WEEKLY e-BULLETIN - 28 April 2010
FROM THE PRINCIPAL -
Mr Phillip Heath
Welcome Back to Term Two
I am very glad to welcome all students, staff and families back to Radford College for Term Two 2010. I trust that everyone was able to enjoy a restful mid-semester break. I enjoyed a few days in Melbourne visiting my son, before returning to West Side Story rehearsals and sundry school duties. Although schools are normally quiet and almost surreal in holiday periods, this was far from the case in the April holidays this year. Between building matters and rehearsals, overseas trips and visitors, the break seemed to be a very short one for many people in the College. Despite this busy-ness, I am pleased to feel the positive tone that has students and staff have brought back to Radford at the start of term. It is a real delight to see everyone here again.
New Staff
We are delighted to welcome two new teaching staff members this term:
Ms Alex Christian (replacing Ms J Winchester, who is on LSL for Term Two) will teach PE and Health in Term Two. A beginning teacher, she brings an outstanding academic background into her classroom and will make a strong contribution to us during her stay.
Ms Robijn Alexanda (who replaces Dr D Cohen in the History Department). Ms Alexanda is a very capable teacher who comes from an Art History background. Part of her field of study has been the arts arising from Asian religions, which will assist her preparation for teaching the Senior Asian History program.
We are fortunate to secure two excellent teachers to fill these positions.
Information Technology
During the break, a major upgrade of IT resources occurred. The IT team has worked immensely hard during the break to complete some important remediation work, and to stabilise our present servers. By all accounts, it has been a massive task and I thank all people involved for their dedication. It is possible that some disruption to services may occur for a few days while things settle down. For the most part, these changes will be largely unnoticed by the community. However, they represent very important remediation of our IT platform.
West Side Story is about to go on stage
The cast, orchestra and crew have been working very hard to produce a memorable show. Please come along and support them. I particularly thank the indefatigable Nick Akhurst, Joel Copeland, Heidi Anthony, Dylan Mordike, Daniel Ferri and Marnie Lehmann, who invested huge hours over the week to get everything ready. Any glitches in the show will not be of their making! The students have been a delight in every possible way. The Senior students have been working with the large cast with patience and dedication. The Technical Crew have invested many hours behind the scenes to get things right. There is some wonderful acting, brilliant dancing and quite stunning music. I am also very grateful to the parents of the cast and crew for all your support and encouragement.
Come along and be impressed again by what Radford kids can do. At the time of writing there were still a few tickets left for the evening performances and plenty of space in the Matinee. Don’t miss West Side Story. The students deserve your support.
Building Matters
Junior School Stage Two proceeds at a good pace, although it is behind schedule. I noticed the bricklayers working on the holiday Monday. Nevertheless, it is likely that we will need to postpone the formal opening event until the start of the New Year. Although the building should be completed in Term Four, there will be landscaping and other tasks still to finalise.
Best wishes for a happy term. Peace
FROM COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Traffic and pedestrian safety
Please remember to exercise great care when dropping off or collecting students, whether inside the College grounds or elsewhere. Students should only exit/enter a car on the kerb side - not in a traffic lane.
Some parents are dropping off students in the bus zones in College Street. This can be dangerous, as cars behind may not realise they have stopped, especially if there is no bus ahead and the lights are green (quite apart from the issue of the road rules relating to stopping in a bus zone).
Please observe the speed limits and lane markings on the College grounds, and remember the prohibition against turning right onto College Street between 8:15am and 8:45am, which is regularly enforced by police.
FROM THE COLLEGE NURSE
What can I do to stop the spread of influenza (flu)?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or alcohol rub)
Wash hands for at least 15 seconds – the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’
· Before eating or preparing food.
· After blowing your nose.
· After the toilet.
Stay at home from work or school if you have flu symptoms
· Stay away from work, keep children home from school or childcare, stay away from public gatherings such as parties and sport.
· If you must go out, to visit the doctor or pick up children from school, keep a distance of at least 1 metre from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
The virus is spread through the air when you cough, sneeze and talk.
· Cover your face with a tissue or your sleeve.
· Dispose of used tissues in a bin immediately.
· Wash your hands well afterwards.
· Teach your children to do the same.
Clean surfaces regularly
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Clean surfaces regularly such as benches, taps and doorknobs with detergent and water to kill the virus.
· Immunisation is the best protection against flu.
· The 2010 seasonal flu vaccine has three strains - pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) strain, a H3N2 strain and a B strain.
· Seasonal flu vaccine is free for some groups at higher risk of severe complications from the flu – ask your GP if you are eligible.
· You should still have a seasonal flu shot even if you had the single strain pandemic H1N1(swine flu) vaccine.
· Not eligible or don’t want to pay for seasonal flu vaccine? The single strain pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is still available and free for everyone.
· Regular GP consultation fees apply even in cases where the vaccine may be free.
FROM THE CHAPLAINS
The taxi driver had an interesting accent and when asked, told me he’d come from China some time ago on a fairly circuitous route. I related the story of how my children’s great x 4+ grandmother had been taken from China, probably bought, to live in Scotland with a Scottish sailor. It was their son who emigrated to Australia. I commented to my driver on how difficult life would have been for her. He disagreed and said that he wished she had been his ancestor. His response surprised me until he told me some of his own story growing up in China during the time of the cultural Revolution. How often we filter life through our own small existence instead of the broader picture. It reminded me of how I can question the wisdom and love of God when encountering the unexpected or the difficult or the different. Being open to God’s love and leading can be an awesome, fearful and a life-changing experience.
Australian theologian, Michael Leunig expresses beautifully what it means to to be open to the bigger life of God.
God give us rain when we expect sun.
Give us music when we expect trouble.
Give us ears when we expect breakfast.
Give us dreams when we expect a storm.
Give us a stray dog when we expect congratulations.
God play with us, turn us sideways and around. Amen
(Common Prayer Collection) Harper 1989-90. Dr P Brook
RAS Charity Fundraiser, Foundation Day
This is the one and only Charity Fundraiser. Collected on the Friday of Foundation Day was $19,000. With the Relay4Life money, the total so far is $31,500. The target is $50,000. This is achievable with everyone doing what they can. If your child is yet to bring in what they have, please encourage them to do so (give to tutor or class teacher or take directly to Accounts). More forms are available on the RAS intranet site. THANK YOU for your understanding and support. As a school we are supporting some amazing organisations. Fr R Browning
Saturday Sunset
8 May, 5.30pm in the College Chapel. Everyone is most welcome.
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Catch up with the latest Junior School News, in the new weekly, Junior Bytes.
FROM THE HEADS OF HIGH SCHOOL AND SENIOR SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL AND SENIOR SCHOOL SOCIAL:
Friday 7 May, 7:00pm-10:00pm, T B MILLAR HALL
The Prefects have organised a School Social for current Radford students in Years 7-12 only. The theme is “Raving Radford”!
Arrival: 7:00 -7:15pm Departure: All students should be collected by a responsible person between 10:00 and 10:15pm.
No “pass outs” will be issued. Attendees will be expected to stay in the Hall until the conclusion of the social at 10:00pm.
Tickets: In advance only, no tickets at the door - $6.00 - available from Main Quad at lunchtime. No admission without a ticket. No food or drink is to be taken into the Hall, and bags are to be left in the PAC, which will be locked. Snacks and drinks will be available for sale in the Hall. These events are usually very enjoyable for all concerned, and any profits will go towards our selected charities.
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. . .
A full list of the items included in this week's Student Pathways bulletin appears below. 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
The Prime Minister’s Australian Youth Forum (AYF) Challenge
Surveying Careers & Work Experience
New Courses from the University of Canberra
Download the new UTS Science Careers Guide
Interested in Music or Film Editing?
Discover the Nurse in U@UTS
University of Sydney Tertiary Jazz Pre-Audition Workshop
University of Tasmania - New Facilities for Medicine
UMAT2010
UNSW Law - Parent & Student Information Evening
University of Western Sydney (UWS) Manufacturing & Engineering Careers Expo
Green Careers - Make a Difference
2011 Gap Year - Lattitude Information Sessions
Maritime Careers Forum 2010
Social Work Careers Day - Westmead Hospital
Community Services & Health Industry National Careers & Employment Roadshow
Courses in acting, modelling & photography at the Style Academy
Australian Defence Force Gap Year
Deloitte Group 2010 Cadetships
UBS Cadetship Applications Close on 7 May
Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASBAs)
Employment Information for School Students – know your rights
Diary Dates April to July (from recent Bulletins)
THIS WEEK: The Musical – West Side Story
Note: Musical tickets ordered this week will be available for collection at the door for each performance. Order forms available in the PAC, Junior School Reception or downloaded from the Intranet.
Performances |
Thursday 29 April, Friday, 30 April and Saturday 1 May. 7.30 in TB Millar Hall Only a small number of Friday or Saturday tickets left - don't delay in booking... |
Ticket sales |
OPEN NOW |
Ticket prices |
Wednesday preview performance (see below) - $8 |
Order process |
Tickets ordered this week will be available for collection at the door before each performance. Order forms and box outside Room 61 upstairs in the PAC.
Full payment in cash or cheque payable to Radford College to accompany forms - be sure your name is included! |
Preview |
Special preview performance TODAY Wednesday 28 April at 4.00pm there will be tickets available at the door this afternoon! Tickets for this performance are $8.00 each |
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Foundation Day Concert - Congratulations to the Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir and Orchestra members who performed Faure Requiem on 8 April. It was a fantastic concert and I would like to personally acknowledge the soloists: Lucy Welsh (12RLC), William Fitzgerald (10SG), Joshua Griffiths (12TER) and Maddison Lymn (12SW).
2010 Master class series with the ANU - The next master class in the 2010 series is on Tuesday 4 May 7:30pm in Room 64 of the Performing Arts Centre. Mr Peter Crossing will be delivering a public lecture on “The Rise and Rise of Rock’n’ Roll”. All are welcome. There is $5 charge to cover tea and coffee. No RSVP required.
New Performance Uniform - The new performance uniform is now available from the uniform shop. I reminded to all band and orchestra members, they must have their respective uniforms for their up coming performances in the National Eisteddfod on 27-30 May.
Year 8 Recital - A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 8 Recital to be held next Wednesday 5 May at 5.30pm in the RA Young Hall (Performers to be at Hall by 5.15pm).
Upcoming Recitals – Year 9 (Wed 12 May), Year 10 (Wed 26 May), Year 11/12 (Wednesday 2 June), Year 1-4 (Wed 8 June).
Recital Application Forms can be found outside the Music Staffroom and on the Music Cocurricular Intranet page.
Canberra International Music Festival (CIMF) - We are proud to announce that the Radford College Chamber Choir has been invited to participate (as part of a combined choir) in this year’s Canberra International Music Festival. The Choir will be performing on Friday 14 May (8.15pm St Christopher's, Manuka) and Sunday 16 May (6pm Tuggeranong Arts Centre). For ticketing information, please see the CIMF website.
2010 Performance Calendar - For a full list of all 2010 Music Department performances please refer to the 2010 Performance Calendar on the Music Cocurricular page of the Radford Intranet.
Instrumental Studies Lessons - Could I please remind parents that if you wish to discontinue your child’s lesson for Term 3, you must advise Mr Irving in writing by Friday 14 May.
Community Music Program - new members welcome!
New members are still welcome to join the Community Music Program.
- Chapel Choir Mondays 5:30 – 7:30pm in the Chapel
- Big Band Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30pm in the PAC
- Orchestra Wednesdays 7.30 – 9.30pm in the PAC (starting Wednesday 5 May)
For further information, please email the Director, Carly Brown: carly.brown@radford.act.edu.au
FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT
For latest Sports News, please visit the cocurricular Intranet link at http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au and enter your user ID and password.
2010 Cross Country Season Begins - for Juniors and Seniors
The Junior School Cross Country will be held this Friday April 30, with the Senior School Cross Country the following Wednesday May 5. Both events will be held at Radford.
The Senior School carnival will be held in period 5 and 6 with normal school classes in the morning. Students should wear normal sports uniform (with House Shirt) to school for the day. If the weather is cold students should wear their school tracksuit. The canteen will be closed at Recess time on May 5. For full details about race times and distances please go to the school intranet.
SNOWSPORTS
Annual ski & snowboard sale & swap – Saturday 1st May 10am-2pm
Open to all Radford students & families come and sell, buy or trade your ski and snowboarding gear.
Venue: The Pavilion (adjoining the JA Mackinnon Oval) - gear drop-off from 9am.Refreshments available
CHESS CLUB -
Change of Day
The Radford Chess Club (that has been running at lunchtimes on Wednesdays), will move to Monday lunchtimes, from next week. The club is located in Room 71 in the Sports Centre.
Football (Soccer) Referees Course
The next Football Referee Introduction Course is planned for 9 & 16 May 10 at Marist College Pavilion - 8.30 for 9.00am.
Applications close 30 April. Applicants (13 years or over) should contact Capital Football to register (6260 4000 or email: Referee Admin refadmin@capitalfootball.com.au
Student Achievement
Snowsports
Congratulations to Benjamin Hood (9JG) who represented Australia in the Whistler Cup in Super G (downhill), Giant Slalom and Slalom as the number 1 athlete
for his country, competing against many other skiers from around the world (over 200 in all).
Cross Country
Congratulations to Sarah Lonsdale (11AJR) who competed for Australia in the World Schools Cross Country Championships in Europe. Despite being caught up in the Icelandic volcano flight tangle Sarah finished in a commendable 12th place.
FROM THE P&F Login to visit the P&F page on the Radford College Intranet
Next Meeting - Thursday 6 May 7:30 pm Radford Boardroom.
Entertainment Books have arrived!
Last year, the P&F raised over $4,000 by selling the Entertainment Book. Entertainment Books contain vouchers and a card for discounts and special offers at many Canberra and interstate businesses, services, restaurants and cafes. The popular discount at Coles is again available. They are fantastic value (you only need to dine out twice or purchase 2 Coles cards to recoup the cost) and the school receives $11 for every book sold. Entertainment Books will be distributed to the eldest child in each family through teachers (ELC/JS) and tutors (HS/SS). Parent letter
RADFORD CELEBRATES ART - Friday 14 May-Sunday 16 May, TB Millar Hall
www.radfordartshow.net
Please support this marvellous P&F fundraising event, which showcases Radford student art, as well as displaying a wonderful variety of art from local exhibitors.
Gala opening is on Friday 14 May. Special guest is Andrew Sayers, Director of the National Portrait Gallery. Show continues Saturday and Sunday.
For exhibitor enquiries: please contact Fionna Granger or to download an application form, go to www.radfordartshow.net
Volunteers Needed!
* to help with the set up of the Show on Thursday night and Friday
* to help with the packing up from 4.00pm on the Sunday afternoon
* to provide cakes and slices for the cafe over the weekend.
If you can help in any way, please contact Marietta phone: 6258 6876 or mobile: 0427 210 694 to discuss your preferred task and time preference.
COMMUNITY NEWS
LOST
Kaitlyn Brown (8LA) left a KEA brand sports jacket in TB Millar Hall on Friday 12 March on the "Year 8 Day". It is marked with her name inside. If found, please hand in to Main Reception, or contact 0414 580 842.
FROM ACT POLICING - HELMETS REQUIRED FOR BICYCLE RIDERS/PASSENGERS
ACT Policing has issued a reminder that
Rule 256 of the Australian Road Rules requires the rider of a bicycle to wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider's head. This requirement also extends to any passenger being carried by the rider. Where a person is detected by police not wearing an approved bicycle helmet they may be issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice for the amount of $51.
| College Street, BRUCE, ACT 2617 - Telephone: (02) 6162 6200, Email: CommunityRelations@radford.act.edu.au |