From the Principal
Last Friday night we held our first 25-year reunion of alumni along with the 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year reunions.
It was a great night listening to so many interesting stories from our former students about memories of their time at Kardinia International College and what they are doing with themselves now.
The reunions were a great reminder of what we already know - that Kardinia boasts a vibrant community rich in diverse skills and collective wisdom among our parents and alumni. We are currently seeking ways to leverage the invaluable expertise of our mentors and leaders to support our students, while collaborating with staff to create exceptional opportunities.
We kindly request that all parents and alumni take a moment to complete this brief survey. Your input will be instrumental in shaping our community partnerships for 2025 and beyond.
Thank you for your support!
From the Head of Senior School
On Monday this week we held our annual Remembrance Day Assembly, which was the first assembly conducted by our 2025 College Captains, Edith and Harvey. Both of these students reflected on their own personal connections to the legacy of the ANZACs and the impact of this on Australia today. Our students were outstanding audience members, listening respectfully and attentively throughout, and not even distracted by a possum that made an unexpected appearance. Thank you to Ms Humphrey and KIC Brass for their performance of the National Anthem, and in particular, to Angus Fairlie for his performance of the Last Post. I’d also like to mention Michael Sheridan, who played the Last Post for the Junior School Remembrance Day Assembly.
From the Head of Junior School
Mikayla Jumps to Gold at State Championships
Congratulations to Year 4 student, Mikayla, who came first in the U9/10 Girls Long Jump at the State Athletics Championships last week. Mikayla jumped a personal best of 4.21 metres to clinch victory. What a great achievement! Mikayla also competed in the 100m event and finished 7th. Mikayla trained hard for both events, with her commitment, determination, and athleticism shining through on the day.
Remembrance Day Service
The Junior School participated in a Remembrance Day Service on Monday. Sara, Edward, and Chelsea addressed the students on the history and significance of Remembrance Day. The Performance Choir performed an exquisite piece titled 'A Wish for Peace,' and Michael from the Senior School played Last Post and Reveille on the trumpet.
Christmas Picnic
Join us for the Christmas Picnic on Thursday, 5 December. Enjoy performances by the Junior School Choirs, a Senior School band, and the Mik Maks at the Katsumata Centre. Doors open at 5:00pm, with performances starting at 5:30pm. All Junior School families are welcome.
Co-curricular News
Lego League Win at Recent Competition
"To prepare for a friendly competition against Good News Lutheran College, our group had to design and build our own LEGO robot. We then needed to code it to compete in a set of missions we chose. To complete certain challenges, we had to design our robot to meet the conditions of being able to complete these consistently and efficiently. An example of these missions was to push a LEGO shark out of a cove and bring it back to its habitat. Over the term we coded our robot and tested each mission to try to get the best result. The challenges were timed, and the missions were scored to give a score according to the missions completed. The highest score was the winner. On the day of the excursion, we travelled to Lutheran College to compete against their students. Five groups competed against each other in a best of 3 matches tournament to achieve the highest score. During this day we learned a lot about teamwork and communication when competing under pressure. During the competition break, our team decided to code one more mission to ensure us a chance at getting extra points. We had a very successful day, resulting in 1st place and winning the Robotics Challenge Champions Trophy. Overall, it was a very fun and enjoyable day, and a great experience".
Alex B (Year 8)
International Students Take to the Ice!
This past Sunday, a lively group of overseas students embarked on an exciting excursion to O’Brien Icehouse with Mrs Zhao & Mrs Emuri, transforming the rink into a playground of laughter and fun. For many, it was their first time on the ice, filled with daring spins, enthusiastic glides, and a few comical tumbles—all adding to the charm of the day.
The students cheered each other on, helping one another master their skating skills and sharing plenty of laughs along the way. Beyond the ice skating thrills, the trip provided a valuable chance for students to strengthen friendships and build new connections, creating a warm sense of community.
Karate Workshop - Senior School
Last week, one of our current Gotemba Nishi High School exchange students - Mako - launched a lunchtime Karate workshop in the Senior School!
Lots of fun was had - thank you for sharing your expertise, Mako!
Careers News
Year 12 Careers Support December 2024
VCE & IB Students Key Dates
VCE Students - ATARs released Thursday 12 December 7am
Kardinia International College Career Support: Email to make appointment
Thursday 12 December 1pm – 4pm (via Teams Meeting online)
Friday 13 December 8.30am – 10am (via Teams Meeting online)
Change of preference closes 14 December 12 noon
IB Students - IB results released Tuesday 17 December 10am
Notional ATARs released Wednesday 18 December 9am
Kardinia International College Career Support: Email to make appointment
Tuesday 17 December – via email
Wednesday 18 December 9am – 1pm (via Teams Meeting online)
VTAC Change of Preference window Wednesday 18 December 9am – 1pm
Students are encouraged to email careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au if they would like to make a meeting time with one of the College Career Practitioners or if they have any questions about results and preferences for course selection. The email inbox will be monitored during the December results and offers period.
Please see a list of University Provider Contact Details during change of preference for additional support.
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
The 2024 Combined Reunion
What a truly fabulous night it was! Last Friday, the Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, and 1999 came together for a memorable Combined Reunion at Meet Me At Mary’s. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and nostalgia as former classmates reconnected, shared stories, and reminisced about their time at school.
It was heartwarming to see friendships rekindled and new connections formed, bridging the years that have passed. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks while participating in animated conversations. The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate shared experiences, achievements and personal journeys post-graduation.
A big thank you to everyone who attended and made the night so special including present staff Catherine Lockhart, Claire Lawrence, Geoff Peel, Jill Preston, Steve Siketa and Yoshi Ota and our GEMS, Geoff Woolard, Mark Davie and Petar Popovic. We look forward to more reunions in the future, where we can continue to celebrate our vibrant community!
1 Year Reunion - Class of 2023
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2023 will be held THIS 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!
Kardinians - Volunteers Needed For 2025!
Calling for Volunteers for our Chiang Mai (Thailand) The Journey in 2025. Kardinia International College Graduates from Year 12, 2024 and from 2023 to 2013 are invited to apply.
• Do you have a thirst for travelling and experiencing different cultures?
• Are you considering a GAP year?
• Are you available to volunteer for a 6-week (expenses paid) program assisting staff and students at our Kardinia Sum Pun campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
• Do you enjoy a team environment and a warm, humid climate?
• Are you active and healthy with a reasonable fitness level?
If you are interested, head to Kardinians for the relevant information and instructions to submit your application.
2024 ALFW Footy Tipping Winners!
Some very happy Kardinians after winning their cash prizes for achieving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the inaugural AFLW Kardinians Footy Tipping Competition!
Congratulations Katie, Manning and Trent on your fabulous tipping!
College Community Council (CCC) - Prospective Member Welcome and AGM
A reminder that the Prospective Member Welcome and AGM is on TONIGHT!
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 are interested, 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 - SOLD OUT
The inaugural Principal's Dinner is set to take place this Saturday 16 November, at The Geelong Club, hosted by Principal Catherine Lockhart.
This exceptional event will offer a fantastic opportunity for the Kardinia International College community to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of 2024 while looking forward to the exciting possibilities that 2025 holds.
We eagerly anticipate a memorable evening filled with connection and inspiration!
Any queries regarding tickets, please contact Fiona Russell at f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
A Decade Ago - Chiang Mai in 2014
Ten years ago, staff member Allan Bilney, penned a reflection on the Year 9 Chiang Mai Journey for The Bell:
Kardinia Sum Pun - Embracing the World
Another exciting year at Kardinia Sum Pun has allowed our Year 9 students to have the experience of a lifetime.
Five groups jetted off to another part of the world where over a two-month period they got to explore and immerse themselves into an entirely different culture. Buddhism studies, cultural and language programs and excursions throughout the north of Thailand allowed our students to see, hear, smell, taste and experience a culture very different from their own. However, along the way, our students realised that once the cultural and language barriers were removed, we had more in common than we thought and the saying ‘Same Same but Different’ took on a whole new meaning.
Kardinia’s Chiang Mai - the Journey, started in 2003 with groups of students residing at The Prem Centre up until 2009. Over these 7 years, more than 600 students participated in this multi-faceted leadership, self-awareness, cultural awareness and community service program.
Kardinia Sum Pun opened in 2011 and over the next decade and a half, catered for more than 60 groups which equates to over 1,400 students, who have continued to benefit from this incredible immersive adventure.
Our alumni can continue to be part of this experience through our Volunteer Program. Information and the application process can be found at The Kardinians https://kardinians.com/
Photos: College Archives
Article: The Bell 2014
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - School Transitions
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that the children are growing up!
However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children.
Parents need to be aware of their child’s feelings during any school transition and minimise anxiety, so the process is an enjoyable experience for all. It is important for children to attend transition or orientation programs offered by schools. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions
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! deakin.au/festival
Please contact deakin50@deakin.edu.au for further information.
