last 100 metres together.
Reflecting on the day, Liam said the swim went better than he had hoped. “I started off strong, completing around seven kilometres in the first two hours, but by the time I hit 16 km, my body was really feeling it. It took a big push to reach the 20 km point—my lungs were starting to give out. But with some great company by my side, I got it done. I felt pretty chuffed when I finished and looked at my watch and realised, I’d swam faster than I expected.”
At the time of writing, Liam had raised almost $1,500, surpassing his initial goal of $1,000. "It would be amazing to beat last year’s $2,200, but I’m not sure I’ll quite get there. That said, last year they mentioned that 'just $39 can bring happiness to a sick child in the hospital.' So knowing we’ve already helped nearly 40 children this year makes me feel pretty stoked."
You can support Liam’s Starlight Super Swim fundraising efforts by donating to his page here.
By Ms Kath Notley, Round Square Coordinator
Radford College is proud to be part of the Round Square network, which includes over 260 schools from more than 50 countries worldwide. This global organisation focuses on character education through six key themes—the Round Square IDEALS: international understanding, democracy, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership and service.
By participating in Round Square opportunities, students experience transformative learning through global connections, collaborative projects and character development. Through these experiences, we aim to shape students into courageous, compassionate leaders who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Global connections in 2025
Radford students engage in a range of global opportunities that immerse them in different cultures, perspectives and educational systems. In the process, students broaden their understanding of the world. Current and upcoming examples include:
- Student Exchange Program: Radford students can take part in both national and international exchanges. Currently, we have four Round Square students visiting from schools in Denmark, Germany and Peru.
- Inspiring Voices - Oxford: Two delegations of Radford students will spend a week at Oxford University in April, engaging in debates and discussions on contemporary issues.
- International Conference (Dubai): A delegation of six Radford students will represent the College at this year’s Round Square International Conference in Dubai in September.
- Service Project (South Africa): In July, Year 11 and 12 students can join 50 other students from around the world to help build a classroom and support the ‘One Million Beehives’ project in South Africa.
- Online Postcards: Students can join regular 90-minute Zoom sessions to discuss global issues with their peers across the world.
- International Show and Tell: Junior School students participate in Zoom presentations, sharing their knowledge on various topics with Round Square students from different schools.
- Junior School co-curricular group: Every Thursday morning, Junior School students meet to focus on the Round Square IDEALS, fostering personal growth and global awareness.
These experiences provide Radford students with a truly global perspective, helping them develop the skills and mindset to succeed as leaders in an interconnected world.
Opportunities to participate in global connections are regularly posted on the Round Square page on Nexus or through Ms Tracey Markovic in the Junior School. Students interested in applying for exchange are encouraged to reach out to me directly to discuss their interest before submitting their application.
Please scroll through the photos below to see some of the experiences our students Olivia Grellman and Aanya Te Moananui had on their recent visits to Peru and Canada.
Radford rowing makes waves at the 2025 NSW Rowing Championships
Last weekend, 30 students from Years 8–12 proudly represented Radford College at the 2025 NSW State Rowing Championships. This prestigious regatta serves as a vital performance benchmark as the team prepares for upcoming events, including the ACT Head of the Lake, ACT Junior Championships and the 2025 National Championships.
Despite the hot and humid conditions at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) in Penrith, our rowers demonstrated grit, determination, teamwork and exceptional character, with the majority of the crews progressing to semi-finals and finals.
Podium Performances
Gold – Isobel Egan (Year 11, Kurrajong), PR3 Women’s Single Scull
Gold – Isobel Egan (Year 11, Kurrajong) and Zara Turner (Year 12, Boronia), Schoolgirls Double Scull
Silver – Isobel Egan (Year 11, Kurrajong) and Josh Miller (Year 12, Karri), PR3 Mixed Double
Silver – Charlie Vyver (Year 10, Acacia), William Fraser (Year 10, Acacia), Alexander Tailby (Year 10, Huon), Ciaran Brennan (Year 10, Banksia) and William Huang (Cox – Year 10, Banksia), U17 Men’s Coxed Quad
Bronze – Alexander Tailby (Year 10, Huon) and Charlie Knight (Year 11, Banksia), U17 Men’s Double
Bronze – Josh Miller (Year 12, Karri), Schoolboys Single Scull
Bronze – William Fraser (Year 10, Acacia), U16 Men’s Single Scull
A team effort
A huge thank you to Head of Rowing, Mr Gordon Marcks, our incredible coaches and the Friends of Radford Rowing (FORR) parent group, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support, feed and encourage our athletes throughout the event.
At the conclusion of the NSW State Rowing Championships, Radford finished:
- As the top ACT school/club on the medal tally.
- In third place out of the schools in the entire championships.
- In 14th place overall out of 67 competing schools and clubs.
With just two weeks to go until the ACT Head of the Lake and ACT Junior Championships, where all Year 8-12 crews will compete, Radford is currently sitting in second place in the men’s division, second in the women’s division and first in the combined overall ladder.
School Sport ACT Achievements
Congratulations to Tanish Patel (Year 10, Kurrajong) who has gained selection in a 2025 School Sport ACT 15&U Boys Cricket team to compete at the School Sport National Championships in Adelaide at the end of Term 1.
Upcoming School Sport ACT Team Trials (SSACT)
Tennis Pizzey Cup (18 years and under)
When: Tuesday, 25 February (Term 1, Week 4) from 9.00 am-3.00 pm
Where: Canberra Tennis Centre, 3 Riggal Place, Lyneham
- Entry requirements: Players must have either A) an Australian ranking or B) previous tournament experience in Australian Ranking tournaments or UTR, Junior Development Series events or overseas tournaments.
- This is the ACT Secondary School Tennis Championships and forms part of the SSACT 18&U tennis team selection trials.
- Please email CCTennis@radford.act.edu.au if you wish to enter or have any questions.
Please note:
- Radford students who choose to take part in SSACT team trials are to follow the registration process for the respective sport trials. The majority of SSACT trials are conducted after school hours, however, if the trial does take place during the school day, it is the responsibility of the parent or carer to notify the College of their child’s absence and provide supervision.
- If a Radford student is selected in a SSACT-representative team, it is the responsibility of the parent or carer to follow the normal College absence processes.
SSACT Scholarship Fund
The SSACT Scholarship Fund is open and available for students who have been selected in a SSACT representative team and are required to travel interstate to compete at the respective School Sport Australia National Championships.
More information on the Scholarship Fund and its criteria can be found here.
Successful applicants will receive a $500 deduction from their team fees during the payment phase of the team preparation process. The approval process can be quite quick once the student is selected and once the criteria are deemed as a 'circumstantial hardship', e.g. multiple children from the same family making teams in a close timeframe.
Scholarship applications are to be submitted to eo@schoolsportact.org.au.
By Ms Michele Sharp, Head of Languages and the 2024/25 long exchange students
During the summer break, four of our Japanese language students were hosted by two of our Japanese sister schools as part of the Year 11 languages long exchange program. Students who undertake this program study at one of our sister schools for a period of six weeks and live with a host family to experience everyday life in Japan.
Arabella Johnson and Theo Gould attended Konko Gakuen in Okayama, and Aayush Bhatia and Alexander Stockbridge studied at the Kure National College of Technology in Hiroshima. The long exchange program is an opportunity languages students can apply for in Year 11, and it is a reciprocal program, meaning those who participate must be willing to host returning students when they are in Year 12. This extends the benefit of the program for our students and offers a cost-effective opportunity to study abroad. The aims of the program are to:
- Gain first-hand insight into other cultures to develop tolerance, understanding and respect for different ways of life and different values.
- Improve foreign language skills through practical use of the language in a native speaking country.
- Widen perspectives and social experience.
- Gain experience as a host to an overseas visitor both at home and at school.
We are thankful to the schools we have relationships with and the host families our students stayed with for their care of our students, and we look forward to welcoming their partner students this year. Below are some student reflections on their experiences.
Arabella Johnson
Konko Gakuen, Okayama
Over the summer holidays, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan for six weeks on the long exchange program. I improved my listening, speaking and reading skills, met many wonderful people and experienced the Japanese culture.
Our exchange began at Konko Gakuen, where my fellow Radford student, Theo Gould and I attended classes for the next six weeks, with a short break for the New Year. We were immediately welcomed by Higashiyama-sensei, who introduced us to our host families. The warmth and generosity of my host family instantly eased my uncertainty about being in a foreign country for such a long time. While staying with my host family, I had the privilege of experiencing how a regular Japanese family eats. My host mother showed me how to cook some of the meals and let me help in the kitchen too. This made me feel very welcome. My host family treated me as if I were part of their family, allowing me to enjoy Japan to the fullest without missing my family back home too much.
Back at school, people treated me with patience and made an effort to include me. Teachers would regularly interrupt class to ask me about the way something was done in Australia, or the meaning of an English word. This kept class engaging and allowed me to practise my speaking skills.
After school on Thursday, I participated in the tea ceremony club (sadōbu). Here I learned about the traditional tea ceremony and got to drink ceremonially prepared matcha. Alongside the matcha, we ate traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi). These complemented the bitterness of the matcha and showcased seasonal Japanese flavours, such as maple. Many of the girls there practised speaking English with me, which was a nice break from speaking Japanese all the time. The teacher who ran the club was very kind to me and welcomed me as if I had been there for years.
During the holidays, I got to experience typical Japanese Christmas and New Year’s (Oshōgatsu) celebrations, which were very different from how it is done in Australia. On Christmas eve, we ate strawberry sponge cake in celebration of Christmas. Christmas is also considered to be a couple’s holiday in Japan, so we saw a lot of couples when we went out. New Year’s is a big event in Japan. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, we went to the temple and rang a bell twice by hitting it with a log. The next day, we were up early to watch the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode). Later that night, we visited the shrine for the first time that year as well. This was done in the hope of having a lucky and prosperous year.
For anybody considering this long exchange, the only advice I can give you is to go for it. Any doubts will be settled within a week as you’ll be too distracted having the time of your life to think about anything else.
Alexander Stockbridge
Kure National College of Technology, Hiroshima
Following the Year 10 study tour to Japan, I was keener than ever to participate in the long exchange. I initially applied to go on exchange to Konko Gakuen, which is the sister school I had previously visited. However, I was offered a position at Kure Kosen, in Hiroshima. At first, I was hesitant to accept this offer, but it was by far the best thing I could have done.
I spent six weeks there, three of which were spent in a dorm in Kure Kosen. The remaining three weeks were spent with my host family that I stayed with during the previous trip. The dorm experience was better than I could have imagined and I made so many friends.
The classes I attended at Kure Kosen were very interesting, including a class where I learned to make concrete. I partook in a civil engineering class, which meant most classes focused on related topics. Every Thursday there was an ‘incubation work’ class, when all students worked on a topic of their choosing. I joined the tea ceremony group. After school, I participated in multiple club activities, including badminton and tennis, where I met so many new people. They made me feel very welcome.
As I was a dormitory student—I ate at the school cafeteria, which served delicious meals, and I was able to socialise with all my friends there in the morning, at lunch and at dinner. We were even served a special Christmas lunch consisting of delicious chicken, pasta, as well as custard and jelly for dessert.
I was sad to leave Kure Kosen, but I still had another three weeks to look forward to. I spent this time reconnecting with old friends as well as visiting places like Universal Studios in Osaka and seeing Mount Fiji. I also got to spend New Years in Shizuoka. I absolutely loved being in Japan—catching trains, seeing traditional places and simply walking around the city.
At first, I was worried about travelling to Japan, because I had never travelled alone before. I was also worried about my ability to speak Japanese. To those considering taking part in a long exchange to Japan, please do not let these things stop you. Travel was easy and the language barrier is really not that bad. At the school, everybody tries their best to communicate and, as long as you also try, it will all work out.
Theo Gould
Konko Gakuen, Okayama
Going to another country for a long time is likely a daunting thing for anyone, and it certainly was for me – at least at first. I was nervous on the plane, nervous in the car on the way to school from the airport, and nervous when I walked in the door. But that’s where it stopped for me.
The students at Konkou Gakuen in Okayama were excited to see me, though I’d never met some of them, and made sure I felt like I had some idea of what was going on, on my first day in a new country. From then on, it felt like I was making a new friend each day. I am so glad that Radford’s sister school is one like Konkou Gakuen,. The teachers and students were all incredible and curious about how they could make our stay as good as possible. My host family were so kind and welcoming. They treated me like another son for the 6 weeks I stayed with them. My host dad took me out for a motorbike ride, I went shopping with my host mum, and I did so many other things with my host brother.
I also experienced a Japanese lifestyle with them, eating daily Japanese meals (which are very different to what our Australian perception is of Japanese food), and doing traditional Japanese things in and around New Year, which is an important part of their culture. I found the Japanese lifestyle to be very different from an Australian one. School on a Saturday is definitely something that would deter even the most academic students, and I won’t go so far as to say that it’s something that needs to be implemented at Radford! On the bright side, it meant one extra day each week to get to know the different students in my class, many of whom became friends I will never forget, and will probably see again. Rest assured, your Japanese will definitely improve. For this opportunity to grow in a language I love learning, and to meet incredible new people, and do incredible new things, I would like to thank Sharp Sensei for organising.
Possibly the biggest thing I got out of this trip is a new sense of awareness about the connection of humanity. That may sound grand, but though Japanese people may not see the same online things as us, eat the same things, celebrate the same things, we are all humans despite our separations. It made it easy to connect when I realised that we are not so different. I will miss this experience that I had, and the people I met and became so close with in my six weeks at Konkou Gakuen. As they say, “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.
Aayush Bhatia
Kure National College of Technology, Hiroshima
Over the Christmas holidays I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a long exchange trip to Japan. I am incredibly grateful for this amazing experience and not only the wonderful memories I made but also for the countless friendships that have blossomed from both the dormitory stay and the home stay.
It is difficult for me to talk about all the things I did over the 6 weeks, but I will do my best to give an overview of just how incredible of an experience it was.
The school that I studied at was a technical college, so not only did they study subjects such as maths or chemistry, the students also studied things like electrical circuitry, concrete making, and mechanical engineering. I felt extremely welcomed by the students who not only went out of their way to involve me in their classes (no matter how little I understood) but also involved me in the various aspects of dormitory life.
I know it might be a controversial take, but I truly believe that staying in the dormitory is better than a home stay with a family. I spent every weekday after school either participating in one of the many club activities on offer or building closer relationships with the other dorm students. Whether it be making steak in the communal kitchen, playing FIFA together (and winning of course) or simply playing football outside, I enjoyed every day I spent in the dorms and I will forever treasure the memories and friendships that I made.
The home stay experience was extremely different to the dorm stay but it was still just as amazing. My host family were extremely welcoming, and their generosity was unmatched.
Some key moments from my home stay included playing golf with my host father and two of my host brothers; experiencing a true Japanese New Year and eating all the delicious food such as onigiri, and an assortment of meats; and having the opportunity to walk around Hiroshima city by myself and visit the beautiful Shukkeien garden. It really is different living and spending time in a walkable city with countless attractions everywhere you look.
I am incredibly grateful for getting to participate in this exchange and I am extremely thankful to my parents, my host family and the teachers – both here and in Japan – who made it possible.
This exchange truly enriched my understanding and outlook on different cultures and the differing ways of life. Furthermore, my Japanese language skills improved immensely and my confidence when it comes to using the language also increased. There are just so many good things to say about the long exchange program that I just can’t fit into this article.
If you ever have the chance to go on a long exchange you should take it. It is an amazing experience that you won’t regret!
