26 June 2024

The Radford College Collegians Centre received an Award for Educational Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects on Saturday night. This is the same award that the Morison Centre received two years ago.

This impressive building with a capacity for the entire student body and staff to gather together, was the vision of Marcus Graham, a Collegian and parent, and his team at Stewart Architecture. FDC Construction & Fitout were responsible for realising the plans, and Arrow Projects for keeping this massive undertaking on track.

The building frequently pivots from whole College gatherings to events such as a sold-out Women’s National Basketball League game, or a combined Anglican Schools Pathways Expo, which proves how versatile this building is.

To read about the official opening of the Collegians Centre on 12 April 2024, click here.

Here is an overview of the Collegians Centre as it appeared in the awards booklet:

By Mr Nick Ewbank, Director of Oratory

After the biggest and longest semester of debating at Radford College in the past 12 years, some glory has been achieved.

Radford 1, made up of Emma Siwei Huang, Ankith Atluri, Jackson Thew, Ben Wang and Keren Zhang, defeated the Canberra Grammar School team in the semi-final – a unanimous panel decision of three adjudicators – and progressed to the final.

The grand final was on the topic of whether students should be banned from attending protests. Radford's team won a unanimous (5 adjudicator) panel decision against the Canberra Grammar School team that had knocked Radford 2 out in the semi-final.)

I think Roshan Kewalram (class of 2022) was, quite rightly, a very proud coach.

Emma Siwei Huang was named the Speaker of the Final (another unanimous panel decision), and in terms of the overall competition, Emma ranked as 2^nd best speaker, and Ben Wang and Jackson Thew were ranked equal in the 6^th position.

In the Junior (7/8) Competition, Radford 5 (Alice Adams, Ishi Gopu, Cecilia Parmeter and Sanvi Yellamarthy) as well as the Intermediate (9/10), Radford 2 (Methmal Gunaratne, Manoj Gutta, Kavin Panagoda, Sivakaruni Sivacharan and Alex Wang) bowed out at the semi-final stage that also took place last week.

Thank you to Ms Megan Reed and Mrs Maddie Keogh for their work as coaches, and to Mr Jack Davis, Miss Emily Condron, Roshan Kewalram and Terry Yang (class of 2023) for their coaching.

By Mrs Louise Wallace-Richards and Ms Kath Notley

At the end of this week, we will bid farewell to several staff members, including two members of the Senior Executive, Mr Nick Moss and Mr Scott Corbett.
The following tributes show the impact they had on the wider Radford College community.

Nick Moss

It is with much sadness that we farewell Nick Moss who will be departing the College at the end of this semester to take up a promotion position as Head of Senior School at Barker College in Sydney. Nick commenced at Radford 1 January 2007 in a permanent full-time capacity as a Geography, Studies of Society and its Environment (SoSE) teacher and Science teacher. He has continued to teach in the SoSE department over the past 17 years, with Global Studies becoming his main teaching subject in the last few years.

During his years of teaching SoSE, Nick was always looking for the opportunities to bring the units of learning in the classroom to life for his students including through trips to Timor Leste and the USA. He has taken senior students to Wollongong for the World Cities unit, Bombo for Coasts, and Montague Island for The Greening of Tourism. Perisher Valley, Cooma or Goulburn and the Cotter also featured in Geography field trips for Years 7–10 students. On one of the field trips to Montague Island on the south coast, I still remember hearing about when a class got marooned on the island due to inclement weather. His Head of Department at the time, Mrs Alison Steven, believes Nick was able to “navigate this situation (metaphorically and literally) showing great leadership and demonstrating his capacity to work with the unexpected, be dependable and stay calm in the face of trouble."

Other SoSE Colleagues have said of Nick as a teacher:

Thoroughly enjoys being a teacher, getting to know his students as individuals, working with them to improve learning outcomes.

Nick and I would often team teach in the Lecture Theatre, especially with our Year 10s and it was through this period that I became aware of the extent of his teaching capabilities. His presence, capacity to pace and differentiate content and process within that larger audience were second to none. I would sometimes leave the Lecture Theatre feeling both envious and a tad jealous.

Nick has also been involved in several co-curricular activities during his years at the College, including his beloved Cricket, as a manager of Rugby teams and helping put Year 10 students on the road to getting a licence through Road Ready. Never an NRL team though, only because the College does not offer the code. Many of us are wondering how he will cope with getting to watch Raiders games from Sydney. He assures us he will be down for all games. He is Canberra Raiders for ever!

Nick has also held several significant leadership roles in the Secondary School including Administration Co-ordinator in 2012, permanent Head of Year or Year Coordinator from 2012, Acting Head of Middle Years Term 4 2014, Dean of Senior Studies and IBDP Coordinator from 2022 and Assistant Principal Curriculum from 2023.

Nick was a caring, approachable, fair and kind Head of Year. As Dean he supported the pathways for all students, invested and grew the IBDP program and most significantly of late, led the IBDP five-year evaluation. Colleagues have remarked that Nick has a “meticulous eye for detail and streamlined numerous senior processes related to Year 11 and Year 12. His focus was on students developing skills for lifelong learning and preparing them for our changing world. This meant valuing the whole person, and ensuring they were guided and challenged through senior years.”

It is as Assistant Principal Curriculum (APC) that I have most worked with Nick and have appreciated his professionalism, strategic vision and his determination that everything we do in teaching and learning should be with the needs of the students in mind. He has led many projects to fruition over the past year and half as APC including our Approaches to Learning (ATL) and hurdle task rollout. The ATL initiative has shown his understanding that we need to focus as a school on providing feedback to students about how they are learning not just what they have learned. A key part of his focus over the past 18 months has been leading with the Dean of Studies and IB DP Coordinator, Mrs Alison Steven and the Director of Digital Learning Ms Lisa Plenty, student and staff understanding of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and its potential impact on student learning. This included the transition to Nexus and new learning summaries, data dashboard, review of and changes to our curriculum, GAI response and numerous policy updates. Nick has shown his ability to cut through to the main issues and develop a balanced informed view. Similarly, his leadership and support for interdisciplinary learning has demonstrated his insight into what skills our students need for their future working lives.

Nick is personable, possessing a great sense of humour and has a genuine care for others. He will be greatly missed by the Radford community including students, staff and parents. The job of Head of Senior School at Barker is made for someone of Nick’s calibre. It is as if his experiences at Radford were all building to this role. Farewell Nick from us all.

Scott Corbett

Scott started his role of Director of Service Learning on 22 January 2022, commencing his Acting Assistant Principal role on 16 January 2023. He has proved to be a passionate leader of student well-being, promoting service to others as a way to enable Radford students to give back to society.

Many staff and students have shared their appreciation of Scott's work at the school:

Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger
I’ve learnt so much from Scott about working with students in a way that is relational and sets clear expectations – ‘clear is kind’ being a key motto! Going on the Timor Leste trip was a great opportunity to see his skills in action. He modelled what it means to travel alongside each other in a way that honours the people we meet and each other. Scott has a deep understanding of theories of well-being and how to put these into practice. What a gift it has been to work alongside him.

Mr Brett Lamson
Scott’s enthusiasm and positivity have made him an asset to Radford College these past few years. He brings so much energy to what he does that it is impossible to not be encouraged and inspired by his fun and upbeat approach. Every time I catch up with Scott, be it for a coffee or a work-related chat, I come away feeling the better for it. He’ll be sorely missed but at the same time I know he’s going to continue to kick goals and inspire young people as he moves on to his next role in China.

Mrs Di Fizpatrick
I had the fortunate experience of taking Mr Scott Corbett as my colleague on a Radford trip to Japan where we oversaw 18 students from Years 11 and 12. Scott thought he was super eligible as he had done Japanese to Year 10! While I thought this was quite funny, it wasn’t until we got to our sister school, that I experienced Scott’s willingness to ‘have a go’, with his language skills. Turns out, he must have got an ‘A’ in school for Japanese. It was such an enjoyable trip for everybody. Scott’s everyday optimism, his willingness to ‘get involved’, his genuine interest in the students and ‘same page’ support for me as the leader of the trip was comforting and professional. This resulted in an amazing trip for everybody, full of energy, fun and learning. Thank you, Scott.

Mrs Jane Lilley

• In his office displayed on the wall is the “circle of courage” . . . which, I think, in his leadership style and interactions with others he truly lives out: Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity. This is what sets him apart from others.
• A fantastic mentor and leader who advocates for others and always displays “unconditional positive regard” (goes with the generosity).
• Always thinking and looking for ways that we can improve what we do and how we do it, looks for creative solutions to any problems that come his way, open to the ideas of others and supportive of them in their pursuit to try to do things differently.
• Very well respected, warm and thoughtful

I will really miss him. He has been a fantastic person to work with and I have learnt from him.

Ms Sam Lonsdale and Mrs Rebecca Hunter
Scott stands out as a caring, compassionate person with a ‘can do’ attitude. He genuinely cares for the well-being of all students & staff and strives to lead well as well as being a team player. We all know that he brings humour and wit to conversations which importantly is never at the expense of anyone else. He has been keen to support the great diversity of programs on offer to the secondary students as well as supporting respectful student advocacy. We are losing a person who has made a big difference in a short period of time and we wish him well with his next adventure in education in China.

Ms Ailsa Mackerras
Scott’s support of the IBDP CAS program has been invaluable. In addition to facilitating impactful CAS lessons, in which students enjoyed grappling with important contemporary issues, Scott inspired the IB students to be ambitious in their CAS projects. He facilitated creation of the Calvary Art project, which has resulted in an ongoing partnership between Calvary Aged Care and the IBDP students who offer art lessons to the residents. And it was through Scott’s support of the IBDP CAS students that Radford’s first LGBTQIA+ group was formed – the SAGE society.

Ms Ashlee Turner
Scott has been an absolute dream to work with. He always has time for you, is caring and compassionate, but most importantly, is always up for a laugh. It is because Scott is so wholeheartedly himself that makes him so relatable to staff and students, and for this we will miss him greatly around the school.

Student Voices:

Ellie Archer
Mr Corbett has played a huge role in the establishment of the SAGE club (an LGBTQIA+ community group at Radford College. It meant so much that he avidly supported and campaigned for this club. From this it flourished into a statement of support, an artwork and so much more. We would like to thank him for all of his work, support, and dedication to inclusivity at Radford College. We cannot express how thankful we are for his campaigning, encouragement, and kindness throughout this process. Mr Corbett has done so much for LGBTQIA+ and gender inclusivity and his sensitivity and courage in this space has meant so much to students in the Radford Community. His speech at assembly presenting Radford’s formal statement of support for LGBTQIA+ people was so moving. This speech challenged so many students like me to live with integrity, advocate for what we believe in and be true to who we are. Mr Corbett, thank you for everything you have done for Radford, and we will miss you very much!

Pip Humphries
Thanks to Mr Corbett:

• Consistently positive role model, always showing the best of yourself, acting with integrity, and demonstrating the values that you've spoken so much about.
• the bravery, courage, honesty, and integrity that you show is inspirational. In the time I've known you, you've always demonstrated leadership, not through bossiness, but by acting with vision, self-awareness, and empathy. Your influence over us as students has been profound.
• Engaging in class – CAS lessons were a great opportunity to explore really pressing and important issues, but in a grounded and engaging way.
  
• Empathetic and engaging with students.

Leadership retreat

• Provided guidance and love
• Engaging activities that made us think deeply and set us as a leadership group very well for the year.

Hamish McKee
Mr Corbett inspired me to undertake more service learning helping me to look at service as an opportunity beyond just getting your service hours. He has not just been a teacher to many students at Radford but a genuine role model for me and others. Mr Corbett has inspired so many students at Radford with his genuine investment in the growth of students as people, looking at people in a positive light and truly understanding and making a connection with students, this is what has made him such a key part of the college. Mr Corbett will be missed by Radford and will be leaving a very difficult place to be filled in our community. I wish you all the best with all future endeavours you undertake, and I am sure you will continue to make a profound impact upon many others, just like you have done for myself and the rest of the Radford community.

Other staff farewells

• Dr Rebecca Sillett
• Ms Ailsa Mackerras
• Ms Olivia Bundic
• Mr Ethan Bui
• Mr Paul Gibson
• Mr Chris Mutton
• Mr Mike Dunford
• Mr Michael Lewthwaite
• Mr Glenn Demery
• Mrs Phillipa Noakes-Dunn

By Mr Nick Akhurst, Head of Co-curricular Drama, Dance and Technical Theatre

In choosing the play for the 2024 Year 5-6 Production I was looking for something written by an Australian playwright that would make audiences laugh, and along came Trouble in Lollipop. It's a story set in a fairytale world where things don't go quite the way one would expect. I hope you'll agree that the cast have done a beautiful job in translating the humour on the page into action. To help bring the land of Lollipop to life we have created a so-called "World Building Ensemble" (WBE) – a group of performers who play parts of Lollipop as well as their own characters.

The creativity of the WBE has been a joy to work with. Putting on this production was certainly a team effort, and I am thankful for the hard work that the cast and crew have put in to bring this story to the stage over the past few months. Special thanks to all the staff involved:

Our Junior School staff members: Mrs Tanya Priest-Willimott, Mrs Madeleine Spencer, and Mrs Kylee Bryan,

Director: Ms Stefanie Lekkas

Assistant Director: Ms Lily Welling

Production and Stage Manager: Justine Ramsey

Collegians and technical support: Mr Darcy Wiseman and Mr Oli Bailey

Producer and FOH Manager: Mr Nick Akhurst

And as always, the tech crew.

By Ms Tracey Markovic, Assistant Head of Junior School Operations

Ronald McDonald House Charities support families across our local region. At a time where community members may be at their most vulnerable Ronald McDonald House is there to support. The "House" is a place where families can stay while a child is in hospital. It is a place of comfort. A place where visitors feel at home where they can rest and recharge, be comfortable and feel supported.

RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities) has several volunteer programs that are available to help families during these times. One of these programs is their Meals from the Heart program. Each Tuesday and Friday night local businesses or groups can visit the House to cook dinner for those who are staying. It might sound simple, but a home cooked meal means the world to those who may not have had one for a while.

This year Radford staff have visited RMHC twice to prepare meals for the families staying in the House. The cooking is about more than just food, it's about providing comfort, care, and a sense of normalcy to families during their most difficult times.

For our staff who take part in Meals from the Heart, it is a time to chat, to bond and to be social while cooking together. Relationships are built and strengthened, and a sense of warmth and hope is felt by all.

How to Get Involved

Getting involved with Meals from the Heart is a straightforward process. Interested individuals or groups can contact their local Ronald McDonald House to inquire about volunteer opportunities. The program typically involves planning a menu, purchasing ingredients, and preparing the meal on-site. Volunteers are guided and supported by RMH staff to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

For more information please click here.

By Ms Dimity Kidston, Acting Head of Creative Arts

In a blend of creativity and philanthropy, 36 Year 7 Wicked Problems students recently undertook a unique well-being activity in the Visual Art rooms. This initiative aimed to raise funds for the Mawson’s Hut Foundation while offering students a chance to unwind and express their artistic talents.

Each student in the class received a blank penguin to paint. These individually decorated penguins will collectively form a charming rookery, which will be exhibited at The Australian Antarctic Festival from 22–25 August in Hobart, Tasmania.

The activity provided a much-needed break from the usual academic pressures, allowing students to relax and engage in an enjoyable task.

The funds raised through this initiative will go towards the Mawson’s Hut Foundation, which works to preserve the historic huts built by Sir Douglas Mawson and his team during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–1914. By participating in this project, the students are not only enhancing their own well-being but also contributing to the conservation of a significant piece of Antarctic history.

Year 5/6 Netball Gala Day

The Netball ACT Year 5/6 Gala Day was held on Thursday 20 June at Lyneham. Braving the cold conditions, 24 netball players took to the courts to compete against schools from around the region. The teams played with enthusiasm, showing great camaraderie on and off the court.

Well done to the Radford Ospreys, Eagles and Falcons for their fantastic efforts on the day! We look forward to seeing these teams back in action after the holidays as Radford Netball teams continue with the second half of the North Canberra Netball Competition.

Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to Josh Brinkley (Boronia) for being selected for the 12&U Basketball Boys 2024 SSACT representative team. Well done, Josh!

Upcoming School Sport ACT Team Trials

Touch Football (12&U Boys and Girls)

• Trial 1 – Tuesday 23 July, 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
• Trial 2 – Monday 29 July, 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm
• All trials will be held at Deakin Playing Fields, Fields 208 and 209
• Any student wishing to take part in a trial must register via the SSACT website School Sport ACT Touch Football. Further information can also be found by clicking on the registration link.

Touch Football (15&U Boys and Girls)

• Trial 1 – Tuesday 23 July, 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• Trial 2 – Monday 29 July, 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
• All trials will be held at Deakin Playing Fields, Fields 208 and 209
• Any student wishing to take part in a trial must register via the SSACT website School Sport ACT Touch Football. Further information can also be found by clicking on the registration link.

Important

• Radford students who choose to take part in a trial for SSACT teams 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 guardian to notify the College of their child’s absence.
• If a Radford student is selected in a SSACT representative team, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to follow the normal College absence processes.

Coerver Coaching

A reminder that Coerver will be running a Football Holiday Camp on the Radford J.A. Mackinnon Oval in the first week of the July school holidays – click here for more information and to register.

Karate School Holiday Program

GKR Karate are running a school holiday program at Radford in College. Please see the attached flyer for further information.

ACT Winter Camps

International Sports Camps Australia will be hosting a Winter Sports Camp in the July school holidays. There will be programs for students aged 5 to 15 years old. For more information, please read this flyer.

SSACT Scholarship Fund

The SSACT Scholarship Fund is once again open and available for students who have been selected in a SSACT representative team and is required to travel interstate to compete at the respective School Sport Australia National Championships.

More information on the Scholarship Fund and its consideration 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 one of the criteria is 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 Mrs Annette Carter, College Historian

We started off this term gathering around the Turning Circle for the ANZAC Commemorative service on 29 April. Indeed, the Turning Circle is one of the most recognisable meeting places at the College.

Its name, ‘Turning Circle’, is seen on the earliest site plans.

Although it might seem like an arbitrary piece of landscape that provides a recognisable spot for drop-offs and pick-ups, the Turning Circle is an integral part of the College's history. More importantly, the Turning Circle has witnessed countless moments of student and community interaction over the decades and has also witnessed how Radford College has changed since its very beginning.

Radford College has reached its goal of raising $8000 in this year's Push-Up Challenge – mental health and fitness event that started on 5 June and ends this Friday.
The Push-Up Challenge, challenged students and staff to complete 3,249 push-ups in total. This represents the 3,249 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022.

We want to extend a huge round of applause to all of you who've jumped on board with this year's Push-Up Challenge. Your enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring!

It's not too late to get involved – Click here to join.

Incentives Await

Here's some exciting news: Radford could snag some awesome prizes and merchandise if we hit certain milestones. Check out the details below:

• 200 participants or $10,000 raised: 200 TPUC stickers, 20 keyrings, 5 tote bags, and 2 bucket hats.
• 400 participants or $20,000 raised: 300 TPUC stickers, 25 keyrings, 10 tote bags, and 10 bucket hats.
• 600 participants or $30,000 raised: 400 TPUC stickers, 50 keyrings, 15 tote bags, and 20 bucket hats.

Here's a video of Year 7 student, Elsie Osborne and her mum, Claire taking part in the challenge. Please send us your videos and photos to communications@radford.act.edu.au

By Ms Di Lefebvre, French language teacher

On Friday 21 June, the Year 10 French students had the opportunity to go to the French restaurant Les Bistronomes in Campbell, headed by French chef, Clément Chauvin.

The students enjoyed dining on quintessential French cooking.

The tasting started with two amuse-bouches – Goat’s cheese Boursin between two beetroot macarons and duck liver pâté with cherry gel on a grilled brioche.

For the main course, we were served Canard à l’orange served on a bed of red cabbage accompanied by homemade fries. To top it all off we enjoyed a flambéed crème brûlée.

The students appreciated the atmosphere of the restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the meal together.

Our Winter Concert is one of our major annual music events, featuring ten of our co-curricular music groups.

The concert will be held on Thursday 1 August from 5.30 pm in the T.B. Millar Hall. The groups performing will be:

1. Omo Wewe
2. Mozart Strings
3. Hendrix Guitar Ensemble
4. Beginner (BIP) Band
5. Vivaldi Strings
6. Vivace
7. Zappa Guitar Ensemble
8. Holst Concert Band
9. Warblers
10. Chorale

These groups have been working hard to prepare for this event and it promises to be an exciting celebration of music at Radford College.

Entry for this event is free and tickets are not required.

By Mrs Monique Glavonjic, Administrator - Fundraising and Events

The Radford Collegians Association invites you to join us as we celebrate the return of the graduating classes of 1994, 2004 and 2014 to the College on Saturday 7 September 2024.

This is a free event. Please register here with your graduating year class.

Families are welcome to attend.

Drinks, nibbles, entertainment and school tours will be available on the day.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Radford College.

Circle 13 September on your diary and join us for the very popular Radford College Parents and Friends Trivia night.

Tickets for the go on sale on 1 July 2024.

Follow @RadfordCollegePF on Facebook and Instagram for details.

By Ms Sophie Chang, School Psychologist

The Radford Wellbeing Team will offer the Tuning in to Teens™ parenting program on campus over six sessions on Thursday evenings, from 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm, starting on 1 August and concluding on 5 September 2024.

Tuning in to Teens™ is a free evidence-based program using the principles of emotion intelligence and emotion coaching to enhance parenting skills. Over the course of the six sessions, the program aims to equip parents with the tools to engage in meaningful conversations with their teens about emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and adept conflict management within the home.

This program works with the principle of emotional intelligence.  Teens with higher emotional intelligence:

• are more aware, assertive, and strong in situations with peer pressure
• have greater success with making friends and are more able to manage conflict with peers
• are more able to cope when upset or angry
• have fewer mental health and substance abuse difficulties
• have more stable and satisfying relationships as adults
• have greater career success – emotional intelligence may be a better predictor of academic and career success than IQ. 

The aim of the program is to teach parents about how they can help their teenagers develop good emotional skills. For example:

• awareness of what emotions their teen is experiencing
• to view their teen’s emotions as opportunity to connect with them and guide them
• helping their teen identify and describe what they are feeling
• learn to listen to their teen’s problems without judgement
• strengthen their and their teen’s problem-solving skills and learning to cope with boundaries and limitations

This program is offered to parents with a student in Years 7 -12. Participants will be capped at approximately 12. If you wish to join us on this journey, please fill out this expression of interest form.

For further inquiries or to find out more about the program, send an email to Ms Sophie Chang.