From the Principal
Today was quite a momentous occasion in our household as, no doubt, it was for many of our families. It was the last official day of school for our youngest child.
Friends have said they expect me to be jumping for joy - hooray we are done. I feel many emotions today. I remember like yesterday taking him to his first day of preschool. He was absolutely fine, and I held it together until I got to the car park and was then a blubbering mess. I am struggling to hold it together this week as well.
The school years’ journey for us has seen us live in two different countries and three different states of Australia. The constant in all of that, was school for the children and I. I think back at all the amazing memories and moments that make up a school year, the milestones and rites of passage that are part of the school journey.
It has been such a privilege to be able to experience these times as both a parent and a teacher. I am exceptionally grateful to the colleagues and friends who have guided my children over the years, who have challenged them, encouraged them, inspired them and cared for them, who have helped them to become the adults they are today.
So, while there is a feeling of joy, it is not because school is over, it is because of looking back at the great opportunities my children have had at the wonderful schools of which they have been a part. There is a feeling of excitement for what the future now brings. There is also great appreciation for the people who have walked the school journey with them. And yes, you may find me somewhere, at sometime, this week a blubbering mess because there is also great sadness that those years have gone by so quickly.
So, my advice to all our parents, but especially those with little ones who are only just starting this school journey, savour every moment that you can, because it will be over before you know it.
Wishing all the very best to our Year 12 students and their families as they graduate this week.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
Today marks the last day of formal classes for the Class of 2023. This group of young people have not had the secondary school experience that they had expected; they missed out on things they’d been looking forward to, such as the Chiang Mai Program, and spent Years 9 and 10 predominantly working remotely and managing the uncertainty and change that came with the pandemic. I’d like to recognise their resilience and growth over these past four years and to celebrate the remarkable young adults they have become. We wish them all the best for their exams and for life beyond school.
Last week’s KIC Koncert was such a beautiful celebration of all the things that Kardinia is about. There were 24 separate acts, including solo performers, large groups, dance and music. As many members of the College community know, the performing arts are very close to my heart and this evening reaffirmed the absolute joy that can come from sharing the arts with others. You could feel the excitement and support from the audience for every single student who stepped onto the stage, and the performances themselves were outstanding. Congratulations to everyone involved in the evening. I can’t wait for the next one!
Our Senior School Art Show opens in the College Hall next week and from what I saw last year, will be well worth a visit. The show opens on Monday 16 October and runs until Thursday 19 October. The Gala Awards evening will be held at 7 pm, with guest artist Samuel Massey presenting a number of awards. All visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, so make sure that you explore the talents of our art students.
Yesterday we completed our formal prefect handover, from the 2023 prefects to the newly elected 2024 prefects. Thank you to our outgoing 2023 Prefects, whose leadership this year has been very much appreciated:
2023 College Captains – Emma Borschmann and Jack Holton
2023 Performing Arts Captain – Esther Mathers
2023 Sports Captain – Darcy Giddings
2023 Cowie House Captains – Angus Ayerbe and Tara Shaw
2023 Gotemba House Captains – Isobel McLeod and Elias Walton
2023 Morongo House Captains – Issy Carland and Ashton Phillips
2023 Thomson House Captains – Xavier Lee and Steph Reade
Congratulations to our 2024 Prefects:
College Captains – James Leahy and Fadilah Mahmood
Performing Arts Captain – Ciara Molloy
Sports Captain – Liam Clark
Cowie House Captains – Leisel Huddart and Yoyo Zhong
Gotemba House Captains – Annabel Broad and Henry Buckley
Morongo House Captains – Nathan Lai and Liv Quirk
Thomson House Captains – Charles Leahy and Tallulah Rush
From the Head of Junior School
Camps
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Year 6 camp. Despite a cold and rainy week, the students engaged wholeheartedly in the activities and demonstrated great resilience, teamwork and care for each other. Feedback from the camp staff was that our students were some of the best they’ve seen in their fifteen years of operation. Congratulations and thank you must also go to the staff who organised and facilitated the camp. Well done team!
This Friday our Year 2s will enjoy their excursion and sleepover at school, with our Year 3s heading off to Anglesea next week, and Year 5s taking part in their camp the week after.
Lower Primary Athletics Day
Good luck to all students participating in the Lower Primary Athletics Day next Wednesday 18 October at Goldsworthy Reserve. Families are encouraged to attend and cheer on the students. Mr Hough and Mr Russell are also seeking parent volunteers to help with the smooth running of the day.
Congratulations Novalie
Many families would have recognised our very own Year 4 student, Novalie, on Channel 9’s The Block last week. Congratulations Novalie on another star performance and amazing achievement to support children with cancer.
Arts News
Senior School Art Show 2023
Our annual Senior School Art Show is coming up soon and will run from Monday 16 – Thursday 19 October from 9 am – 5 pm. Students and guests will have the chance to vote for their favourite artwork to win the People’s Choice Award so make sure your vote counts!
On behalf of the Art, Vis Comm and Media staff we warmly invite you to attend our Gala Awards Evening on Thursday 19 October from 7 pm – 9 pm where our Guest Artist Mr Samuel Massey will announce the award winners. Canapes and drinks will be provided so be sure to come along and celebrate our incredibly talented students!
Ms D’Alessandro – Curator
Library News
Dymocks is hosting some 'Author Talks' in Geelong throughout October! Click on the images below to find out more:
Wellbeing News
Film Night Invitation - Embrace Kids
Come along and join us for a screening and panel discussion. All welcome - KIC Auditorium, Wednesday 18 October 7 pm - 8:30 pm.
For more information on the movie, head to: https://theembracehub.com/about-the-film/ (parents, please take a look at the age recommendations section under 'more info').
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Community Engagement
The next Parent Community Event - Canapes and Drinks
The College Community Council (CCC) have set the date for the next Parent Community Event! Get connected, meet other parents and members of the Kardinia College Community, and enjoy food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere at Murphy's. Thursday 9 November 2023, 7 pm to 9.30 pm $25.00 per person, drinks at bar prices. To secure your tickets, log onto: https://events.humanitix.com/kardinia-international-college-ccc-canapes-and-drinks
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, is tipped to be a fabulous night. The event will be held on Friday 20 October and we’d love to see alumni there!
Tickets are essential for entry. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your RSVP and obtain your complimentary ticket to this event.
The class of 2022 - 1 year reunion
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2022 will be held on Friday 27 October. This free event is for registered members and is the first official reunion since graduation! We’d love to see our 2022 Alumni!
Tickets are essential for entry. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your RSVP and obtain your complimentary ticket to this event.
Where Are They Now
Fynn McLeod (Class of 2019) is currently at the World Freestyle Kayaking Championships in Columbus, Georgia.
From 9-15 October 2023 Columbus, Georgia will host the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Freestyle World Championship, with around 300 athletes from over 30 countries competing for a World Championship title in Freestyle Kayaking.
The Kardinians wish you every success Fynn!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Early Productions - Part 14
Little Women 2022
After a challenging few years, and a hiatus in live theatre, the students from the 2022 Unit 3 VCE Theatre Studies class focussed on the production of ‘Little Women’.
“…As we undertook this coming-of-age production, we learnt about life in the 1800s and began to explore themes of love and family. The cast of Little Women was extraordinary, and rehearsals ran very smoothly all the way up to opening night…”
Credits - Cleo Fawcett - Extract of Report from The Bridge 2022. Photos - Archive Collection.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Physical Activity and Exercise
Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers and being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep. Physical activity and exercise is good for your child’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their kids to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/physical-activity-exercise
