From the Principal
The Olympics are in full swing, and I am thoroughly enjoying every moment I can watch, though mostly, replays due to the timing.
I did get up at 3.00am the other day, however, to cheer Kurtis Marschall in the men’s pole vault final. I have known Kurtis and his mum Petra for many years as Kurtis was a student at my previous school, Woodcroft College, and his mum is also a teacher at Woodcroft. It has been wonderful to follow his career so closely for the last 12 plus years. I hope that one day in the future we will be cheering alumni or current students from Kardinia International College at an Olympic Games, maybe even some of the students who are currently in our High-Performance Athletes Program.
What I have enjoyed most about these Olympics is not marvelling at the sporting prowess or the adrenaline rush of close competition which has been great, but listening to the stories of the athletes, and particularly those post event interviews. The reason I have enjoyed these so much is how strongly the theme of gratitude has pervaded the narratives of the athletes.
I have been so impressed by the humbleness of the Australian Olympians both in victory and defeat and how I have found, almost without exception, that they have acknowledged how grateful and appreciative they have been for the support of their family, friends and the teams of coaches and other professionals and officials who are all part of their journey and their successes.
Here at Kardinia, we regularly speak to our students about the concept and action of gratitude, which has enormous well researched benefits for mental health and overall wellbeing. Benefits such as a reduction in stress and anxiety, enhanced mood, improved resilience, boosted self- esteem, strengthened relationships, increased empathy and kindness, better sleep, and pain management to name just a few.
The Olympic Games go well beyond sport, and I hope that our students can find some positive role models among the members of the Australian Olympic Team.
From the Head of Senior School
Senior School students have very much been enjoying the new COLA, with its basketball courts in action all day long. We’ve been screening the Olympics on the outdoor screens during the day and it’s been wonderful to have that facility, both to watch the replays from overnight but also to have students playing basketball at the same time!
Last Thursday evening we had a parent information session with Consent Labs, who provided some very valuable information about consent and safety. The more information that we all have around such important topics helps adults to support their own children, but also their children’s friends. We have student sessions with Consent Labs scheduled in two weeks, for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Finally, a reminder to all current Year 11 students that applications for 2025 College Prefects close on Friday this week.
From the Head of Junior School
Congratulations Shrek Cast, Crew and Volunteers
Last week the Junior School performed three shows of Shrek Junior the Musical. Everyone in attendance was amazed by the quality of the production and the talent of our Junior School students. Of course, shows like this can't go on without lots of help. Thank you to all staff, parents, and Senior School student volunteers who donated countless hours to ensure all students experienced success.
Year 2 Visits the Grove
Year 2 students enjoyed perfect weather to visit their buddies at the Grove campus on Monday. With a focus on sustainability, the Grove students proved to be knowledgeable hosts.
Book Week
This year, Book Week will be celebrated from 19-23 August. The theme is ‘Reading is Magic’ and highlights include a parade, craft activities, performers, and a photobooth.
A Message from the Student Action Committee
This Friday is Red Nose Day which is a day to raise awareness of a serious cause. Because of Red Nose Day fundraisers families are being supported through a tough time and with resources. We would like to support this charity by doing activities related to their theme, "Get silly for a serious cause". We are really busy with lots of events at KIC at the moment, so we will be acknowledging this day later in the term, on Friday 6 September. Stay tuned for more information.
Bullying No Way - National Week of Action
This year the Junior School is participating in the Bullying No Way, National week of action, 12 to 16 August 2024. Please click here to see a larger copy of the .pdf
Outdoor Ed News
Attention all 2025 Year 10 & 11 students……….we are excited to be able to tell you that we are in the process of organising a Cultural immersion to Lake Mungo National Park. This will be an amazing opportunity for you to learn about the rich culture of the land directly from its custodians and stay on Country with them and their families. In the coming days an Edsmart will be sent to you and your parents show casing the experience and asking you to register for an online briefing presented by Red Earth. We look forward to sharing this amazing opportunity with you.
Sport News
Well done to Charlotte (Year 9) on her hockey achievements! Charlotte recently participated in the SSA hockey Nationals on the Gold Coast (2024 SSA Games).
The Victorian girls had a tough start to the tournament, with some early close losses in games that they looked to be in strong positions. But Team Vic regrouped and came home strongly winning three of their last four games, to finish 5th overall. Charlotte had a strong tournament, only conceding 2 goals over the last 4 games, including a clean net against the eventual gold medal QLD team, after coming on for her half with the Vic team 4-0 down, and then denying QLD any more scores for the match, a super result against a very strong QLD team.
Over the Semester 1 school holidays several Kardinia students were busy representing the Western Metro Wildcats at the 2024 Hockey Victoria Junior State Championships, this year hosted in the regional Victoria locations of Shepparton and Bendigo.
U16 Girls: Charlotte (Year 10), Eliza (Year 10), Isabel (Year 10), Charlotte (Year 9)
U16 Boys: Lucas (Year 10), Surry (Year 10)
The U16 Girls had a strong tournament, finishing on the top of pool B without losing a match, and progressing into the finals. The U16 Girls lost their first final 4-1 to the Tigers but rebounded strongly in their next match with a 2-0 win to qualify for the Gold medal match. The final was a super match, with the Wildcats again up against the Tigers, with both teams having had strong tournaments. The Wildcats were 1-0 up at half time after Charlotte B denied the strong Tigers outfit from scoring in the first half, The Green Machine finishing the tournament without conceding a single goal over the entire 3 days of the Junior State Championships, well done Charlotte. Unfortunately, the U16 Wildcats Girls went down 2-1 at the final whistle, but still a great result after a long weekend of hockey. A great three days of hockey with all the Kardinia girls playing excellent hockey and coming home with a Silver medal. The U16 Boys came away with a Bronze medal, and the U14 Boys finished 6th.
Congratulations to all involved in some fantastic hockey results!
Geelong Youth Awards
The Geelong Youth Awards were held on 28 June. The awards aim to recognise and celebrate young people who have made and/or are currently making significant contributions in the areas of leadership, innovation cultural awareness, community work, sport, arts, music and youth development. The awards are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 years old who live, work, learn and play in the City of Greater Geelong.
This year, there were a number of students nominated from our school community, and we would like to share a little more about the achievements of some of the nominees.
This week, we will profile a student nominated for the Inspiration Award - recognising young people who can be described as an inspiration to others.
Savannah Conway
Savannah is always willing to give up her time to be a part of many worthy groups, both at school and in the community. She is a student who always takes advantage of the opportunities provided to her, to extend her connections and reach, attempting to create long lasting change to the environment and others.
- Savannah was instrumental in getting The Tree Projects up and running along with one of her peers. What is the Tree Project? The Tree Project is an Australian (Victorian) organisation that aims to return healthy, sustainable, and indigenous ecosystems to Victoria’s landscape. It works by permitting volunteers to grow seedlings into trees that are to be planted by landowners, businesses, and organisations that have bought the trees. This project allows for agricultural landscapes and places like the college to be revegetated with trees that benefit local ecosystems and their components!
- For the past 8 months Savannah has been volunteering for Atman Mental Health Group (local mental health advocacy group), helping to promote and providing regular content to help promote the group
- Selected to participate in the RMIT WOMENG (Women in Engineering) Youth Program, where Savannah's group was awarded for designing the most ecologically sustainable railway station.
- Regular volunteering at local op shop and book room, connecting with other staff and customers.
Congratulations on your nomination Savannah!
*Our apologies to any students who may have been nominated from outside organisations. We are proud of all of the students in our community who were represented at these awards.
Careers News
At the end of last term, we had some students graduate from the Victorian HarvestED program, an immersive and innovative agricultural learning experience for Years 7 to 9. This hybrid program, fully funded by The William Buckland Foundation, includes both virtual and in-person elements, with a face-to-face event hosted at The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus.
HarvestED connects students across Victoria to explore agricultural opportunities and challenges. The program emphasizes collaborative, investigative, and innovation-driven learning, allowing students to develop their own solutions to real-world agricultural issues.
We're looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas the students develop. Thank you all for your participation.
Week 4 - Careers Updates
We encourage all year 12 students applying for further studies to have applications in and completed before the term 3 holidays. This will ensure that if they require College supports, they have access to them during term time.
Every student who is applying for University or TAFE, should be researching scholarship options. Lots of information and resources have been sent direct to students and posted via KIConline Careers News to alert students to the wonderful opportunities available.
With regards to admissions centers applications, such as VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) UAC, QTAC etc students need to be reminded that once they make an account, they must pay the admission center application fee to ensure that they are eligible to receive an offer. No payment = no offer.
Students are able to book careers meetings via the booking link on KIConline Careers page.
Year 12 help sessions for Applications, SEAS & Scholarships are running in weeks 4, 6 & 8 Thursday & Friday in the Senior Study Room with Mrs Woods. Students do not require an appointment for this, they can drop in with questions.
Term 3 Wk 4 Careers Communication
Wellbeing Hub News
Join us for 'Championing Neurodiversity', with Justin Coulson!
Monday 19 August 7:00 pm AEST (+14 day recording access)
REGISTER HERE: https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/kardinia-international-college
Seminar Highlights:
- Recognise and nurture the unique strengths of neurodivergent children.
- Tailor support to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Implement effective strategies for better behavioural and emotional support.
- Enhance communication and foster positive social interactions.
- Help neurodivergent children build resilience and confidence.
- Promote collaboration and advocate for the needs of neurodivergent children.
Year 12 students - Save the date for an upcoming event:
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Alumni - Where are They Now?
Alumna Shelby Llewellyn recently dropped The Kardinians a line to let us know what she has been up to since graduating from Kardinia in 2010.
“As of 1 July 2024, I am partner of the legal firm Butler McIntyre & Butler in Hobart. The firm is celebrating 200 years this year, having begun in 1824 as the first legal firm in Van Diemen’s Land as it then was.
After leaving Kardinia, I left to study Arts/Law at the University of Tasmania, graduating with first class honours in law. I’ve been in practice since 2016 and have come to specialise in estate planning law. I love being able to help clients through often complex and sensitive issues.
I believe the opportunities I was fortunate enough to have at Kardinia fostered my curiosity and confidence to step out of my comfort zone. Without this, I doubt I would have made the wonderful but life altering decision to move interstate for study. I love working and living in Hobart but it’s always nice to go home to visit friends and family, particularly when it lines up with a Geelong Cats home game!”
Congratulations Shelby and thank you for sharing your journey!
The Kardinians love to hear from our graduates and are currently keen to track down more Alumni from the Classes of 2009 and 2010. Let us know what you have been up to!
* Shelby is second from the right in the front row in the photo of the current partners of the firm.
KIC PIC Production of Oliver!
The Kardinia Community is invited to the next KIC PIC production of Lionel Bart's 'Oliver!' in the College Hall on Friday 30 August and Saturday 31 August.
Gold coin donation on entry. Tickets at: https://events.humanitix.com/oliver-8yrdqdru
Alumni Reunions - Save The Date!
The Reunions for the Classes of 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019 & 2023 are coming up in November. Further details and RSVP links for each reunion, will be released in upcoming eNews.
Community Event- Rotary Supports Mental Health
Bookings open on Tuesday 16 July and close on Friday 9 August.
Please go to Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/CTPSS and search for Rotary Supports Mental Health or use the QR code below.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Our Olympic Sporting Connection
Staff member Neil Hick competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad. The fencing competitions at the 2012 Olympic Games in London were held from 28 July to 5 August at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, with ten events (six individual, four team) contested.
The collection of Olympic items from the 2012 London Games on display, belong to Neil Hick, who continues to train aspiring fencers from both Kardinia and the Geelong region, to compete at the highest levels.
The Sydney 2000 reversible medal jacket belongs to Nick Heffernan, who represented Australia at Sydney in Fencing. Nick is a local Geelong athlete.
Photo credits - Junior School display created by Year 6 students.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity in children and adolescents is a concept celebrating the natural variation in how young minds work. It acknowledges that neurological differences, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and giftedness, are not disabilities but unique aspects of human cognition. Embracing neurodiversity fosters acceptance, empathy, and inclusivity in society. Parents play a pivotal role in supporting their neurodiverse child by understanding their specific needs, advocating for appropriate educational accommodations, and seeking professional guidance when necessary. By appreciating and nurturing their child's strengths, parents can help them thrive and unlock their full potential, leading to a more compassionate and understanding future for all.
