WEEKLY e-BULLETIN - 10 February 2010

FROM THE PRINCIPAL - Mr Phillip Heath

I write this little note to the community as we move into the second week of term in the New Year. I want to thank all students, staff and families for the bright start to the academic year. In later newsletters I will make a few observations regarding the “My School” Website and Radford’s standing amongst schools around the country. For the moment, however, I want to focus more on the things that have been happening here within our own community.

The total College enrolment in 2010 exceeds 1530 students from Pre K to Year 12. All years are fully enrolled, with extensive waiting lists in key entry points for many years ahead. This is a testament to the strong standing of the College in the Canberra community and beyond. However, it is not a time to be complacent and idle. Like all schools, we face considerable challenges in curriculum reform and the constant need to improve performance. But I must be careful in what I say here. According to children’s author and sometime contributor to the Sydney Morning Herald opinion columns, John Marsden, school principals are to be avoided and rarely listened to. In his column entitled “For good schools, forget the net, try the toilets” in last weekend’s edition (with tongue in cheek I hope) he wrote:

Also, ignore anything the principal tells you. These people are better spinners than Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan combined. As a matter of courtesy you might have to endure an interview with the principal, but get it over with as quickly as possible.

Although I confess to be mildly irritated to read such things from a person whose writing camps I have sent my students to in the past, I take the point very seriously that schools are becoming subject to market forces and hype. I suppose that principals need to remain principled about being real.

We were very pleased to welcome more than 150 new students to Radford and I am very glad to see how well they have settled in. The new academic year has brought with it new opportunities for everyone to set goals and make a fresh start. The first few days have been encouraging and I am pleased to see the level of purpose evident in all parts of the College. It is important that we offer a warm welcome to our new families and help them feel connected to the community here at Radford.

A considerable amount of maintenance work occurred over the holidays. The Food Technology classroom is being refurbished with the assistance of the National School Pride funds and will be completed by the end of February. I am grateful to the students and staff for their flexibility during the months without their classrooms. They now know a lot about how to barbeque! Work is progressing on the Junior School Stage 2 project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of Term 3 this year. This new facility will provide an additional four classrooms, an amenities block, an Arts/Science teaching space, car parking and staff accommodation for Year 5 and the Junior School. In turn, this will open up some space in the Middle Years section of the College and enhance the High School generally.

In conjunction with the CSIRO, we have installed a weather station that will gather data pertaining to the efficiency of the solar panels located near to the turning circle. It is exciting to see Radford take part in a data tracking scheme around Australia. Our own students also are able to access this ‘net data for their own Science studies.

Considerable work has been done to upgrade some classrooms in the High School and Senior School. We have a rolling pattern of classroom refurbishment (about 5 each time). Senior School students will have noticed new outside benches and newly painted awnings, which have made a big difference to their environment. While you are waiting in the Radford car lines, glance up at the Chapel and see the way the “blade” looks now that is has been repainted to its intended colour.

Our excellent ground staff and maintenance team have also put the summer “down time” to good use. The ovals continue to be well managed and, despite the lack of rainfall, look alive through the use of water from our storage tanks and more drought resistant grasses. They have also been working with our ELC staff to design and construct a new play area for the Pre K and K children in their yard. The children were very excited to see the developments when they returned and can’t wait to begin exploring the little paths and forests that have been set down.

I thank the Prefects and House Captains for their various Retreats that took place just before the start of term, under the guidance of Mr Leyshon and Mr Haynes respectively. The Year 11 Camp, held at Jindabyne, was an important way for students to commence their time in the Senior School and I am grateful to the staff and students for making this happen. As I write this note, Year 7 and Year 5 are both away on their annual camp. I trust that it will be a time to build up memories and learn about themselves and their peer group.

West Side Story rehearsals are now in full swing. I am delighted by the progress the students are making to learn this challenging piece of theatre. It promises to be a great show in April. Likewise, I thank students, parents and staff for the Rowing Camp and for the many hours they have already contributed to rowing this season.

Bishop Stuart Robinson was kind enough to attend our Secondary School Commencement Service and Assembly last week. Congratulations to all Prefects and to the School Captains and Vice Captains Elect. They have already been away on camp helping the Year 7s settle into College life. RAS has recommenced with a new vision for 2010 and new programs about to be launched. The Junior School staff is hard at work re-establishing routines for the children, who seem to be responding very positively. Summer sport has resumed and there is an easy sense of normality in the air. Let’s hope some rain falls again soon.

I bid a sad but grateful farewell to the Principal’s EA, Ms Jane Mackinnell, who retires this week. She has been a wonderful support and I thank her. We welcome Ms Claire Waters to this role and look forward to her time at Radford. Enjoy the challenges ahead. Peace

FROM THE CHAPLAINS
Dr Pene Brook

Some time ago, I happened to tune into a presentation on ABC radio concerning the relationship of memory and time. While I don’t remember the presenter’s name, I was fascinated by what he argued. He claimed that memory and time are intrinsically linked so that less memories means a perception of slower time and more memories means a perception of faster time. This means that time really does appear to pass faster the older and busier you become and that time does appear to drag for the young and the bored. So what does this mean for us in our busy lives? Are we thoughtlessly throwing away precious time? For me, it was reminder to us to savour the moment, to go a little more gently, compassionately and thoughtfully, to reconsider my priorities and make each moment count.

Prayer:
Loving God, grant to us this day and every day
Such readiness and delight in this life you have given us,
That whether our lives be short or long,
We will have lived thoughtfully, compassionately, joyfully and abundantly. Amen.  

And a thought from Michael Leunig...
How to Get There
Go to the end of the path until you get
to the gate.
Go through the gate and head straight
Out towards the horizon.
Keep going towards the horizon.
Sit down and have a rest every now and again,
But keep on going, just keep on with it.
Keep on going as far as you can.
That’s how you get there.
(Michael Leunig, Poems, 1972-2002) 

Tuesday Morning Prayer Group - 8am in the Chapel
Everyone is welcome!

"Saturday Sunset" - STARTS THIS SATURDAY
This year, the second Saturday of every month will be the time for gathering in the College chapel at 5.30pm for Saturday Sunset. If you are looking for a church for your family, come and check out Saturday Sunset, for great music, great people and great preaching. Join the families who already call it home. First service Saturday 13 February, preacher Fr Richard Browning.

FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL
Information Evening for Year 9 Parents - Equip Schools
Friday 19 February from 5:30 - 6:15pm, Lecture Theatre
This year, Radford College is partnering with Equip Schools to deliver a skills-based program designed to foster student support and development in the areas of personal management, academic skills and career opportunities. Parents are warmly invited to attend an information session on Friday 19th February from 5:30 - 6:15pm in the Lecture Theatre.

The student program has an online component and involves several workshops throughout the year. Parents will receive information about implementing the program and will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to how they can work with their son/daughter to best effect the outcomes. Further information will soon be sent to parents' nominated e-mail accounts. Ms S van Strien - Assistant Head of High School

FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Catch up on Junior School news in the fortnightly Junior School newsletter and see the item on Orienteering for children in the Community News section below.

From ACT Health Protection Service
ACT Health has issued an advice to all school regarding H1N1("Swine Flu") measures. Please take the time to read this information.

FROM THE COLLEGE NURSE
Good Health Preparation for School
Here are some tips to give your teenagers a good start to the school year. Encourage them to have

• an adequate amount of sleep. Limit stimulating activities, eg no computer games before bed. Encourage them to do their homework early in the evening.
• some form of daily exercise. Try riding a bike or walking to or from school. Cocurricular sport is ideal, for activity and building friendships.
• a healthy breakfast. Cereal, toast, fruit and a drink of milk, juice or water are easy options. Juice boxes, fruit and toast are also portable for eating in the car.
• enough water to drink through out the day. School age children should drink 1.5- 2L per day, more in hot weather. Children don’t need sports drinks on a regular basis.
• applied sunscreen to their face, neck, arms and legs each morning.
• a hat. The P&F are providing canteen incentives for students Yrs 7- 12 to encourage hat wearing at school.

FROM THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT
Applications are now open for Secondary Bursary Scheme available through the ACT Department of Education and Training. Applications close 28 February 2010. (The College Bursary Contact Officer is Ms D Manley 6162 6202)

FROM THE HEAD OF STUDENT PATHWAYS
Click here to access all the latest information on university courses, scholarships and admission information, further training, Australian School Based Apprenticeships (ASBAs), apprenticeships, Gap Year opportunities, job vacancies and more. . .

Below is a full list of the items included in this week's Student Pathways bulletin. It is strongly recommended that ALL students and/or their parents from the High School and Senior School regularly check this section of the bulletin.

New to the Careers Room
Pathways Presentations at Radford
Veterinary Science Open Day 2010 at the University of Melbourne
Do you want to do a UK tutorship in 2011?
Do you want to sail on the Young Endeavour in 2010?
Times Higher Education University Rankings
Raffles College of Design and Commerce New Degree - Bachelor of Accountancy
Whitehouse Institute of Design
GERRIC gifted student holiday workshops at UNSW
Letz Live GAP year opportunities
Lattitude 2011 – Gap Year Opportunities
NSW Police Career Day
Taronga Zoo's Work Experience program
Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia - learn to fly scholarship competition
AOPA and Airservices Australia Flying Training Scholarships
Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASBAs)
Employment Information for School Students – know your rights
Diary Dates

FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Rehearsals and Lessons
Rehearsals and lessons started this week. Congratulations to all those students who attended their first rehearsal and lesson!

• A reminder that all students having lessons must have an Instrumental Music Lesson Diary. This is their "leave pass" to go to their lessons and an excellent way to keep lines of communication open between student, tutor and parent. Students who do not yet have a diary can receive one from their tutor.

• Students who are going to be absent from rehearsals must notify their manager in writing. This can be done via email.

• For Years 5 and 7 students in the Beginner Instrumental Program, the start date is the week commencing Monday 15 February.  A list of students will be put up in the PAC on Thursday 11 February.

Beginner Instrumental Program 2010 – There are limited places still available in the BIP for Bassoon, Trumpet, Euphonium and Tuba. Any students in Years 5,6 & 7 who are interested should see Mr. Irving or Mr. Marston in the PAC ASAP.

Radford Community Music Program 2010 - The Radford Community Music Program will be launched on the 1st March 2010. In addition to our current Music program, we are inviting all Collegians, Staff, Parents and Friends to join a Choir, Symphony Orchestra or Big Band. We will be also offering master classes throughout the year. To express your interest and find out more about the program, please email Benn Sutcliffe. bennysuts@gmail.com

Instrumental Studies – 19 February marks the last date students must notify their tutor and the Head of Music of their desire to discontinue lessons in Term 2.

Instrument Hire – If you wish to hire an instrument could you please see Music Administrator Mr Pennicook in the PAC office for a loan form.

Choirs, Band, Orchestra and Ensembles - All lists are on the downstairs PAC noticeboard next to the rehearsal room.  Please check that your details are correct. If you wish to join or re-join a choir or an ensemble just to turn up on the day and have your name added to the list.  

Big Bands – Both Big Bands start next week

Daily Notices – The daily notices are often the best way for the Music Department to send out urgent information.  Please make sure you check the Daily Notices each day for what’s on, when and where, in the Music Department. Alternatively, go to the co-curricular music page on the intranet http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au/cocurricular/cocurricular.php

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT
Sports News
For latest news, please visit the cocurricular Intranet link at http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au and enter your user ID and password.

Football – Coaching and Refereeing Courses
Upcoming Capital Football Coaching Courses can be found at http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/site/coachingcalendar.php. A beginners Referee course will also be held on 13 and 20 March at Radford College. The registration form can be found on the Capital Football website.

Football Trials
Trials will be held for the U11, U12, U13, U14, U15 & U16 boys and girls on Sunday, 21 February from 9am -12 noon at Radford. More information regarding exact trial times for each age group will be available shortly. Please check the Football intranet page for updates.

Football Season Dates - Junior League
The first round of the Junior league kicks off on Saturday 1 May. The season finishes Saturday 4th September.
Important Dates:
Sat 26 June, Round 9- last round of JL matches before 3 week break
Sunday 4 -Friday 9 July - Kanga Cup
U18/16PL Men and Women start 10/11 April
If you would like to receive the Football E-Bulletin please email Tom Wodzinski at tomwodz@pcug.org.au.

Friends of Radford Football - Information Evening 18 February 2010 - The Pavilion
Friends of Radford Football (FORF) invite all football players and their families to an important information evening and BBQ, to be held at the College Pavilion. Please join us for a picnic sausage sizzle @ 6pm, an information presentation @ 6:30pm and a Celebrity football match @ 7pm on the main oval. All food and drink will be provided by FORF. You’ll learn more about playing football at Radford, FORF, Representative opportunities and what is planned for 2010. RSVP by Monday 15 February to Cymantha Cantrill @ Cymantha.Cantrill@ed.act.edu.au   Flyer attached. Please note that this function is in the Pavilion, not TB Millar Hall as previously advised in the Principal's Newsletter. The event in TB Millar Hall is the Rugby Information session (see below).

Rugby Registration & information Evening
The annual Radford Rugby Registration & Information Evening will be held on Thursday 18 February, in the TB Millar Hall and MacKinnon Oval. Please note that the TB Millar Hall is a new venue for this event. The evening will include a free BBQ, guest speakers and Brumbies players, information for players and parents as well as skills activities and games for prospective players.

Any students interested in playing in 2010, as well as their parents, are encouraged to attend, even if you haven’t already registered. Details can be found on the Rugby page of the Intranet.

Snowsports Information Evening - THIS THURSDAY
Thursday 11 February 7pm in The Pavilion
Parents and students welcome to attend.

Chess
This year Radford is lucky to be able to offer two chess coaching groups. Hungarian Andras Toth, an International Chess Master, will be coaching on Tuesdays afternoons for an hour from 3.45pm to 4.45pm and Romanian Chess Coach Endre Ambrus is coaching elite students with rating over 800 on Friday afternoons from 3.40pm to 5.30pm. Different fees apply for each group.

Spaces are limited in both classes.  For students wanting to join the elite group please contact Jenny Mason at jennymason99@yahoo.com.au. Students from other schools will also be invited to this group. This group starts from week 1 (5 Feb). For students wanting to join Andras' classes please contact Brad Luhrs at Brad.Luhrs@radford.act.edu.au. Andras' group starts in the 3rd week of term.

Netball
Radford Gold will begin training from Thursday, February 18 at UC.

2010 Trial Dates - All trials held in the school gym.  All students are expected to attend and need to sign up on the sheet on the Netball notice board outside the Sports Centre.  Contact rachelle.hayward@radford.act.edu.au if you are unable to make any of the dates.

Intermediate    Yrs 8-10    Saturday Feb 13, 1pm-3pm
                       Yrs 7-10    Sunday Feb 14, 3pm-5pm
                       Yr 7          Saturday Feb 20, 8am-10am
Juniors             Yrs 5-6    Saturday Feb 20, 8am-10am
                       Yrs 5-6    Sunday Feb 21, 11am-1

Hockey Training
Pre-season training for all hockey players will begin in week 3. Training will be held on Wednesday afternoons at Lyneham from 4-5pm. A bus will transport students from school and parents will need to pick them up from the Hockey Centre. If there is a clash with summer sport training, the summer sport takes priority.
Training will return to Tuesdays and Thursdays in Term 2.

Tennis
The Secondary Schools Singles Tennis Event will be held during the first week in March.  Students need to see Ms Hayward if they would like to compete.  Registrations close on Friday 19 February.

FROM THE P&F Login to visit the P&F page on the Radford College Intranet

Radford Celebrates Art Café - Can you help?
The Art Show committee is seeking a parent/parents who would be interested in taking on the running of the Art Show Café over the weekend of May 14-16, as Elaine and Brent at the Oaks Brassiere, Yarralumla have signalled they should hand on the reins. We offer them our deep thanks for their unstinting support with this in the past. Catering experience and/or actively managing a café is desired. Plenty of good publicity available. Please contact Hannah Baudert by e-mail or on 0412 279 788.

P&F ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR 2010

• Secretary – Nomination for this role needed by 17 February for AGM 18 February.
  Our current Secretary is not able to continue in this important role, due to personal commitments. This role requires about 4 hours per week, including minute preparation. The College provides support such as photocopying.
  
  
• Assistant Treasurer – Nomination for this role needed by 17 February for AGM 18 February.
  The current Assistant Treasurer has served the maximum term in this role. The current Treasurer is staying on and the current Assistant Treasurer will also still be in the P&F to assist the new Assistant Treasurer. The involvement is less than an hour per month, and with some time at both the Fete and ‘Radford Celebrates Art’ events.
  
  
• APFACTS representative (1 needed and 1 staying on) – The Association of Parents and Friends (ACT) is the body which lobbies the Territory and Federal Governments on behalf of the independent schools. Radford College has always been a strong supporter of APFACTS and has two representatives. Each representative's commitment would be a 2 hour (evening) commitment 3 to 4 times a year.
  
  
• Twilight Fete Convenors – The Fete is the largest P&F activity, and new Convenors are required. As well as the work on the day of the Fete, the work will take about 10 days effort over the 6 months before the Fete. The previous Convenors have documented the process and are available to guide the new convenors.
  

So please, make a difference to the Radford College Community by being actively involved in the P&F this year. If you would like to discuss any of the roles above please do not hesitate to contact Tim Cowley on 0429 452 081, or email P&F.

IMPORTANT NOTICES for P&F
Radford College Parents’ and Friends Association Inc - Special General Meeting (SGM) Thursday 18 February 2010, 7:30 pm TB Millar Hall
A Special General Meeting of the P&F Association is to be held to approve amendments to the Constitution of the Association. A quorum of at least 20 members is required to adopt a revised constitution for the Radford P&F New Constitution.

Annual General Meeting - Thursday 18 February 2010, TB Millar Hall following SGM after 7:30 pm
The Annual General Meeting will immediately follow the SGM. This will include a report by the President and election of office bearers for 2010. Nominations for the Committee are invited, and are to be lodged with the President or the Secretary by 4pm Wednesday 17 February 2010
  
COMMUNITY NEWS
Anglican Historical Society - Professor Tony Vinson will present a public lecture on talk Bishop Mesac Thomas, first Bishop of Goulburn, and the development of Goulburn, at St Saviour’s Cathedral, Goulburn, on Friday 12 March 2010 beginning at 7.30 p.m. Flyer

ORIENTEERING ACT - Note: Special event for children - WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY
Orienteering ACT will be running their regular Wednesday Twilight event from St Thomas More Primary School, White Crescent, Campbell (UBD/YP 60:A5). This is a great opportunity for children to try an active outdoor alternative sport in the safety of a local neighbourhood. Three standard courses will be available on the CAMPBELL PARKLANDS map (scale 1:5,000). In addition, a course will be available particularly suitable for young children. It will be a large scale map (1:2500) and the course will have no roads to cross. Organisers: Poland Family for Bushflyers, OACT and can be contacted on 6247 8785 if you have any questions.