From the Principal
The very nature of schools is that it is either go, go, go through the term, or stop through the holidays. This term, so far, has certainly been go, go, go as we dive headfirst into the new school year.
Our new Year 7s have returned from camp and, from all accounts, seem to have had a wonderful time. I am extremely grateful to all the staff who headed out to camp with the students and created the atmosphere for such a great experience. We also have some Year 9 students out on an expedition along the Great Ocean Walk this week. There have also been lots of events happening in the Junior School.
This time of year also means Year 7 interviews for the following year. No doubt, many of you remember very well your first child’s interview for Year 7 at Kardinia. The demand for places at KIC continues to grow and we continue to provide an equal opportunity for every interested student to interview for a place at the College, even when we know places are limited.
While the days are busy with interviews, it is also a privilege to have the opportunity to hear from these young people who want to join our College community. One encouraging theme that is coming through and gives me hope for the future is the number of students who are passionate about the environment and earnestly want to take action to make a difference.
I think the key message for the older generation is to encourage these young people and provide them with the education and opportunities to take the action they need and follow their lead on making some meaningful change.
From the Head of Junior School
Welcome Evening
Thank you to all families who attended the Welcome Evenings last week. It was wonderful to see parents and teachers interacting across both campuses. Please find below a recording of my presentation.
Year 3 Explore the Solar System using Virtual Reality
This week our Year 3 students engaged in exploration of our solar system using virtual reality goggles. This activity was linked to learning the students are doing in their How the World Works unit of inquiry.
Founders’ Day
On Monday this week, information was sent to all Junior School families relating to our Founders’ Day trip to Adventure Park. If you did not receive this information, please contact Ellen or Rachelle at the Junior School Reception.
Student Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to Junior School students Rocco, Cruz, and Mikayla who represented Corio Little Athletics Centre at the Western Metro Regional Track and Field Carnival on the weekend. Both Cruz and Rocco came 1st place overall and received gold medals in their age groups in High Jump. Mikayla came 3rd place overall with bronze medals in the U10 girls 100m and 70m events.
Quiet space for lunchtimes
In term one, the Senior School is offering M10 as a quiet space for students to use at lunchtimes. The quiet space is an area for students to relax at lunchtimes. It is not a gathering place to meet and chat, it is a quiet zone where students can read, do independent study or listen to music (with headphones). No food is allowed so lunch should be eaten before entering the room. If there is an ongoing demand, we will continue offering the quiet space for the rest of the year.
Sport News
High-Performance Athlete Program (HPAP)
We are thrilled to announce that Kardinia International College is launching a High-Performance Athlete Program. The program is designed to support young athletes as they juggle their education and training/competition commitments. The program is individualised to meet the needs of each athlete in order to maximise their potential both at school and in their chosen sport. We also want to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our students and build a community of athletes who support one another and push each other to strive for success. To be eligible for the program, students must be competing at a State or National level and provide a reference from their coach/club. At the moment, this program is only open to Senior School Students. We are looking at ways we can incorporate the many athletes in the Junior School, watch this space! To download the application form, please click here.
Some Notes From Our Current Gotemba-Nishi Exchange Students
From Mako Katsumata (1-year exchange)
"Since I was small, I have had opportunities to communicate with English-speaking people. And therefore, I naturally got interested in foreign culture and life. I think I am able to broaden my perspective by studying at KIC. During my stay at KIC, I would like to make lots of friends by joining lots of activities. I would like to learn not only English language but also multicultural things and values. I am sure this experience is going to be my lifetime treasure."
From Asuka Takamura (1-year exchange)
"Listening to many people, who have studied abroad, I also would like to experience that. I am interested in foreign countries anyway, so, my motivation becomes stronger and stronger as I met those people. I have declared to my teacher at Gotemba Nishi HS that I will improve my English so much. So, I had better do my best to improve my English."
From Yume Ozawa (3-month exchange)
"My dream is to become a cabin crew. To be closer to my dream, I have taken this opportunity to study at KIC. I would like to experience Australian multicultural life-style."
From Honoka Muramatsu (3-month exchange)
"Looking at my mother, I have been interested in foreign culture so much, since I was little. Learning English and foreign culture in Japan is not enough, I felt. So, here I am in Australia. I would like to learn differences between AUS and JPN, and bring my thoughts and experience back to Gotemba Nishi HS."
From Hinano Watanabe (3-month exchange)
"I have decided to study at KIC to see what I cannot see in Japan, to experience what I cannot experience in Japan. In future, I would like to live in foreign countries. This is my first step. Talking a lot with my host family, making a lot of friends at KIC, I would like to study English a lot, too."
Library Services News
Yesterday all students (and families) received an email outlining any outstanding books from 2023.
Please either return the books by Friday or email library@kardinia.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.
Any items not returned by Friday will be charged.
Thank you for your assistance.
Music News
Kardinia Sings, the Kardinia International College Senior School Choral Program will commence this week at lunchtime on Friday 16 Feb in P5.
ALL singers are invited to come along and have a sing. All are welcome. No auditions. No tryouts. No reading ability is required. Just a desire to have FUN and to meet new people!
Songs will include a wide range of styles including Music Theatre, Show Choir, pop, Jazz, Ballads and so much more.
Singers are encouraged to bring their lunch. Bring a friend. BRING THEIR VOICE!
Further information is available via M.pohlenz@kardinia.vic.edu.au
The Music Department has a variety of ensembles across Foundation year to year 12 that cater to all abilities and styles. Below is a list of all our musical groups. If you play an instrument and would like to join any of these ensembles, please come and see Mrs Worrall in the SPA office or email the director of the ensemble.
Ensemble | Rehearsal Time | Level | Instruments | Director |
Amped Up | Thurs Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 Audition | Band | M. Humphrey |
Beginner String Ensemble | Mon 8.00-8.50am | Foundation -Yr. 2 | Strings | A. Worrall |
Brass Ensemble | Tues Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 | Brass | H. Merrifield |
Saxy Claribels | Mon 8.00-8.50am | Yr. 3 - 6 | Clarinet and Saxophone | H. Wimmer |
Flute Ensemble | Mon Lunchtime | Yr. 7 -12 | Flute | H. Moore |
Guitar Ensemble | Thurs 3.30-4.30pm | Yr. 5-12 | Guitars | Z. Bilogrevic |
Junior String Orchestra | Thurs 8.00-8.50am | Yr. 3 - 6 | Strings | A. Worrall |
Kardinia Sings | Fri Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 | Voice | M. Pohlenz |
KIC Brass | Fri 8.00-9.00am | Yr. 7-12 Audition | Brass | M. Humphrey |
KIC IT | Thurs 3.30-4.30pm | Yr. 5 - 8 | Brass/woodwind/Perc. | H. Wimmer |
KIC START | Fri Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 Audition | Band | M. Humphrey |
KIC Symphony Orchestra | TBC | Yr. 7 - 12 | Strings/woodwind/brass/perc. | A. Worrall |
Performance Choir | Tues 8.00-8.50am | Yr. 3 - 6 Audition | Voice | L. Essery |
Saxophone Ensemble | Wed Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 | Saxophones | J. Brereton |
Senior Concert Band | Thurs 3.30-4.30pm | Yr. 9 - 12 | Brass/woodwind/Perc. | H. Merrifield |
Senior String Orchestra | Thurs 3.30-4.30pm | Yr. 7 - 12 | Strings | A. Worrall |
Square 1 | Tues 3.30-5.30pm | Yr. 7-12 Audition | Band | M. Humphrey |
String Quartet | Mon Lunchtime | Yr. 7-12 Audition | Strings | A. Worrall |
Careers Department News
The Careers team strongly encourage all year 12 students to be booking appointments during term 1 to begin pathway planning conversations. Bookings are made by students via the booking link on KIConline. Senior students are to book during study periods or lunchtimes. Career Practitioners are available every lunchtime in the learning commons upstairs in the Careers office & discussion rooms.
Booking link for Career Practitioner Appointments: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/Careers1@kic.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
Top tips for students and parents:
- Be following the KIConline Careers Page for announcements & opportunities that are on offer https://kiconline.kardinia.vic.edu.au/d2l/home/8669
- Sign up to newsletters, follow organisations on social media that interest you e.g. companies or organisations that you might be interested in gaining employment at, University & TAFE providers, scholarship opportunities, employment data and trends
- Have positive conversations about your future – What interests you? What are you good at? What is your dream job and why? What step can you take today to get you closer to your goal?
Year 11 & 12 Students
The Careers Team are now taking expressions of interest for an upcoming opportunity with ANU - Australian National University.
9 am to 9.30 am Thursday 28 March - Expression of interest is required to secure your spot!
Sign up here - https://forms.office.com/r/nBqHHcy24R For more information, please email careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Careers Dept Podcast with a twist…!
Dear Parents, Alumni and members of the wider Kardinia International College community.
The Careers Department is launching a new initiative to not only help our students research and become inspired by careers and jobs, both new and old, but also to provide a fun platform for parents, alumni and others to share their own journeys toward their own career stories.
In coming weeks, we will be inviting students who have an interest in radio, TV, Podcasting, Journalism, media or entertainment to sign up for training in radio presentation, podcasting, interviewing techniques and community engagement with the intent to equip them with skills to becoming podcasters.
Each month, we hope to ‘produce’ two or three, 20-minute episodes in which parents’ stories and musical highlights are recorded and aired for others, notably students, to listen to and hopefully become inspired, to follow a similar journey.
This project would be ideal for any parent who wants to shed light on their career or whose professional Career’s organisation is seeking promotion.
Following this brief period of recruitment and training, we will be calling on parents to ‘tell the story’ of their own jobs and careers, the pathways to those jobs, personal attributes best suited for those jobs and any other information you would like to share about the important (or not so) work that you do.
The ‘twist’ is that you will be invited to share musical examples or songs that might have played a significant role in your career path OR simply amused or influenced you at a time when your studies and career decisions were at a crossroad.
For those familiar with the former ABC host Margaret Throsby and her regular morning show on ABC FM, this will all seem quite normal and strangely familiar!
In the meantime, if you are interested in assisting with this project in any way (as many have already indicated) please forward enquiries and Expressions of Interest to: careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au.
Please mark your email subject as EOI-Careers Podcast
Sincerely, The Careers Department
Co-Curricular News
With the Class of 2023 results still fresh in everyone’s mind, we again appreciate that our students, at any age, are so much more than a number.
The skills and attributes, the SPICE skills, that students acquire throughout their 13 years of experiences outside the classroom play a vital role in their development and remain with them indefinitely, supporting their sense of self and purpose.
The Co-Curricular program has always been and remains an important part of the Kardinia culture. It allows all students, no matter what their interests or backgrounds, an opportunity to get involved in something that will help develop their Social, Personal, Intercultural, Critical/Creative and Ethical (SPICE) skills and attributes. For students and staff, being involved in Co-Curricular activities supports the positive and respectful relationships we all benefit from, enriching their time at Kardinia.
Since Covid, we have worked hard to redevelop the Co-Curricular program, creating greater diversity and more opportunities in the activities we offer. We hope that in doing so, our College community will further appreciate the importance of the Co-Curricular Program and the role it plays in the development of the whole student.
For News and information about our Co-Curricular Program please go to the Co-Curricular page on KICONLINE here or contact Nicole Holton our Co-Curricular Co-Ordinator (N.holton01@kardinia.vic.edu.au)
Judo
The Judo Club is well underway in 2024, with the first Judo Victoria Tournament on February 25 in Broadmeadows coming up fast! Even faster is the ACT International Open (17 and 18 February, oddly enough held in Goulburn this year). Club veteran and juniors coach Jimmy Gibbs will be competing in both the ACT and the Sydney Opens this year, in preparation for his time studying and training at Gotemba Nishi High School in Term 2.
The judo club accepts new members from 5 years old and upwards. Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as Saturday mornings. All new members start with a free trial session and are welcome to start at any time. If you or your child are interested in the judo club, please contact Head Coach Doug Noack via mobile 0447-719-090, or email douggie.noack@gmail.com
Performing Arts News
Several KIC students will be performing in CentreStage’s production of “The Music Man” at the Geelong Arts Centre from the 8 – 23 March.
Rock Island Youth Cast
- Olivia Maurer
- Charlton Keogh
- Sophie Branson
River City Youth Cast
- Hiro Bigmore
- Daniel Lim
If you would like to come and see this sensational production, tickets are available at GAC: https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/centrestage-presents-the-music-man/
“The Music Man” takes audiences to River City, where Professor Harold Hill falls for Marian the Librarian. This timeless Broadway masterpiece, set in Midwestern America, is a tale of love, laughter and redemption. With iconic songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Till There Was You,” and “Ya Got Trouble,” it’s a show that has captivated the hearts of generations.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
CCC Parent Social Evening- Wine, Canapes & Great Company!
The College Community Council (CCC) invites the KIC parent community to the first social event for 2024. Join us for wine, canapes and great company, upstairs at the Eureka, Thursday 7 March, between 7 pm - 10.30 pm. Tickets are now available to purchase at $35 per head. Lots of delicious finger foods are included, and drinks will be at bar prices. Tickets are available via the link: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-wine-canapes-and-great-company (or click the image below).
Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with the school community over food and drinks! Last year's event sold out, so don't wait too long!
The CCC Footy Tipping Competition for all Kardinia families
The College Community Council (CCC) have launched the 2024 AFL Footy Tipping Competition for our Kardinia families.
There is no entry fee for this competition! Each Kardinia family can enter once to be eligible for great prizes, with the top 3 family winners receiving:
1st - $500, 2nd - $300, 3rd - $200
The comp is for the 2024 AFL season. It starts with Round 1 and ends with Round 24. It does not include the Opening Round or the Finals.
Encourage your family to sign up! The link for this competition is:
https://tipping.afl.com.au/tipping/index.html#/comp/37586/about?code=U7C9XYSW (or click the image below). The competition code is: U7C9XYSW
Please note that this is a family competition and students cannot enter this competition independently. Only current Kardinia families and staff members are eligible.
Introducing our College Community Council (CCC)
Over the next few weeks, we will introduce members of The College Community Council, starting with our 2024 Chair, Tania Differding and Secretary, Ben Day.
Introducing Tania:
“I joined the CCC as I believe the purpose of life is to connect with people in a meaningful way. Although there are so many opportunities to do this every day, I love having the opportunity to create more!
I have a daughter Layla who is in grade 3 this year.
A little-known fact about me is that it’s my dream to be a comedian!”
Introducing Ben:
”Hi, I'm Ben. My wife and I have 3 boys here at Kardinia, all in the junior school. We are very invested in the wellbeing of our kids and involve ourselves in the school with as much as we can.
As a family, we enjoy console and tabletop gaming, movies, going to the beach and enjoying good food.
As for myself, I love playing guitar and drums, golf, DnD, a good coffee and an even better whiskey.
I'm looking forward to meeting and mingling with lots of new people.”
International Women’s Day Breakfast
The 2024 International Women's Day Breakfast is hosted by Kardinia International College. This year's theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' and we are delighted to announce that our Keynote Speaker is past parent Jo Plummer (FAICD) (MBA) and our Emcee is current parent and Board member, Barb Cronin.
Parents, alumni, staff, and VCE and IB students are invited to attend this event. Tickets include a delicious breakfast smorgasbord!
Adults (Parents, Alumni & Staff) - $20 Students (VCE & IB) - $15 https://events.humanitix.com/2024-international-women-s-day
Pop Up Reunion
The next 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. Head to The Kardinians for further information https://kardinians.com/
Celebrating With Kardinians
The Kardinians are delighted to share of the recent engagement of alumna Stephanie Yacoub (Class of 2008) to William Rizk. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.
We love to hear from our alumni! Whether you are travelling, working, raising a family, starting a business, studying, volunteering or celebrating a special moment in your lives, our Kardinians community would love to share your story. It keeps our community connected!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Goodfellow Aquatic Centre
For nearly two decades our earliest alumni hung onto the promises of a pool. Eventually the dream became reality in August 2016 which eventuated in 2016.
“Kardinia International College proudly opened its new and wonderful Aquatic Centre on 18 August. It has been named in honour of the Founding Principal, Mr John Goodfellow OAM.…The Goodfellow Aquatic Centre is an architectural treat, with its modern design and specialised features such as:
- Waterfall located at the front of the Centre, consisting of 3 divers and LED lights which can change to any colour of the rainbow
- Interior lighting display of LED coloured lights, which change colour and make the Aquatic Centre glow of a night.
Within this grand and modern Aquatic Centre, is a 6 lane, 25-meter lap pool and a learn-to-swim pool. The pool has been open up for students to swim at lunchtime, and a staff swimming lane is available before school and after school.
Since the opening, we have had many classes and programs come through….The Goodfellow Aquatic Centre…provides a fantastic Learn to Swim space for people of all abilities and ages, including squad level.”
Our registered alumni are also able to enjoy this facility. Information related to swimming times and booking is available on The Kardinians at https://kardinians.com/
Credits: The College Yearbook 2016
Photo Credits: Kardinia Archive Collection
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Surviving Final Year
Every year, the media exposes us to the hype and pressure relating to the final year of secondary school. However, putting things into perspective for students and parents alike can help prevent everyone from getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it will not be the most important year of your child’s life. It is crucial for parents to reinforce the mantra of ‘you are more than your ATAR’.
A student’s performance in final year is only a point in time measured by their ability to sit an exam. If the desired ATAR or NCEA score is not achieved at the end of the day, there are other options available to your child. It will not define their happiness. There will be many other pathways available to them to help them reach their goals.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12
Community
Into The Wild Quests are rewilding, deep nature connection and cultural transformation programs. Our Family Quest is specifically designed to address nature deficit disorder by offering immersive outdoor experiences that inspire, educate, and empower young people and parents.
Through a carefully crafted curriculum, participants will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the natural world, engage in hands-on deep nature connection skills, and develop valuable life skills in a supportive and nurturing environment.
