From the Principal
Recently a Year 7 student told me she would like to understand what a Principal does because she did not really know. I asked her what she thought, and she said she thought I went to a lot of meetings, answered the phone, and spent time in my office.
I explained that I did spend a lot of time in meetings, but those meetings could range from talking about curriculum to buildings, policy to people and all things in between.
Last week was no better example of the breadth of my role and why I enjoy it so much. On Friday afternoon I headed off with 38 Year 7 Gotemba students for their end of year camp. We hiked, pitched tents, undertook a challenge course, ate marshmallows by a fire and the students created a delicious dinner from scratch. We slept under an amazing full moon and in the morning packed up and hiked out from our campsite. Along the way the students learned some practical skills, but also about our College values and living those values in the way we conduct ourselves both at school and on adventures like camp. I was very impressed by the students in the way they conducted themselves and were willing to push beyond their comfort zone and give things a try.
Only a few hours after returning from camp I was out of my camping gear and into formal attire ready to attend the inaugural Principal’s Dinner. This was a wonderful event, and I am incredibly grateful to all the members of the CCC for their efforts in organising and supporting the event.
The aim of the event was to help build community and connection and this was certainly achieved with many guests saying how lovely it was to meet new people from the KIC community. The food was also delicious, and we had some wonderful musical entertainment as well. We hope we can welcome more members of the College community to the event next year.
So, I can certainly attest that it is sometimes difficult to explain exactly what a Principal does but the role is an extremely rewarding one with no day being the same.
Just as the student I mentioned previously was curious about what a Principal does, I also know that there are many other interesting jobs and pastimes that members of our College community are engaged in that our students would love to learn more about. This is why we are reaching out to the community to find out more through our community survey.
K-12 Parent & Alumni Partnership Survey
Kardinia boasts a vibrant community rich in diverse skills and collective wisdom among our parents and alumni. We are currently seeking ways to leverage the invaluable expertise of our mentors and leaders to support our students, while collaborating with staff to create exceptional opportunities.
We kindly request that all parents and alumni take a moment to complete this brief survey. Your input will be instrumental in shaping our community partnerships for 2025 and beyond. Thank you for your support!
From the Head of Junior School
Year 5 Camp
Our Year 5 students embraced an array of exciting activities, including canoeing, rock climbing, cable riding, and biking at Angahook Camp last week. These experiences not only fostered their physical skills but also encouraged teamwork, resilience, and a sense of adventure.
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made this camp possible. Your dedication and support ensured a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone involved.
Year 2 Excursion
Year 2 students ventured to Lorne today to tackle a treetop adventure at Live Wire. This excursion was unable to take place earlier in the term due to extreme weather. They say that good things come to those who wait, and judging by the smiles on their faces, our students certainly had a good time today.
Christmas Book Fair
The Inquiry Centre will host a Christmas Book Fair from 2-6 December. The Book Fair will be open during lunch, after school and during class library/ATL sessions. Credit Card/EFTPOS facilities are available for parents/carers.
Student Action Committee Fundraiser – A Message from the Students
The Junior School Student Action Committee and a year 6 student are hosting a fundraiser and raising awareness for Pink Tax! Pink Tax is when women's / girl's things are more expensive than men's things even though it could be the same item. Women and girls also get paid less so that means that females have to pay more but still get less. This issue expands into lots of different categories like baby things and shampoo all around the world.
On Friday the 22nd of November there will be a casual clothes day with a touch of PINK! Please bring a gold coin donation to go to Share The Dignity. Share The Dignity is an organisation that donates money and items that go towards women and girls in need.
There are also some donation bins at the junior school office until December 1st with bins where you can donate a bag filled with items for women and girls. You can donate things like toothbrushes, makeup and sanitary products. See the posters in Seesaw for more information.
World Kindness Day
Last week Year 2 students had a lot of fun engaging in activities for World Kindness Day.
Japanese Week
Next week is Japanese Week in the Junior School. Many activities are planned, including classroom activities, a Pokémon Scavenger Hunt, a chopstick challenge, a manga competition, lunchtime activities, and a dress-up day just to name a few. The dress-up day is Tuesday 26 November with a theme of anything Japanese (or red and white).
Year 7 Art Display in the Learning Commons
Wellbeing News
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
We are proud to participate in this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Victoria.
This year’s campaign encourages all Victorians to work together to prevent violence against women.
More than 1 in 3 women have experienced men’s violence. On average, a woman is killed by a man she knows every 10 days, and in 2024 that number is much higher.
Safety for women is not a given in any community – and neither is respect.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. Violence against women is preventable. This 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to come together to progress a future where all Victorians are safe, equal and respected,” said Respect Victoria’s Chair Kate Fitz-Gibbon.
“To eliminate men’s violence against women we need to address the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive violence in society. Importantly, everyone has a role to play. This 16 Days of Activism let’s work together to challenge harmful ideas about gender and power, and to create a future where all women live free from violence,” said Professor Fitz-Gibbon.
Community activities for the 16 Days of Activism begin on Friday 22 November in Victoria, with the Walk Against Family Violence (see below).
To learn more about 16 Days of Activism visit: https://bit.ly/3XGtxSr
#16Days #16DaysOfActivism
In Victoria, this event marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – a global campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
By joining the Walk, you can take action to prevent family violence and violence against women and stand in solidarity with victim survivors.
The event will commence at 11:00am at Birrarung Marr (Upper Terrace) with a Welcome to Country and opening remarks. We will walk together to Treasury Gardens (approximately 700 metres), where we will hear from a lineup of powerful speakers.
You are invited to stay in the Gardens after the formalities finish to enjoy a picnic lunch. There will be food trucks, entertainment, market stalls and a positive atmosphere!
People of all genders are welcome. Bring your workmates, friends, family, chosen family – and even your dogs! Wear orange if you can, bring a water bottle, and don’t forget colourful signs and banners.
Careers News
Year 12 Careers Support December 2024
VCE & IB Students Key Dates
VCE Students - ATARs released Thursday 12 December 7am
Kardinia International College Career Support: Email to make appointment
Thursday 12 December 1pm – 4pm (via Teams Meeting online)
Friday 13 December 8.30am – 10am (via Teams Meeting online)
Change of preference closes 14 December 12 noon
IB Students - IB results released Tuesday 17 December 10am
Notional ATARs released Wednesday 18 December 9am
Kardinia International College Career Support: Email to make appointment
Tuesday 17 December – via email
Wednesday 18 December 9am – 1pm (via Teams Meeting online)
VTAC Change of Preference window Wednesday 18 December 9am – 1pm
Students are encouraged to email careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au if they would like to make a meeting time with one of the College Career Practitioners or if they have any questions about results and preferences for course selection. The email inbox will be monitored during the December results and offers period.
Please see a list of University Provider Contact Details during change of preference for additional support.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Principal’s Dinner
The inaugural Principal's Dinner was held on Saturday 16 November, at The Geelong Club, hosted by our College Principal Catherine Lockhart, and organized by the College Community Council (CCC).
What a beautiful evening! Our parents, alumni, and staff came together to enjoy the splendid facilities of The Geelong Club, complemented by the exquisite catering provided by Truffleduck. It was a memorable night filled with connection and celebration!
1 Year Reunion - Class of 2023
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2023 was held on Friday 15th November at Murphys.
It was great to see familiar faces and hear the initial journeys undertaken by last year’s graduates! The alumni were delighted to be greeted by Mr Peel and Mr Woolard!
Head to The Kardinians for all the photos from the Class of 2023- 1 Year Reunion.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
In the Beginning- The Class of 2024
Back in 2012, the Class of 2024 were in Foundation Year under the guidance of Ms. Winter, Ms. Martin and Ms. Atkinson.
With missing teeth, pigtails and oversized uniforms, their fresh bright young faces are still recognisable alongside their contemporary Class of 2024 Year 12 Graduation photos. What a journey it’s been!
Photos - College Archives & The Bell 2012.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist.
School TV - Social Media Influencers
Social media influencers wield significant power, shaping opinions, particularly among young people. However, their impact on youth mental health is concerning. Most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate and his rise to fame, has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate’s content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.
In today's digital world, anyone can be an influencer, exerting influence through their audience relationship. Comparisons to idealised lives on social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, while exposure to inappropriate content and distorted body image perceptions exacerbate the issue. The fast-paced environment inundates young people with information, making them susceptible to certain beliefs and evoke strong emotions. Attention has become a valued commodity, therefore influencers design content to captivate their audiences.
Filtered portrayals of perfect lives create unrealistic expectations often resulting in dissatisfaction. Comparisons with peers intensify insecurities and anxiety. Social media algorithms may also expose a young person to inappropriate content, fostering negative and divisive narratives which can then lead to cyberbullying and online harassment, further harming their wellbeing.
It is therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to guide a young person’s social media use, encourage open communication, and educate them about the realities of social media. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. Through modelling kindness, respect and positive values, you can help tackle the sway of such influencers, countering unhealthy masculinity and mitigating potential harm. While not all influencers have a negative impact, it is important to ensure there is a balanced approach between online and offline activities. Emphasise the importance of critical thinking, real-life connections and positive values.
For more information on how to instil positive values in your child, you may find the following websites useful.
White Ribbon: This is part of a global social movement working to eliminate gendered violence.
Man Cave: A preventative mental health and emotional intelligence charity that empowers boys to become great men.
Orygen: A framework to help boys learn healthy behaviours and develop a positive approach to masculinity.
R4Respect: An education strategy to prevent domestic and family violence led by young people for young people.
Flourish Girl: Promoting mental health and emotional intelligence for teenage girls and gender diverse teens in schools.
Girl Power: Fostering a positive mindset, inner confidence, and resilience in girls at a young age, before they embark on their teenage years and are exposed to the powerful world of social media.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-social-media-influencers-au
Community
🍎 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐔𝐏 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊
If your child has missed out on their school-based vaccinations, it’s not too late to catch up! Secondary school immunisations are provided free to students in Year 7 and Year 10. Catch up for secondary school immunisations is free up to 19 years of age.
Barwon Health Immunisation Service will offer a catch-up week at different venues around Geelong from Monday 25 November to Saturday 30 November 2024.
This is open to any Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 age students up to 19 years of age, who has missed their immunisations at school.
Booking links for the extra sessions:
📌 Barwon Health North:
Tuesday 26 November 3.30pm-6.30pm and Friday 29 November 3.30pm-6.00pm, Barwon Health North, https://www.trybooking.com/CWAIM
📌 Bellarine:
Thursday 28 November, BASC (Bellarine Aquatic Sports Centre), 3.30pm-6.30pm, https://www.trybooking.com/CWBZQ
📌 Belmont:
Monday 25, Wednesday 27, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November, Barwon Health Vaccination Centre, Belmont, https://www.trybooking.com/CWCAE
Students can also book in at any of our weekly regular clinics via our webpage: https://bit.ly/BHImmunisation
To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account.
If your child is over 14 years of age, they will need to access their immunisation history statement themselves through their own MyGov account or the Medicare mobile app.
Learn more about school-based vaccinations and why they’re important:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools
