WEEKLY e-BULLETIN - 12 May 2010
FROM THE PRINCIPAL -
Mr Phillip Heath
NAPLAN Week
I thank the students from Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 for working their way through the 2010 NAPLAN tests. At the time of writing, the first of several tests has been completed and bundled for submission to the ACARA assessors.
Controversy cools
This year’s tests have been clouded in a measure of controversy. It was only a few days ago that the Australian Education Union lifted its ban on administering the tests, when the Deputy Prime Minister agreed to commission an independent reference panel to consider the use of data from the tests. It was always our intention to administer the tests. I have some sympathy, however, for the arguments of the AEU. NAPLAN tests are diagnostic tools for schools, allowing them to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of each cohort, not creating data to rank order the best and worst.
Data on student achievement at any level, whether it is Year 3 or Year 12 ATAR scores, can be a powerful tool within any school. Radford made careful use of this data in 2009 and made some changes to our programs. As an example of this, the NAPLAN test results last year showed that whilst our numeracy performance and reading performance scores were excellent, our results in writing were not quite as strong by comparison. This is not to suggest that we were less than the benchmark – far from it. Yet, when compared to the exceptional performance scores in other categories, our overall performance in writing was a little lower. As a consequence, the College revived the cross faculty whole school Literacy Committee, under the leadership of Ms Nicole Jaggers, who is a member of the Junior School staff and passionate about literacy skills. They have been meeting this year and their recommendations will inform future curriculum decision making.
“Reputation of the School is in our hands”
In my view, the use of NAPLAN tests to rank order schools is an error of judgement. The tests simply cannot capture the full range and breadth of school life sufficient to allow the community to make such generalizations about quality within schools.
I do not reject the availability of data for comparative purposes. I accept that in a system where schools receive public funding in varying measures, those schools are accountable for how this money is disbursed. I also accept that the general public has a right to know about key areas of performance within the nation’s schools. This includes (but should be limited to) literacy and numeracy achievement. The vexed question, however, of how this data is to be reported continues to cause harm. The day before the NAPLAN tests were to be administered, I wished a group of Year 9 students well. One student laughed and said, “Yes, the reputation of the school is in our hands”. Surely this was never the intention of the NAPLAN process.
Like many other principals around Australia, I remain surprised that such a high stakes assessment test can be administered in such a low-key manner. After years of being involved in public examinations in NSW, I notice that the NAPLAN tests are somewhat informally implemented. The system relies entirely on each school to administer the tests with integrity and responsibility. If that same system makes the outcomes of these tests a matter of public reputation, there could be an understandable pressure on schools and teachers to influence the answers the children give. I heard of such things happening in 2009 tests and surely it is counter-productive to the purpose of NAPLAN.
The solution is not to be found in emulating the security measures in place for public examinations in Year 12 in other states. The cost of this would be too high and public funds could be put to better use. The solution lies in holding to the original intent of the tests themselves – as worthy diagnostic instruments that can assist schools to improve the learning of students. Perhaps this has been forgotten in the controversy.
The Radford Strategy
Following the release of the NAPLAN results, and the launch of the My School website, the Radford staff held discussions to consider our approach. Informed by the growing body of evidence on school performance in testing, we agreed that the right strategy for Radford students was to ensure that literacy and numeracy skill acquisition was both taught explicitly and also embedded within the content of lessons. Students prosper where the teaching is rich and challenging. We resisted the temptation to “teach to the tests” – to drill students in the skills out of context, purely for the purpose of succeeding in the NAPLAN tests. We have a long-term objective: to engage and to enrich the minds as well as the skills of learners.
Radford is in an enviable position. Whilst there is never room for complacency, we enjoy a community of learners that is conscientious and determined to perform well. There is marvelous support from the parent community, and a superbly professional culture of care and commitment within the Radford staff. To teach well, engage the students and support the learning experience with the kind of care that is informed by a deep knowledge of each individual student as a learner seems to me to be the right strategy for NAPLAN and for all other challenges before us.
In the meantime, we thank the students and staff for their support for the NAPLAN tests. It is a pity that we don’t receive the results until September. There are lots of sleeps until then.
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Radford Celebrates Art Show
Poster
I thank the P&F Art Show Committee for the incredible work they’ve invested in the 2010 Radford Celebrates Art Show. Please schedule a little moment or two and come along to view the exhibition. Before coming to Radford almost a year ago, I agreed to give a keynote address in Queensland and (as it happens) the dates clash with the Art Show this weekend. Sadly I will miss the grand opening occasion, but the College Chairman will be present on Friday evening and will say a few words. Have a wonderful time. Thanks for your support.
Peace
FROM THE COLLEGE NURSE
Managing Asthma During Winter
Information from The Asthma Foundation
Winter brings cold weather and keeps us inside, where indoor triggers such as dust mites, pet
allergens, smoke and viruses can worsen asthma symptoms. Cold, dry air may cause airways to tighten, making breathing more difficult. Winter is also the season for colds and influenza. As many as 8 out of 10 asthma attacks in children and 4 out of 10 in adults are triggered by viral infections. Your doctor can assess the severity of your illness, advise you on treatment and help you to better manage your asthma through the illness. It is especially important you consult your doctor if symptoms are persistent or severe.
See the sheet attached for information about the following topics:
Having an Asthma Action Plan
Managing winter triggers
Maintaining a healthy level of exercise
Taking preventer medications as prescribed
Tips for the prevention and management of colds and influenza
If you do catch a virus - remember to stick to your written Asthma Action Plan!
For more information go to http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
FROM THE CHAPLAINS
It’s cold riding my bicycle to work these days and yet immensely beautiful. Winter is making itself known through my fingers, nose and toes and in the great beauty of a softer landscape. I find winter a season of paradox. Those darker evenings and mornings can close in, and yet can also be such a blessing. They give me time. Time to look inward, time to reflect, time to take in, time to be with myself or the quiet company of others, time to be still and time to open myself to the warmth of the presence of God.
A prayer from Michael Leunig:
Dear God, Let us prepare for winter. The sun has turned away from us and the nest of summer hangs broken in a tree. Life slips through our fingers and, as darkness gathers, our hands grow cold. It is time to go inside. It is time for reflection and resonance. It is time for contemplation. Let us go inside. Amen
Dr Pene Brook
RAS - The main idea: being human with others, flourishing together.
The Charity Fundraiser is drawing to a close. Donations/funds will still accepted (take directly to Accounts from now). The sum is much less than last year – currently $37 000. This is a mighty amount and whilst the students are a little disappointed, it provides a terrific base to support the organisations chosen by the students. It also gives a spur to think more carefully about next year and how we can work as a community to raise as much as we can. There is no more talk about raising money. From now, the work is about Raising Awareness and working in Service.
Fair Trade The school is currently using a small number of Fair Trade balls (soccer, rugby and netball). Students are working now at helping people be aware of products, their origins and ethical status, giving also some alternatives to choose and purchase (a shopping guide). This links also with the Microfinance support given to micro-entrepreneurs through Opportunity International and Kiva.org. More to come...
White Ribbon Teams and student groups are making pledges and taking a stand. The pledge reads: (Male) "As a male member of the Radford Community, I will respect women as equals and I accept my responsibility never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women".
Sustainability Projects are being undertaken by students on recycling, an energy audit and events around World Environment Day, 5 June.
Prayer Group - now Thursdays 8am in the Chapel -
Everyone is welcome!
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Catch up with the latest Junior School News, in the weekly, Junior Bytes.
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. . .
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. A full list of the items included in this week's Student Pathways bulletin appears below:
| New to the Careers Room Pathways Presentations at Radford National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) 2010 Open Day UTS IT Undergraduate Courses and Scholarships Information Evening University of Notre Dame - Australia New Vet Science Facility Opened at Charles Sturt Are you interested in wildlife research? University of Melbourne – UniExperience for Yr 11 Students Meet the Business Leader – sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accounts 2010 Making a Difference Competition now Open! Are you interested in Audio Engineering, Digital Television and Digital Multimedia? |
Honeywell Engineering Summer School - Registrations Now Open Lions Youth Exchange Program Careers in Sport Workshops UNSW Sunsprint Challenge KPMG Cadetships Ernst & Young - Cadet Information Evening Omnilink Cadetship in Geographic or Surveying & Spatial Information Systems Australian School based Apprenticeships (ASBAs) Young Workers and OH&S - Hazard A Guess Employment Information for School Students – know your rights May – July Diary Dates (from past Bulletins) |
The information attached contains details for those students who have a keen interest in Science and who would like to pursue this interest outside of their regular classes. Opportunities available are:
Year 8 Students: Forensic Science Camp
Year 9 and 10 Students: The Science Experience
Year 11 Students:
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
For further details, please read the information sheet or contact Mr Robards in the Science Department.
FROM THE HEAD OF DRAMA
Year 9 Drama production 20-21 May 7pm TB Millar Hall. Tickets on sale soon $5.
This production is based on a number of famous artworks that the students have had use to build stories from the works themselves. A student devised performance.
FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC
Year 9 Recital - Wednesday 12th May at 5.30pm in the RA Young Hall
A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 9 Recital to be held this evening. (Performers to be at Hall by 5.15pm).
Upcoming Recitals - Year 10 (Wed 26 May), Year 11 & 12 (Wednesday 2 June), Years 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 - Radford performing Friday 14 May (8.15pm St Christopher's Cathedral, Manuka)
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 14th May (8.15pm St Christophers, Manuka). For ticketing go to www.cimf.org.au
Strings Concert - Sunday 16 May, 3pm, RA Young Hall
Our annual String Concert will take place this Sunday. All strings students are required to attend and wear their performance uniform. Further information can be found on the intranet.
Bands Concert - Sunday 23 May at 3pm, TB Millar Hall
All band students are required to attend and wear their performance uniform. Further information can be found on the intranet.
Combined Schools Music Festival - Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 May
A small number of students in Years 10-12 will be representing Radford College in Orange, for the bi-annual combined schools music festival from 19-23rd May. Other schools involved include Kinross Wolaroi (Orange), Scotch College (Adelaide), St Leonard’s (Melbourne), Forest Lakes (Brisbane). A digital letter outlining the festival details has now been sent to families via email.
Bands and Orchestras Eisteddfod - Thursday 27 May to Sunday 30 May
The 2010 Bands and Orchestras Eisteddfod will be held from Thursday 27 May through to Sunday 30 May. Further details on times and venues available soon, notes going out next week.
Triple J – unearthed – The Radford Community are all encouraged to go to the Triple J website and tag “Bushland Prodigies”. This is a group of students from Radford. www.triplejunearthed.com
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. Letters for specific events are increasingly published on the intranet and sent home via email. Hard copies of letters, in some cases, will continue to be sent home.
Instrumental Studies Lessons Could I please remind parents that if you wish to discontinue your child’s lesson for Term 3, you must advise me in writing by Friday 14th May.
2010 CONCERT SERIES #2 - Jazz Café
Saturday 5 June, 7pm PAC
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This year's Jazz Café features the Radford College Big Bands and special guests - The ANU School of Music Big Band. This is a self-catering function, so grab your friends, form a table and enjoy a great night of BIG BAND JAZZ. Tickets are $12 each and are available from the Music Administration Office (phone 6162 5341 for further information). |
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.
Radford Annual Cross Country Championships
The 2010 House Cross Country Championships were held in cold and windy weather last Wednesday May 5th. Congratulations to the whole school who struggled up and over Gossan Hill as part of their XC run.
The XC was a great success with over 1000 students taking part over a challenging and demanding course.
Well done to Acacia for winning the Carnival, with Boronia and Kurrajong taking minor placings. Acacia has taken "pole position" to win this year's House Cup, with placings to be found on the intranet.
Two new Course Records were set: Reilly Shaw (9TKD) in the 15 Years 11.41; and
Sarah Lonsdale (11AJR) in the Senior Girls 15.32.
Top 20 places for each age group as well as overall House standings can be found on the intranet.
The top 10 in each age group are now selected to compete in the ASC XC Championships on Thursday May 20 at Weston Park. Details can be found on the intranet.
Training for the ASC XC will be held at the school at 7.30am on Wed May 12, Fri May 14 and Mon May 17. While these training sessions are optional, they are recommended for all runners Mr P Haynes
Football Referees
If you have recently qualified as a Football Referee or are a registered referee who has recently moved to Radford, please ensure you contact Rod Gooding (Radford Football Referee Coordinator - rgooding@webone.com.au) to ensure you are included in the weekly Refereeing appointments.
RADFORD ROWING AUCTION DINNER - Coming up soon - BOOK NOW!
Flyer
Date: Thursday May 27 |
Where: CIT Reid Restaurant |
Time: 6:30pm |
Cost: $50 per person, 3 course meal and first drink |
RSVP: by May 15 2010 |
Payment: cash or cheque direct to Effie Vlandis |
* Seating is in groups of 10 if you would like to book at table. |
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Student Achievement
AFL
Congratulations to James Mount (10SJP) who has been selected in the joint ACT/NSW U16 AFL training squad.
Cross Country
Congratulations to Sarah Lonsdale (11AJR) on her recent win in the Mother's Day 5km Fun Run, and also on her contribution to the Australian Girls gold team medal at the World Cross-Country Championships in Slovakia.
Rugby
Congratulations also to Cassidy Shaw (6DVG) on his selection in the ACT Primary Schools Rugby squad.
Swimming
Congratulations to Alana Seears (5EJC) and Brad Tuck (4ML) on their selection in the ACT Primary Schools swim team to compete in Brisbane.
FROM THE P&F Login to visit the P&F page on the Radford College Intranet
Next Meeting - Thursday 3 June 7:30 pm Radford Boardroom.
Entertainment Books
Please check that your child has received your book from their teacher/tutor, or that you have indicated that you do not wish to do so.
The school receives $11 for every book sold. Payments are due by 21 May - for more details see Parent letter
RADFORD CELEBRATES ART - This weekend!
Gala Opening : Friday 14 May, 7:30 pm TB Millar Hall, special guest is Andrew Sayers, Director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Show continues: Saturday 10am - 5 pm, Sunday 10am - 4 pm
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. Poster
Craft Group (making items for Twilight Fete)
All are welcome to come along 7:30 pm and have a Tim Tam and a chat, and help make items for sale at the fete. All materials are provided, and no regular time commitment is necessary.
Wed 12 May Adrienne Sykes - 32 Nardoo Cr O'Connor - ph 6247 8152 -Bring your scissors
Thurs 20 May Julie Dempster - 24 Vickers Cres Flynn - ph 6258 9425
Wed 26 May Jean Anderson - 5 Dickinson St Watson - ph 6241 2117
Wed 2 June Claire Reid - 87 Bingley Cr, Fraser - ph 6258 9090
Wed 9 June Christa Culley - 20 Mayne St, Chifley - ph 6281 1352
Thurs 17 June Jean Anderson - 5 Dickinson St, Watson - ph 6241 2117
Wed 23 June Vicki Shaw - 7 Holley Pl, Kaleen - ph 6241 0767
Wed 30 June SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Jane Vickers 66 Lexcen Ave, Nicholls, ph 6242 7002
Contact Jean Anderson ph 6241 2117 for any questions.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Christians For an Ethical Society Forum today, Wednesday 12 May, topic is “Escaping Oppression – Seeking Asylum and Refuge”.
Found
Large Radford grey woollen vest, possibly size 20, was left at training last Thursday, on field No. 4, where 14/1s and 14/3s were playing. There is no name on it. Please contact Ms Debra Jensen (h) 625167124 if it is yours.
| College Street, BRUCE, ACT 2617 - Telephone: (02) 6162 6200, Email: CommunityRelations@radford.act.edu.au |