From the Principal
Last Friday night we farewelled the Year 12 Class of 2024 with a fabulous official Graduation Ceremony.
It is always such a special moment to see students cross the stage and receive their certificates in recognition of completing their secondary schooling journey. Of course, many of them still have exams to finish, but their formal schooling is complete, and I congratulate them all for achieving this significant milestone.
On a quite different but connected theme, we currently have a special event which has occurred in the grounds of our school and that is the hatching of a Tawny Frog Mouth chick. The mother Tawny Frog Mouth has been nesting for weeks on a branch which looks quite precarious, and she has endured massive gusts of wind and storms, constantly holding on and protecting her baby.
Equally, our resident emus are also very diligent parents, but this time it is the male who spends up to 10 weeks sitting on the eggs through wind and rain without moving, except to stand up and turn around once or twice a day.
Both instances of extreme parenting feats are nothing compared to the ups and downs of parenting one or more children throughout the school years. So, as we say farewell to Year 12 and wish them all the best for their exams and beyond, I want to give a huge shout out to all our parents and carers who walk alongside our students through their schooling journey.
Thank you for all you do to help guide and support your children.
From the Head of Senior School
It feels as though Term 4 is already going by very quickly. We finished our school-based farewells to the Class of 2024 on Friday evening with the Graduation Ceremony in the Katsumata Centre. We were fortunate to have alumnus Shane McInnes, from the Class of 2002, join us for the keynote address on the evening. He reflected on the importance of having dreams and pursuing those dreams throughout your life.
A very big congratulations to everyone involved in putting on this year’s College Art Show. This has been the first year that a student committee has been responsible for the show and I’m very grateful to them, along with the Head of Art, Monica D’Alessandro, and her team for all the work that has gone into staging this event. I’m also very grateful to our guest judge this year, Nikki McKenzie, who is a much loved member of the broader College community.
Applications for College Colours have been shared with students in Years 9 – 11 this morning. Colours are available in the categories of Debating, Academic, Community Service, Sport, Performing Arts and House. I strongly encourage students to carefully consider applying for College Colours, which are a visible way of recognising commitment, skill and service in a range of areas.
On Thursday 24 October we have our Year 7 Immunisations (more detailed information will be shared with relevant families via Edsmart) as well as some catch-up vaccinations for Year 10s who were absent on the Year 10 vaccination day earlier in the year. Any student receiving a vaccination should wear their sport uniform on this day.
From the Head of Junior School
Year 6 Camp
Last week our Year 6 students travelled to West Gippsland to attend Allambee Camp. This camp is full of adventure with rope climbing, billy carts, archery, a flying fox, a giant swing, and more to challenge the campers. Thank you to all staff who supported the students on camp.
GALS in STEM
Yesterday, ten Junior School girls attended Deakin University to participate in the GALS in STEM program. This program aims to foster young girls' interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and equipping them with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
PYP Values in Action
Congratulations to Year 1 student, Ana, who participated in STEPtember to raise money for people living with cerebral palsy. Ana raised $2503 for this worthy cause. Way to go Ana.
CyberSafety Workshop
As a continuation of our focus on implementing a strong approach to digital citizenship in the Junior School, I am excited to remind you about the upcoming parent and child workshop in collaboration with 'The Cyber Safety Project'. This workshop is a key component of our comprehensive approach to keeping our children safe online and is designed to equip parents with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The workshop will give parents practical strategies and opportunities to learn more about this important topic. To secure your spot, please respond to the EdSmart sent out last week.
Enrolment Withdrawal
If you are thinking of withdrawing your child, as per the College's terms and conditions a terms notice is required. Please contact the Marketing and Admissions Department via email: marketing@kardinia.vic.edu.au to lodge the request in writing.
Scholarship Applications for 2026 Are Now Open!
More information and registrations are available on our website, (under the 'Admissions' menu or via the following link - https://www.kardinia.vic.edu.au/admissions/local-students/scholarships)
Registrations for academic scholarships (Year 7) will close on Monday 10 February 2025, and the academic scholarship exam for 2026 will take place on Saturday 22 February 2025.
Registrations for music scholarships will close on Friday 24 January.
No late applications will be accepted. To be eligible for a scholarship at Kardinia International College, students must have an application for enrolment at the College.
College Art Show
A reminder, the Senior School Art Show 2024 is on this week!
Congratulations to everyone involved for putting on such a wonderful opening night! The organisers would like to thank Mrs Lockhart, Mr. Dowie, and the College Leadership Team for supporting and encouraging this event. We also wish to acknowledge our generous sponsors: McGrath Real Estate, Cavalier Art Supplies, and Vanbar Imaging.
A special thank you goes to Guest Artist Nikki Mackenzie, as well as Hiroko Suzuki and Gary Polglaze for their roles in selecting the recipients of the Mrs. Katsumata and Polglaze Awards.
We would also like to recognise the talented student artists, co-curricular helpers, and the dedicated Art & Technology staff, along with the many other staff members who contributed to the event through music, catering, and the setup of the art show. Your collective efforts have made this event a success.
Award Winners:
Senior Art Award – Arkie Zavaglia “Static”
Senior VCD Award – Ethan Hunt “Fuzzed Up”
Senior Photography Award – Lakotah Avenell-Martin “A Poet’s Guide to the Great Ocean Road”
Media Award – Matilda Corliss “Ride”
Sculptural Award – Lani Steel “The ocean’s rhythm wild and free, mirrors a pulse inside of me”
Fibre Art Award – Bella Campbell “The Red Thread”
Intermediate Art Award – Anouk Ord “Art Reflecting Daily Life”
Intermediate VCD Award – Hannah Renshaw “Skateboard”
Intermediate Photography Award – Oliver Price “Lava stone”
Highly Commended Award Winners
Emma Baker “Someone Else’s Clothes”
Izzi Garner ”Landscape”
Darrah Lestideau “Ceramic Bust”
Mia Johnstone “Juicy Duck”
The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the week - please come along and choose your favourite piece!
If you haven't already, please stop by and be inspired by all the creativity!
College Hall - Final day tomorrow - Thursday 17 October, 9am-5pm
Student Sport Achievements
Two Kardinia Year 12 students have completed a very successful Surf Life Saving IRB racing season over winter. Jacob and Fletcher are both members of the Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving IRB team (Inflatable Rescue Boats).They both medalled at the Victorian State Championships at Lorne in June - Jacob won a gold and a bronze, Fletcher won a silver. Overall the OG team came 1st in the under 23 division and 5th in Open division (Jacob and Fletcher race in both divisions).Both boys raced at the Australian Championships held on the Gold Coast at Miami beach in early July, with Jacob winning a silver medal in one event. In September it was onto the World Championships held at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, racing against teams from New Zealand, Belgium, Great Britain, Japan and others. Both boys raced really well, making it through to some quarter finals and semi final events. Congratulations!
Cocurricular News
Earthcore Updates
The Earthcore program at Kardinia continues to drive impactful, student-led sustainability projects. One such recent project is the Tree Project, led by Clara and Savannah, which involved the planting of 600 endemic tree and grass seeds. With care and attention, the seeds soon grew into strong and healthy seedlings, with some then planted during the highly successful Grove Planting day. Late last term, a Tree Sale was conducted offering the Kardinia community the opportunity to purchase these trees. For those that didn’t have room to plant a tree, people could purchase one and donate it to Mt Rothwell Conservation Centre in Little River. The Tree sale raised $438 which was donated to Mt Rothwell’s conservation efforts. Leftover seedlings have been donated for planting at their Little River site. This has been an amazing project and one we are looking to replicate again next year.
Another significant project has been the “Purple Bin” project led by Gen and Elise which has brought the Container Deposit Scheme to Kardinia. Partnering with Recycle4Change, a social enterprise organisation, all drink containers labelled with the 10c mark can now be deposited in the purple bins across the Junior and Senior school campuses. Recycle4Change manages for the College at no cost, all the logistics, counting of containers and transferring the funds raised from the deposits. All proceeds raised go towards future Earthcore projects at the College. As a sign of appreciation, the $1483.85 raised from our recent casual clothes day has been donated to Recycle4Change. It was heart-warming to hear the appreciation from Recycle4Change, with them saying “Your donation will make a significant impact in our efforts to support both our community and the environment, and we truly appreciate your commitment. Thank you once again for your support. Together, we’re making a difference!”
These initiatives showcase the dedication of our students and their commitment to creating a more sustainable future for our community.
STAV Science Talent Search
Congratulations to Alex and Will for receiving a Certificate of Distinction in the recent STAV Science Talent Search. Alex and Will competed in the Intermediate Science Photography section with their Marvellous Moss submission. An amazing effort!
Thank you Dr Rees for your support.
Careers News
Careers Communication Term 4 edition has lots of information and opportunities for students and parents:
- Upcoming information webinars & events
- Expressions of interest to attend 2025 Avalon Air Show Careers Day
- Careers Workshops
- Exam tips & advice
- Change of preference information
- Navigating University
- Scholarships
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Principal’s Dinner - Save the Date!
The College Community Council (CCC) warmly invites you to join us for the inaugural Principal's Dinner on Saturday, 16 November at The Geelong Club, hosted by the Principal Catherine Lockhart.
With Truffleduck catering this event, it provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on 2024 for the Kardinia International College Community.
Tickets will be released next week. Save the Date!
Official Kardinians!
And just like that another cohort have Graduated from Kardinia International College and are officially Alumni!
In a busy few weeks, the Class of 2024 have finished up classes and enjoyed a final assembly, passing over the leadership to the Prefects Elect for 2025.
After a Year 12 Breakfast, Celebration Day, Pool BBQ and the Formal Graduation Ceremony, the final year students are now into their revision and exam period. We wish all our IB and VCE students the best possible outcome and one that is indicative of their individual efforts.
At the conclusion of the exam period, the Class of 2024 will enjoy a final celebration at their Graduation Dinner in late November.
1 Year Reunion - Class of 2023
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2023 will be held on 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!
Combined Reunion - Classes of 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 & 2019
The Annual Combined Reunion invites registered Kardinians to celebrate 5-, 10-, 15-, 20- & 25- years since graduating from Kardinia International College.
In 2024, the Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004 & 1999 are warmly invited to attend their reunion on Friday 8 November 2024. Head to EVENTS on The Kardinians to RSVP: https://kardinians.com/
It has been a while so we look forward to seeing you there!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The First Grove Class
The Class of 2024 were the first group to attend the newly established Grove back in 2017! In the last week they were fortunate enough to travel back out to the campus with Ms O’Neill and re-live the memories!
The photos capture their last day at the Grove in 2017 and their last week in Year 12! What a journey it has been!
Photos - Glenn Evans & College Archives.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist.
School TV - Safe Partying
Celebrations, partying and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person’s life. Although the prospect might seem somewhat daunting or even terrifying for parents and caregivers, keeping young people safe can often be a compromise and a challenge.
Your son or daughter may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour. Most young people try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a caregiver is crucial. Ensure you are a good role model and discuss your personal views on drug and alcohol use. Your attitude towards addictive substances can have an enormous influence on the way your teenager approaches their own use.
Hosting a celebration at home or at a venue for your teenager can be a fun and memorable event. It all comes down to careful planning. It is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on. As the host you owe your guests a ‘duty-of-care’ and therefore should take all reasonable steps to ensure everyone attending the party is kept safe. Every party has the potential to get out-of-hand, as sometimes it’s hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in.
Further information relating to this topic can be accessed by downloading the SchoolTV Special Report Resource below or via the following websites:
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-guide-safe-partying
