Farewell Mr Darryle Macdonald

By Mrs Annette Carter, College Historian

As Radford College recently said goodbye to Mr Darryle Macdonald, we reflected on his 20 years of service and dedication. Joining as a HPE Teacher with a rich sports background, his influence extended beyond the classroom.

Darryle served as a popular tutor across all secondary year levels. His involvement in school camps and a stint as the acting Year 9 Head of Year shows his dedication to students’ holistic development.

In 2010, Darryle even initiated a Bicycle Maintenance Program, aligning with Year 10 community service and emphasising his innovative approach to health and education. In 2018, he was appointed to the role of Technical Director of Cricket, significantly contributing to the success of Radford’s Cricket Program.

As we express our gratitude for Darryle’s invaluable contributions, we wish him well in his future endeavours. His legacy of passion, mentorship, and sports excellence will undoubtedly endure within the Radford College community.

Extract from a speech given by Mr Brad Davis, Head of Year 10 at Mr Macdonald’s staff farewell:

Today I am proud to farewell the legend himself, the man of many nicknames: Daz, Dmac or more formally, Mr Mac. The man who made PE cool and cricket way more interesting than we thought possible.

Now, we can’t talk about Darryle without mentioning his love of Green Day and that classic anthem, Time of Your Life. So, I want you to imagine that playing in the background as we dive into Darryle’s Radford adventure. PE staff, I know you don’t have to imagine. We have all heard Green Day played at high volume for most days of our time here. You certainly knew when Darryle had the gym as Green Day would be pumping through the speakers in every class!

Darryle could turn any class into a Green Day tribute concert, with him as the lead guitarist, belting out lessons and laughs in equal measure. If you were a kid in Mr Mac’s class, you certainly were in for a great time, but you had an even better teacher and role model who really cared about you . . .

As we meet here in the Pavillon it’s fitting we mention your immense contribution and commitment to the cricket program.  You have worked tirelessly, always showing great passion and care. To highlight this, I have reached out to Ryan Carters, former Radford Captain and NSW cricketer.

Darryle, congratulations on your career. You’ve helped me as a coach, a teacher, a competitor and a mate.
I remember early morning sessions in the indoor nets and you driving the bus to Sydney for our pre-season tours. You helped me improve my game and build the confidence to go on to the next level.
I remember you wearing your big straw hat leading our class out onto the oval. We always looked forward to PE with you.
As a competitor, I remember some very intense games of badminton and table tennis. I don’t remember who won, just enjoying the contest.( sounds like selective memory)
As a mate, I remember you sending messages to check in during my cricket career and beyond and enjoying catching up when our paths crossed.
I hope you enjoy more time to relax, have adventures with the family, and focus on your badminton.

Best wishes 

Ryan Carters

Darryle, you have made coming to work not just a job but a daily dose of enjoyment. The PE staff room will miss your dearly. We won’t, however, miss your wet socks hanging from the heater in winter.

We all wish you the best as you hit the road travelling this beautiful country with Kylie. We know that Green Day will be rocking all the way along! Farewell, Darryle – you have given us the time of our lives.