From the Principal
As we start the beginning of Term 4, it also heralds the end of the school journey for our Year 12 students. Year 12 will graduate on Friday, but they are also having a series of events throughout this week to mark the occasion.
Yesterday was a whole school assembly including the Prefect handover and a flash mob singing the school song ‘Bridges to the Future.’ This morning, we had a delicious breakfast for Year 12 and our staff, and at lunch time Year 12 participated in a giant Let’s Dance experience in the COLA (I may have even been spotted having a bit of a dance myself).
There has also been a weeklong Year 12 Scavenger Hunt which included things like getting a selfie with certain members of staff (Year 12 have been given special dispensation to use their phones for this).
Tomorrow is Celebration Day and Friday we have the formal Graduation Ceremony. The activities to date have been undertaken with Wisdom, Respect and Friendship and I have no doubt this will continue over the next few days.
These rights of passage are special moments, and they help to mark that transition between school child and post school young adult. Every year I get teary and nostalgic and every year I am equally excited for the cornucopia of experiences that these students have ahead of them and the possibilities of what they may do with their lives.
It never ceases to inspire me when I think back to their first days of school to the time of graduation, and it reminds me of the incredible honour, privilege, and responsibility it is to be part of developing the next generation.
I wish our wonderful Graduating Class all the best for their exams and, even more importantly, for their futures.
From the Head of Senior School
Welcome back to school for Term 4!
It is a very busy start to the term in the Senior School. We welcome five new staff members who have joined us for the term: Leah Grant, Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Mark Orton, Dave Felvus, and Lauren Ainsworth, as well as welcoming back Jill Preston from a period of leave.
On Monday we announced our 2025 College Prefects. It was a very large and competitive field of applicants for each position, and we feel very fortunate to have so many young people in our school who want to step into leadership roles and represent the College and their peers. Congratulations to:
College Captains | Edith Kefaloukos and Harvey Marles |
Performing Arts Captain | Millie Roberts |
Sport Captain | Sarah Ames |
Cowie House Captains | Georgia Carr and Charlie Watson |
Gotemba House Captains | Elise John and Wes Moore |
Morongo House Captains | Eliza Browne and Violet McGregor |
Thomson House Captains | Angus Borschmann and Hugo Mikunda |
This week is all about farewelling our Year 12s. On Tuesday morning we had a Senior School assembly which included an original and moving rendition of the College song, Bridges to the Future. This was followed by House Assemblies, where the Year 12s were individually recognised. In the afternoon, those Year 12 students who had been the first students at The Grove in Year 5 went back to visit (please see the Head of Junior School’s article for further reflection and photos). This morning we had a farewell breakfast for Year 12s and staff; it was lovely to see this traditional return to the College. Lunchtime today saw a large ‘Just Dance’ session at the COLA, which was led by the Year 12s but enjoyed by many others as well. Thursday is the Class of 2024’s Celebration Day and Friday is the Graduation Ceremony. Following these events, Year 12 students will be revising hard, with IB students beginning their exams in Week 3 and VCE students beginning their exams in Week 4.
Congratulations to Year 11 students Angus Borschmann and Jelke Spear, who were both finalists in the Musical Society of Geelong Annual Scholarship awards last month. Applicants for these scholarships are required to be AMEB Grade 6 standard or higher. We have all been fortunate to hear both Angus and Jelke perform at the College and are very proud of their achievements.
Congratulations also to Zayma Ashraf and Genevieve Bass of Year 11 for their performance in the Berthe Mouchette Competition. This is a French competition that provides students the opportunity to practice their French language skills by participating in a competition.
There are both oral and written categories, as well as a drawing competition for primary level participants. Zayma won third prize in the Year 11 Oral Exam and Genevieve was awarded a Jury Special Mention in this category.
Finally, a reminder to everyone that the College broad-brimmed hat is compulsory during Terms 1 and 4 and must be worn at recess and lunchtime.
From the Head of Junior School
Term 4 has started well with students enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with friends and teachers. This is a busy term with several upcoming highlights, including:
- 8-11 Oct – Y6 Camp
- 17-18 Oct – Y2 Sleepover
- 21-23 Oct – K4 Grove excursions
- 21 Oct – FY Assembly
- 23 Oct – LP Athletics Day
- 24-25 Oct – Y3 Camp
- 1 Nov – Casual Clothes Day (a touch of orange)
- 5 Nov – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
- 13-15 Nov – Y5 Camp
- 20 Nov - Parent Kindergarten Info Session
- 21 Nov – SS Orientation Day (Y6 students only)
- 21 Nov – Parent Grove Information Evening
- 25-29 Nov – Japanese Week
- 27 Nov – Middle Primary Swimming Carnival
- 27 Nov – Parent FY Information Evening
- 2-6 Dec – Christmas Book Fair
- 2 Dec – Morning Melodies Assembly
- 4 Dec – JS Orientation Day (K4-Y5 only)
- 5 Dec – JS Christmas Picnic
- 6 Dec – Senior Primary Swimming Carnival
- 9 Dec – Y6 Graduation
- 10 Dec – JS Celebration Assembly
- 10 Dec – Final Day of Term 4 (3.15pm dismissal for K3 and 3.20pm for FY-Y6)
KIC Taiko Club – a message from Mr Ota
KIC Taiko (Japanese drum) Club starts again this term. From Wednesday of Week 1 until Wednesday of Week 9. The club will perform at the JS Assembly on Tuesday of Week 10.
If students would like to join, please contact Mr Ota (y.ota@kardinia.vic.edu.au). There are 11 spots available for Y4 to Y11. Both experienced and beginner students welcome. The club practices in room P16 (the portable music room behind the SPA), from 3.30pm to 4.00pm.
Cyber Safety Workshop
Today, families should have received an email invitation to a Cyber Safety workshop on Wednesday 30 October. The workshop is for FY-Y6 parents, and students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Please refer to the recent email for further information and how to RSVP.
Hats in Term 4
Please be reminded that students need to wear their hats in Term 4.
Family Breakfast and Wear Your Team Colours Day
Thank you to the KIC Connect team, various staff, and many volunteers for hosting the family breakfast on the last day of Term 3. It was a great way to celebrate the end of the term and connect as a community.
Congratulations and Good Luck Kayla
Year 5 student, Kayla, continues to make an incredible commitment to training and competing in gymnastics. She recently represented her club in the Gold Coast at the National Club Championships. Kayla demonstrated both physical and mental strength beyond her years, an inspiring effort. We wish her luck in the upcoming Victorian Championships.
PYP Values in Action
Foundation Year student Harriet cut her hair over the holidays to donate to Wigs 4 Kids where they will use it to make a wig for a child battling cancer treatment. She obviously inspired many as she has also raised over $1200 for Kids with Cancer at the ripe age of 6! A very special act of generosity, Harriet has made such an impact with her initiative. Congratulations Harriet!
If you would like to contribute to her efforts, Harriet's fundraising link is still open: https://fundraise.kidswithcanc...
Year 12 Graduates visit the Grove
A very special trip down memory lane occurred for some of our Year 12 graduates this week. Almost forty of the very first cohort of students to attend the Grove returned seven years after first setting foot on our new campus. The students reminisced about their time at the Grove and enjoyed discovering what has changed and what has stayed the same. Thank you Mr Evans, Mrs Woods, and Ms O’Neill for organising the event.
Enrolment Withdrawal
If you are thinking of withdrawing your child, as per the College's terms and conditions a terms notice is required. Please contact the Marketing and Admissions Department via email: marketing@kardinia.vic.edu.au to lodge the request in writing.
Scholarship Applications for 2026 Are Now Open!
More information and registrations are available on our website, (under the 'Admissions' menu or via the following link - https://www.kardinia.vic.edu.au/admissions/local-students/scholarships)
Registrations for academic scholarships (Year 7) will close on Monday 10 February 2025, and the academic scholarship exam for 2026 will take place on Saturday 22 February 2025.
Registrations for music scholarships will close on Friday 24 January.
No late applications will be accepted. To be eligible for a scholarship at Kardinia International College, students must have an application for enrolment at the College.
Save the Date - Art Show 2024!
A reminder, the KIC community is warmly invited to attend our first ever CO-CURRICULAR Senior School 2024 Art Show!
Join us for Opening Night to appreciate and celebrate the creations of our students across visual arts, media, photography, animation, visual communication design and design technology. There will be beautiful music, drinks, and food.
Doors open at 7:00pm with the awards commencing at 7:30pm
We hope to see you there!
This poster below was designed by Hannah (Year 10), featured artwork by Bella (Year 2 IB), sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Geelong. A big thank you to Ted and Nathan for providing the Sensory Guide and Map to go alongside the promotions!
Music News
The last week of term was a giant week of music celebrations!
On Wednesday night we held the Level D Global Beats Found Sounds Exhibition. The music students presented their soundscapes to family and friends in a beautiful night of sharing. Students used a visual stimuli to inspire their compositions using found sounds. There was such a broad range of topics explored including anxiety, reflections on childhood experiences, memories of grandparents and Carnatic music.
Thursday we celebrated the work of the co-curricular contemporary bands and said farewell to our year 12 musicians at Hello Spring! 8 bands performed to a packed audience at Piano Bar. Three of the bands performed for the first time. It was a joyful night of music, friendship and lots of fun.
To wrap up the week, Millie, Delilah and Daisy of Wallflower, performed a 30 min set at the Turtle Bend Festival in Teesdale on the Saturday. The local Teesdale community braved the rain to enjoy fabulous music, community dancing, face painting and lanterns. Click on the image below to view a video of their performance!
What a fun week!
Health and PE News
Last night, Rob Malpeli from Peak Phys Ed presented to Kardinia VCE PE students, as well as 55 students from a variety of schools across Geelong. Robs presentation was fast paced and full of information regarding study technique, hints and tips for completing the exam and detailed knowledge about Units 3 and 4.
A Note from Library Services
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Term 4 Parent Coffee Morning (K-12)
Kardinia parents welcomed the start of Term 4 with hot beverages and pastries at Centrepoint Café, straight after drop-off on Monday 7 October.
The next Parent Coffee Morning will be at the start of Term 1 2025. Information will be posted in the last e-news for this term.
Combined Reunion - Classes of 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 & 2019
The Annual Combined Reunion invites registered Kardinians to celebrate 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- & 25- years since graduating from Kardinia International College.
In 2024, the Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004 & 1999 are warmly invited to attend their reunion on Friday 8 November 2024. Head to EVENTS on The Kardinians to RSVP: https://kardinians.com/
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
School TV - Exam Jitters
Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.
When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.
Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focussed on the task ahead.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/exam-jitters
Community
