This edition: 7 December 2011
Radford College Calendar: http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au/ical/week.php

 

Final News For 2011
In this final e-bulletin for 2011, I want to take the opportunity to inform the Radford community about a range of matters as we move towards the end of year celebrations. Although there will be numerous occasions for the community to gather and hear reflections of 2011 and the hopes for 2012 and beyond, in this letter I will make you aware of some other details that will be of interest.

As some of you may be aware, Mr George Negus was to have been our guest speaker at Awards Night this year, but unfortunately events will prevent him attending, which he greatly regrets.  The College is very grateful to Dr Andrew Leigh, MP who has most kindly accepted our invitation instead.  Dr Leigh is the Federal Member for Fraser and had a most distinguished career in education prior to his election to parliament, and we look forward to welcoming him to this event.

Junior School
I congratulate the Junior School staff, students and parents for the very successful transition to the new Year 4 Centre this year. We admitted a further 96 students into the Junior School, which was a challenge for everyone. I am very grateful to our Junior School for making this transition such a happy experience for everyone. The award winning Junior School Stage Two has been a marvellous asset to the learning experience.

As the year closes we offer our best wishes to a number of colleagues and students who will be moving on. Mr Nicolas Martin has been granted two years leave of absence to take up a senior leadership role in the Australian International School (Junior School) in Singapore. Mr Dan Mackay (Year 5) will leave us to travel to the same school in Singapore to further his career in another IB school. Ms Deborah Huff-Horwood (Kindergarten) will take leave of absence in 2012 to pursue further interests in the Arts. Ms Emily Campbell (Year 5) will take maternity leave, for which we wish her all joy and happiness. Ms Jo Rossiter will be leaving to return to her home city of Adelaide. Her work with the individual needs will be much missed. Letitia Kelly (Library Administration) is heading to Melbourne in 2012 and will leave us. Sadly, I must announce that Ms Tanya Stevenson, our Head of Early Years Education, will take up a new position at Canberra Grammar Junior School after seven years of excellent service, during which time she assisted in the formation of our ELC and Junior School learning climate. She has done a splendid job for Radford and we thank her without reserve.

These changes have necessitated a revision of structures in 2012. The loss of Mr Martin and Ms Stevenson in the same year is difficult, and Mr Southwell is keen to establish a smooth transition that strengthens our excellent Junior School educational strategies. Accordingly, there will be two Assistant Heads of Junior School (Pre K to Year 2, and Year 3 to Year 6). There will also be three PYP Team Leaders (Pre K to 2, Years 3 to 4, and Years 5 to 6) who will oversee curriculum and individualisation. Announcements about the people to fill these posts will be made in due course. Keen observers may have noticed the advertisements in the press on the weekend for the Assistant Head of Junior School positions.

Secondary School
There are a number of staff changes in 2012 occurring in the Secondary School. After a decade of excellent leadership, Mr Michael Lewthwaite will leave the Mathematics Department. We wish him all joy in this new phase of his career in Canberra. Ms Leanne Arnold will move to Townsville with her family after nearly 15 years of service to the Health/PE faculty. We are sorry to lose these long-standing colleagues and prayerfully wish them future happiness.

Ms Jennie Currie concludes her contract with us in the AD&T Faculty and we thank her for the hard work and support during 2011. Ms Alex Christian (H/PE) will return to Sydney in 2012 after two years of strong teaching at Radford. Ms Heidi Anthony (Music) will conclude her excellent work with us and relocate to another Independent school in Orange (NSW). Her leadership of the Music Faculty has been most impressive. We are delighted to welcome Ms Leanna McKean to take over as our Head of Music in 2012. Leanne will soon be returning to Canberra from London, where she won much praise as a Head of Music of her present school.

At the end of 2011, Mr Alan Pennicook will retire from his post as Music Administrator. Alan has been with us for a number of years both as a teacher and an administrator and his cheerful and effective presence will be missed by all.

The Radford community is aware that Mr John Leyshon will be concluding his time as our Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School at the end of Term One, 2012. There will soon be occasions to bid farewell to John, but as his final complete Year 12 finish their schooling career under his leadership, it is fitting to acknowledge his incalculable legacy with thankfulness and admiration. We will soon be welcoming Mr Allan Shaw to be our new Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School, and Mr Leyshon will ensure that the transition for our Senior Students is a smooth one. Mr Shaw is one of the few people I know who is a worthy successor to a person of Mr Leyshon’s standing.

A Second Entrance for Radford – the latest?
I want to thank the community for your patience in our negotiations with ACT Roads over the past year. You may be aware that we have been granted permission to construct a second vehicular entrance to the College, in this case to be located on Haydon Drive. We have subsequently been made aware of a proposal for significant bus works in our precinct that will have a direct bearing on our designs. We have been in discussions with contractors, consultants and representatives of ACTPLA and ACT Roads throughout the year. The issues are complex and detailed, but ultimately turn on safety for pedestrians and the speed of access for the public bus system that connects Belconnen with Civic. Quite properly, the interests of the University of Canberra also weigh into the matter. The University has developed a detailed Master Plan that forecasts an increase in student numbers and potentially greater usage of College Street. Radford College is considering how to proceed with our Development Application in a manner that is sympathetic to the needs of the Territory planning authorities, whilst still securing the much needed relief to the congestion we daily experience on College Street. I am very grateful to the overwhelming majority of drivers visiting Radford who demonstrate patience and good sense in this environment. Your support and care during the year makes an enormous difference. We believe there will soon be a solution to the daily grind.

Congratulations on National Volunteer Award for TeamSUPPORT

Congratulations to Radford's TeamSUPPORT group, which was successfully nominated by YMCA for a 2011 National Volunteer Award, for contribution to the "RAID" Basketball program which is designed for people with intellectual disabilities. TeamSUPPORT students and Radford staff members assist with this activity every Wednesday evening during term time, and Radford has been part of this program for five years. The award was presented by Senator Kate Lundy at a ceremony on Monday 5 December, and accepted on behalf of TeamSUPPORT by Luke Letcher and Andrew Yazidjoglou, pictured here with staff from YMCA ACT.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the many end-of-year events. May God bless you and keep you, and grant you rest, renewal and fulfilment at this wonderful time of the year.

Peace

END OF YEAR EVENTS
Please note the following arrangements for end-of-year events:

Speech Night - Junior School Years 1-6
Awards Night - Secondary Years 7-11
This year, BOTH events will be held on Tuesday 13 December at the National Convention Centre, 31 Constitution Avenue, CANBERRA (map with parking options)

JUNIOR - 4pm to 5pm
SECONDARY - 7pm to 9pm (or earlier).

Year 12 Graduation
Thursday 15 December
Chapel Service - 4:15pm at Radford College Chapel
Graduation ceremony - 5:30pm TB Milllar Hall at Radford College.

CANTEEN NEWS FOR JUNIOR AND SECONDARY FAMILIES
From: Linda Oakman, Canteen Manager

The provider of Radford’s On-Line Lunch ordering software, Flexischools will be upgrading their software over  the Christmas holiday break.  As part of this process, any recurring orders that have been requested will  be cancelled.  All monies associated with these orders will be credited back to the user’s account.Flexischool customers who have placed recurring orders need to be aware that you will need to reorder.  You will be able to start ordering online from Tuesday 7 February 2012.This upgrade will ensure that all users have access to current menus for the 2012 school year.

The 2012 Summer Menu will be available online through Flexischools or by following the link to the Canteen on the Radford Website from early February 2012.

From  Canteen staff we wish all students and their families a happy and safe festive season and holiday break.

Head of Junior School: Mr Paul Southwell
JS Reception: Mrs Kerrie Shevlin

Catch up with the latest Junior School News

The Junior School is supporting the Belconnen Community Centre with its Giving Tree appeal. Unwrapped presents new (or second hand toys in excellent condition), or non-perishable food items suitable for a Christmas hamper may be placed under the tree in the JS Reception area. 

Please take the time to read the rest of the Bulletin also, for "whole College" items.

College Nurse: Ms Karen Baker

 

Read about Measles

 

FROM THE HEAD OF LIBRARY
Mr Curtis Watson

Library closure for stocktaking - Mon 12 Dec & Tue 13 Dec
In order to perform stocktaking, the Secondary Library will be closed to students on Monday 12 December and Tuesday 13. Students will, however, be able to come in to return items borrowed from the Library.

Should any parent feel that their son or daughter will need to use the Library for educational purposes in non-class time during the period of closure, they should contact the Head of Library, Curtis Watson, on 6162 6207 or at library@radford.act.edu.au, to make arrangements.

Students continuing at Radford next year are able to borrow library resources over the holidays, but should do this before the closure date.

 

FROM HEAD OF HIGH SCHOOL
Mr Peter Dodd

The Giving Tree (Years 7 to 10)

The High School is again supporting the Belconnen Community Centre with its Giving Tree appeal. To support the appeal, students should bring in a present to place under the tree.  They take this to their tutor group and then arrange to  take the presents to the library. Presents should be new (or second hand toys in excellent condition). Students can also bring in non-perishable food items suitable for a Christmas hamper. Gifts should NOT be wrapped please.

Anyone who brings in an item for the giving tree is then able to wear “non-uniform” on Friday 9 December.  
The theme for the day will be “red and green”. The following dress rules apply on non-uniform days:

• The normal school rules apply regarding hair, jewellery and makeup.
• Clothing worn on the day should be modest.  Shirts with offensive slogans, short skirts or shorts or bare midriffs are not permitted.
• Enclosed, sturdy footwear must be worn.
• Normal PE uniform is to be worn for PE, and safety requirements still apply in practical subjects.

Students who arrive at school wearing inappropriate clothing will be sent home to change.  Parents are asked to assist us by ensuring their children are appropriately dressed.

FROM THE VISUAL ARTS COORDINATOR
Mr Rob Riley

Congratulations to the following senior students who have had their work selected by the Exhibitions Coordinator at the Belconnen Arts Centre for inclusion in the 2011 College Express Exhibition.

Brianna Williams Yr 11
Erik Sherman Yr 12
Jason Daly Yr 12
Mikaela Sloan Yr 12
April Suen Yr 12
Portia Condell Yr 11
Zoe Karouzos Yr 12
Jessica Page Yr 11
Christos Himonas Yr 12
Martina Wylie Yr 11, and
Sophie Nguyen Yr 11

College Express is an exhibition curated by the Belconnen Arts Centre which showcases the best senior students' work from Colleges across the Belconnen and Gungahlin areas. The exhibition opening is on this Friday Dec 9 at 6pm in the Belconnen Arts Centre and the exhibition runs until 15 Jan 2012. The Gallery hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.Invitation attached.

Reflection: Nothing’s insignificant 
From the Chaplain: Rev. Dr Brett Morgan   

Carols Service at Radford Chapel
Date: Sunday 11 December
Time: 7:00 pm

Everyone is most welcome to join us to celebrate the message of Christmas with this special service of carols and readings, which will feature items by our wonderful Radford choirs and musicians.

HOD Performing Arts: Mr Nick Akhurst

Year 10 2011 presents Shakespeare at the Oscars
Come see your favourite films get the Shakespearean treatment!

Performances: TONIGHT Wednesday 7 Dec & Thursday 8 Dec 7pm TB Millar Hall
Tickets: $10.00 selling in the quads or purchase at the door.

Acting HOD Music : Ms Heidi Anthony
Music Administrator: Mr Allan Pennicook

FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC

Carols Service - Sunday 11th December 7pm Radford Chapel
Please help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by joining us for this family focused Christmas Celebration.  This years Carols Service will feature members of the Boys, College and Chamber Choirs.  Students in these groups are to meet at 6.30pm in the PAC for a warm up. Please feel free to invite friends and family to join in this joyous event.

Awards Ceremonies – For all students involved in Award Ceremonies next Tuesday, could you please make sure that you have read carefully all correspondence sent out in recent weeks.


FROM THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR

Just to keep you up to date on what is happening in the last few weeks of school:

. With the exception of those students involved in Awards Ceremonies, all rehearsals finish this week (Week 8).
. If you are returning your Radford hire instrument, could you please do so straight after your last rehearsal or performance.
. If you wish to re-hire your instrument for 2012 it is important that you complete a 2012 Instrument Hire Form which you can pick up from the Music Admin Office.
. Better Music are doing some good deals on Yamaha Instruments at the moment. Please contact Kerry at Better Music and mention that you are from Radford.
. Should you decide to purchase to an instrument over the holidays, just return your hired instrument by the beginning of Term 1.
. No Semester 1 hire fee will apply to instruments returned by Friday 3rd February.
. Unless otherwise arranged with your Instrumental Studies Tutor all private lessons will finish up at the end of this week.
. If you wish to reserve a place with your tutor for next year could you please submit a 2012 Instrumental Studies Lesson Application Form as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

HOD: Mr Peter Haynes    
Administrators: Mr Brad Luhrs, Mr Peter Wallensky, Mr Anthony Pardy

For latest Sports News, please visit the Sports Rad Net section and enter your user ID and password.

Football Roadshow
Come and meet the members of the Canberra United Westfield W-League football team. The media will also be present and will be interviewing students. Posters and free tickets to their next game will be handed out.

Where: Radford Pavilion
Date: Thursday, 8th December 
Time: Lunchtime 1.05-1.50pm 

FLYER

Please send submissions for this section to the relevant staff member for approval and noting.
SPORT - Peter Haynes; PERFORMING ARTS - Nick Akhurst; ACADEMIC - Head of School; COMMUNITY - Richard Browning; COCURRICULAR - George Huitker

Science
http://www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/pdf/ICAS2011_Program_NSW-ACT.pdf

Congratulations to Zachary Gan (4RPB) and Matthew Gerathy (12DEF) who were awarded medals in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) for achieving the highest scores in their year level in Science.

Tae Kwon Do
Congratulations to Abbie Hanbridge (4JG), gained a club black belt in Tae Kwon Do from Impact Martial Arts junior program.

                        

 

PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION INC.
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Date: Thursday 23 February 2012
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: The Pavilion at Radford College

Nominations for the Management Committee are to be lodged at the College's Main Reception by 4 pm on Wednesday 22 February 2012 (the day prior to the AGM). Nomination form

Please note that the Constitution requires a quorum of not fewer than 20 members at the AGM, so please note this meeting in your diary and come along! The meeting is generally concluded by 8:00pm, so it's not a long event.

HOLIDAY TOUCH TYPING COURSE
Canberra Grammar School will be holding a holiday Touch Typing Course between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Monday 30th January - Friday 3rd February.
The course will be available for secondary school students. The cost will be $100 per student, with a limit of 25 students.

 For further details please contact Jane L’Estrange either by phone:  6260 9743 or by email:  JLE@cgs.act.edu.au

LOST PROPERTY
Lost property will be on display in Main Reception from Wednesday 30 November to Tuesday 3 January. Please take the time to check if any of these items are yours!

Canteen menu (Junior and Senior)

RADFORD COLLEGE UNIFORMS
Online facility www.macschoolwear.com.au
Please contact MacDonald's directly with any queries about using or purchasing from the site.

Phone :02 6251 2660
Fax : 02 6251 2901
Email : info@macschoolwear.com.au
Web: www.macschoolwear.com.au
Shop location: Jamison Plaza, Bowman Street, Macquarie

WHERE TO BUY UNIFORMS
 Radford uniforms Years 5 -12 are available from the College Shop, Macdonald at Jamison, and the new store in Gungahlin (in The G, upstairs).
 Sports gear and ELC to Year 4 uniforms are ONLY available from the College Uniform Shop or online.
 All Radford uniforms are also available from our Online Store www.macschoolwear.com.au

COLLEGE UNIFORM SHOP HOURS - FOR TERM 4

DAY	Term 4
Monday	2:30 pm – 5.30 pm
Tuesday	2:30 pm – 5.30 pm
Wednesday	8:30 am – 5:30pm
Thursday	2.30-5.30pm
Friday	1:00 pm – 5.30 pm