Staff Insights
By Mr Andy Gordon
Over the past sixteen months, I have been honoured to serve as Interim Principal of Radford College.
One of my goals in this role was to be an approachable presence in our community. Whether sharing moments with students in the playgrounds, attending parent events, being in the front row at concerts, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting our staff in their work, I have enjoyed every opportunity that I’ve had to connect with the people who make up the Radford community. I hope this has helped build a strong sense of trust and collaboration throughout our College.
I am particularly thankful for the opportunity to have served during the College’s 40th year. This milestone gave us all a unique opportunity to reflect on Radford’s history, celebrate its achievements, and renew our commitment to its future. It was a year where we celebrated the opening of world-class facilities like the Collegians Centre, Boorer Family Cricket Centre, and the Baker Family Sports Precinct. These are spaces that inspire learning, foster belonging, provide students with a place to hone their skills, and build community.
I have been proud to lead a community that embraces tradition, effort, innovation, service and achievement. We have strengthened our commitment to sustainability through initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations and the School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), earning recognition as Sustainable School of the Year in 2023. We’ve also enhanced learning experiences through programs like the Eden Canoes Project, IB Primary Years Programme Exhibitions, cultural and sporting experiences, language immersion exchanges and the re-invigoration of the G-trips.
Leading Radford has taught me so much about the power of collaboration, the importance of relationships, and the potential of every young person when they are supported by dedicated educators and families.
We are now in the process of welcoming Mr Christopher Bradbury as the next Principal of Radford College. Christopher brings exceptional experience from his time leading Northholm Grammar School. I am confident that under his leadership, the College will continue to thrive and achieve continued success, and I look forward to supporting him in his transition.
Yesterday, I had a front row seat to the graduating Class of 2024's last day at the College. They attended their last Chapel service led by Reverend Dr Katherine Rainger and Reverend Andy Fleming which concluded with the traditional Avenue of Honour.
All Radford College students and staff lined up to bid them farewell and wish them good luck for the future. Our youngest students sent them on their way with a heart-warming rendition of An Irish Blessing. The words could not have been more suited to the occasion and echoes my own wishes for this group of young people as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
All the best,
Andy
By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain
The Season of Advent begins on Sunday. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation as we prepare for the mystery of Christmas: God has come amongst us in the person of Jesus Christ.
I have been sharing Advent Godly Play stories with Pre-Kindergarten students whose wonder and delight is a gift. I wonder what traditions your family will nurture this Advent that will be a blessing to you and to others?
During Advent, we are invited on a metaphorical journey to Bethlehem, the place of Christ’s birth. In 2013 I was fortunate enough to spend time in Bethlehem in a literal sense. Visiting Shepherds' Field, where tradition says the angels gave the message to come and see the Christ child laid in a manger, and the Church of the Nativity, were among the special moments.
It was also poignant learning, sharing meals and worshipping with residents of Bethlehem. I saw the way checkpoints, home demolitions and water restrictions were part of daily life.
Today the situation is even more dire. The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza is immense. In the West Bank, life is increasingly filled with violence and loss. Israelis are living with uncertainty and grief. We have seen the destruction of war spread to Lebanon. A way forward with peace, justice, security, and human rights for all seems out of reach.
Dr Bishara Awad is the founder of Bethlehem Bible College. His memoir published in 2021, Yet in the Dark Streets Shining: A Palestinian Story of Hope & Resilience, co-written with Mercy Aiken, is a remarkable story of one family’s determination to survive in difficult circumstances while also serving those around them. The book concludes as follows:
My thoughts circled back to our students. What would become of them? What would they experience during their lifetimes? I was getting older. How would the college survive and grow into the future?
How would the gospel of Jesus Christ grow and continue to make an impact in this land?
These last questions remained a concern. In answer, I could only take the abundant faith God had given me and stretch it into the future, over the generations yet to come. Here in this difficult place where it all began, where heaven and earth first came together in Jesus Christ. The rule of our humble king was not established through dominion or violence, but through self-giving love and servanthood. His upside-down reign was a sure and certain kingdom that, as we participate in it, turns the world right-side up and transforms everything back to its truest image.
Even Palestinians. Even Israelis.
Amid so much suffering, Bishara’s words demonstrate that another way is possible. Lord, may it be so.
Donations to Anglicans in Development Al Ahli Hospital Emergency Appeal can be made here.
News
By Mrs Alyssa Maier, IBDP Coordinator, and Mrs Alison Steven, Acting Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
It was all smiles as we met with our IBDP Class of 2024 on Monday. Between them our students completed over 60 exams in a three-week period ending on 11 November. We are immensely proud of their determination, resilience and care for each other as they worked through their exams. The students felt positive about their exams and enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills attained over the past two years of learning.
We are very pleased that this year our cohort will receive their IBDP and ATAR results in December, in line with their broader Year 12 cohort. We are confident they are ready and able to share their truth, compassion and wisdom with the world!
By Mrs Amanda Marshall, Head of Creative Arts
Thank you to all of those who attended the CASE (Creative Arts Senior Exhibition) in the Morison Centre on 6 November. The CASE is the annual celebration of the work our Senior School students in creative arts created over the course of the year.
The course in Semester 1 was 'Creativity' and involved students creating works that were imaginative and innovative using a selected medium. In Semester 2 students created works following the theme of 'Communicating Meaning'. Students created sculptural, etching, stencilling, collage, painted and even crocheted works. Media works included an interactive sound scape and a video.
It was a delight to see parents, students and staff come and celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 and 12 creative arts students. We were also very fortunate to see the extraordinary work of our own teacher and artist, Ms Dimity Kidston, on display.
Congratulations to our graduating Year 12 creative arts students. Thank you for the way you have all passionately engaged in the enriching process of making, and so doing, inspired one another and our community. We are looking forward to 2025 and the opportunity to explore new approaches to making and the much-anticipated return of the photography course.
By Dr Rebecca Barlow, Head of Transition
On Wednesday last week we welcomed all students new to the College to complete ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) testing, meet their peers, and become familiar with some of the fantastic spaces around the school.
The middle of the day was punctuated by music, games, and a sausage sizzle where we were joined by the 2025 Year 12 buddies of Year 7 students, 2025 Prefects and College Captains, and students chosen from across other year groups to host our visitors.
We were also lucky enough to be joined by Radford’s Year 6 cohort, who will also join the Secondary School next year.
Radford College is committed to supporting all students new to the College to enjoy a smooth transition and be warmly welcomed into our school. See you all again in 2025!
Canberra Junior Tennis League results
In recent weeks, the Canberra Junior Tennis leagues have concluded their spring season, and Radford tennis is proud to celebrate the achievements of our young players. This spring, Radford fielded three teams across the Yellow Ball and Green Ball competitions, with exciting results.
Our Green Ball teams included several new players taking on the challenge of their first competitive tennis season. It’s been exciting to watch their growth and development in the competitive environment, and we look forward to seeing them improve even further in future seasons.
A standout performance came from our Yellow Ball team, the Division 6 Hawks. On Sunday, 17 November, the Hawks secured an impressive victory in their finals match against Manuka Tennis Club 2, completing an undefeated run through the entire season. The team, which included both experienced competitive players and newcomers to Yellow Ball competitions, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. We would like to extend our congratulations to Shaun Freebairn-Yap (Year 9, Boronia), Milaan Gera (Year 8, Wandoo), Rohan Jain (Year 6, Huon), Hugh Wyborn (Year 8, Huon) and Saharsh Yelamanchili (Year 8, Wandoo) for their contributions to Radford tennis. Their dedication and effort were key to the team’s success.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to see our teams return to the courts for more competitive action. We can't wait to see how our players continue to grow and achieve new milestones in the upcoming seasons.
Coaches attend Football NSW Coaching Conference
Six football and futsal coaches from Radford College attended the Football NSW Coaching Conference at Valentine Sports Park over the weekend including Dianne Wilson, Tony Olivera, Carol Harper, Sam Greatorex, Miranda Davis and Amalia Edevane.
Presenters included former Socceroos coach, Graham Arnold and the technical director of Brazilian club, Vasco da Gama, Gabriel Bussinger.
Gabriel provided insights into Brazilian football methodology, including the importance of the game of futsal in the development of players.
Coerver Coaching ACT Holiday Camps – Registrations now open
Coerver® Coaching Holiday Camps offer a fun filled soccer experience for children aged 5 years and older.
Dates:
Wednesday 11 December – Friday 13 December
J.A. Mackinnon Oval, Radford College
Times: Each session will run from 9.00 am – 12.00 pm.
Please read this flyer for more information on how to register.
