From the Principal
This week we have been celebrating Harmony Week at Kardinia.
In Australia, Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It is about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
The same ideals are at the heart of our College mission, vision and values and so it makes sense that we celebrate Harmony Week. There have been various events occurring throughout the school. Yesterday at Centrepoint Café there was loads of harmony as we had the pleasure of listening to the wonderful tunes of Square 1 with their many brilliant harmonies.
We have also witnessed the coming together of competition and collaboration in our Athletics Days held in the Junior and Senior Schools.
I hope that tomorrow there will be lots of touches of orange as we encourage our students and staff to add a touch of orange, which is the official colour of Harmony Week. While it is our desire to see those characteristics which are celebrated during Harmony Week living and breathing in our College, every day this week is a great reminder of the richness that embracing diversity brings to our community.
From the Head of Senior School
Today’s Senior School Athletics Carnival was a wonderful break from the classroom. Seeing students out of the usual environment and challenging themselves, as well as supporting each other, really encapsulates the spirit of the College.
There were a number of records broken today, that will be celebrated at assembly next week, where the age group champions will also be recognised. Congratulations to Gotemba for taking out the Athletics Cup today. A big thank-you to Damian Van Wyk for all his work in putting the day together.
From the Head of Junior School
Parent Teacher Interviews
Bookings for PTIs have now closed. PTIs will be held this Friday, a student free day for all K-12 students. Please refer to correspondence sent on March 14 for further information.
Upper Primary Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who participated in the Upper Primary Cross Country event on Monday. Students from Year 3-6 competed in their Houses with Thomson finishing the day victorious. Thank you to Mr Russell, Mr Hough, and all other staff and parents involved in hosting this great event.
Victorian Country All Junior Swimming Championships
Congratulations to the following KIC Swim Club students who represented the college at the Victorian Country All Junior Swimming Championships held at MSAC on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March:
- Emily Knight
- Alexandra Knight
- Katherine Tesarsch
- Campbell Cohen
- Jimmy Mikunda
- Fynn Corlett
With a large number of individual PBs recorded by the KIC team members, four students making the top 10 Victorian Country Swimmers for their age group, and a silver and bronze medal won, the team certainly showcased the amazing determination, talent and sportsmanship we have here at Kardinia. Thank you also to Coach Kai for his encouragement and support across the two days.
Early Finishes Next Week
Please be reminded that next Tuesday 26 March is an early finish for all students in K-12. Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 12.45 pm, with FY-Y12 students being dismissed at 12.50 pm. Buses will run at 1.00 pm and 1.05 pm.
Next Thursday 28 March is the last day of Term 2. Students in Kindergarten will be dismissed at 2.15 pm on this day, and students in FY-Y12 will be dismissed at 2.20 pm. Buses will run at 2.30 pm and 2.35 pm.
International students
Great Ocean Road Trip
Last Sunday, a group of international students had a blast on a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, accompanied by Mr. Ota and Mrs. Zhao. The adventure commenced with high spirits as they set off to explore the wonders of this famous Aussie coastline. Surrounded by lush greenery and breath taking ocean views, their first pitstop at Wye River turned out to be a wild surprise—they spotted koalas chilling in their natural habitat, adding an extra kick of excitement to their journey.
After their thrilling wildlife encounter, it was time to chill out at Lorne Beach. With the sun shining down and waves crashing, they dove right in, soaking up the fun and bonding over shared laughs and splashy antics.
As the day wound down, they made a sweet stop at the Great Ocean Road Chocolate Factory. Indulging in creamy ice cream treats. The students couldn't thank Mr. Ota and Mrs. Zhao enough for organising such an epic trip. For many of them, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the beauty of Australia's coastline.
Harmony Week
This week is Harmony Week, which focuses on the importance of inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging. At Kardinia we like to acknowledge that all students are welcome no matter their race, culture, religion, or sexuality.
To celebrate the KIC community’s cultural identity, special events have taken place throughout the week including live music during Tuesday’s lunchtime, a special menu at Centrepoint, a quiz to win a free tutor group lunch, and tomorrow (Thursday 21 March) students may wear a touch of orange (the representative colour of Harmony Week, signifying social communication, the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.).
For more information https://www.harmony.gov.au/
Alice Reid, Phoebe Wright, and Eliza Browne (IB)
World's Greatest Shave 2024!
🌟 Join Kardinia in the World's Greatest Shave! 🌟
Once again, Kardinia is participating in the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave this year, and we invite you to be part of this incredible journey for a meaningful cause 💇
🗓 WHEN: Wednesday, 27th March
📍 WHERE: Centrepoint Café
Here's how you can get involved:
1️⃣ SPONSOR A SHAVE: Support our students who are shaving their hair to raise funds for families facing blood cancer. You can find our team, KIC cancer, and make a donation online at: https://secure.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=144508
2️⃣ STUDENT INVOLVEMENT: Students can sign up to shave their hair using the link above, It’s not too late!
3️⃣ SPREAD THE WORD: Help us raise awareness! Share this post, tag fellow parents and guardians.
Co-Curricular News
Head of School Girls Rowing Regatta Results
Last weekend, over 2200 schoolgirls from 45 schools across the state competing in 51 events over the three-day Head of Schoolgirls Regatta on the Barwon River. Whilst Kardinia no longer has a rowing program, we are thrilled to see that many of our students continue to be involved in the sport at local clubs. For this years regatta, 18 students requested permission to represent Kardinia at what is the pinnacle event of the schoolgirl rowing season.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in what was an awesome display of pure girl power, showing fitness, strength, determination, resilience, and true Kardinia spirit. They should all be incredibly proud of their achievements and the way they conducted themselves both on and off the water. Well done and thank you to the below students for representing the College so admirably. 💐
RESULTS:
- 🥈Year 9 Quad, Division 2, G Final – 2nd = Ruby Weatherhead, Kashvi Shetty, Sarah Hasan, Jessica Bailey, Charlotte McKinnon
Crew highlight: the overall atmosphere of the regatta and the amount of support and encouragement they had.
- 🥇Year 10 Quad, Division 2, E Final – 1st = Claire Jamieson, Grace O’Dea, Molly Callahan, Ava Lyons and Emma Carland
Crew highlight: Spending time together and eating overpriced twisty potato sticks😊
- 🥈Year 9 Double, Division, A Final – 2nd = Bonnie Lawson Mietta Heagney
Crew highlight: being in year 8 and medalling in their first Head of School Girls regatta having only started rowing late in 2023. - 🥈Open Double, Division 1, A Final – 2nd = Violet McGregor and Ella Treffry
Crew highlight: gaining so much by rowing on the weekend, learning a lot about themselves, each other and how much support the Kardinia Community is able to provide.
- 🏅Open Quad Division 1 A Final – 4th (less than a 0.1 of a second between 2nd, 3rd and 4th) = Eliza Dean, Grace Holton, Eliza Jenkins, Audrey Semjaniv and Charlotte McKinnon
Crew highlight: For a relatively young crew, being proud of their achievements so far and excited to see what the future holds.
We wish Eliza Dean, Grace Holton, Eliza Jenkins, Audrey Semjaniv and Violet McGregor all the best as they represent Kardinia at the Australian Rowing Championships in Sydney this week. Time to Fly Ladies!
Congratulations also to Eliza Dean for receiving her Morongo Medal, awarded to students in year 12 who have competed in three or more previous Head of School Girl Regattas.
Judo Club Grading Day this Saturday 23 March
The Judo Club will celebrate some progress this Saturday 23 March with a Grading Day. This is when the students demonstrate new throwing, holding and falling techniques. Older students demonstrate armlocks and strangle submission techniques as well.
It’s always rewarding seeing people wearing new coloured belts as the belts indicate improvement in not just knowledge but in experience as well. All club members are asked to come along at 9am for the Grading Day. While procedures start with the most junior members, older members have time in which to practice their techniques before it is their turn to be tested. Proceedings should be completed by 12 midday.
All Club Coaches please note that there will be an important Coaching Seminar on Sunday 21 of April, held at the Caulfield Judo Club (opposite Glenhuntly railway station). All coaches need to attend, so please keep the date clear.
Chess Club
Earthcore Sustainability Tip
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.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
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 6 pm-9 pm. Trivia Groups of 10 are signed up at 6 pm for a 6:30 pm start. Come along to meet other new parents and catch up with 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! Always a sell out! https://events.humanitix.com/ccc-trivia-night
Kardinians Socials
If you would like to keep up to date with the latest about our alumni community, please follow us on:
The Melbourne Pop-Up Reunion
The Melbourne Pop-up Reunion for our newest alumni will be held on Tuesday 26 March at the Prince Alfred Rooftop and Bar in Carlton. Alumni starting employment, university or continuing study in Melbourne, will be invited to attend. Use the QR code or head to The Kardinians for tickets and further information.
Morongo High Tea Reunion
The Annual Morongo High Tea Reunion will be held this Sunday 24 March, between 2:00pm-4:30pm at Morongo House.
Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-morongo-high-tea
Please share this information with any former Morongo ladies, especially those celebrating their 30, 40-, 50-, 60- or 70-year reunions this year!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Evolving Square 1!
The first reference to Square 1 is in 2009, with the group participating at Founders’ Day, the KIC Food and Wine Festival, and the Viqueque Fundraiser at St Joseph’s College. Their first recorded song was Mr Big Stuff by Jean Knight.
The band was originally formed as there were so many excellent musicians trying out for the Jazz Combo, but only limited places were available. With so many great musicians missing out, Mel Humphrey formed an additional new band. The students came up with the name Square 1, and it has gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years.
Over this period Square 1 has been made up of different members, with the band generally evolving as students graduate from Kardinia.
Today, Alumnae Alannah Farrar (Class of 2023) and Nikita Ginoski (Class of 2023), along with current students Yoyo Zhong (Class of 2024), Cookie Robinson, Millie Robertson, Daisy Quick, Emily Cowled, Angus Borschmann, Ethan Clift, Abby Strachan, Jude Lane and Cuba DiStefano are the current cohort known as Square 1.
Tickets for their EP launch at 'One Night In May' on Tuesday 21 May at the Piano Bar, will be released soon!
Photo Credits: Kardinia Archives, Naomi Di Stefano & Square 1 Facebook images.
Fiona Russell- College Archivist
School TV - Harmony Week
Harmony Week is celebrated annually during March to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds. During this week, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also acknowledged on the 21 March. Harmony Week is an opportunity to recognise Australia's multiculturalism, which embraces people from all over the world, especially indigenous Australians. As a nation, we are encouraged to promote respect, understanding and appreciation for all cultures.
Australia's multicultural background has been shaped by migration since 1945, which at times has culminated into situations that have been challenging and sometimes leading to conflict due to a lack of understanding. Harmony Week reminds us to appreciate everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Families can join in the celebrations of Harmony Week and view it as an opportunity to join in the activities that unite cultures demonstrating that everyone belongs. There is no set way to celebrate the week, but participating in international food fairs, attending street parades, wearing orange, or even just having a meaningful conversation, can all help show your support.
For further information on how you can get involved, click on the links below:
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-harmony-week-au
