Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 18 October 2023

From the Principal

Last Friday we had a wonderful Graduation ceremony for our Year 12 students.

Every student who walked across the stage has had their own individual journey, their own triumphs and challenges and it was an honour to shake their hands and congratulate them on completing a significant milestone in completing high school.

The theme for my Graduation speech came from a line in a song by Michael Franti: “Don’t complicate it, keep it simple, just work hard and be nice to people”. I went on to say “I think this message is to work hard at being kind to others. Even more importantly, it is about being kind, not just to the people it is easy to be kind to, family and friends, but to others, people you don’t know, people who aren’t kind to you, people who are excluded, people who are different to you.”

Our students are constantly bombarded with media and social media that are promoting division, cancel culture and a lack of tolerance for different ideas and perspectives. I hope that we can counter that at school as much as possible by encouraging, demonstrating and teaching students to be mindful of different perspectives, to be empathetic and to be, in the words of Ted Lasso, “curious, not judgmental”.

I hope that it is these skills, along with their academic skills and attributes, that our graduates can take out into the world.

From the Acting Head of Senior School

On Friday night we formally farewelled the Class of 2023 at their Graduation Ceremony. We were fortunate to have Kardinia alumni, Erin Hoare, as our keynote speaker at the event. Erin has accomplished a huge amount since she completed her education at Kardinia in 2007. She is an academic in the field of mental health and wellbeing and also a psychologist, having completed a Bachelor of Psychology, Master of Educational Psychology, Master of Public Health, and a PhD in Public Health. She was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship in 2019. In addition, Erin was a national-level netballer and is currently an ALFW athlete with the Geelong Cats. It was wonderful to hear from Erin and her experiences since finishing at Kardinia. She encouraged our graduates to work hard and take opportunities as they present themselves, as there is no end to what can be achieved when you take up opportunities.

Year 12 exams commence on Monday for IB students, and Tuesday for VCE students, and run through until 17 November. These exams are the culmination of so much effort and hard work, and we wish all students sitting exams the very best. We are grateful to other students and staff who also work around the room changes and areas that are off limits at different times through the exam period, which allow our students the optimum environment in which to complete their exams.

On Thursday evening, our Level D Music class, Global Beats, presented their ‘Found Sounds’ works. Over the past term, the students worked with Vicki Hallett, a renowned sound artist, to use ‘found sounds’ to create soundscapes that reflected a story or mood. They produced some incredibly diverse pieces, ranging from light-hearted and fun to highly emotive and eerie. Congratulations to all those involved.

This week some of our Year 10 students completed a water safety test in anticipation of their rafting journey down the Snowy River next month. This will be an amazing opportunity for the students involved, as will all the other Year 10 expeditions that will occur. I’m very grateful to the Outdoor Education staff for their efforts in putting these different experiences together, that will challenge and develop our students.

Tonight we’re excited to host a screening of the Embrace Kids Movie in the Katsumata Centre, a film by the current Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, that focuses on the experiences and their impact on them as they move into adulthood. Thank you to the Wellbeing Hub for organising this event.

As I noted last week, we’re currently hosting this year’s Art Show in the College Hall. I’ve been fortunate to explore the variety of artworks on display and am in awe of the talent of our art students. There are models, artworks, media pieces, fabric art and so much more to appreciate and ponder. Thank you to the art staff for their efforts in supporting the students in creating such outstanding pieces.

From the Head of Junior School

Y2 and Y3 Camps
Last Friday our Year 2 students had their first camp experience at school. Students attended an excursion during the day and slept in the Lower Primary classrooms overnight. On Monday and Tuesday this week, our Year 3 students went to Anglesea for their first camp experience away from school. A lot of fun was had by all. Thank you to all of the adults who helped make these events possible. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to run these amazing opportunities for our students. Thank you to all the parents who took the time to share their gratitude with the camp staff. A small thank you makes a big difference.

FY Assembly
Congratulations to all students and staff involved in the Foundation Year assembly on Monday. I was very impressed with how amazing all the students were at presenting their learning. Thank you to the adults who helped prepare and guide our students through the presentation. It was fascinating to learn about the student inquiries and how they used multiple sources to find answers to their questions about shadows, clouds, and glaciers.

Movement and Music Festival
Yesterday, the Performance Choir and Troubadours performed at the Geelong School’s Movement and Music Festival. The Performance Choir sang ‘Hats’, ‘Galop’ and ‘Parrwang Lifts The Sky’, while the Troubadours performed ‘Goblin Feast’ and ‘Metallurgy’.

The children did an amazing job and can be very proud of their performances. Thank you to Mrs Essery, Mrs Worrall, Miss Moore, Mel Tan and Bianca Josevski for supporting our talented students.

Lower Primary Athletics Day
Today was the Lower Primary Athletics Carnival. We were blessed with fantastic weather and all the students enjoyed competing for their Houses. Thank you to Mr Russell, Mr Hough and all the other adult helpers for ensuring such a successful day.

Casual Clothes Day Friday
This Friday, 20 October, the Student Action Committee are having a casual clothes day to raise money for Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia. After visiting the Sanctuary, one of our Year 3 students is raising money to support the awesome work they do. Please bring a gold coin donation and dress in casual clothes with a touch of animal print.

Community Engagement and Foundation News 

The Reunions!

This week’s event is the Combined 5, 10, 15 & 20 Year Reunion for the Classes of 2018, 2013, 2008 & 2003! 

It’s going to be huge and there are only a few days to go! Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, complete your RSVP and obtain your complimentary ticket to this event. We hope you can join us! Please note that tickets are for alumni only and are essential for entry.

Next week - The Class of 2022- 1 Year Reunion 

The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2022 will be held next week, on Friday 27 October. This free event is for registered members and is the first official reunion since graduation! We’d love to see our 2022 Alumni and hear about your adventures over the last 12 months! 

Please note that tickets are complimentary but are essential for entry. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your RSVP and obtain your ticket to this event. 

Where Are They Now

Camryn Fitzgerald - Class of 2017, will be performing at the 2023 Queenscliff Music Festival on Sat 25 November.

The QMF artist profile describes Camryn as "...an indie pop artist based in Ocean Grove, Victoria. With raw and brutally honest songwriting, her music explores the complexities of life and relationships, capturing familiar emotions in guitar-driven tracks. Camryn’s debut single, "Older and Wiser," showcases her artistry and maturity in songwriting, hinting at the promise of more to come from this emerging artist."

Tickets are available at: https://qmf.net.au/tickets If you are heading to the festival, don't miss Camryn's stunning performance.

Joining Camryn at the QMF are two current students, Cookie Robinson (Year 10), who will be performing her original material at the Queenscliff Music Festival this year! Also performing, as a member of Sweethearts, is Abby Strachan (Year 8).  

Head to the Queenscliff Music Festival and enjoy the talents of Camryn, our alumna, and Cookie and Abby, our current students!

Community Engagement

Class of 2023 - International Students Graduation Dinner.

Some of our International students, their families and host families celebrated the end of Year 12 at the Wharf Shed. It has been an incredible journey for our international students and a community partnership with our gracious host families and our international families.

College Community Council (CCC) - Parent Community Event

The College Community Council (CCC) have set the date for the next Parent Community Event!

Get connected, meet other parents and members of the Kardinia College Community, and enjoy food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere at Murphy's. Thursday 9th November 2023, 7 pm to 9.30 pm. $25.00 per person, drinks at bar prices. To secure your tickets, log on to:  https://events.humanitix.com/kardinia-international-college-ccc-canapes-and-drinks 

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

'Sherlocked-An Unofficial Musical Parody' - 2018

"...I was privileged to be given the opportunity to write and direct the 2018 KICPIC production of 'SHERLOCKED', a musical parody based on the BBC TV show 'Sherlock.

This production process, though daunting, was incredibly valuable for both myself and everybody involved. It pushed our creative boundaries, forcing us to work together as a team and strengthening our friendships along the way."

Credits - The Bell 2018 - Performing Arts Captain Report - Isaac Haigh

Photo - Archive Collection

Fiona Russell - College Archivist