From the Acting Principal
I am pleased to welcome students and staff back to Term Two after our Easter holiday break.
This term Catherine Lockhart, our Principal, will be on leave and so I will be Acting Principal for the remainder of the semester. Matt Baron will replace me as Deputy Principal, with Geoff Geddes taking on the role of Acting Head of Junior School.
We welcome several new staff members to our College community. They are:
Fiona Duthie – Director of People & Culture
Cody Roberts – LMS Administrator (Schoolbox)
Erin Hoare - Psychologist
Alex Haby – Junior School Learning Support Officer
Diana Schepisi – Senior School French Teacher
Jenny Quinn - Junior School Teacher
Bridget Sweeney – Senior School Art Assistant
We have begun the school term with our flags flying at half mast as a mark of respect to the victims of the Bondi Junction stabbings. Media coverage of this tragedy and ongoing conflicts across the globe, including the Gaza war, can be confronting and distressing.
It is timely to remind ourselves of how to approach these tragic events with sensitivity and age-appropriate information. Here are some guidelines for addressing children:
Be Honest and Age-Appropriate:
Tailor your explanation to the child’s age and understanding. Younger children need simpler explanations, while older ones can handle more details. Use clear language without graphic descriptions. For instance, you might say, “There was a very sad incident where some people got hurt.”
Listen and Validate Feelings:
Encourage children to express their emotions. Some may feel scared, sad, or confused. Validate their feelings by saying, “It’s okay to feel that way.”
Focus on Helpers and Heroes:
Highlight stories of bravery, compassion, and people who helped during the incident. Explain that police officers, paramedics, and others work hard to keep us safe.
Limit Exposure to News:
Shield young children from graphic news images or repetitive coverage. Monitor their media consumption and provide context if they come across related news.
Answer Questions Honestly:
If children ask about the incident, provide simple and truthful answers. Avoid speculation or unnecessary details.
As adults, we can be confronted by many current media reports and so it is all the more important that we need to help young people process what they are presented with. Children process information differently, so we must be patient and ready to address their concerns following the above guidelines as best we can.
Monday of this week saw our staff gather for fruitful professional development and planning sessions. We have an amazing team here at the College and we are really looking forward to delivering valuable and enriching experiences for our students this term.
From the Head of Senior School
Welcome back to Term 2!
It’s been lovely to have our students back at school these last two days and to see them jump immediately back into all their classes and activities.
We’re looking forward to the House Cross Country competition next week, which will occur on Friday 26 April. All students are expected to participate, as they are in all whole-school events. Some students will be challenging themselves to set personal bests, others will enjoy a run (or walk) around the Barwon River with friends. Any students who are injured and unable to run on the day should have a note from a parent to that effect, and can instead support the event in organisational roles. These whole-school events, such as Cross-Country, Athletics, and Founders Day, are all integral aspects of our experience as a school community.
From the Acting Head of Junior School
Dear families,
Welcome back. This week students have returned to their learning looking very settled and refreshed. While chatting with students on Tuesday, it was clear that they had enjoyed their break, but it was also clear that they were very happy to return to their friends at school. It was a lovely reminder that we are all part of a wonderful community here at Kardinia.
Growth at the Grove
Our Year 5 students rushed off the bus with excitement on Tuesday to check on the seeds they planted at the end of Term 1. These plants are a huge part of their winter crop. Students were very pleased to see that their plants had survived the Autumn break and they look forward to taking care of them, and finally selling them at their Friday market.
Celebrating Culture in Year 2
Year 2 students have stepped into their How we Express Ourselves unit this week. The unit has started with students creating a museum of artefacts which celebrate cultures they have a connection with. Throughout the unit, students will explore different forms of art, make connections to beliefs and cultures, and of course do some creating themselves.
Technology and Innovation in the Junior School
Late Term 1, Tim Kitchen delivered a full day workshop in the Junior School. It was a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to learn more about the Adobe products we have access to at Kardinia. Please click on the image below to view a short video created by Tim. It captures the day nicely.
If you would like to learn more about the day, Tim also wrote this blog post. Staff and students are very excited to continue this journey in Term 2.
Year 3 Assembly next Monday 22 April
All families are welcome to join the Year 3 assembly next Monday 22 April, in the Katsumata Centre. The assembly starts at 9:15 am.
JS Sports News
Best of luck to our cross-country runners that will compete this Thursday 18 April at Eastern Gardens in the District Cross Country Championships.
Best of luck also to our swimmers that are competing in the JS State Swimming event held at MSAC this Friday 19 April.
We look forward to our Upper Primary Athletics Day next Wednesday 24 April. The event is held at Goldsworthy Reserve. Parents are very welcome to come along and support.
Have a wonderful Term!
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.
Privacy reminder for our College community
Kardinia International College (Kardinia) collects, uses, discloses, and stores student and parent/carer personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the College’s Privacy Policy.
For more information about privacy, please see the College’s Privacy Policy, found on our website.
Sport News
Mikayla Wallis (Year 4) had a very exciting Easter, competing in the Stawell Gift! Mikayla ran off 14.25m in the Powercor Little Athletics Victoria Girls 100 metres Handicap race and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She competed against a field of 96 girls, ranging from 9-16 years of age (an impressive achievement!).
Mikayla did not make it into the semi finals however is keen to compete once again in 2025. Her overall ranked position after the 11 heats was 31st.
Her Great Great Grandfather George Bingham won the Men's Stawell Gift in 1888 and she was excited to run in his honour. Well done Mikayla!
Clara Blersch (Year 12) recently competed at the National Mountain Bike Championships, at Lake Macquarie, NSW. Clara raced in the girls U/19s and came 5th in the Cross Country Short Track and 7th in the Cross Country Olympic distance.
Congratulations on your achievements Clara!
Zahlie Snijders (Year 9) has just returned from the National Age Championships (Swimming) in Brisbane last weekend.
Zahlie finished inside the 10 top in the following events in the 14 year old girl category:
5th 800m Freestyle
2nd 200m Freestyle (missing the gold by 0.07 seconds)
2nd 400m Freestyle
7th 100m Freestyle
5th 1500m Freestyle
Zahlie is coached by Aaron Tenabel at Geelong Swimming Club.
She has now qualified to attend Olympic trials in the 200m and 400m freestyle events in June. Congratulations and best of luck in June, Zahlie!
Over the Term 1 holidays Charlotte Baker was busy in Hobart representing Victoria at the U16 National Hockey Championships. A talented goalkeeper at just 14 years old Charlotte represented the Victorian Development side.
The development team finished with 2 wins from their 5 matches and gained some invaluable experience at the tournament. Charlotte (the Green Machine) was awarded best on ground by the QLD players when her team played the QLD state team, the QLD team went undefeated and won gold at the tournament.
Well done Charlotte!
Arts News
Congratulations to KIC alumni Sachi Bridgeford and current Year 12 student Tiana Balazs for being selected to exhibit their VCE Art Creative Practice works at the Geelong Gallery Future Creatives exhibition.
You can see their work at the Geelong Gallery until Sunday 5 May 2024
https://www.geelonggallery.org.au/whats-on/exhibitions/future-creatives-2024-4229
Careers News
Port Authority of Geelong
FINAL CALL
Are you interested in a career within the Port Authority of Geelong or within the Maritime Industry across Australia and the World? (Trades, university qualified employment, tourism and much much more).
Please contact Mr Pohlenz re: further information about a day excursion exploring the many options available. The day includes a boat ride during which we get ‘up close’ to ships, shipping lanes, docks and all things maritime.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 19 APRIL
Students who have NOT undertaken this opportunity previously are eligible to apply!
Mr Manfred Pohlenz, Music/Careers Teacher
East-Timor Fundraiser - Thursday 18 April
Mother's Day Classic - A Reminder
On Sunday, 12 May, we are getting active for breast cancer research. We’re running, walking, dressing up and fundraising to raise awareness and funds for life-saving breast cancer research projects. We’d love for you to join us!
This is not a school event but we like to have a presence on the day. It would be great to see you there with your families .
To learn more and register for the Mother’s Day Classic, visit https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/
When completing the registration process, remember to join our team – Kardinia International College – when prompted.
Or go to our team fundraising page and make a donation
https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/fundraisers/kardiniainternationalcollege
Thank you for your support, Kardinia International College
Co-Curricular News
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Congratulating Kardinians - Retiring Staff
A heartfelt 'thank you and congratulations' to Meredith Ferguson on her official retirement after a long and successful career in education, particularly her valued contribution to Kardinia International College between January 2005 - March 2024.
Meredith joined Kardinia as Deputy Head of the Junior School and after a number of years teaching Senior Primary, she moved to the Senior School sharing her expertise and wealth of experience in Mathematics and Technology.
Meredith's empathy, compassion and dedication have been highly valued by students and colleagues, and The Kardinians wish her all the very best as she embarks on this new chapter. Congratulations on your retirement Meredith!
Congratulating Kardinians- Footy Tipping ‘Tricky Trav’ Prize
The winner of the 2024 Kardinians Footy Tipping 'Tricky Trav' Prize is Year 12 student Coco Warita! Congratulations on your $50 win! The first bonus prize of the season- Round 3- is in fond memory of past staff member and Cats supporter, Ross Trevaskis.
The Next CCC Parent Social Evening - Trivia Night!
The next CCC Parent Event is a Trivia Night at Murphy’s on Thursday 2 May between 6pm-9pm.
Trivia Groups of 10 are signed up at 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Come along to meet other new parents and catch up with Kardinia friends.
Tickets are only $15 pp for our Trivia Event with food and drinks at own expense. Get in quick as there is a limit of 70 people at this event! It’s always a sell out!
https://events.humanitix.com/ccc-trivia-night
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Longest Standing Athletics Track Event Records
One alumni track record was broken this year in the Female U/18 400m by TARR, Bella (MORONGO 2024) 1:01.53. The old record was held by her sister, TARR, Alex (MORONGO 2019) 1:02.89
Alex Tarr - Female U/18 400m Previous Record Holder
Bella Tarr - Female U/18 400m New Record Holder
However, there are still some impressive long-term Athletics Track records that are held by our alumni:
F U/16 100M MANDIC, Danijela THOM 12.24 2014
M U/14 100M PADOIN, Jordan THOM 12.69 2014
M U/15 100M NILON, Lachlan COWI 12.36 2008
M U/18 100M BARBER, Lachlan COWI 11.39 2014
M U/21 100M NICOLL, Christopher GOTE 11.31 2003
F U/14 1500M ADAMS, Mia COWI 5:53.97 2004
F U/15 1500M HEATH, Georgina MORO 5:41.17 2004
F U/17 1500M DEPETRO, Natasha GOTE 5:11.84 2004
F U/18 1500M EDWARDS, Claire MORO 5:50.78 2004
F U/21 1500M MAXWELL, Siobhan COWI 5:41.30 2003
M U/14 1500M DUNBABIN, Oliver GOTE 5:07.14 2004
M U/15 1500M DUNBABIN, Oliver GOTE 4:40.00 2005
M U/16 1500M PAYNE, Daniel THOM 4:41.26 2005
M U/17 1500M BOWLY, Simon MORO 4:46.19 2006
M U/18 1500M HENSEY, Kieran COWI 4:36.70 2004
M U/21 1500M WOOLFE, Jordan MORO 4:31.50 2003
F U/14 200M TARR, Alexandra MORO 26.94 2015
F U/15 200M WRENCH, Sienna COWI 27.36 2019
F U/16 200M SMITH, Ella COWI 27.79 2019
F U/17 200M TARR, Alex MORO 26.98 2018
F U/18 200M TARR, Alex MORO 27.04 2019
F U/21 200M Mc KNIGHT, Kerensa THOM 28.15 2001
M U/14 200M NILON, Lachlan COWI 26.90 2007
M U/15 200M HEDLEY, Jake COWI 25.11 2007
M U/16 200M PAULL, Fraser GOTE 24.49 2015
M U/17 200M MARTUCCI, Damien GOTE 23.62 2008
M U/18 200M MARTUCCI, Damien GOTE 23.52 2009
M U/21 200M MCKENZIE, Benjamin GOTE 23.58 2015
F U/14 400M WRENCH, Sienna COWI 1:02.23 2018
F U/15 400M WRENCH, Sienna COWI 05.95 2019
F U/16 400M WRENCH, Sienna COWI 59.48 2020
F U/17 400M TARR, Bella MORO 59.33 2023
F U/18 400M TARR, Alex MORO 1:02.89 2019
F U/21 400M WATERS, Rebecca THOM 1:01.85 2019
M U/14 400M DUNBABIN, Oliver GOTE 1:03.10 2004
M U/14 400M LEE-LAURIE, Oscar GOTE 1:03.10 2008
M U/15 400M HILL, Cooper MORO 59.37 2023
M U/16 400M HARRISON, Kane GOTE 56.17 2019
M U/17 400M KILLEN, Patrick MORO 54.07 2014
M U/18 400M COLTISH, Jack GOTE 51.88 2019
M U/21 400M COLTISH, Jack GOTE 51.92 2020
F U/14 800M COLTISH, Sophie GOTE 2:32.72 2018
F U/15 800M COLTISH, Sophie GOTE 2:29.05 2019
F U/16 800M DEPETRO, Natasha GOTE 2:31.90 2003
F U/17 800M DEPETRO, Natasha GOTE 2:36.42 2004
F U/18 800M WATERS, Rebecca THOM 2:35.10 2018
F U/21 800M COLTISH, Sophie GOTE 2:35.27 2023
M U/14 800M HOCKEY, Isaac COWI 2:21.64 2010
M U/15 800M COSTIN, Ryan THOM 2:16.36 2019
M U/16 800M DUNBABIN, Oliver GOTE 2:16.06 2006
M U/17 800M DUNBABIN, Oliver GOTE 2:03.98 2007
M U/18 800M LEAHY, Charlie THOM 2.13 2023
M U/21 800M HEDLEY, Isaac THOM 2.16 2023
M U/21 800M BURKE, Jack GOTE 2.16 2023
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Happiness and Gratitude
Happiness is defined as the balance of positive and negative emotions, combined with overall life satisfaction. Happiness and gratitude have been studied in positive psychology for many years and researchers have found that gratitude is always strongly associated with greater happiness. Although everyone has their own definition of happiness, many of us want to feel more positive emotions than negative ones. However, negative emotions are still important. They have a lot to teach us and alert us when things need to change. Practising gratitude helps people feel more of the positive emotions, enable us to relish good experiences, improve our overall health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.
Click here to watch this episode:
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude
