Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 19 July 2023

From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 3 2023

It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through the school year. While the winds have been icy cold, the smiles on the faces of the students I was greeted by as I walked through the school today were warm.

We have welcomed several new students and new staff to the school this term. The students have come from across the state, the country and indeed the world. Some will stay for a short time as exchange students and others will be with us until they graduate. Our new staff have also travelled from far and wide to join us, including Tanzania and Singapore. What new staff and students always bring with them is new perspectives and ideas and help expand our intercultural knowledge and awareness, something that we highly value in our school. I hope that all our new community members are warmly welcomed into the Kardinia family.

There are lots of exciting events coming up again this term, so please keep an eye out for them. One of the most significant co-curricular activities is the Senior School Production of The Addams Family, to be held from 10-12 August. The cast, crew and musicians have been working very hard to put together a fabulous show and I encourage you to watch out for when tickets go on sale. They may not be quite as popular as Taylor Swift but, nevertheless, it is worthwhile getting in quick.

From the Acting Head of Senior School

It’s been wonderful to see our Senior School students getting straight back into the business of school and engaging enthusiastically in their classes for Term 3. We welcome a number of new staff members to the Senior School at Kardinia this term: Kiri Adams (English), Anthony Daborn (Humanities), Amanda Hebbard (Humanities), Justin Kristiansen (Humanities), Kerri Brown (Maths), Siwan Rees (Science), Jan Stauch (Science), Jen Wood (Health & PE) and Yuting Zhao (Homestay Coordinator).

We also welcome a number of new students to our College, including twelve new overseas or exchange students. It’s great to see our international connections growing again after the past few years of restrictions.

Term 3 is a critical one for our Year 10 students, who have important course decisions to make for their final years of schooling. Year 10's will engage in Careers Education sessions and each student will also have an individual meeting to support them in determining their pathway and subject choices for 2024 and beyond.

Simultaneously, our Year 12 students’ time with us is quickly coming to a close. We do have Year 12 Parent Teacher interviews scheduled for Tuesday 1 August and Thursday 10 August. These interviews will be the final opportunity for the families of our Year 12's to formally meet with teachers, prior to exams next term.

Finally, tickets to our 2023 production, ‘The Addams Family’ (August 10, 11 and 12) are now on sale and available via: https://events.humanitix.com/the-addams-family-kic-production-2023?_ga=2.2591088.1942281464.1689155429-146068318.1687226892 I’ve been fortunate enough to see some rehearsals of this show and have been so impressed by both the standard of performance and the commitment of the students involved. It will be a fabulous show so don’t miss your chance to see it!

Kath O'Neill

Head of Junior School

Welcome back! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break. I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you. Firstly, I am delighted to be back after a term of long service leave and to witness the wonderful new learning spaces in action. It's truly heart-warming to see our children embracing and utilising these innovative environments. The new buildings and play spaces have been a source of joy for both students and staff alike, fostering creativity and exploration. In addition, I am thrilled to announce the opening of the much-anticipated Mount Aspire playground in the Upper Primary area. The playground has quickly become a favourite among the children, providing them with an engaging and stimulating space for play and physical activity.

Last Monday, we had a student-free day dedicated to professional development for our staff. We were fortunate to have Lael Stone, a renowned speaker, author, and educator, share her expertise on trauma-related behaviour in children. This insightful session provided our teachers with valuable knowledge and strategies to support our students' emotional well-being. If you'd like to learn more about Lael Stone and her work, please visit https://laelstone.com.au/.

I am pleased to remind you that Karen Lindorff will be joining the leadership team as the Head of Upper Primary. Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, and I am confident that her passion for education will greatly benefit our students. Additionally, I would like to take a moment to wish Izabella Haby all the best as she begins her term of long-service leave. We appreciate her contributions and look forward to her return at the beginning of Term 4.

Important Term 3 dates

• Monday 31 July – Year 1 Assembly
• Thursday 10 August – Parent's Maths Workshop at 6.30pm
• Monday 21 - Friday 25 August – Book Week
• Monday 21 August – Year 4 Assembly
• Monday 4 - Friday 8 September – R U OK Week
• Monday 11 September – Morning Melodies
• Monday 11 - Friday 15 September – Year 6 PYP Week
• Tuesday 12 September – Student Led Conferences – 12.50pm finish
• Friday 15 September – JS Breakfast at 8.00am
• Friday 15 September – Last day of term – 2.20pm finish

Grove Market Stall

The Grove students have asked me to inform families that radishes will be on sale this Friday at the Grove Market Stall at the main entrance to the Junior School before school.

I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our journey together, nurturing a thriving learning community. As always, I appreciate your ongoing support and partnership in your child's education.

College Production

Kardinia International College presents their 2023 production 'The Addams Family'. 

 Our enthusiastic senior students will showcase their vocal, dancing and acting talents on stage at the Katsumata Centre for four performances. Be entertained by your favourite Addams Family characters in this twisted tale as Wednesday falls in love. Accompanied by a live musical performance featuring many of our top instrumental students, and supported by an amazing student crew, our students cannot wait to share their show with you!

Katsumata Centre, Kardinia International College Thursday 10 August 7pm, Friday 11 August 7pm, Saturday 12 August 2pm & 7pm Click here for Tickets to The Addams Family Production.  Please note, if you wish to purchase accessible seating, please email us at j.connors@kardinia.vic.edu.au so that we can assist you. For further information, please contact the Producer- Kate Birley at k.birley@kardinia.vic.edu.au

Congratulations to our Social Justice Committee

Fantastic fundraising Big Freeze

Congratulations Year 12 students, Tara Shaw and Fionn Zele and our Social Justice Committee - raising an amazing $3,259 for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Thank you to our brave staff, Ms Woods, Ms O'Neill, Mr Ota, Mr Reuben, Ms Mahr and Mr Harding and our amazing volunteers for making the event such a success!

Sport News

Recently, Year 10 student Angus Tippett attended the jumper presentation for School Sports Victoria U15 Schoolboys Team. Jumpers were presented by current AFL players Ryan Gardner (Western Bulldogs), Josh Gibcus (Richmond) and Josh Goater (North Melbourne) and past Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn premiership player, Brian Lake. In very exciting news, Angus has also been named as Co-Captain. Victoria has two teams this year and Angus has been selected in the white team. The National Championships will be held from 22-29 July in Ballarat.

Congratulations and good luck Angus!

Library News

Over the next 5 weeks I will be sharing all of the books shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year awards which will culminate in Week 6 with the winners announcement.

We will be sharing these books with students, particularly at the Junior School, so that they have a deeper understanding of the books before Book Week.

Older Readers (13-18 Years)
"Ask No Questions" Eva Collins Published by Puncher & Wattman

Ask No Questions is an excellent example of less being more and a true instance of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. The story is complex and anxious, dealing with seriously distressing themes, but rendered so accessible through the gentle and simple blank verse poetry. The description of being a stranger in a strange land is strongly accurate and evokes an extra layer of emotion. The final return is a fitting rounding off for this journey that so many Australians will have experienced.

Younger Readers (7-12 Years)
"August & Jones", Pip Harry Published by Hachette Australia

August and Jones explores complex and challenging concepts such as parental expectations, drought, unemployment, changing homes and schools, anxiety, depression and childhood cancer. The characterisation is strong, with adults and children presented in an authentic and believable way. Contrasts in family life are highlighted with Jones’s supportive family juxtaposed with August’s angry father, depressed mother and sibling ties. The book is written expertly and sensitively, balanced with humour, showing how friendship, love, personal strength and belief in oneself and others can help overcome difficulties, change and loss. Jones’ cancer is never used for sympathy, and she remains positive despite the hardships she faces.

Picture Book (0-8 Years)
"Bev and Kev", Katrina Germein (text), Mandy Foot (illustrations) Published by Little Book Press

Themes of friendship, acceptance and finding one’s place and tribe are explored as Bev the giraffe moves through the African landscape, experiencing social rejection from animals that cannot relate to her due to her size. Using the theme ‘opposites attract’, readers may empathise with Bev’s loneliness and her joy at finding a non-judgmental companion. Interesting synonyms for ‘big’ provide rich language, while important messages are imparted, such as body image, the comfort found in companionship and how our words may affect others. The pencil and watercolour illustrations shift in perspectives, emphasising Bev’s great height and perfectly matching her mood as seen in the bird’s eye view of her solitary walk. The southern African setting is clearly defined in these outstanding watercolour and pencil illustrations which are placed onto digitally rendered backgrounds, capturing the mood of the story to perfection. Illustrations and text harmonise well, and the spectacularly eye-catching final fold-out page creates a lovely resolution, told wordlessly.

Kardinia Judo Club Semester Two Membership

The Kardinia Judo Club is calling for new members for Semester Two. The club has Junior Sessions (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday), Intermediate Sessions (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday) and Senior Sessions (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday). Head Coach Doug Noack oversees a fabulous team of Senior, Intermediate and Junior Coaches ranging from Japanese black belts down to Grade 5 students.

The club conducts two belt grading tests per year and encourages all members to participate in tournaments ranging from beginner friendly local tournaments to elite international tournaments. In so doing the club actively develops confidence, leadership and teamwork in its members.

To come along for a free trial session, contact Doug Noack on 0447 719 090

KIC College Community Council News

The KIC CCC are excited to announce this year’s ‘Spring Fling’ event will be held at the Pier on Saturday 14 October and will include a two course meal, live music and a silent auction.  This is a parent’s only event and ticket sales open soon!  The KIC CCC are currently looking for donations for the silent auction.  This is a great opportunity to promote your business to the KIC community and get your product or service seen by hundreds of people.  Please email ccc@kardinia.vic.edu.au if you are interested and include your business name/product/service and a short description of the donation including its dollar value. 

Co-curricular Program Update

The Co-curricular Program at the College is an integral part of the holistic development of our students, and we are continually looking to provide our students with new opportunities, particularly opportunities which they cannot readily avail themselves of in their local community. A list of the many opportunities available for this term can be found at the links below:

Senior School

https://kiconline.kardinia.vic.edu.au/d2l/le/content/8022/viewContent/1309992/View

Junior School

https://kiconline.kardinia.vic.edu.au/d2l/le/content/8022/viewContent/1310296/View  

At times we also must re-evaluate which co-curricular programs should continue, which we should look to expand and which ones we should cease to offer. Over many years, Kardinia has built a rowing program which has been well regarded by many other rowing programs and associated schools. Feedback provided to the College has stated that our rowing program has punched above its weight with what we have achieved over the years. The College has benefited positively from the engagement with many prominent schools within Victoria.  The rowing program has also played a significant part in developing the skills and attributes of the many students who have participated.  

However, the program has faced many challenges over the last few years. The impact of COVID, river flooding impacting on training and regattas, the availability of boat storage and associated costs, the rising costs of the program needing to be heavily subsidised by the College, some student and family dissatisfaction with the program and the needs of some participants not being met, leading to fractured relationships.   At the end of the 2022-23 rowing season, our Director of Rowing decided to not renew their contract, providing the College an opportune time to review the future directions of the KIC Rowing program. 

The College sought feedback from various key stakeholders including student rowers, their parents, rowing coaches, College Leadership, and the Board. Thank you to those who contributed to this feedback process. The open and honest feedback that was provided initiated serious discussions around the future of the rowing program.

While we acknowledge that the rowing program does provide our students with the skills and attributes to develop the life skills that we strive to deliver as part of our Co-curricular Program, the review has highlighted the disparity of expectations and goals of the rowers and their families to the program we presently offer.  To deliver a program that meets the needs of all its users, the program would need to be expanded to accommodate both a competitive and non-competitive program. Smaller individualised programs would increase costs even further. Some of the issues associated with the program are endemic within the sport itself and may be difficult to negate, due to our size and the constraints forced upon us by the regulations of Vic Rowing. The rowing program costs well above any other Co-curricular Program on offer and, given the small number of students who benefit from it, the College has deemed that it is no longer a viable activity to provide as part of our College based offerings. We appreciate and acknowledge that this decision will be difficult for some of our students, and it is one that we have taken with a great deal of thought and consultation.

Our Co-Curricular Program has been evolving over recent years to create networks with external providers that can offer our students opportunities beyond the scope of what we can offer. This has been successfully working with the Junior School Soccer Program, Judo, Hot Shot Tennis and Fencing Teams.  With this decision, we have been invested in finding other pathways for students who may wish to continue to compete in the sport of Rowing.   We are open to working with external providers and currently exploring ways in which teams made up of KIC students (who wish to enter school-based competitions) may still participate in the sport.  

We sincerely thank all of the past and present staff, students and parent community who have been involved in the Kardinia Rowing program over its many years of existence and for contributing to the development of our students beyond the classroom.

Co-curricular News - Chess Years 2-6

Community Engagement and Foundation News 

Where are they now?

Congratulations to Kardinian alumna, Tyler Costin (Class of 2021), for receiving the Little Athletics Victoria's "Emerging Coach of the Year" Award. The Geelong Athletics Centre was proud of her contribution and posted:

“Biggest congratulations to Tyler Costin, recipient of LAVic's "Emerging Coach of the Year" award.

Many of our members would know Tyler from her many hours at Landy, working closely with our On Trackers and coaching East Geelong Club's young athletes, during Track and Field season, as well as helping with schools outside the track season.

GLAC is so proud of you Tyler, along with the Costin Family. This is a most deserving award and recipient.

Thank you, Tyler, for all your dedication to Little Athletics and being such a wonderful Coach to our young Geelong athletes. We can't wait to see you shine for years to come.”

Geelong Little Athletics Centre

The Kardinians commends Tyler’s dedication and congratulate her on her achievement. A worthy recipient!

Fiona Russell- Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

Early Productions - Part 4

Wizard of Oz

‘Wizard of Oz’ was the musical production for 2004, again highlighting the creative talents of Ian Campbell as the director, the venue being the Ford Theatre, GPAC. A cast of over 150 dancers, singers, musicians and actors, together with a dedicated team of staff and parents, brought the story of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion to life.

Kardinia International College received seven Kudos nominations for this production, being awarded with the ultimate prize of the Kudos Secondary School Production for 2004.

Credits:

Dowie, P & Russel

l, F. Kardinia International College- Celebrating Twenty Years- 1996 to 2015. “College Productions” J. Russell

The next article features ‘Early Productions Part 5’
Fiona Russell - Archivist

School TV - Exam Jitters

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress.

Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focussed on the task ahead.

Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/exam-jitters