From the Principal
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, offering many advantages and opportunities across many industries, including education. Students and staff have been discussing how we can use AI for the benefit of high-quality teaching and learning, while minimising any negative impacts.
We are very happy to include our families with the opportunity to listen and ask questions of Leon Furze, an expert in this field, and we are thrilled to have him share his insights with you. Make sure to take up this opportunity and register for the Online Parent Information Session next Tuesday evening.
We were also thrilled to welcome our new 2024 Senior School Year 7’s to their Orientation Day today. There were many happy faces and the beginning of new friendships forged. Thank you to our capable and enthusiastic group of Year 11 students who have generously volunteered as ‘Peer Support Leaders’ to provide their advice and help these students make a smooth transition into the Senior School.
We will also be farewelling our Year 12 students who finish exams this week and have their final Graduation Dinner on Saturday night. Thank you to all their teachers and families for making their final year such a success. While they await their results, I am sure there is a feeling of not just relief, but excitement about what the future brings. We congratulate them all for reaching this significant milestone and look forward to their ongoing involvement in our Kardinian Alumni community.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
Today was the Orientation Day for our Year 7 students commencing in 2024, who will go on to be the Class of 2029! Moving to secondary school is an exciting milestone for these students but is also one that comes with plenty of nerves. To support these new students to feel more settled, they were helped by the 2024 Peer Support Leaders, who will be very important supports in the transition process this year and into the future. Thank-you to Mr Nick Fairlie (Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral Care), the Heads of House, the Encore music students and teachers for their fabulous performance, and the Peer Support Leaders for all their work in making Orientation Day so successful. Kardinia is a community in which we all strive to look after each other and to support each other to succeed – Orientation Day was a wonderful example of this community.
A very big thank-you to the Wellbeing Hub Team for running yesterday’s ‘Onesies’ Transition Afternoon. In a cohort of over 230 students, it can be overwhelming for students who enter the school as the only one (or two) from the primary school, so this event is designed to help students be a little more comfortable before the official Orientation Day. A number of students offered their time to stay after school to support our ‘Onesies’, including many of our 2024 Prefects and some of this year’s ‘Onesie’ students, who wanted to support students in the same position that they had been in last year. Our ‘Onesies’ were able to make connections with other new students and had a head start on their transition to Kardinia.
From the Head of Junior School
Japanese Week
Next week is Japanese Week in the Junior School. This year’s theme is: WABI SABI. Wabi Sabi is a way of seeing the world at the heart of Japanese culture. It finds beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect, natural, modest, and mysterious. Lots of fun and exciting events are planned as outlined on the timetables below. Please note that Tuesday will be a Japanese themed dress-up day.
Year 6 Graduation
Another upcoming exciting event is our Year 6 Graduation on Monday 4 December at 11.15am. The ceremony will be streamed live and can be accessed at the link below.
Parent Information Sessions
The following parent information sessions are planned for the coming weeks.
- Kindergarten Information Session 2024 – Wednesday 15 November
- Year 5 Grove Information Session 2024 – Thursday 16 November
- Foundation Year Information Session 2024 – Thursday 23 November
Junior School Orientation Day
Orientation Day for all 2024 FY-Y6 students will be Wednesday 29 November. On this day students will get to meet their 2024 classmates and teachers.
Christmas Picnic
The Junior School Christmas Picnic will be held from 5.30 - 7.30 pm on Thursday 30 November in the Katsumata Centre and will feature local favourites the Mik Maks, and JS student choirs. Parents and students are invited to bring a picnic, spread out with friends, and enjoy the festivities.
Careers News
Year 11 into 12 Transition Day
All current Year 11 students (Year 12, 2024) will participate in a full day of transition activities on Thursday 23 November.
Students will gather at school as normal on Thursday morning and be transported by bus to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus at the start of period one where a variety of workshops and presentations have been organised, including a tour of the campus and facilities as well as sessions facilitated by Deakin’s academic staff and current student ambassadors.
Students are required to wear full school uniform (except those participating in the Yoga session who are permitted to wear full PE uniform). On campus food venues will be open, and students can purchase food and drinks but due to the limited break times available, students are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks where possible. Laptops are not required on the day and instead, students are strongly encouraged to bring a pen and notebook. Lots of useful information will be provided to ensure that students are best placed to have a productive head- start to their Year 12 studies.
Parents of Year 11 students are asked to respond to the EdSmart notification as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so.
Sustainability News
On Friday 10 November, Earthcore and the Sustaining our Planet classes conducted the College’s annual Waste audit.
The students worked tirelessly, sorting through two days’ worth, some 126kgs, of the rubbish generated in the Senior School to reveal crucial insights into the College's waste management practices.
Students systematically assessed the types and quantities of the different waste streams generated. Whilst we are yet to fully analysis the complete data, a clear action was the need for increased awareness and education on proper waste disposal, as contamination was extremely high in our Green, Co-Mingled and Paper waste streams. This contamination leads to a significant amount of the waste we generate unnecessarily going to landfill. Plastic and paper waste constituted a substantial portion, indicating potential areas for reduction through targeted initiatives.
The audit also identified areas where recycling and composting efforts could be enhanced, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices. Recommendations stemming from the audit will be released at the start of next year. Thank you to all those who were involved in the day and to the classes that came to see what it was all about. Overall, the waste audit serves as a valuable tool for the College to make informed decisions aimed at reducing its environmental footprint.
International Student News
Last Saturday, a group of our international students visited Melbourne Zoo with Mr Ota and Mrs Zhao. The day started with the students gathering at the school bus bay, exchanging smiles and enthusiastic chatter on the way to Melbourne.
As they entered the zoo, the vibrant atmosphere of the lush surroundings immediately captured their attention. The weather was perfect, adding to the excitement of the day's adventure.
They started the journey through the Primate Trail, where cheeky monkeys entertained the group with their playful antics. The students marvelled at the intelligence and similarities between these primates and humans, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Moving on to the Trail of the Elephants, the students were awe-struck by the majestic giants gracefully navigating their enclosures. The educational signage provided valuable insights into elephant conservation, sparking discussions among the students about the global efforts to protect these incredible creatures.
A highlight of the visit was the Australian Walkabout, where kangaroos and wallabies hopped about freely in a setting reminiscent of the Australian outback. Laughter and gasps of amazement echoed as the students interacted with these unique marsupials, capturing memories with photos and shared experiences.
The day was not just a visit to the Melbourne Zoo; it was a shared adventure, a cultural exchange, and relationship building for our international students. The shared experience fostered a sense of camaraderie among the group, transcending cultural boundaries and creating lasting memories. Thank you to Mr Ota and Mrs Zhao for all their efforts in organising this wonderful weekend excursion.
Music News
Geelong Mum's Donations Required
The Senior School Health and Human Development students and teachers are running a collection of much needed items for families and children in need within our local Geelong area.
The act of giving, understanding and having a sense of appreciation for those within our community are all vital parts of our curriculum in Health and Human Development - It connects to our curriculum and local community in many ways – social action, discussions around SES, income, population groups, health and wellbeing, and connection to a local community group supporting those in need.
All the information about the collection has been given to our Level E Health and Year 11 VCE Health and Human Development Students via the flyer. If you are in a position to donate an item we are happy to collect and drop off on behalf of the Kardinia International College Community. Also sharing this opportunity with family and friends to help increase the reach that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your support.
Members of the College Community are Invited!
Join us for "Navigating the Age of AI: A Parent's Information Session", an online event featuring Artificial Intelligence expert, Leon Furze.
Leon is a consultant, author, and PhD candidate who is passionate about helping educators, parents and students navigate the practical and ethical implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence. In this virtual session, Leon will share his extensive knowledge and insights, offering parents valuable information and guidance on the world of AI. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Get ready to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to understand and engage with the ever-evolving field of Artificial Intelligence.
Tuesday 21 November, 2023 at 7 pm. Register here: Navigating the Age of AI with Leon Furze Cost: Free. (Zoom link will be provided to registered emails, 1 day prior to the event).
Find more details about Leon here:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonfurze/
Website - https://leonfurze.com/
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Kardinians - The Next Generation
A second generation of Kardinians are already making their way through the College, including the daughter of alumnus Dr Karim Issa from the Class of 2003. Amelia currently attends 3 year old Kindergarten at Highview and Karim is back on College grounds for school pick up.
Alumna Laurynda Giles (nee Cahir), a Class of 2003 Graduate is a proud parent of a 2nd generation student, Aidan Cahir in Year 11, and Vanessa Mantella‘s eldest daughter Olive is in 4 year old Kindergarten and transitioning to Foundation Year next year. Vanessa is a Class of 2009 graduate and reflected “…I have really loved reconnecting with the Kardinia community in a new way since Olive has begun kinder…”
We'd love to hear from any of our alumni who currently have children attending the College. Please contact f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Community Engagement
Last Thursday, the College Community Council (CCC) organized a delightful casual gathering at Murphys for our parent community. It was a fantastic blend of current and new parents coming together, mingling, and fostering a stronger sense of community.
The next event will be in early 2024.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Music at Kardinia
The Instrument Music Program and the Ensemble Programs, which had begun in 1996, grew significantly in the second and third year of the College. The first Carols at Kardinia in 1996 was such a success, that the event was continued as an annual event for a number of years.
“Students from across the school led the carolling and several short acts were also added to the program. Each year, the professionalism of the night was improved by sound, lighting and staging. Families brought picnic baskets to share, and the Development Board provided barbecue and drinks.”
By the end of 1998, there were over 250 students tutored by 7 instrumental teachers, an expanding secondary choir, and a newly established college Jazz Band!
Credits:
Dowie, P. Kardinia International College- The First Ten Years- 1996 to 2005.
Photo Credits: Kardinia Archive Collection.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist .
