From the Principal
Last Thursday, as a school community, we had the most glorious day at Adventure Park celebrating Founders’ Day.
It seemed that Mr and Mrs Katsumata were shining down on us again, making sure that the weather was just right, not too hot, and not too cold. It was great to see students and staff across the College mixing together and enjoying each other’s company.
There are so many elements of the Katsumata’s legacy that remain front and centre at the College, but it is mostly the intangibles that we do not want to forget. The way the Katsumatas took a chance on a dream, the altruistic manner in which they founded the College, and the way they wanted to build bridges to the future, creating connections and international understanding.
Days like Founders’ Day create and strengthen community and help to build on that special legacy. As an added bonus, it was great fun too.
From the Head of Senior School
Last night we had almost 190 Year 8 students and their fathers or male mentors join us for our annual Time and Space session. Facilitated by Ray Messer, this session provides an opportunity for really meaningful conversation between students and key adults in their lives at times of significant change and transition for our young people. I’d like to thank the 27 Year 10-12 students who volunteered their time and helped as panel members, group facilitators and with all sorts of behind the scenes support. Evenings such as this cannot occur without others stepping up to help.
The Year 7 Time and Space session, which is for students and their mothers or female mentors, is scheduled for May. I encourage as many people as possible to come along to this program.
A reminder to all families that the staff carpark should not be used for student pick-ups and drop-offs. There is parking available for families by the Katsumata Centre and in the Junior School carpark. It is very busy around the Senior School immediately after the conclusion of classes, and as previously communicated, if would be appreciated if parents were able to wait until buses have left at 3:35pm to pick-up their children.
From the Head of Junior School
Founders’ Day
Last week students enjoyed the opportunity to visit Adventure Park and celebrate Founders’ Day. Thank you to all the teachers and parents who helped make it a wonderful day of fun in the sun.
Equestrian Success
Over the weekend, Junior School students Alannah Heagney and Piper Bondarenko competed for Kardinia at the Girton Grammar Interschool School Dressage Championships. Congratulations to both girls who rode well, placing in both their dressage tests.
Parent Helper Workshop
This week Nikki Petyanszki and Izabella Haby are hosting a parent helper workshop over two days. Thank you to all parents who volunteered to attend the course.
Students Dr Seuss Crazy Hat and Sock Day
This is week is Dr Seuss Week in the Junior School and today students were invited to wear a crazy hat or crazy socks to celebrate.
Public Holiday 11 March
Please be reminded that the school is closed for the Labour Day Public Holiday next Monday 11 March.
Mothers Day Classic 2024
Hi Everyone , it's that time again!
Today, 57 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This year as we do every year, we’re doing our bit to help those affected by this disease.
On Sunday, 12 May, we are getting active for breast cancer research. We’re running, walking, dressing up and fundraising to raise awareness and funds for life-saving breast cancer research projects. We’d love for you to join us!
This is not a school event but we like to have a presence on the day .
Research is making a big difference! Since the Mother’s Day Classic’s inception, the 5-year survival rate has increased from 76% to 92% thanks largely to research. However, there’s still a long way to go before Australians stop losing their lives to breast cancer.
So join us this year, and together, let’s start our Mother’s Day with purpose. It would be great to see you there with your families .
To learn more and register for the Mother’s Day Classic, visit https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/
When completing the registration process, remember to join our team – Kardinia International College – when prompted.
Or go to our team fundraising page and make a donation https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/fundraisers/kardiniainternationalcollege
Thank you for your support, Kardinia International College
A Friendly Reminder
Applications for 3-year-old Kindergarten in 2025 will close on Friday 8 March. Please click the image below to lodge applications and find further information.
Co-Curricular News
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Senior School Co-Curricular Open Day! The event is designed to provide an opportunity for Senior School students to explore the diverse range of clubs and activities available at the College. No matter what interests our students have—whether it’s an active pursuit, academia, social justice, wellness, or any other passion—our clubs cater to all!
Event Details:
- Date: Friday 15 March
- Time: Lunchtime
- Location: Centre Point Café
Netball Players Wanted!
Netball players are invited to join the competition for Semester 1 played at Kardinia Park on a Monday night. Game times are 4.15pm, 5.10pm, 6.05pm and 7pm - depending on the grade the team plays in (younger teams tend to play in the earlier time slots).
Training is at the College on Wednesdays at 3.40 till 4.40pm.
We are looking for the following players to go into existing teams; Players in years 5 - 9 at a beginner level (new to netball, have a season or two experience or just played at a school netball level). All players will need to be registered with Netball Victoria (12 month registration) plus $290 which will be added to your College Fees. Contact Bernadette Walker (KIC Netball Co-ordinator) via email at buddywally@hotmail.com to express your interest or for further information.
First Judo Victoria Tournament 2024
The first Judo Victoria judo tournament has been run and Kardinia was represented by five intrepid members who travelled to the Broadmeadows Leisure Centre to do battle. Two juniors, Will and Addi Cromb donned the competition pyjamas and fought in the u/9 and u/11 age groups. I myself was roped into refereeing the tournament so was unable to encourage the kids from the sidelines. Luckily our visiting coach from Japan, Mizuho Sonoda also travelled to Broadmeadows and was able to step in for me and encourage all of our members through their bouts. Ellie Shanahan and Gus Linke also showed great leadership, first by encouraging our juniors but then by setting the example as they themselves competed on the mat. Both fought well with Ellie and Gus both winning scores with throws. Ellie was rewarded with a Silver medal while Gus had to be content with banking up more competition experience.
The next Tournament on offer is the March 17 Tournament run by Senshi Judo Academy in Thomastown. All club members are encouraged to do some carpooling and get along to that one. The other big event is the Club Grading Day, which will be on Saturday 23rd March from 9:15 am.
The judo club always welcomes new members with a smile! If you would like to give judo a try, contact Douggie on 0447-719-090, or email douggie.noack@gmail.com
Outdoor Education News
We have put together a short video highlighting some of the highlights from last year - please click on the image below to view.
Careers Department News
Booking link for Career Practitioner Appointments: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/Careers1@kic.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
Community Engagement and Foundation News
CCC Parent Social Evening - Wine, Canapes & Great Company!
We look forward to seeing plenty of Kardinia parents this Thursday 7 March at our Parent Social Evening, upstairs at the Eureka Hotel. This event, hosted by the College Community Council (CCC), is a chance to connect and socialise with other parents. Come and introduce yourself in a casual, welcoming environment, and if you have already established some parent connections at the College, invite them to register also. The cost is $35 for a substantial selection of canapes, and drinks are at bar prices. Tickets are available via the link or the QR code: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-wine-canapes-and-great-company
The CCC Footy Tipping Competition for all Kardinia families
Last chance to register for the 2024 AFL Footy Tipping Competition! This competition is open to all our Kardinia families and there is no entry fee! Each Kardinia family can enter once to be eligible for great prizes, with the top 3 family winners awarded: 1st - $500; 2nd - $300; 3rd - $200 The competition starts with Round 1 and ends with Round 24. It does not include the Opening Round or the Finals. The link for this competition is: https://tipping.afl.com.au/tipping/index.html#/comp/37586/about?code=U7C9XYSW The competition code is: U7C9XYSW
Please note that this is a family competition and students cannot enter this competition independently. Only current Kardinia families are eligible.
Introducing our College Community Council (CCC)
This week we introduce the final two members making up the College Community Council.
Sharon Taylor
“Hi. My name is Sharon Taylor. I have two adult girls and a 3-year-old grandson. I work fulltime as a primary teacher and a Homestay parent for International students. When I have time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy being a part of the CCC group and hope to be able to support when or wherever I can.”
Dr Bronwyn Coate
“I’ve been a KIC parent since my eldest son started Year 7 back in 2019 – he is now in Year 12 doing IB, and this year my youngest son has started Year 7. While KIC helps our kids become well-rounded global citizens, it also creates a great sense of community and belonging which is what attracts me to be involved in the CCC. Like many KIC parents I’m busy juggling work and family and sometimes feel like I drop many balls in the process! I love good food from different corners of the world and getting out to experience nature.”
The 2024 International Women’s Day Breakfast
Thank you for the great response to the IWD Breakfast this Friday 8 March! The doors open at 7am. You will be inspired by our wonderful Keynote speaker, Jo Plummer and our MC, Barb Cronin, and delighted by the scrumptious breakfast! Please refer to the ticket information regarding parking options and have your tickets ready at the door.
Pop Up Reunion
The next Pop-up Reunion for our newest alumni will be held on Tuesday 26 March at the Prince Alfred Rooftop and Bar in Carlton. Alumni starting employment, university or continuing study in Melbourne, are most welcome to attend. Head to The Kardinians for further information.
Morongo High Tea Reunion
Since 2022, past Morongo students and staff have been invited back to Morongo House for the Annual High Tea Reunion.
This year’s event will be held on Sunday 24 March, between 2:00pm-4:30pm at Morongo House.
Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-morongo-high-tea
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Founders’ Day at Adventure Park a decade ago!
With the entire college recently celebrating Founder’s Day at Adventure Park, it was timely to look back 10 years, showing the tradition of celebrating together, with heartfelt gratitude to Mr and Mrs Katsumata for establishing Kardinia International College.
Photo Credits: Kardinia Archive Collection
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Managing Overwhelm
Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.
It is therefore important for children and parents alike, to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.
The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm
