Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 19 June 2024

From the Acting Principal - Paul Dowie

During this term there have been many media reports on the negative impacts of technology on students. The depression and anxiety caused by cyber bullying, unhealthy sleep patterns, negative body image exposure, social media addiction etc. are certainly cause for concern. The emerging use of Generative AI to manipulate images presents further challenges and dangers.

At Kardinia, we recognise the impact mobile phones, social media platforms and Generative AI software have on our students’ lives, and while we acknowledge they offer learning opportunities and benefits, we are also aware of the challenges and dangers they pose.

During Semester Two, the College will be offering opportunities for parents and students to learn more about issues related to maintaining healthy digital usage. The following advice is offered to support families as they navigate their way through this integral element of our children’s lives.

Social Media and Generative AI

Social media can foster positive connections and provide valuable educational resources. However, excessive or inappropriate use can negatively impact mental health, especially for young people who are vulnerable to the pressures of online image and peer comparison. This can affect their self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

The anonymity of the internet encourages individuals to express hurtful sentiments they may avoid in person. Online bullying and cyberbullying can cause significant emotional distress, leading to academic decline, and in severe cases, self-harm.

Generative AI, while a powerful tool for creativity and learning, also requires responsible use. Misusing AI tools to generate harmful or misleading content, or to engage in bullying or cyberbullying, is unacceptable. Students must understand that their online actions, including those involving AI, have real-world consequences.

Another particularly concerning issue is the taking and sharing of nude photos. This behaviour poses severe risks and potential legal consequences. Students need to be aware of the long-term repercussions of sharing explicit content online and understand that once such images are posted, they can never be fully erased.

Navigating the digital landscape requires guidance. Without proper monitoring, students may encounter harmful content that negatively influences their behaviour. Additionally, online predators exploit social media’s anonymity to target vulnerable young users.  It is essential for parents to actively guide and monitor their children's online activities to help them navigate these challenges safely and responsibly.

Kardinia’s Digital Citizenship Agreements emphasise the basic rules and expectations for online activities.   A consistent rule in all of our Agreements is that children will find a healthy balance of online and offline activities.  We ask parents to familiarise themselves with the relevant Digital Citizenship Agreement and discuss the information with their child/ren.

Parent strategies for safe mobile and social media use:

• Abide by age restrictions on social media applications
• Establish Clear Rules: Set specific guidelines for mobile phone use, particularly during school nights
• Create Tech-free zones: Designate areas where phone use is not allowed, such as meal areas and in bedrooms
• Charge Devices Outside of Bedrooms:  Encourage charging mobile phones, laptop computers and tablets outside of designated ‘tech free zones’ especially avoiding overnight charging in bedrooms
• Limit Screen time before bed:  Promote the habit of not using phones at least an hour before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality
• Encourage open Communication:  Encourage your child to share their experiences online (both positive and negative experiences)
• Privacy Awareness: Teach your child about privacy settings on social media platforms.  Help them understand the risks of sharing personal information and the permanence of their online actions
• Educate on taking and sharing inappropriate photos:  Emphasise the importance of not taking nude or inappropriate photos and the severe consequences of sharing such images with others
• Monitor and Discuss Usage: Monitor and discuss your child’s social media use and phone activity
• Promote Educational Use: Encourage the use of social media for educational and extracurricular purposes
• Highlight Responsible Behaviour: Highlight examples of responsible digital behaviour.

Parent strategies for addressing Generative AI and Cyberbullying:

• Understand Generative AI: Teach your child about the ethical use of generative AI tools. Emphasise that these technologies are for learning and creativity, not for misuse
• Prohibit Harmful Use: Make it clear that using AI or any online software to hurt, bully, or cyberbully others is unacceptable and against our Digital Citizenship Agreement and may breach the College’s Cyber Safety Policy
• Monitor AI Interactions: Regularly review your child’s interactions with generative AI tools to ensure they are using them responsibly and ethically
• Reinforce Digital Citizenship: Remind your child that their behaviour online, including the use of AI, should align with the school's Digital Citizenship Agreement, which promotes the College values of respect and friendship.

Finally, as children often emulate their parent's behaviour, it is important for parents to demonstrate responsible mobile phone and social media use. 

Kardinia is dedicated to ensuring a safe online environment for all students and young people.  We work hard to educate and empower our students with the knowledge to identify and avoid unhealthy online behaviours.  As part of this ongoing education, we remind students that they can discuss any online safety concerns with any member of staff or a trusted adult.

We encourage you to have regular conversations with your child about online safety.

The eSafety Commissioner provides excellent information sheets for parents on how to discuss online safety with children in an age-appropriate manner.  Conversation starters, app checklists, e-safety parent guides to cyberbullying and online drama are available to parents (to name a few of their resources).  For more information, please visit: eSafety Commissioner - Parents.

Staff Changes

At the end of each semester, we express gratitude to staff who are leaving us both for long service leave and more permanently. This semester we say farewell to Lynette Camm who has worked in the Year Six area this year. We also thank Tamaralee Nelson, a GAC Swim Supervisor who has contributed to the success of our pool’s operations. We also farewell Jacqui Campbell whose efforts to create our first HR department are very much appreciated. Another pioneer leaving us is Vasko Atanasovski. Vasko was our first Director of Facilities and we wish him well in his new endeavours. A long-standing member of staff, who has been a valuable colleague and who has impacted positively on thousands of students is John Townsend. John’s English teaching has been exemplary and his ability to work with students who are challenged with learning difficulties made a difference to the education of a great many students.

Staff completing short term contracts and who are leaving us having made valuable contributions this term include Tegan Panozzo, Bridget Sweeney, Jenny Quinn, Laura SChulze and Stephanie Ruggeri.

We also have several staff who are taking long service leave and they go with our best wishes as they take a well-deserved break. They include Penny Tysoe, Kim Johnson, Harriet Mestitz, Steve Siketa, Sue Siketa and Zeljka Kovacev.

We come to the end of another highly successful semester. This term has been exceptionally busy and I wish to express a thank you to our families for the support they have provided our school community.

Our staff are constantly working to improve our College and create a safe and educational learning environment where students can be challenged, learn and grow. I am proud of how our staff always strive to provide the best outcomes for our students.

I wish our students and staff a happy, safe, and enjoyable holiday break and we look forward to welcoming our students back for Semester Two.

From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes

Design in the Junior School

I recently had the pleasure of visiting our innovative Foundation Year students. The classrooms were buzzing with excitement and productive conversations. During Term 2, our students have used the Kardinia Design Cycle to support their inquiry into making improvements to the Foundation Year Garden. Students have designed and built all kinds of solutions to problems including watering systems, glass houses, bee hotels and also deciding which plants they should be planting in the cold weather.

The Kardinia Design Cycle was introduced across Junior School so that we have a consistent language that can be built on from year to year. Each grade level uses the cycle to support at least one of their units of inquiry across the year. This approach supports our quest to develop students who are change makers and problem solvers.

Some other examples of students using the Design Cycle to enhance their unit of inquiry include.

• Our Year 5 students use the design cycle to develop solutions and ideas for their small businesses. The entrepreneurial year 5 students can often be found at the Grove Market on Friday mornings selling their products.

• Our Year 6 students have recently begun to use the Design Cycle to support the development of their creative piece which relates to their PYP Exhibition, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students are using their creative skills to create an artefact that aims to explain, innovate, or elicit a response from an audience.
• Late in 2023, our Year 2 students used the design cycle to support their inquiry into forces. During this inquiry, students used their understanding of forces to design playgrounds.
• And lastly, Linda Essery has been working with the Design Cycle while exploring the creation of music with her students.

Our world is full of opportunities and problems waiting to be solved. It is very uplifting to know that we have a school full of highly capable students that are hungry for a challenge.

Please have a wonderful holiday break. Mr. Baron will return as Head of Junior School at the beginning of Term 3. Thank you to all staff, students and families who encouraged and supported me as Acting Head of Junior School. It is lovely to be part of such a caring community.

Camp Australia School Holiday Program

https://www.campaustralia.com....

Katsumata Connection Continues at KIC

Katsumata connection continues at Kardinia International College! Mr. Takahiro Katsumata, one of the grandchildren of Mr. Katsumata (the Founder of Kardinia International College) visited KIC recently to attend the College Board meeting. He also walked around both Junior School and Senior School to observe and learn the "Kardinia-way" of schooling. Takahiro Katsumata is the principal of Gotemba Nishi High School, our sister school in Japan.

Community Engagement and Foundation News 

Community Thanks

A heartfelt 'thank you and congratulations' to John Townsend on his official retirement after a long and successful career in education, particularly his valued contribution to Kardinia International College.
John joined Kardinia in January 2001 as an English and Humanities teacher in the Senior School, and over the last two decades he has shared his wealth of experience and knowledge with fascinating insights into history and the rules of grammar! His dry sense of humour, empathy, and gentlemanly demeanour have been highly valued by students and colleagues.
The Kardinians wish John all the very best as he embarks on this new chapter. Congratulations on your retirement!

KIC Business Club Launch 

The College Community Council invites the Kardinia parent community to the launch of the KIC Business Club.  

Join us at The Geelong Club from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm on Thursday 25 July as Deakin Lecturer Dr Graeme Pye, Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics (DISBA), presents ‘The Future of Business in Geelong’.  
 
Dr. Graeme Pye received his PhD in information systems security analysis and modelling in 2009. His research is widely published and focuses primarily on the area of Cyber-security. Graeme is currently investigating the cyber-security risk aspects of SMEs within the Australian business context. In particular, focusing on their resilience and the human relationships, including cyber-security preparedness, engagement, confidence, culture, awareness, and training. 
Tickets include a shared ‘after dinner’ menu (charcuterie, cheeses, dips etc.) and tea and coffee. 

Tickets are now available at $50 per head. Drinks available at bar prices.  https://events.humanitix.com/college-community-council-launch-of-the-kic-business-club  Don’t miss this great opportunity to network and be part of the KIC Business Club!  

The College Community Council 

CCC Kardinia Parent Event - Coffee Morning

Starting on the first day of Term 3, there will be a Coffee Morning for all Highview, Junior School, and Senior School Parents and Carers! Add the date to your calendar:

Date: Tuesday 16 July

Venue: Gather’d Café, 1/11 Kardinia Drive

Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Once you have dropped off your children, please join other Kardinia parents for a first-day-back coffee! This event will be held on the first student day of each term and gives the opportunity to meet, chat and relax with other parents in a casual environment. There are play facilities for toddlers!

Please complete the RSVP to assist with catering: https://forms.office.com/r/CQAW2fTtfA We look forward to seeing you there!

The College Community Council

JUNIOR SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Fri 21 June - Last day Term 2. Normal 3:20 pm pick up time.

SENIOR SCHOOL THIS WEEK

Wed 19 June- Incursion: Visual arts Open Studio. A10. 3:30pm-6:00pm.

Wed 19 June- Cross Aged Tutoring. Learning Commons. 3:40pm-5:00pm.

Wed 19 June- Karen Homework Club. St Andrew’s Hall. Corio. 4pm-5pm.

Wed 19 June- Year 12 Mid-Year Dinner. Bell Park Sports Club. 7:00pm-10:00pm

Thurs 20 June- Combined School String Afternoon. Christian College Campus. 3:45pm-6:20pm.

Fri 21 June- House Music Final. Katsumata Centre. 11:10am-12:50pm.

Fri 21 June- SS Assembly. Katsumata Centre. 2:30pm-3:20pm.

Fri 21 June - Last day Term 2. Normal 3:20pm finish time.

**Please Note that these Calendar Reminders provided are correct at the time of printing but are subject to change.  

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator 

From the Archives

The Mid-Year Dinner

The Kardinia Mid-Year Dinner stands as a cherished tradition among the Year 12 cohort at our college. Held at the midpoint of the calendar year, it marks the transition into the final semester before our students face their last assessments, studies, and exams. This event highlights the significance of camaraderie among peers and teachers, encouraging everyone to dress in their finest attire, enjoy a sit-down meal and join in the celebrations on the dance floor. This week’s Archive images capture some special moments from the 2006 Mid-Year Dinner.

Photographic credits - The College Archives.

Fiona Russell - College Archivist