28 July 2010

 

Lots of news
The start of Term 3 has been very encouraging. I am well pleased with the way in which students have settled into their work quickly. There is a good routine now re-established and the assessment program is underway once more. For most of Week 1 this term, the period bells in the High School and Senior School did not work. It was actually nice to have the school so quiet and a little less “Pavlovian” about the school routines. Although the bells have been repaired now, we are considering reducing the occasions through the day when they are used, in the hope that we can have the best of the silence and of the orderliness of routine. The system in the Junior School remains unchanged.

Assembly
The entire school (less Pre K and Kindergarten) gathered in the G Wigg Sports Centre on Wednesday 21 July to mark the commencement of Semester II, 2010. We met the new teachers and heard excellent addresses from the School Captains (Erin and Bobby). The Year 12s took the opportunity to advertise their Revue, much to the amusement of all. The Chaplain offered prayers, and I enjoyed the rare moment of addressing the students and staff gathered in one (chilly) place. The presence of over 1500 people soon warmed us sufficiently to eliminate any discomfort.

New staff
The new staff members in Junior and Secondary schools appear to have settled well. I mentioned to the school at our Assembly that the arrival of new people always changes the community. Each individual, either staff or student, makes an impact on the College community. In the early days of the semester, the impact seems very positive. I thank the students for welcoming the new staff into their midst. Loyalty is a key feature of Radford College. Understandably, students are very loyal to their existing teachers and do not like change. There are occasions when change is unavoidable and even a worthwhile thing. As the rhythms of the classroom settle into the second week of term, students seem to be making positive adjustments to the new people in our midst. As a relatively new person here I appreciate the efforts that everyone is making in this regard. I am also very pleased with the standard of tuition provided by our new staff.

The Digital Education Revolution
The Commonwealth Government has set aside funds to enable computers to be placed in schools. We are grateful for these funds and the opportunity to enhance our own IT infrastructure. The DER program will continue until the end of 2011. Under the terms of the DER, schools can allocate funds for desktops computers, laptops or even tablet technology. The DER funds target students from Year 9 and above.

As you may be aware, some schools in Canberra have decided to hand out laptops to their senior students using DER funds.  A couple of Radford parents have been in touch to enquire when their children are receiving a laptop. This is a fair question and it prompts me to clarify the Radford position.

Radford College is in the process of evaluating how we deal with the funding we are entitled to under the DER programme.   Our decision does not need to be made until the end of 2011.  Some of the factors weighing on our mind include sustainability (whatever we do we need to make sure that it sustainable in the long term economically and environmentally) and comments made on the Strategic Plan survey.  In the meantime, the College has been investing in remediating the existing networking infrastructure so that it can handle more systems being added to it.

Whatever we decide, we need to make sure that it is right for the Radford Community. The DER funds represent a significant national investment and we want to make the right decision for the long-term. Indeed, as technology changes, devices that can be accessed under the DER terms also are changing to include such things as iPads and other things similar. We want to get this right.

Radford Second Vehicular Entrance – an update
I am happy to advise that the College recently received development approval for the Haydon Drive “left in, left out” vehicle access. For the information of newer families, this matter has been on the development agenda for the College for more than a decade and formal approval represents a significant step forward.

The Board has NOT yet made a decision to begin construction of a new road access for the Senior School. The cost is high and there are no grants available to assist us. It is important to say that the College Board will continue to work through this matter having regard to the cost-benefit of the proposal. There are a number of questions before us:

• Should we access Radford funds for a solution to a traffic snarl that afflicts us at particular times of the day only?
  
• Should we wait a little, to consult other agencies in the Bruce Precinct so as to gain a better understanding of long term plans, especially around the nearby University of Canberra?
  
• Are there higher priorities for the use of College funds?
  
• Should a school be spending money on roads now that the students have called upon us to support the Sustainability Charter (2009)?
  
• Or should we seize the opportunity now, knowing that costs will only rise in the future?

The Board is investigating all of these questions and we will keep the community informed. I know that all students, staff and parents of Radford are interested in this issue and you deserve to know.

Congratulations Year 12 Revue
I want to congratulate the Year 12 Revue Committee and all of Year 12 for a very successful 2010 Revue held last week. It was not only clever and entertaining, but the talent on display was quite outstanding. Many people told me that the performance was one of the best in many years – and I could believe them. Using a live band/ensemble for accompaniment was superb and made a significant difference. The dancing, acting, singing, costuming, set design and production elements were all of a very high standard. Thanks go to John Leyshon, Nick Akhurst, Janelle Stacey and the Senior School staff tutors and teachers. The Year 12s had a lot of fun and worked really hard to produce a good show that demonstrated creativity, good taste and skilful performing. Although there were too many highlights to single out any individuals, I particularly want to thank the (a cappella) “barber shop” singing group for a most delightful moment of music. The boys worked so hard on this piece and they must have enjoyed the warmth of the applause at the end of their performance. Everyone loved it.

Congratulations Year 12, 2010! It was a triumph deluxe.  Now, let’s get back to work!

Peace

FROM COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Miss Celia Lindsay

As our LOST section indicates, a number of students have recently lost bags containing a large quantity of much-needed and expensive clothing, footwear and equipment, which has not yet been returned, even though it is marked with their names.

Can you please encourage/assist students to check that what they think is their gear, actually is? Any named items can be taken to Main Reception for return to the grateful owners!

FROM THE HEAD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
Education Forum 5 August: Library
Library staff will present the next Education Forum on Thursday 5 August, from 5:15pm - 6:15pm in the 5-12 Library. All parents and friends are invited to attend this presentation, which will include discussion of recent initiatives and future directions in the College’s libraries. Topics will encompass the development of the Junior School Library, use of print and electronic resources, the Library’s presence on the College intranet, partnerships with teachers, and challenges facing modern school libraries.

FROM THE HEAD OF HIGH SCHOOL
Ms Lisa Moloney

"GENERATION NEXT" PARENTING SEMINAR - 29 August
An event not to be missed...
Radford College is hosting this seminar at Canberra Girls’ Grammar School on Sunday August 29th 2010, in conjunction with other independent schools in the ACT.

Speakers include:

• Michael Carr-Gregg
• Paul Dillon and
• Susan McLean

They will speak on a range of issues to help us understand the unique health and well-being challenges faced by our students, and how these challenges can be met. Please see the attached flyer for details of the presentation and how to order tickets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to hear some of the most respected and up-to-date speakers, I hope you can join us!

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES – SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Michael Lewthwaite

Information Evening – YEAR 11 2011
Current Year 10 students and their parents are invited to attend a Year 11 Information Evening on Tuesday 3 August at 7.30pm in the TB Millar Hall.  Information packages will be distributed and representatives from all major subject areas will be in attendance to answer questions.

It is important that all students and at least one of their parents are present to obtain the essential information about the program of studies and the factors involved in choosing courses for Years 11 and 12.  This will be the best opportunity available for you to do this.

FROM THE HEAD OF LIBRARY
Mr Curtis Watson

Looking for ways to help your children with their assignments?
Assisting With Assignments is an evening for parents of students in Years 5 to 12. More details and registration form...

Date: Wednesday, 4 August
Time: 5.45 for 6.00pm, ending by 8.00pm (light refreshments available 5.45 to 6.00)
Venue: Library (Years 5-12), Radford College

Head of Junior School: Mr Paul Southwell
JS Reception: Mrs Kerrie Shevlin

Catch up with the latest Junior School News

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.

Ms Karen Baker

How much sleep do you need?
The average 5 year old needs about 11 hours. Ten year olds need about 8 hours, 16 year olds need 9 hours and adults need about 7.5 hours.
Read more in this week's article on SLEEP FACTS.

Chaplain: Fr Richard Browning    

REFLECTION
On losing a tooth and finding wisdom....

RAS
Including information on:

• Jeans4Genes - Friday August 6
• Youth Climate Summit – 7, 8 August

BISHOP STUART ROBINSON
Watch Bishop Stuart's 'Stutube' broadcast for the latest diocesan news and events...

ORATORY
Ford Debating
All debaters in the Ford Debating Team are asked to be present on Thursday 29th July,  Lunch B, in the Main Quad, in correct College uniform, for a team photo.
Ms Robijn Alexanda



FROM THE YEAR 9 CAMP COORDINATOR
Mrs Rebecca Cashmere

Year 9 Parents: Outward Bound will present an information session for all parents of Year 9 students on Tuesday 24th August 2010. The session commences at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre.

Year 9 Students: Now is the time to start to look at ensuring that you have the appropriate gear for camp.  A gear list can be downloaded from the Year 9 Camp Intranet page.

Year 10 Parents and Students: Do you have any second hand camp gear that you would like to sell? There will be a classifieds section on the Year 9 Camp intranet page as well as an opportunity to have your items in a second hand stall on the 24th of August.
Please email Mrs Rebecca Cashmere with the following information (1) Details and photos of items, (2) Price (3) Seller contact details.

FROM THE DANCE COORDINATOR
Mrs Kylie Robards

Dance Night is coming on the 26 August.  This is an evening where students can show the school their dance talents.  Anyone or group can perform from a range of dance styles.  Auditions will be held on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd August at lunch time in room 62.  For more information please contact Mrs Kylie Robards.

HOD: Mr Mathew Irving
Administrator: Mr Allan Pennicook  

All the latest news and forthcoming events from Music, including:

• Important Notice About Our Music Handbook
• Discontinuation of Individual Instrumental Lessons
• Discontinuation of Co-curricular Group Involvement
• Choral Concert - Sunday 8 August Radford Chapel, 3pm
• National Choirs Eisteddfod - 13 August
• Evening of Fine Music – 21 August
• Classroom Music Recitals - Semester 2
• Community Music Program

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.

Hereworth School Tour Visit - results and thanks
Radford hosted a very successful tour from New Zealand School, Hereworth from Saturday July 25 to Tuesday July 27. As part of their sports tour, Hereworth played Radford in Rugby winning 44–5, and in Football, with Radford winning 3-2. While the games were highly enjoyable and competitive, the Hereworth boys were excellent ambassadors for their school and country and left an impressive mark with their billet families.

Thank you to all the Radford families who took billets for the 3 nights of the visit. The feedback from all involved has been very positive. As a concluding statement, Hereworth performed a Haka on the bottom ovals and left Radford for games against Burgmann and Oxley High in Bowral.

Chess Classes
Hungarian International Master, Andras Toth, runs chess coaching classes on Tuesday afternoons in the Radford Sports Centre. Details can be found on the enrolment form. Please contact Mr Brad Luhrs if you require further information.

Radford Rugby Community (RRuC)
Meeting – Thursday 29 July, Radford Pavilion

The main agenda items for the meeting are:

       -    The appointment of a new President and Treasurer
       -    Planning for the end of season Presentation Dinner

More details

Snowsports

• ACT & Southern NSW Intershools Snowsports Competition – Wednesday 28 July - 1st August Team events and details
• ACT/NSW Interschools Cross-Country Ski (Nordic) event Tues 24th August - more details

Australian Football
Congratulations to Tara White (10SW)  and Sophie O'Dea (9LWR) who were selected to play in the ACT Under 15s Youth Girls AFL team that defeated NSW in a carnival on 3 July.  Sophie was captain of the under 15s side and also played in the Under 18s team that defeated NSW.

Football
Congratulations to Maddie Shevlin (7SEH), Freya Brent(7PH) and Samantha Roff (7SEH) for being selected in the PSSA Football team to compete at the School Sport Australia Football Championships in Newcastle in August.

Basketball
Congratulations to Bosco Chan (11Ale) and Kathryn Rendell (11MW), who have been selected for the ACT Secondary School Basketball teams to compete at the National Championships in Darwin in August.

Snowsports
Congratulations to Max Mandl (6JMB), who came 7th in Giant Slalom (skis) and 6th in Snowboard representing Radford at the Scots College Championships Mon 12 July.

Drama
Congratulations to Toby Hall (6DVG) and Sarah Fisher (7DJF) on their involvement in the recent Child Players ACT production of Peter Pan at the Belconnen Theatre.

 

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 5 August 7:30 pm Radford Boardroom.

TWILIGHT FETE - Saturday 6 November
Fete Convenors:   Amelie Barry amelie.barry@gmail.com or 0404 832 988 and Sean Harvey Sean.Harvey@defence.gov.au

We would still like to have the assistance of another person to act as Fete Co-convenor, to share the load. If you can help with this, please e-mail the P&F. If you wish to volunteer to help with the Fete in any other way, please contact Amelie or Sean.

RADFORD COLLEGE MONSTER RAFFLE 2010 - Calling all members of the Radford Parent and Business Community...
Raffle Convenor: Chandima de Silva

Monster Raffle Details

Thanks to Sponsors
Many thanks to those individuals and businesses that have already generously offered sponsorship.

Fete Craft Group
Contact: Jean Anderson ph 6241 2117
Craft Group meets weekly during the term to make items for the Radford fete. Come along when you can, or when we are in your area, to help and have a cuppa and a bickie. All are welcome, and we would love to meet some new helpers. All materials are provided.

Dates and addresses July - Sept

LOST
A black PE bag belonging to Jack Kennedy (8LB) disappeared from outside the ADT room during Period 6 on 24 June.  It contained a large number of sports items, all marked with Jack's name. If you find this bag, can you please return it to Main Reception as soon as possible? The bag contains:

2 pairs of Radford PE shorts 1 pair of white socks 1 pair of Radford sports socks	1 pair of Puma runners 1 pair of yellow Nike soccer boots 1 pair of white/gold/black shin pads
1 complete KEA tracksuit (top and bottoms) 1 short sleeve Radford PE shirt with number 22 on the back

LOST
A maroon Radford PE bag containing shoes, long-sleeved shirt, shorts, track pants and socks belonging to.Luke Allan (6JMB), left in Mr Copeland's Music Room on the last day of Term 2. Please return it to Main Reception.

LOST
A blazer belonging to Anna Marsden (6DG), marked with her name, was lost at the end of Term 2. Please return it to Main Reception.

LOST
Sports Jacket (size 12) belonging to Isabella Antioch (6DVG) - left at the school end of last term. Marked with her name. Please return to Main Reception.

LOST - Much loved "baby" doll
A much loved "baby" doll was lost at Soccer at Radford on Saturday 24 July. If you find this, please contact Caroline Parish on 6274 2690.

CAN YOU HELP?
ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED 2011/2012
A small flat or "Granny flat" near Radford is required in 2011 and 2012 for a new female student (coming into Year 11) and one parent. They will probably be away most weekends and holidays. If you can help, please phone Bruce Condell on 4842 1678 or 0407 701 788.