From the Principal
As our Year 12 students are making their way to the finish line with their exams, they also make their way into joining our alumni organisation The Kardinians.
This week and next we have our Kardinian’s reunions, including our inaugural 25-year reunion. It is always great to hear about what our alumni have been up to since leaving the College - we have musicians, Arctic explorers, professional sports people, business leaders, academics, doctors, plumbers, business owners, architects, builders, lawyers, chefs, designers. This list goes on and on.
We also have alumni who are teachers and some even teaching back here at Kardinia. It makes me so happy when I hear about great young people joining the teaching profession.
In his 2013 address to University of Western Australia graduates, Tim Minchin gave 9 life lessons with number 6 Be a teacher he said “Be a teacher, please, please. Teachers are the most important and admirable people in the world…….. You don’t have to do it forever, but if you are in doubt about what to do, be an amazing teacher…. Even if you are not a teacher, be a teacher, share ideas, don’t take for granted your education, rejoice in what you learn and spray it”.
I hope that our future Kardinians are equipped with the skills and tools to go on to be whatever they want to be and do it with passion and I really hope that some of them will want to be amazing teachers.
From the Head of Senior School
We are pleased to announce that the Senior School Production for 2025 is “Chicago: Teen Edition” to be performed on the Katsumata Stage for a total of four performances during Week 4 of Term 3, 2025.
Auditions for Lead Cast Member Roles are open. Additional auditions will be held in early 2025 for both cast and crew.
Descriptions and synopsis of the lead characters can be found here: College Production Audition Information
To apply for a lead role, you are required to fill out the online form and submit an audition video HERE. Details about the requirements of the video audition can be found in the information .pdf above.
Auditions close Wednesday 13 November, 11am. Any inquires or questions about the audition process can be submitted to Kate Birley (k.birley@kardinia.vic.edu.au).
One of our Year 10 students, Sara Kristiansen, has launched a Tutor Group fundraiser, which is raising funds for SESIM – The Centre for Science and Mathematics in Timor-Leste, which provides Timorese science teachers with in-depth training to enhance the quality of science and mathematics education in the country.
This is a Tutor Group based fundraiser, with each Tutor Group in the Senior School in the running to win a $400 hamper from Geelong Confectionary Company. There are other prizes on offer as well. The winning Tutor Group will be announced in Week 8 of this term. This is a valuable project and will no doubt be hotly contested across Tutor Groups.
From the Head of Junior School
Planeteers Student Action
Well done to the Planeteers Student Committee who hosted a casual clothes day last Friday. The theme was ‘a touch of orange' with donations supporting Orangutans. Students raised almost $500 for their cause.
Cyber Safety Workshop – A thank you from the PYP Coordinator.
Thanks so much to everyone that attended our Cyber Safety Evening last Wednesday. We enjoyed some great discussions, engaging presentations, and fun activities which related to staying safe online. Our speakers shared some useful tips on protecting personal info and spotting cyber threats.
Below are some links to further information for anyone that was unable to attend or would like some more information.
One engaging resource that I found below is the podcast series called digiknow. These short podcasts are aimed at parents and students. They look perfect for a short car ride and conversation with your children.
- Digi-Know Podcast: For Families and For Parents/Guardians specifically
- Parents/Guardians may also find some of the advice in this Insights - Cyber Safety Project supportive on their journey
Geoff Geddes, PYP Coordinator
Student Wellbeing Webinars
Careers News
Year 9, 10 & 11 female students interested in a career in Aerospace and Defence?
Then read the details below and apply for this exciting 2025 opportunity to be part of a school holiday program at the end of Term 1 2025.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
College Community Council (CCC) - Prospective Member Welcome and AGM
Are you familiar with Kardinia’s parent CCC? We’d love to meet and welcome prospective members ready for a new year in 2025.
Join us for an informal gathering (before our AGM) to learn more about what the CCC does, its events and purpose, and how you could contribute to this volunteer parent group (spanning Highview to Year 12).
If you’re keen, please then stay on for the AGM or express your interest for contributing or joining the CCC at a later time. We look forward to meeting you.
Wednesday 13 November
Morongo House (Senior Campus, enter via Kardinia Drive)
6:30pm-7:00pm Meet and Greet (Catered)
7:00pm-8:00pm AGM
RSVP - https://forms.office.com/r/ZfN3X4WcMZ
Principal’s Dinner - LAST FEW TICKETS!
The College Community Council (CCC) warmly invites you to join us for the inaugural Principal's Dinner on Saturday 16 November at The Geelong Club, hosted by the Principal Catherine Lockhart.
This special new event on the calendar, provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on 2024 for the Kardinia International College Community.
There are only limited tickets remaining: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-principal-s-dinner
Where Are They Now – Molly Nevin (Class of 2019)
Alumna Molly Nevin recently graced the red carpet to celebrate the achievements of 'Thou Shalt Not Steal'. Currently at the Brisbane based Ludo Studio (the team behind Bluey), Molly was the Visual Effects Producer working alongside the NT's Since 1788 Productions. and reflects:
"I had the incredible pleasure of working as a VFX Producer on this project, along with assisting the incredible Producer and Co-Producer of the series Sam and Lauren in the final stages of post-production."
The film won the Best Episode at SxSW Sydney and has had rave reviews, including a glowing 5-star rating from The Guardian, which called it a 'future classic'.
'Thou Shalt Not Steal' is out on Stan now! Congratulations Molly!
This Friday - Combined Reunion
Registered Kardinians from the Classes of 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 & 2019 are invited to the Combined Reunion to celebrate 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- & 25- years since graduating from Kardinia International College. The Reunion is on THIS FRIDAY 8 November 2024.
This is a ticketed event, and an RSVP is essential for entry. Head to EVENTS on The Kardinians to RSVP: https://kardinians.com/
We would love to see you there!
1 Year Reunion - Class of 2023
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2023 will be held on Friday 15 November.
This function for registered Alumni from the Class of 2023, provides the opportunity to catch up with peers one year after graduation.
Head to EVENTS on The Kardinians to RSVP: https://kardinians.com/
We look forward to seeing you there!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Class of 2023
Twelve months ago, daily life was very different for the Class of 2023… routine, school uniform, friendships, classes, no phone between 9am-3:20pm, permission forms, school holidays, study and VCE or IB exams.
2024 enabled the cohort to begin their personal journeys as they dispersed across the state, country and globe for further study, work opportunities, travel or other life experiences.
We hope they can gather on Friday 15 November at their 1-Year Reunion, to reconnect with each other and share the first year of their journey beyond Year 12, as fully fledged Kardinians!
Head to The Kardinians to RSVP to this ticketed event. https://kardinians.com/
Photos: College Archives
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV -
In today's world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, including relationships. The rise of AI-powered romantic and companion bots is particularly popular among young people, offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These apps allow users to create and interact with virtual partners, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns, particularly for younger generations.
Research highlights potential risks associated with AI companions, including the normalisation of inappropriate conversations and the possibility of grooming. Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.
Adolescents, in particular, may turn to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect their real-life relationships. These relationships often lack the mutual respect and effort required in real-world connections, which are crucial for personal growth.
As AI technology continues to shape social dynamics, it's important for us all to stay informed and involved. AI has the potential to enrich educational experiences and foster creativity, but it also poses challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation. By maintaining an open dialogue and promoting a balanced approach, we can help young people navigate this new digital landscape, allowing them to benefit from AI's advancements while protecting them from its potential risks.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-navigating-ai-relationships-au
Community
Deakin University is celebrating turning 50!
Our unique identity in balanced excellence in education and research has been driving lasting change for a better future since 1974. Join us as we launch our anniversary year with a celebration where the University first began. We welcome our alumni, students, staff and the wider Deakin community to attend. This free, family-friendly community event will be held at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus.
Come and experience live children's entertainment, DJ, food trucks and bar, free kid's activities and face painting, market stalls and a spectacular fireworks display.
Bring along your picnic rug to enjoy the outdoor festival.
Visit Eventbrite to secure your FREE tickets!
Please contact deakin50@deakin.edu.au for further information.
