2 June 2010
ROAD AND TRAFFIC UPDATE
It is not the most thrilling of subjects to raise with the community, but this week I want to take a moment to provide an update on road and traffic issues. In the recent survey of the Radford community, by far the most negative feedback issued from the present state of the traffic around the College at certain times of the school day. I am told that Radford is not alone in this matter – many schools in Canberra suffer from the same difficulties. I realise that there is a high level of frustration for all, but I am grateful to the great majority of respondents who wrote understanding comments in their survey feedback. Everyone realises that this is a difficult matter, and we continue to call for patience from every driver who enters the College grounds.
DA for the Second Entry
During the week, the College Board was informed that our Development Application (DA) for a second entry to Radford as been allowed to proceed to consultation, after a lengthy delay. This application was notified in the media on 1 June, and is now open for public comment. The proposal seeks permission to construct a second driveway that enters from Haydon Drive, and links with the existing road that services the Senior School. This venture is known as the “left in, left out” option, which is designed to create an alternative entrance, and reduce our dependency on the College Street access point. If the DA is approved, the permission remains current for up to two years.
This is an expensive solution to the present situation, estimated to cost in excess of $1.5 million. The College Board has resolved to proceed with the DA, but this should not be regarded as a decision to construct the road, if approval is given to the DA. We continue to investigate whether the investment will assist the road and traffic congestion, or create new problems in the Haydon Drive area. There are also many other demands on College resources that warrant the kind of funds that would be diverted to improving the road congestion that lasts for a comparatively short time of the school day. Nevertheless, the College Board recognises that the present arrangements are difficult for many, students not the least.
A long history of investigation
The Business Manager recently provided me with a report tracing the timeline for investigations into this matter. The earliest reference we have found to the second entrance proposal was in 1996, when the College sought to extend Battye Street as a possible access point to the Senior School. Attention continued to be focussed on changes to College Street, especially concerning the introduction of 40km speed zones and different protocols with Action buses.
The needs of the College changed with the advent of the Junior School in 2008. Changes have been made to internal roadways including new roundabouts, the removal of buses from within the site (December 2007) and new option studies for Haydon Drive access revisited. Over the years, the College has commissioned at least four major traffic studies, and made dozens of alterations to the internal traffic arrangements.
Over the past twelve months, as a consequence of parental feedback, we have:
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Over the decade, the College has been involved in an extensive building program, which has necessitated additional vehicular access and more cars on site during the school day. We anticipate a pause in these activities at the conclusion of the Junior School Stage Two construction.
So the matter of roads and traffic management has long been a concern of the College, and numerous attempts have been made to improve the situation. The College Building and Grounds Committee has heeded feedback from parents and staff, whilst seeking advice from appropriate experts. The most recent initiative for a Haydon Drive entrance is not a new proposal, and has been revisited on several occasions without success. We have now been permitted to lodge a DA with Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS), and now we await comment from the wider community which use these roads. The cost of additional road access is considerable, and there are competing priorities for the College Board to bear in mind as the final decision is reached.
A plea
From time to time we observe poor conduct from motorists for whom the frustration of slow access at peak times becomes difficult. Although the number of incidents is mercifully rare, we ask that all people who enter the College grounds acknowledge that our primary function is to provide a safe and happy environment for the education of children and young people. Patience and respect of the needs of others must be our priority in the mornings. Please resist the temptation to allow students to leave vehicles from inappropriate locations on College Street, and within the grounds, please drive with caution and restraint at all times, and observe the speed limits, lane markings and parking arrangements.
The search for solutions continues.
Congratulations
The astonishing achievements of our musicians at the competitions over the weekend deserves considerable commendations. Radford College enjoys an enviable reputation for music. I congratulate all students who prepared so well and performed so superbly. Although we readily acknowledge that the merit of these experiences is NOT in collecting trophies, it is very nice to receive the affirmation for the outstanding progress being made by our musicians.
Special congratulations to Mr Mat Irving and the dedicated Music tutors, managers and students for their remarkable success.
Peace
Consultation Draft - Proposed Senior Curriculum
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has made a consultation draft of the Senior Secondary Years’ Australian Curriculum available. ACARA encourages the involvement of all educators and the wider community during the consultation proces, to provide feedback on what senior secondary students should learn in English,
mathematics, science and history. More details.
Radford is An Allergy Aware School
Why is it important that schools become allergy aware and allergy friendly? In Australia, more than 90% of fatal reactions to food have occurred in children aged 5 years and older. See also the Allergy Awareness Policy on the College Intranet.
This Cancer Council article reminds us that the end of May is “Hats off Day” for Canberra!
Fr Richard Browning
Dr Pene Brook
A traditional Jewish story tells of a farmer who did not complete his work before sunset at the beginning of Shabbat. He was therefore forced to spend Shabbat in his fields waiting for the next sunset and the conclusion of the time of worship and rest before returning home. The local rabbi came the next day to chide the farmer for his carelessness. “Did you at least pray out there in your field?” asked the rabbi. The farmer replied: “Rabbi, I am not a clever man like you and I do not know how to pray properly, so I simply recited the alphabet all day and let God make the words.”
When we come to pray we can feel lost in too many or too few words or not the right ones. Sometimes our ideas and wants are too small. Sometimes we are too close to see. What we need to bring is the alphabet of our lives with its joys and frustrations, successes and failures and let God make the words, dances, poems, songs and stories for us.
A Prayer:
God our life,
Be with us through this day,
Whether or not it brings us joy.
Help us when evening comes to recall one benefit
For which we can give thanks. Amen
RAS - Radford Awareness and Service
The main idea: being human with others, flourishing together.
Reconciliation
Read about the Year 3/4 Reconciliation activities excursion
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.
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 SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School Exams – Semester I, 2010 Mr Michael Lewthwaite
These exams will be held in the Hall between 9/6/10 and 16/6/10. Students are expected to attend normal classes right up to the exam period.
Each student has been issued with a personal exam timetable with full details of their exams, via their school email account. It is advisable that students print out one for the “fridge”, to ensure they do not miss any exams.
Yr 11 Exam Timetable
Yr 12 Exam Timetable
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES HIGH SCHOOL
High School Exams – Semester I, 2010 Mr Peter 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 Paul Southwell
JS Reception: Ms Kerrie Shevlin
Catch up with the latest Junior School News
Read about the Year 3/4 Reconciliation activities excursion
HOD: Mrs Suzanne 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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FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
Ms Jocelyn Martin
Tax deductions - Building Fund Contributions
Families who have yet to make the Building Fund contribution for 2010 are reminded that the contribution is tax deductible. Making a payment before 30 June will enable you to take advantage of this within the current financial year.
FROM THE YEAR 10 COORDINATOR
Ms Beth Roberts
Support for students/families who are touched by Cancer
Next semester, staff at Radford College are looking at the opportunity to become trained support personnel for students in their care, and also for colleagues, whose lives are touched by cancer.
After speaking with staff at Calvary Breastcare, I have become aware of a need fabric pieces to make Headscarves & pillows for those have chemotherapy treatment, and also polyester pillow stuffing (for temporary prostheses). Should anyone have polyester filling or pieces of fabric that they no longer have a use for, they may be left at the Main Reception, marked for the attention of Beth Roberts, who will take them to Calvary. Opportunities also exist for students (Community Service) who may be interested in making headscarves etc. Please see Ms Roberts for further details.
HOD: Mr Nick Akhurst
Administrator: Mrs Bronwyn 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, available from Mrs K Shevlin at the Junior School Reception
HOD: Mr Mathew Irving
Administrator: Mr Allan Pennicook
Bands and Orchestras Eisteddfod
Our congratulations go to all the students, conductors and managers of all our Bands and Orchestras for their wonderful performances at last weeks National Bands and Orchestras Eisteddfod. Gold Awards went to the Training Band, Junior String Orchestra, Training String Orchestra, Intermediate String Orchestra and the String Orchestra. Silver Awards went to the Intermediate Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Junior Big Band and Senior Big Band.
Congratulations to the String Orchestra who won the Open String Orchestras section.
Upcoming Music events
Year 11 / 12 Recital - tonight Wednesday 2 June, RA Young Hall
A warm invitation is extended to parents, students and friends to attend the Year 11 / 12 Recital to be held tonight Wednesday 2 June (5.30pm Instrumental Studies and ‘A’ Music / 7.30pm ‘T’ Music ) in the RA Young Hall. Performers to be at Hall by 5.15pm / 7.15pm.
Master class series 2010 - 3 June, 3.30 pm, PAC
All parents, friends and students are invited to the Senior Big Band Master class and rehearsal, this Thursday 3rd June, 3:30 – 5:30pm in the PAC. The ANU Big Band will feature and work with our Senior Big Band.
Junior School Years 1 - 4 Recital – Wednesday 9 June
For information regarding this recital please email Brenda Lander at brenda.lander@radford.act.edu.au.
Evensong - Sunday 20 June, 3 pm Radford Chapel
For a wonderful afternoon of Choral Music and Lessons, please join the Chapel Choir at Radford’s inaugural Evensong, on Sunday 20 June at 3pm in the Radford Chapel.
Junior School Concert - Wednesday 23 June
This year's Junior School Concert is to be held on Wednesday 23 June in the TB Millar Hall. Further details available soon.
Canberra Symphony Orchestra Noteworthy Program
The CSO will once again be running its very successful Noteworthy Music Education Program on Thursday 29th July and Friday 30th July at Llewellyn 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 Peter Haynes
Administrators: Mr Brad Luhrs, Mr Peter Wallensky, Mr Anthony 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.
Snowsports
The Friends of Radford Snowsports (FORS) Team has a invitation for you:
Are you a middle distance or Cross Country athlete representing the School or a Club who’d like to try something new?
Are you a keen and capable Snowboarder looking for an opportunity to race and represent the School?
Are you an experienced Alpine skier who has other sporting commitments through winter?
If you’ve answered YES to any of the above, read on…
FORS invites expressions of interest from any Radford students from Years 4 – 12 who may otherwise not be available for our complete winter programme, but would be available for one or multiple discipline events. Competing in the ACT and Southern NSW Interschools Championships as part of our school Team, there are both individual and team-based events in each discipline. It’s as much fun socially as it is in competition – and a perfect opportunity for a first time ‘look-in’ to what Interschools Snowsports is all about, and the consistent competitiveness of the Radford Team.
Interschools Cross Country events - Perisher Valley on Sunday July 11.
Snowboarding events - Wednesday July 28.
Alpine skiing events - Thursday and Friday July 29 & 30.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Mandl jmandl@gillianbeaumont.com.au
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.
Australian Rules Football
Congratulations to James Mount (10SJP), selected for the ACT SSSA AFL TEAM which will compete in the National Championships in Perth 24th July – 31st July.
Oratory
Congratulations to Su-Kim Macdonald (12CJW), who has been selected as one of 10 ACT students to participate in the 2010 United Nations Youth Conference (UNYC) in Perth in early July. The theme of UNYC 2010 is 'Advocating for Change', focusing on the empowerment of a range of disadvantaged social groups at both the local and international level.
Community Relations Manager: Miss Celia Lindsay
P&F President: Mr Brett Morgan
Collegians President: Ms Kate 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
Thanks to all those who have purchased Entertainment Books. The school receives $11 for every book sold.
Due date to return payment for books was 21 May. Please note that any payments outstanding after Monday 7 June will be added to the Term 3 account.
If you have any queries about Entertainment Books, please contact Alison Wilson by e-mail or by phone on 62314543.
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 2 June - NOTE VENUE CHANGE DUE TO ILLNESS - Jean Anderson - 5 Dickinson St Watson - ph 6241 2117
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.
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 |