From the Principal
It is hard to believe that this year, I entered my sixth year as Principal of Kardinia International College. In many ways the time has flown by but, in others, it feels like a lifetime ago I was anywhere else but in Geelong.
I have been teaching since 1989 and have never taken an extended period of leave except when I had five children under three and a half years at home (which was wonderful but certainly not a break). The Board of KIC have very kindly granted me Sabbatical Leave which I will be taking at the start of Term 2.
During this time, I will be undertaking some travel, visiting a variety of international schools, and attending a global conference. I will also fit in some hiking and catching up with friends and colleagues whom I have met throughout my time in education. I will also spend some time working on my doctoral thesis. Most importantly, the time will be used to take a step back and reflect on the last five years and imagine, plan and strategise for the future of Kardinia and what can be done to help our school to continue to thrive and improve in this rapidly changing world.
While I am on leave, our Deputy Principal, Paul Dowie, will be Acting Principal. This has a flow on effect as our Head of Junior School, Matt Baron, will be stepping in as Acting Deputy Principal, Deputy Head of Junior School, Geoff Geddes, will be Acting Head of Junior School and Head of Early Years, Nikki Petyanszki, will be Acting Deputy Head of Junior School. We have yet to finalise who will take Nikki’s place.
Please know that while you may not see or hear from me next term, KIC will not be far from my thoughts and I will be back in Term 3 with lots of ideas and experiences to share.
From the Head of Senior School
Our now annual International Women’s Day Breakfast was held on Friday 8 March and attended by almost 100 members of our College community. Our guest speaker for the morning was Jo Plummer, a past KIC parent who is currently chair of the Board at Barwon Water. Jo shared her insights into gender equality and some of the ways that she has addressed inequality in her work and her voluntary roles. Thank you to Fiona Russell and Sam Nevin for their work in organising this event and also to Barb Cronin (current parent and board director) for her work as MC for the morning. Thanks also to Ali Worrall, Mel Humphrey and the student performers who entertained us so beautifully.
Parent-teacher interviews commence next week on Thursday, with bookings for interviews closing at 12 pm on Tuesday 19 March. It will not be possible to make appointments after this time, so please ensure that desired interviews are booked before this deadline.
From the Head of Junior School
Shrek Junior
Last week more than 100 students auditioned for the upcoming Junior School production, Shrek Junior. Thank you to the key staff members in organising the auditions and callbacks, Nicholas Mawson (Director), Kate Birley (Producer), Adam Burke and Linda Essery (Music teachers).
Dr Seuss Week
Last week was Dr Seuss Week in the Junior School. A special thank you goes to Mrs Bowman for her organisation. Students are to be reminded that there is still time to participate in the ‘design a character’ competition as entries close this Friday 15 March.
NAPLAN
This week students in Year 3 and Year 5 will participate in the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). This year the assessments are earlier in the year and are mostly online.
Parent PYP Workshop
Thank you to the parents who have signed up for this Thursday’s ‘Understanding the PYP’ workshop. The session runs from 6.30-8.00 pm in the JS Conference room and will be led by the PYP Coordinator, Geoff Geddes.
Wear a ‘touch of orange’ next Thursday 21 March
Next week, Kardinia will be celebrating Harmony Week. Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. On Thursday 21 March, both Senior and Junior School students can wear a ‘touch of orange’ to recognise the day and show their support.
A Note from the International Council
Sport News
Swimming
Last Wednesday 6 March, the Kardinia swim team headed down in the hot weather to the Kardinia Aquatic Centre, to compete in the annual GISSA Swimming Championships. As always, it was fantastic to see every athlete performing to their absolute best, with many swimmers competing above their age levels to ensure races were filled across the board. Special mentions to Pheonix Terry for jumping into a relay at the last minute, and Sebastian Tannahill for taking on the 50m butterfly, both to fill events and ensure maximum points for Kardinia, as well as Keppler Snijders for setting up the win in the U16 Medley relay, two age groups above his own.
On the results board, Kardinia performed exceptionally well, dominating against fierce competition from the other 7 schools to complete the 7-peat and bring home the Overall Championship Shield for the 7th year running. The Overall Female, Junior Female (Years 7-9) and Senior Male (Years 10-12) titles were also picked up by Kardinia along the way, as well as multiple individual records. A massive thank you and congratulations to everyone who swum on the day, as well as thanks to Mr Van Wyk, Mr Robertson, Mr Hill, Sidney and the GISSA team.
Tennis
On Friday 1 March, seven other Kardinia students and I took a bus down to Geelong Lawn Tennis Club to compete in the GISSA tennis tournament. We played in four pairs of two, in a 4-team round-robin group. We won our group in dominating fashion including wins over Geelong Lutheran College, Iona and Geelong Baptist College, dropping a combined one set out of the 12 played. In the finals, we faced a rematch of last year's final against Christian College Geelong. We once again won in domination-fashion, going 4-0 in the finals to sweep the competition - Nic Watson, Year 11
International Students' Voice Project
On Tuesday, four international students and three local students led by ambassador Ruhan Cai participated in the International Students' Voice Project, organised by the Department of Education. Our students joined peers from 11 other secondary schools across Victoria for a collaborative workshop aimed at amplifying the voices of international students within each school community. Through engaging discussions and brainstorming sessions, they contributed valuable insights and innovative ideas.
Looking ahead, our enthusiastic group will put their ideas into action throughout Term 2 and Term 3, implementing initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowering international students within our school community. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive impact of their efforts.
Music News
Kardinia Musicians at the Torquay Cowrie Market this Sunday!
We have Kardinia musicians performing down at the Torquay Cowrie market this Sunday between 10-11.45am.
Daisy and Delilah will kick off at 10am followed by a 45-minute set of mostly original songs by Square 1. It will be Daisy Quick and Emily Cowled’s debut gig with the group. Veteran performers, Nikita Ginoski and Alannah Farrar (class of 2024) will be there to support them also.
The weather is looking gorgeous for Sunday – sunny and 29 degrees. Perfect for a market and a swim! We would love to see some Kardinia faces in the crowd!
Co-Curricular News
A reminder about the Senior School Co-Curricular Open Day, this Friday!
Senior School students are invited to come along and explore the diverse range of clubs and activities available at the College. No matter what interests our students have—whether it’s an active pursuit, academia, social justice, wellness, or any other passion—our clubs cater to all!
Event Details:
- Date: Friday 15 March
- Time: Lunchtime
- Location: Centre Point Café
Head of School Girls Rowing Regatta (Friday 15–18 March)
As you may recall, the College ceased the Rowing Program last year. It has been wonderful to hear that many of the students who were involved in the program have continued to participate in the sport, now rowing for other local clubs. The Head of School Girls Regatta is a pinnacle event in the rowing calendar and one that has a unique history with the College. Once Headmistress of Morongo, Dulcie Brookshaw, was instrumental in creating the competition in an effort to promote and retain girls in sport. We are excited to have 17 students request permission to represent the College in this year's school event and we hope that if you are down at the Barwon Friday 15–Sunday 17 March you support the students rowing in the KIC Rowing Uniform. We wish them all the best and look forward to reporting on their results.
Earthcore Sustainability Tip
Careers Department News
Booking link for Career Practitioner Appointments: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/Careers1@kic.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
Community Engagement and Foundation News
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Nearly 100 members of our parent, staff, alumni and senior student community gathered at the 2024 IWD Breakfast last Friday 8th March. With inspiration from the MC Barb Cronin, Keynote Speaker Jo Plummer, talented musicians and a stunning selection of breakfast foods, it was an uplifting way to start the day.
Morongo High Tea Reunion
The Annual Morongo High Tea Reunion will be held on Sunday 24 March, between 2:00pm-4:30pm at Morongo House.
Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-morongo-high-tea
Please share this information with any former Morongo ladies, especially those celebrating their 30, 40-, 50-, 60- or 70-year reunions this year!
The Melbourne Pop-Up Reunion
The Melbourne Pop-up Reunion for our newest alumni will be held on Tuesday 26 March at the Prince Alfred Rooftop and Bar in Carlton. Alumni starting employment, university or continuing study in Melbourne, will be invited to attend. Use the QR code or head to The Kardinians for tickets and further information.
The Next CCC Parent Social Evening- Trivia Night!
Save the Date for the next CCC Parent Event - The Trivia Night at Murphy’s on Thursday 2 May. Tickets and further details will be available next week!
The College Community Council (CCC) would love to know more about what would interest you, for our future planning, and would appreciate feedback to the following questions:
https://forms.office.com/r/9m9JWJh2b4
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Formal Welcome Ceremony in February 1996!Just imagine trying to pack the entire college around the bridge today! The overspill would cover the entire SPA garden, around Centrepoint and the Hall and beyond, but back in 1996 it was the reality. Kardinia’s Bridge of Friendship was used in the formal Welcome Ceremony for the 36 Year 7, 8 and 9 students and the 43 kindergarten students who commenced at the college. College Founder Mr Yoshimaro Katsumata, and Principal John Goodfellow, presented certificates with the college motto to each student at the Welcoming Ceremony, with an Official Opening in April 1996.
Photo Credits: Geelong Advertiser, Kardinia Archives - Mary Reilly Collection
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can start early in childhood or adolescence. It may only have a moderate impact on a child’s ability to function in daily life and can therefore often remain undetected. If a child finds it extremely difficult to control their anxiety, then you should seek help or medical assistance.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/youth-anxiety
Community
