WEEKLY e-BULLETIN - 19 May 2010
FROM THE PRINCIPAL -
Mr Phillip Heath
This is the first in a series of occasional articles I have commissioned from Community Relations, to provide further insight into some of the events, initiatives and achievements which are happening behind the scenes at Radford...
Peace
Behind the Scenes # 1: Radford’s “In House” Teacher Mentor – Ms Jen Bateman
by Miss C Lindsay
In 2009, the Principal, Mr Phillip Heath, decided that it would be a useful resource for teaching staff at Radford to have access to a specialist Teacher Mentor on a “whole College” basis, and Ms Jen Bateman was appointed to this newly created role.
The concept was to provide additional support for teachers in a wide variety of internal and external processes, including College registration, accreditation of teachers with the Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority (ISTAA), transition of new staff to Radford, teacher probation assessments, liaison between HODs and other staff, and other matters of professional practice.
Since ISTAA’s inception in 2007, Ms Bateman has participated in a number of working parties and professional development sessions organised by ISTAA. The ISTAA accreditation process is a very rigorous one, and so it is most helpful for teachers to be guided through the administrative and pedagogical details of this process. There are three stages of accreditation available for teachers in the ACT:
- Proficient Teacher
- Experienced Teacher
- Highly Proficient Teacher
Ms Bateman teaches French at Radford, having previously been Head of LOTE at Canberra Grammar School. She developed a love of languages at an early age, attending a bilingual primary school in Wales, and having visited France at 13, after corresponding with a French “penfriend”. She majored in French and English in her Bachelor’s degree at Leeds University, and spent a year in France as part of her degree, teaching English in primary, secondary and teacher training institutions. Later in her career, she also spent a year teaching English in a French secondary school, on an exchange program.
Ms Bateman expanded her language teaching skills and experience when she undertook an intensive Italian language course in Florence, and a short follow-up course at Oxford, prior to teaching Italian for three years. She holds a Master’s degree from Birmingham University in Language Teaching and Curriculum Studies, and she was granted a research scholarship from Jesus College Oxford to prepare a paper on the validity and reliability of oral skills assessment.
In the UK, Ms Bateman worked as Head of Languages at a number of institutions at both secondary and tertiary level, and she provided liaison between the University of Bangor and teachers undertaking practical teacher training. Ms Bateman also became a School Inspector, which is by invitation only, with classroom practice and programming being key inspection criteria in the UK. In the late 1990s, she served on a government committee developing a new policy for LOTE teaching in the UK.
Ms Bateman’s rich learning and teaching experience is an invaluable resource for the Radford learning community, in the continuous process of the constructive review and improvement of professional practice.
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Parenting Tips on Planning and Deadlines, from the Association of Heads of Independent School of Australia (AHISA).
FROM THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER
Radford Celebrates Art - THANKS!
In addition to thanking our guest of honour, Mr Andrew Sayers from the National Portrait Gallery, Convenor Ms Hannah Baudert, the hardworking the Art Show Committee members and volunteers, and our generous sponsors, special thanks must go to the following students and staff:
Radford Musicians (listed) - who provided delightful music over the weekend for visitors to the exhibition
Year 10 students (listed)- who were hospitality helpers and assisted with set up and pack up
Mrs B Brown - who coordinated the musicians and their equipment
Ms B Roberts - Year 10 Year Coordinator, who organised the hospitality helpers and catering equipment
Mr R Harris and the fabulous Facilities Team - for much labour and skill in set up and pack up of the TB Millar Hall
Mr C Wainwright - who coordinated the student art display
Mr A Pennicook and the Merlin Beaufoy Quartet - for their musical contribution to the opening night
Ms H Swarbrick - for assistance with printing of catalogues and signs
Ms D O'Sullivan - for tablecloths and drinks trays
Mr N Rathnaweera - for PA assistance
and thanks to everyone who supported the show with their attendance and purchases.
FROM THE COLLEGE NURSE
The Importance of Eating Breakfast
After fasting overnight, breakfast provides fuel and energy for the body to start the day. Most drivers would not dream of driving their car with low fuel levels – seeing how far they can go with the red ‘low fuel’ light on before the car stops. Yet many students do this to their bodies daily!
With no breakfast energy levels are low, the body runs sluggishly, stomachs cramp and rumble and thought processes are slowed. Imagine how hard it is for the students to learn and concentrate.
Common complaints seen in Sick Bay from students who have not had breakfast are:
- Lack of energy, tiredness and feeling unwell or faint
- Headache
- Stomach pains
You can try
- Allowing ten minutes in the morning to prepare and eat breakfast, making it part of your morning routine.
- The new Uncle Tobys One Minute Oats! Is it as easy as it sounds? Café style raisin bread is popular; try it at your own home café.
- Leading by example – make time to prepare and eat breakfast for yourself.
Most people know what a good breakfast consists of. Cereal and/or toast, fruit and glass of water, juice or milk are basic options. It just needs a few extra minutes in the morning to eat it!
The Rad Food Canteen is open for breakfast daily from 8:00 am.
FROM THE CHAPLAINS
Travelling back to Canberra on the Sydney road I slowly caught up to a little red car firmly ensconced in the right lane. Cars were pulling around into the left lane to pass it and I did the same. Looking across to the driver I saw a woman, jaw set, eyes wide with fear, arms locked and hands clenching the wheel in total concentration. She appeared oblivious to anything that was happening around her. How often our fears lock us away from the reality of a situation.
Michael Leunig expresses it this way:
There are only two feelings. Love and fear.
There are only two languages. Love and fear.
There are only two activities. Love and fear.
There are only two motives, two procedures,
Two frameworks, two results. Love and fear.
Love and fear.
The Christians scriptures assure us the God’s love is stronger than our fears and available to all who ask. Dr Pene Brook
RAS - Raising Awareness and working in Service
The main idea: being human with others, flourishing together.
RAS Charity Fundraiser
The sum for 2010 is currently $36 000. 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.
Sustainability
Projects are being undertaken by students on recycling, an energy audit and events around World Environment Day, 5 June.
Reconciliation
The Junior School is hosting some events from Monday 24. Questions for use in the classroom are:
What does reconciliation mean to you?
How can we raise awareness of and knowledge of Indigenous culture and history?
What action can we take?
Why is this important to recognize in Australia?
How do we reconcile with our friends after a disagreement?
Prayer Group - now Mondays and Wednesdays 8am in the Chapel
Everyone is welcome!
FROM THE HEAD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
Education Forum 3 June: English - Years 7 to 12
The English Department will present the next Education Forum on Thursday 3 June, from 5:15pm - 6:15 pm in the Lecture Theatre.
All parents and friends are invited to attend this presentation.
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Catch up with the latest Junior School News, in the weekly, Junior Bytes.
FROM THE HEAD OF LOTE
Read the latest news from the LOTE Department, about our new language assistants, and our Japan tours past and future.
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:
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Year 9 Drama production 20-21 May 7pm TB Millar Hall. Tickets $5 on sale NOW in the quadrangles, and also available at the door.
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
Congratulations to :
Chamber Choir for their wonderful performance at the opening of the Canberra International Music Festival Gala concert last Friday. The Choir performed Handel’s ‘Zadok the priest’ with over 200 other singers from around the Canberra region.
String Groups performed at an exceptional concert on Sunday afternoon. Under the direction of our strings director Mrs Kirsten Knight and conductors, Mrs Rowan Harvey-martin and Mrs Louise Butler, all our string orchestras performed with great mastery and outstanding skill. Well done!Year 9 Recital last Wednesday evening was an excellent showcase of the up coming music talent at Radford. The evening was most enjoyable and I thank the students and instrumental tutors for the hard work over the semester
Art Show not only had some amazing works, it also had a number of performers play over the weekend from our ensembles program. I thank the students who performed for their participation and thank Mrs Bronwyn Brown for facilitating the musicians performance schedule over the weekend.
Upcoming Music events
Year 10 Recital - Wednesday 26 May 5.30pm, RA Young Hall
A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 10 Recital. Please note that performers are to be at Hall by 5.15pm.
Upcoming Recitals - Years 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.
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. Time and venue details can be found on the Music page of the Intranet.
Triple J – unearthed – The Radford Community is encouraged to go to the Triple J website and vote for two Radford groups, “Bushland Prodigies” and “Killing the Sound”. www.triplejunearthed.com
Friends of Radford Music (FoRM) - The next FoRM meeting will be held at 7:30pm, Tuesday 25 May in the PAC. All are most welcome.
2010 CONCERT SERIES #2 - Jazz Café poster
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.
Netball
Netball skills and fitness is now run on Friday mornings in the school gym, from 7-8am. Any netballer who wants to improve their game is welcome to attend.
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: ASAP vlandisfamily@bigpond.com |
Payment: cash or cheque direct to Effie Vlandis OR via the P&F box at Main Reception |
* Seating is in groups of 10 if you would like to book at table. |
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Student Achievement
Chess
Radford Sent 4 teams to the Northside Zone Chess Competition on May 3. The team of Edward Xing (10DO), James Li (9CAW), Jo Mason (8LB) and Jak Carty (9JG) won the event, the team of Willis Lo (8DMD), Yijun Zhang (7PH), Bevan Lee (8SH) and Aidan Pianca (9KJH) finished 3rd and Daniel Ray (7DJF), Andrew Ray (8DMD), Isaac Dugdale (9TMG)and David Wang (8EP) came 4th. Other Radford students to take part on the day were Benjamin Xing (8DET), Aynslie Jewell (9EP), Rosemary Kirk (8LB), David Patton (10SW), Mitchell Chambers (7LMB) and James Richards (7PH). Well done to all students on their wonderful performance on the day.
Basketball
Congratulations to the Declan Pratt (9CAW) and Sophia Bouzas (9SMH), who have been selected in the respective ACT U16 Basketball teams to compete at the National Junior Championships in Brisbane in July.
Futsal
Congratulations to Tomas Rogic (12NJM) who has been selected in the Futsalroos Squad for the 2010 AFC Championships to be held in Uzbekistan later this month.
Music
Congratulations to Diana Tulip (10MLS), who took out 1st prize in the Farleigh Junior Scholarship and Ballard/Sacred Solo sections of the Cowra Eisteddfod last week. She also came 2nd in the Open Musical theatre Championship. A great effort!
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
Craft Group (making items for Twilight Fete)
The Craft group meets weekly in Terms 2 and 3 to make items to sell at the school fete. It is quite informal, and you are welcome to come along as often or infrequently as you like, and check out what we do. We do something different each week, and all materials are provided.
We would love to have some new people join us for a chat and a cuppa. Please come along when we are in your area.
If you can't make it along in the evenings, but would still like to help, we also need some straight machine sewing done. If you can help in this way, please contact Jean Anderson on 6241 2117, and I can arrange to get some pieces to you.
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 with any questions.
COMMUNITY NEWS
| College Street, BRUCE, ACT 2617 - Telephone: (02) 6162 6200, Email: CommunityRelations@radford.act.edu.au |