From the Principal
Today I spent some time in the Upper Primary Building and had a sneak preview of the Year 6 students setting up for their Exhibition. The artefacts they have produced and the learning they have been able to display is remarkable. It is obvious how much thought and preparation has gone into their final products, and it is wonderful to see the themes around sustainability, social justice, and international-mindedness.
The interdisciplinary approach to the Year 6 Exhibition is evident in the way the learning is displayed in so many different ways, including amazing works of art, great written research pieces, the application of maths, science and humanities and much more. If you get an opportunity to come and see the Year 6 Exhibition, I highly recommend it to you.
Likewise, in the Senior School, we are beginning to see displays of some of the Year 12's final works, such as the IB Art Exhibition and the final creations of furniture from our Product Design Technology students and incredible feats of engineering from the Systems Engineering students.
The sheer depth and breadth of talent among our students never ceases to amaze me.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
Friday is a Student-Free Day in the Senior School, to allow staff to engage in Parent-Teacher Interviews for students in Years 7-11. We really value the opportunity to have these conversations with parents and students to reflect on learning and progress so far this semester and also to set some goals for the rest of the year. Parent Teacher Interviews continue on Tuesday 12 September; classes finish for the day at the end of Period 4 at 12:50 pm. ‘A’ Buses will leave at 1 pm and ‘B’ buses will leave at 1:05 pm.
On Saturday morning we have 20 Senior School students heading off on the French Trip, accompanied by four members of staff. This group will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in French culture and cuisine, as well as staying with homestay families and attending a French school. We wish them all the very best for their trip.
As we look towards the mid-semester holidays, it is a good chance to remind our community of some of our expectations regarding uniforms. All Senior School students should wear their blazers to and from school each day unless, of course, they are wearing sports uniform. We have seen a little boundary-testing in relation to our expectations recently. As a reminder:
- No make-up is permitted at school (including nail polish, acrylic or gel nails, false eyelashes and eyelash extensions)
- The only permitted jewellery is a single pair of plain silver or gold studs or sleepers in the ear lobe
- Students must be clean-shaven
- Hair longer than the collar should be tied back so that it is off the face.
If there are any specific queries regarding the uniform expectations, please contact your child’s Head of House for clarification.
From the Head of Junior School
Kindergarten Parent Workshop
Thank you to all the families who attended the Kindergarten English workshop hosted by English Coordinator, Katie Steele, and Head of Early Years, Nikki Petyanszki, last Thursday evening. The event was well-attended and lots of fun.
PYP Exhibition
Next Monday night we look forward to the launch of the 2023 PYP Exhibition. Year 6 students will be presenting their learning and actions to the community after a lengthy collaborative inquiry into an area of passion.
Student Led Conferences
Student-led Conferences (SLCs) will be held for all K4-Y6 students next Tuesday 12 September. Please be reminded that there is an early finish on this day of 12:45 pm for K4 students and 12:50 pm for FY-Y6 students. Buses will depart at approximately 1:00 pm and 1:05 pm. Camp Australia is available for after-school care from 12:50 pm onwards on this day. K3 SLCs will be held on Thursday 14 September. Please refer to correspondence sent by Deputy Head of JS and PYP Coordinator, Geoff Geddes on Monday 21 August for further information.
Family Breakfast
All Junior School families are invited to a free breakfast next Friday 15 September at Centrepoint café from 8:00 am. Come along and enjoy some eggs, bacon, cereal, toast, juice and coffee with the Junior School community. Students are invited to wear their team colours on this day and bring a donation for local organisation Geelong Mums. The Student Action Committee will be publishing a list of sought-after items soon.
Used Book Sale
Regional Boys Soccer
Congratulations to the JS boy's soccer team who competed at the Regional Championships a few weeks ago. The team demonstrated outstanding skill, teamwork and sportsmanship across all three matches to finish with one win, one draw and one loss for the day. Well done team!
Camp Australia, OSHC Newsletter
Culture College - East Arnhem Land
This year’s trip to East Arnhem Land has had a huge impact on the students and staff who were lucky enough to attend. All of us, in different words, have expressed how our trip has changed us, our understandings, and our connections to others and to Country. We have developed, and we have grown.
Culture College has designed an educational program that aims to educate and inspire our leaders of tomorrow. The Elders have a strong desire to teach young people through a Yolngu curriculum, seeking to empower students with open minds and hearts. They hope the leaders of tomorrow will ripple change through their home communities and action true reconciliation and care for Country.
Our students and staff joined the small Yolngu homeland of Nyinyikay, which is situated on the coast of East Arnhem Land within Arnhem Bay. The Elders, families and children of Nyinyikay made us feel very welcome. The homeland immersion experience provided us with many on-Country experiences as we learnt Yolngu culture. We explored local surroundings with Yolngu community members both on foot and via four-wheel drives. The Nyinyikay homeland is very remote - a 3 ½ hr drive from the nearest town.
During our time in the homeland, we learnt Yolngu language, history and Rom (law) under the shade of palms with the water lapping along the coastline. At times the group separated in order to learn Women’s business and Men’s business. During Women’s business we learnt how to pick and prepare pandanus (gunga) leaves, how to colour the leaves after digging up tree roots to collect the dye and then how to weave these leaves into baskets and jewellery. The men cut down small saplings in order to build a shelter on the beach which was covered in branches. Everyone went fishing on the beach using the shelter for shade. Crabs, fish and turtle were tasted but the highlight was tasting fresh mangrove worms (still squirming) that were cut out of the centre of the mangrove trees. The men learnt how to make spear throwers or galpu. We were also shown how the Yolŋu make bilma (clap sticks) and yidaki (didgeridoo). On the last night, we celebrated with a bungul (dance). We were taught how to dance cockatoo, mozzie, wind, wading bird and dingo dances with bilma and yidaki accompaniment.
The whole experience was carried out in Yolngu time, which meant we did not worry about time or outside distractions. We were in the moment, surrounded by beautiful relaxing landscapes and friendships with the families who call Nyinyikay home.
Paul Dowie - Deputy Principal
(Images - Geoffrey Dew, Senior School Teacher)
Withdrawal from the College
If you are planning on withdrawing your child from the College, one full term’s notice in writing is required, or one term’s fee in lieu of such notice is payable.
For example, notice given in Week 2 of Term 2 will require fees to be paid up to and including Week 2 of Term 3.
Please email marketing@kardinia.vic.edu.au with any questions or if you are planning to withdraw your child from the College at the end of the year. Thank you.
PYP Exhibition
Student Actions
Hello, My name is Tom Hussey and for my year 6 PYP action I have organised collection baskets in the Junior and Senior School for students and families to drop off their unused and old sports balls for recycling and upcycling for families and children in need. This initiative works in conjunction with Rebel Sport. The balls can be from any sport and in any condition, so from the 4 - 14 September, have a clean-up of the backyard and not only will you be supporting the sustainability of our planet, you will be positively impacting the good health and wellbeing of others. Thank you for your support, and check the poster for details.
Kind Regards, Tom Hussey S6KL Morongo House Leader
Library News
Next week is the end of Term 3, and it is also the last school holiday break for the year when students can borrow books. Take some time to think about returning your current loans and grab some fresh resources to read. Alternatively, if you are still reading a book you have on loan you could renew it and keep it for the break.
Here are a few recently returned books that may interest you…
Or you could log in to our library catalogue here to search for something else that catches your eye!
Term 3, 2023 Book Subscription Boxes
For Those Of You Who Have Subscribed…
Please Collect Your Next Box Of Books Ready Now😊
Just in time for the Holidays!
Careers News
Get your university applications in ASAP!
The due date for timely university applications is fast approaching. The deadline for VTAC is Thursday 28 September at 5 pm. However, because this is during the school holidays and the Careers Team will not be available, we are strongly encouraging all Year 12 students to have their applications completed before the end of term three. This allows us to help them if they encounter any issues setting up their account. We still have appointment times available in the last week of term, and students are encouraged to make use of the online booking system to schedule an appointment if they are still undecided about their post-school pathway.
Music News
Hello Spring…Here Comes The Sun!
What better way to celebrate the end of term than a night of music at Piano Bar? Gather your friends and family and join us for a fun night out! Kardinia’s contemporary bands will perform on Thursday 14 September. Doors open at 6 pm with entertainment from 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Tickets are $10 per head for adults and $5 under 18s.
Food will be available for purchase at the bar. The college community is warmly invited to come and enjoy this family-friendly event. Tickets can be purchased from Piano Bar via the following link: Piano Bar Geelong (nowbookit.com)
Bands and approximate playing times are:
- 6.30 - 6.40 pm LeSpag - Saxophone Ensemble
- 6.45 - 7.00 pm Delilah and Daisy - Indie Duo
- 7.10 - 7.30 pm KIC Start My Heart - Women Rockers
- 7.35 - 8.05 pm Square 1 - Contemporary Rock/Soul Group
- 8.10 - 8.30 pm KIC Brass - Stage Band
We would love to see you there!
Performing Arts News
KIC Koncert
We warmly invite all Kardinia families to attend our student-led, showcase performing arts concert! The evening will feature bands, soloists, singers, actors, and dancers! Wednesday 4 October, 7 pm in the Katsumata Centre. Please bring along a gold coin donation and your wonderful applause, to support our talented performing arts students!
Tickets available via: https://events.humanitix.com/kic-koncert (tickets are free!)
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Community Engagement
Staff members Danielle Fredericks and Manfred Pohlenz are members of the Vox Angelica Geelong Chamber Choir and will be performing in concert on Sunday 17 September.
Treat yourself to some beautiful choral music involving members of our community. This performance of ‘Atmosphere’ is inspired by the paintings of Australian artist, Clarice Beckett.
Alumni Reunions
The combined 5, 10, 15 and 20 year reunion - classes of 2018, 2013, 2008 and 2003
The Combined Reunion for the Classes of 2018, 2013, 2008 & 2003, will be held on Friday 20 October and is for registered members only. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your RSVP and obtain your complimentary ticket to this event. We’d love to see you there!
The class of 2022 - 1 year reunion
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2022 will be held on Friday 27 October. This event is for registered members only and is the first official reunion since graduation. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your RSVP and obtain your complimentary ticket to this event.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Early Productions - Part 11
The Lion King Jr. – 2019
The Lion King Jr. a well-loved story with its identifiable characters, memorable plot, dialogue and upbeat music, provided a wonderful child-friendly introduction to musical theatre.
The young cast, drawn from Years 3-6, combined with the creative talents of the production team, worked hard to produce intricate harmonies and vocals, visually creative sets, highly effective lighting, stunning headwear, costumes and make-up, delighting our audiences!
The opportunity for students to learn many African words and sounds added to the richness of this wonderful production. Kardinia International College’s support of an annual major Musical Theatre production continues to enrich the cultural life of our community.
In 2019, the story of The Lion King Jr. provided an opportunity for the students involved to strengthen their own place in the world, while exploring a story of conservation and the wonder of our natural world.
Credits: The Bell - 2019. Report by Ian Campbell & Fiona Russell.
The next article features ‘EARLY PRODUCTIONS-PART 12’.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Year 12 Exam Stress
Supporting your teenager through their final school exams can be extremely daunting for parents. However, maintaining a calm household will ensure your child has the best chance of success.
To perform at their best, students will need regular and adequate sleep, a healthy diet, daily exercise and regular reassurance from parents that their success in life does not depend on their final mark. Many students will experience high levels of anxiety and depression during this time, so it is important that their mental health is looked after as well as their physical health.
Students should do plenty of practice exams, focussing on questions they don’t understand and always getting feedback from teachers. Parents should try not worry if they feel their child isn’t studying enough. Sometimes students need to experience the consequences of their choices as they do not have the maturity to associate effort with outcome. Getting a bad mark will not be the end of the world, but more of an inconvenience.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/year-12-exam-stress-special-report
Community News
