WEEKLY e-BULLETIN - 26 May 2010
THE BULLETIN
This week's Bulletin looks rather different! In Semester II, we are looking at making significant changes to the appearance and operation of the Bulletin.
This week's changes are intended to start the community reflecting on what they would like the Bulletin to look like, and how it would best serve them as a source of information.
The month of May has been an unusually busy time for me. Before I came to Radford College in mid 2009, I agreed to assist a number of other schools with some personnel decisions and strategic planning. I also accepted the invitation to give a keynote address at the Queensland Anglican Schools conference. As it happens, most of these events have taken place in the past two weeks. When taking into consideration the thrilling experience of being involved in the production of West Side Story at the beginning of the month, the whole term to date has been unusually busy. In truth, the only part of these experiences that I have not enjoyed is being away from Radford. Whilst I am still fairly new to the College, this reluctance to be away is a good indication to me that I am feeling at home. Visiting other schools reminds me of the many things we enjoy here at Radford. It also stimulates me to imagine how things may be in the future.
Strategic Plan Retreat
This past weekend, the College Board gathered in Bungendore for our inaugural strategic planning retreat. We were joined by the Senior Executive staff (John Leyshon, Lisa Moloney, Paul Southwell, Peggy Mahy and Jocelyn Martin), who gave insights into present situation at the College. The Radford Prefects and Schools Captains also made the trip to the Retreat and gave an excellent presentation on aspects of the future from their perspective. They spoke with clarity, conviction and made a superb contribution to the occasion.
The Board was able to read the findings of the recent survey to the Radford community in detail. Considerable scrutiny was given to the patterns of responses across the College, noting the more detailed remarks from the open responses, as well as the results from the specific questions. The Board was very pleased to see the high levels of satisfaction in virtually all areas of school life. However, they noted the specific feedback on a range of issues.
We were also strengthened by outstanding contributions from Mr Bill Daniels, Executive Director of the Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA), who described the political and financial realities schools will face in the decade ahead. He pointed out that Radford College enjoys a helpful funding arrangement at present, which may be challenged in the forthcoming review of schools funding. We will write a little more about this in later e-bulletins, not from a party political viewpoint but simply to keep the community informed. One result of the My School Website is to explode the myth that independent schools only serve the wealthiest parts of Australia and government schools do all the “heavy lifting” so far as disadvantage is concerned. As I have already mentioned in previous newsletters, Radford College was directly compared to a wide range of government and non-government schools around the country that are statistically similar to us. We are NOT an elite school, no more than the West Australian government Primary school with which we were compared on the My School page.
We were delighted to be addressed by Ms Thérèse Rein, Managing Director of the Ingeus group of companies (and Radford parent). She spoke very powerfully about the future and the implications for schools and school planning. She made some outstanding observations about the things that are changing, things that are remaining the same, and the implications that these things have on schools. She spoke with particular conviction about the need to develop a school community that allows people to flourish and to embrace the speed of change with flexibility and resilience. She argued that schools like Radford need to be literate in the emerging cultures of China, India and Indonesia. We need to equip students with the ability to research, to investigate, to question and to think. We need to empower students to find the win-win in life because the future will be less about winners and losers than it will be about cooperation and flexibility. We have to think internationally. We have to learn to experience joy, to understand service through giving to others, and to find ways in which students can learn to use their signature strengths to make a difference to their world. It was inspirational!
The Next Step
Now that the Survey, Focus Groups and Retreat have been completed, we can commence the more arduous task of sifting and refining the categories for planning. Over the coming weeks we intend to reduce the domains for the next to five or six categories that arise from the feedback and the reflection sessions.
There will be many more opportunities to engage with the drafts well in advance of the final stage. Please keep an eye on how you can be involved.
Thank you
I want to express my thanks to so many people who have been working so hard these past few weeks. The Music Department represented the College with distinction at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. As soon as they returned, they gave a superb Band Concert here at Radford. It was an exercise in stamina as much as quality!
I thank the marvelous students in Year 11 who gave such joy to the members of the L’Arche community by running a disco here on Saturday night. I was very moved by the sense of grace and sacrifice that I witnessed. I was also delighted to spend some time with the Team Support students out at Braidwood on Sunday, where George Huitker, Craig Wainwright and the excellent John Foulcher led sessions on leadership. Amazing.
Peace
This week's article deals with studies on adolescents and misuse of over-the-counter medications containing paracetamol.
Fr R Browning
Dr P Brook
A attitude of gratitude is an effective tool to living a fulfilled and deeply satisfying life. Psalm 50, written at a time where blood sacrifices were considered essential for relationship with the Divine has God addressing such an anthropocentric attitude with these words:
“Do you think that I eat the flesh of bulls:
Or drink the blood of goats?
Offer instead a sacrifice of thanksgiving.”
To say thanks can be a sacrifice at times and yet builds in us a mindset that can be truly liberating. Try this reflective exercise. Make a quiet space for yourself. Call to mind and visualize a person to whom you are grateful for something in your life. Thank them for what they have done for you. You may select one person or many. Making time each day to be grateful can be a life changing experience that both opens us to others and to God’s presence in and through our lives.
“Help us find God.”
“No one can help you there.”
“Why not?”
“For the same reason that no one can help the fish to find the ocean.” (Anthony de Mello)
RAS - Radford Awareness and Service
The main idea: being human with others, flourishing together.
Reconciliation
How is it possible that citizens of this country can live with much poorer health and education? Relating with others in a way that allows others to flourish lies at the heart of how we be human. We have a responsibility to do as much as we can. Radford College continues to look for ways to make this possible. Our partnership with Lajamanu is fledgling. We have links with Titjikala that may also blossom. The Home Language module developed for Timor has very real possibilities for development in Indigenous communities as a way of literacy and numeracy in mother tongue.
World Environment Day, June 5
There are a number of activities for next week. They include: recycling project, bike to school, breakfast on Friday morning June 4, non-uniform on that day. The direction we move towards is a community that gladly lives more sustainably. What we do in our homes is a crucial to this lifestyle.
L’Arche disco
On Saturday night there was a most fabulous gathering of people in the Hall. Yr 11 did a fabulous job in hosting over 40 people from L’Arche and other members of the Canberra disabled community on a packed dance floor. Out there, there is no distinction between kinds of people, just human beings moving to music, with a mix of laughter and joy.
Saturday Sunset – June 19
Please note a change in the calendar for Saturday Sunset – for June only.
The next Saturday Sunset service will be held on Saturday 19 June, so it does not clash with the long weekend. This will be the last Saturday Sunset that Dr Pene Brook will be with us, before she leaves Radford.
Confirmation 2010
The following is the kind of words spoken to students in upper high and in senior school. “If what you hear stirs within you a hunger for the presence of God, then some of you should stand by yourself and make promises, daring yourself to enter the imagination of God, walking with Christ. This would be called baptism, or confirmation if already baptized.” If you have a child who is considering this, please feel free to contact the chaplains to pursue this further. Fr R Browning
Prayer Group - now Mondays and Wednesdays 8am in the Chapel
Everyone is welcome!
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES HIGH SCHOOL
High School Exams – Semester I, 2010 Mr P Dodd
Year 8: No formal exams in Semester I.
Year 9: 90 minute formal exams in English, Mathematics, History/Geography. Year 9 Exam Timetable.
These exams will be held in the Hall on 3/6/10 and 4/6/10. When the students are not in exams on these days, they will be in usual lessons. Other subjects are not setting formal examinations, but the student may complete major tests in usual lessons. Refer to the Unit Outlines for dates.
Year 10: 90 minute formal exams in English, Mathematics, History/Geography. Year 10 Exam Timetable
These exams will be held in the Hall on 7/6/10 and 8/6/10. On Monday 7/6/10 students are allowed to stay home to study until recess. If they are at school before recess then they must report to the Hall and quietly study at school. Other subjects are not setting formal examinations but the student may complete major tests in usual lessons. Refer to the Unit Outlines for dates.
FROM THE HEAD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
ENGLISH EDUCATION FORUM
Thursday 3 June, 5.15pm – 6.15pm
Lecture Theatre
The English Education Forum will provide insights into the challenges faced by Yrs 7 – 12 English teachers at Radford now and in the future. It will also address what they value as English teachers and how these values are built into what the students learn in their classrooms. All parents and friends are invited to attend this presentation.
Head of Junior School: Mr P Southwell
JS Reception: Ms K Shevlin
Catch up with the latest Junior School News
HOD: Mrs S Rentsch
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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HOD: Mr N Akhurst
Administrator: Mrs B Brown
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Junior School Drama
Dates: June 15 at 6pm, June 16 at 6pm and June 18 11.30am and 6pm
Venue: RA Young Hall
Tickets: $10.00 each, availiable from Mrs K Shevlin at the Junior School Reception
HOD: Mr M Irving
Administrator: Mr A Pennicook
Our congratulations go to all the students, conductors and managers of our 4 Concert Bands for their wonderful performance at last Sunday afternoon’s Bands Concert. The students presented a thoroughly entertaining program and were supported by a large audience of family and friends.
Combined Schools Music Festival Last week we had the privilege of taking 17 students to the Combined Schools Music Festival held at The Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. The festival gave our students the opportunity to share with 4 other schools in 2 days of rehearsals, culminating in a fantastic Festival Concert on the Saturday night. Our thanks to all the students and staff involved for their wonderful contributions and the way they represented Radford College. I would like to personally thank Mr Allan Pennicook for transporting the group to Orange and stage managing the Festival Concert – a huge effort!
Upcoming Music events
Year 10 Recital - A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 10 Recital to be held tonight Wednesday 26th May (5.30pm Instrumental Studies / 6.30pm Classroom Music ) in the RA Young Hall (Performers to be at Hall by 5.15pm / 6.15pm).
Year 11/12 Recital - Wednesday 2 June
Junior School Years 1-4 Recital - Wednesday 8 June, for information regarding this recital please email Brenda Lander.
Recital Application Forms can be found outside the Music Staffroom and on the Music Co-curricular Intranet page.
Bands and Orchestras Eisteddfod – 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.
Junior School Concert This years Junior School Concert is to be held on Wednesday 23 June in the TB Millar Hall. Further details available soon.
2010 CONCERT SERIES #2 JAZZ CAFE
Saturday 5 June, 7pm PAC
Jazz Café poster
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).
HOD: Mr P Haynes
Administrators: Mr B Luhrs, Mr P Wallensky, Mr A Pardy
For latest Sports News, please visit the cocurricular Intranet link at http://intranet.radford.act.edu.au and enter your user ID and password.
ASC Cross Country Results
Radford had a fantastic team result at the annual ASC XC Championships. On a picturesque and challenging course Radford won back the Girls Shield, which it "lent" to St Clare’s for the past couple of years. Radford also convincingly reclaimed the combined point score. The squad next competes at the ACT Schools championships at Stromlo on Monday May 31.
Combined Point Score |
Girls Result |
Boys Result |
Radford Top 3 Placings
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1st |
2nd |
3rd |
12 Years Boys |
Sam Whithear |
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Detailed results can be found on the intranet.
Rugby Referee Course
Brumbies Referee Development Officer Mark Snow spoke at last week’s High School Assembly about a Rugby Referee Course. This course will be run at the school on Monday 7 June from 3:45-5:30pm. Please note that this has been moved back a week from the original date.
This course includes ARU smart rugby accreditation and learning how to referee kids. Students can earn $20 a competition sanctioned game this season and at the same time you can improve your understanding of the laws and become a better player. We are looking for male and female students aged 13 and above to participate in the refereeing course program. The refereeing games can be scheduled in the morning to fit in with your sports and transport commitments. The course is FREE.
If anyone is interested in doing this Rugby Referee course to get into refereeing, they should see Mr Luhrs in the Sports Office (or email Brad.Luhrs@radford.act.edu.au) to register their interest by Friday 28 May.
Netball
Netball skills and fitness is now run on Friday mornings in the school gym, from 7am-8am. Any netballer who wants to improve their game is welcome to attend.
Clashing commitments this weekend - Sport and National Bands Eisteddfod
Any students involved in the National Eisteddfod this weekend, must let your coach know if it will impact on your availability for your sports games.
Chess
Radford sent two teams to the Belconnen Primary Chess Competition on May 24. The team of Stuart Mason (5TL), Christopher Bradley (6DVG), Kathleen Tong (6JMB) and Cory Lee (6JMB) finished on top at the end of the day, to be crowned champions of the Belconnen Zone. The second team of Lewis Shaw (5SDM), Stone Sima (4MJL), Heather Nugent (6DVG) and Helen Tong (4CKS) finished 9th. Congratulations to Stuart Mason who achieved a perfect score for the day. Well done to all students on their wonderful performance on the day.
Hockey
Congratulations to Rachel Barnsley (11AJR) and Emma Lomas (11DEF), who have been selected in the ACT U21 Women’s Hockey Squad. We wish them all the best.
Yachting
Congratulations to Andrea Garvey (12ABB) who was named ACT Yachtswoman of the Year. The award was in recognition of her participation in international, national and regional regattas in several classes of yacht [Spirals, Lasers and 29ers] and her contribution to the Club. She was previously Junior Yachtswoman of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
From the Head of Cocurricular
At assembly last week I had the pleasant duty to congratulate a half-dozen students who had reached a highpoint of their sports’ achievement: Australian Representation. They were warmly congratulated by the staff and student body who recognised the passion, intensity and focus necessary to achieve at this level. Some of these have been listed in previous Bulletins, but here they are as a group:
Cross Country
Sarah Lonsdale placed 12th in the Worlds Schools Cross Country in which the Australian girls won Gold. They made it to Greece by plane, then Italy by ferry and Slovakia by bus (17 hours) to make it in time for the opening ceremony.
Futsal
Tom Rogic was selected in an Australian Futsalroos squad for the 2010 AFC Championships to be held in Uzbekistan later this month. He was also part of the Australian squad which won their qualifying tournament by defeating Vietnam 4-1 in Jakarta in February.
Orienteering
Oliver Poland was selected in the Australian U20 team to contest the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Denmark in July.
Skiing
Ben Hood represented Australia Junior Skiing in Alpine Skiing at Whister,Canada earlier this year. He participated in the Super Giant Slalom before injury cut short his participation in the competition.
Softball
Emily Campbell and Brianna McGovern were selected in the U16 Australian Youth Development team (14 players chosen nationally) to compete in July at the International Softball Challenge in Sydney.
Community Relations Manager: Miss C Lindsay
P&F President: Mr B Morgan
Collegians President: Ms K Potter
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
Payments were due by 21 May. The school receives $11 for every book sold, 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.
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.
LOST
Lost Friday 14 May, small Nintendo DS Cartridge, with "M3 DS Real" on the front, belonging to Curtis Gordon (10SG). If found, please return to Main Reception.
RED CROSS FOOD DRIVE
Red Cross is seeking donation of non-perishable food items to support asylum-seekers and refugees living and Canberra and surrounding region.
Friday 28 May between 12:00pm – 2:30pm at The Griffin Centre, Canberra.
Contact Carla Preston,
Migration Support Programs Coordinator,
Tel + 61 2 6234 7610 | Mob +61 (0) 413 700 471 | Fax +61 2 6234 7650 | Email cpreston@redcross.org.au
Program information Food Drive Flyer
PCYC BLUELIGHT DISCO
Bluelight discos provide safe, healthy and fully supervised entertainment for primary school age children, with police attendance.
When: Friday 4th June, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Woden Tradies Club – Launceston St Woden
Cost: $5 per child includes all activities except tattoos and canteen.
For more information please phone PCYC on 6175 8100
Proudly sponsored by: ACT Policing, Canberra PCYC, AFP, and Canberra Kids.
| College Street, BRUCE, ACT 2617 - Telephone: (02) 6162 6200, Email: CommunityRelations@radford.act.edu.au |