From the Principal
This week there were two key highlights for me. The first is a regular favourite on my yearly calendar, the interviews for College Captain.
I am in awe of the multitude of ways the students who put themselves forward for these roles contribute to their school community, often with little recognition or reward but through a genuine desire to help make the world a better place for their peers and the wider community.
I spoke with each of the students about how, regardless of the outcomes of the process, each of them had already displayed the key traits of leadership and were, indeed, already leaders regardless of any badge denoting a position.
What is even more heartening is that there are even more students than the College Captain candidates in our midst who are doing wonderful things for their community. My second highlight is a perfect example of this.
It began with two Year 12 students, Savannah and Clara, who started a project last year as part of their Environmental Science class, the “Tree Project”. Monday saw a major part of their project come to fruition when over 200 plants they had grown from seeds were ready to be planted out at the Grove.
The girls brought together 27 other Senior Students from Earth Core, all Year 5 Grove students, ten of the Junior School Planeteers Committee, and their wonderful teachers for the tree planting.
As you can see from the photos, it was a magnificent collaborative feat and will have a profound impact on the environment. Seeing this kind of student action makes me extremely optimistic about the future.
From the Head of Junior School
Book Week Parade
Thank you to all families who supported the Book Week parade on Monday. It was great to see so many creative costumes paraded in front of a large audience.
Grove students also enjoyed the opportunity to dress up.
Grove Collaboration
On Monday this week our Grove campus hosted a wonderful tree planting collaboration between Year 5 students, the Year 6 Planeteers Student Committee, and students from the Senior School. Everyone worked seamlessly together, with the Year 12 students proving especially impressive in guiding the younger students. Thank you to all the staff who made this special event possible.
Girls in STEM
What a fabulous start to our 'Girls in STEM' lunchtime sessions in Junior School with over 40 girls showing up to our first STEM challenge! This initiative was led by Lily from the Innovation and Technology Student Advisory Committee in Senior School, with fabulous support from Kayla, Angus, Thuy and the Year 6 Techsperts. For those students who missed out, these challenges will be running each week, so there will be lots of opportunities to up your STEM game! A big thank you to Ms Kristiansen, Ms Anketell-Costa, Ms McFarlane and Ms Lindorff for all their support.
Donuts for Dads
The KIC Connect team are organising a special event for Father’s Day on Friday 30 August. All Junior School families are invited to attend a morning tea and donate towards prostate cancer support. See the flyer below for further details. If you want to attend this event, click on the link below and RSVP as soon as possible.
Donuts for Dads Morning Tea RSVP
If you would like to donate to prostate cancer research, you can use the QR code on the flyer or click on the link below.
Donate to Prostate Cancer Support
News from Camp Australia OSHC
Our Japanese Exchange Students have arrived!
A big welcome to a group of 19 students and 2 teachers from Gotemba Nishi High School who arrived in Geelong yesterday! While the weather wasn't perfect for their first day in Australia, the group still enjoyed a visit to the Geelong waterfront and some fish and chips to begin their cultural adventure! They will be with their host families for the next 6 days - please make them feel welcome when you see them around the College!
Consent Labs: Student Sessions
As previously communicated, in line with our commitment to equipping our young people with the personal and social skills needed to navigate their adult lives, all Year 10, 11 and 12 students will participate in a 100-minute Personal Development session facilitated by Consent Labs, on Thursday 22 August.
The sessions are aimed at teaching students about healthy relationships and issues related to the legal and ethical concerns around consent in a sexual context. Each year level will be addressed separately, with the aim of providing information most relevant to each age group.
The sessions will take place in the College Hall throughout the day and are compulsory for all students in these year levels. Students who would normally have a study period at that time will not be allowed to sign out and will be required to stay for their scheduled session.
Lessons will be cancelled for each year level at the time designated below. Students who would normally accelerate into a subject which is cancelled for the session should attend the Study Hall instead.
Year 10: Periods 1 and 2
Year 11: Periods 3 and 4
Year 12: Periods 5 and 6
These sessions follow on from the online seminar for parents, which was held at the start of this month.
Junior Japanese Speech Competition
On Sunday 11 August, three students - Sophie B, Tegan W, Angus W - from the senior school arrived at the Hawthorn Arts Centre by 9am, to take part in Victoria’s official Japanese Speech Contest, run by the JLTAV. They were met there by Ms Mynott and Mr Valent.
Our students recited a set speech followed by one of their own creation for two minutes, or performed a set conversation followed by one of their own creation for ninety seconds, in front of an unexpectedly large crowd of at least two hundred, including fellow contestants, parents, teachers and a trio of experienced adjudicators.
For their own creations, students composed a speech and a dialogue entirely by themselves, and together with the set material, performed very well, with natural pronunciation and intonation. It was an Olympic level competition where the slightest hesitation cost most competitors dearly – and slight hesitations were indeed the only reason we didn’t take away prizes.
Whole-hearted congratulations to our students for putting themselves in front of such a large crowd and completing their routines. And a huge thank you to their parents for their support, and for taking the students to Melbourne so early on Sunday.
Co-curricular News
Wool4School Design Competition
Best wishes to Heidi B, Year 7, who has been selected as a finalist in the Wool4School Design Competition!
"Wool4School is an annual student design competition encouraging budding designers to use Merino wool for innovative thinking and creative design. First launched in Australia in 2012, Wool4School now involves over 100,000 students worldwide." Take a look at Heidi's entry below, designed to this year's theme of 'elements'.
Winners will be announced tomorrow - please wish Heidi the best of luck! A big thank you also to Ms Lozar for her support in Heidi's participation!
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Year 7 student Daniel who has been cast as Pinocchio in Disney's My Son Pinocchio at The Round, Melbourne in September!
An amazing experience, we're looking forward to seeing you on the big stage Daniel!
Wellbeing Hub News
Year 12 students - Save the date for an upcoming event:
Justin Coulson Seminar - Recording
If you missed seminar on Monday night with Justin Coulson, you can still watch the session using the following link. This link is available until Sunday 1 September.
https://happyfamilies.com.au/answers-with-justin-championing-neurodiversity-watch
Seminar Highlights:
- Recognise and nurture the unique strengths of neurodivergent children.
- Tailor support to meet the individual needs of each child.
- Implement effective strategies for better behavioural and emotional support.
- Enhance communication and foster positive social interactions.
- Help neurodivergent children build resilience and confidence.
- Promote collaboration and advocate for the needs of neurodivergent children.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
KIC PIC Production of Oliver!
The upcoming production of 'Oliver!' in the College Hall on Friday 30 August and Saturday 31 August has SOLD OUT!
If you are no longer able to use your tickets, please log onto: https://console.humanitix.com/... and contact the host for ticket refunds.
There are still members of the community keen to see the show, so any unused tickets will be very much appreciated.
Hello Spring!
Join us for HELLO SPRING! A night to celebrate the work of the contemporary groups at Kardinia and a time to thank and farewell the year 12 musicians.
Date: Thursday Sept 19
Venue: The Piano Bar, Little Malop St, Geelong
Doors open: 6pm, with music from 6.15-9.00pm
Tickets $10 for adults and $5 for under 18s
**Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Food is available for purchase at the bar
Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/hello-spring
Alumni - Where Are They Now
Alumna Alannah Farrar (Class of 2023) has the lead role of Carrie in the upcoming production of ‘Carrie The Musical’, by The Theatre of the Damned, along with alumnus Jake Birley (Class of 2022) in the role of Tommy Ross and Nikita Ginoski (Class of 2023), Connor Aspland (Class of 2017) and Ryan Baker (Class of 2018) in the Ensemble.
The cast of CARRIE are killing it! Carrie the Musical opens on 23 August at the Belmont Performing Arts Centre. A strictly limited season closing on 31 August. It sounds like a night you'll never forget!
Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CJIFQ
The Kardinians love to hear from our graduates and are currently keen to track down more Alumni, particularly from the Classes of 2009 and 2004. Let us know what you have been up to!
Photo Credits - Theatre of the Damned.
AFLW Kardinians Footy Tipping Competition
If you are a registered Kardinian, you are invited to join the NEW AFLW Footy Tipping Competition. There is no cost to enter!
The Leaderboard winner at the end of the AFLW season (Round 10), will win:
1st place - $500, 2nd place - $375, 3rd place - $250.
Head to onto: https://kardinians.com/ for the competition link and further information.
Good luck Analea McKee (Class of 2021) now with Western Bulldogs, and Claudia Gunjaca (Class of 2015) Geelong Cats, for the 2024 Season!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Class of 2014
A decade ago, the Class of 2014 were nearing the end of their final year. Where has your journey taken you over the last ten years since Graduation?
The Kardinians would love to hear your story prior to your 10 Year Reunion this November. We are also looking for some lost members from your peer year. If you think you can assist, please contact the Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Photographic credits - The College Archives.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist.
School TV - Understanding Adolescence
Adolescence is a significant developmental stage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is characterised by an emerging sense of self-identity, exploration of personal interests, beliefs, values and goals, increased independence and autonomy beyond the family, growing responsibility, increased engagement in risk behaviours, emerging sexuality, amplified significance of peers, intensification of gender stereotypes, and shifting relationships with parents and caregivers. Adolescents seek increased independence and autonomy, which requires ongoing negotiation and compromise within the parent-child relationship.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/understanding-adolescence
Community
Nominations Now Open for the Geelong Youth Council 2025
Are you aged between 12-17 and interested in having a say, making a difference, and learning more about local government decision-making?
The City of Greater Geelong is looking for 11 passionate new members from the Geelong region to join the 2025 Youth Council Advisory Committee.
Youth Council is an opportunity to share your ideas, discuss issues affecting young people, provide advice to Council, develop an understanding of local government, build your leadership skills, and make heaps of new friends!
If you are interested in this amazing opportunity, make sure you submit an application for the 2025 Youth Council program.
Nominations are open from 12 August - 13 September so head over to our socials @GeelongYouthCouncil or head to the Geelong Webpage
https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youthcouncil for more information about how to apply (or click the image below).
If you have any questions or require more information jump on to the Youth Council Instagram page - @GeelongYouthCouncil and DM us, or email Youthcouncil@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
