From the Principal
Last Thursday, the day after the Matilda’s went down 3-1 to England, I very deliberately wore my Matildas scarf. Actually, it was a Socceroos one because the Matildas ones had all sold out. I did so because I wanted our students to know that regardless of winning or losing, I was super proud of our team for what they had achieved, how they had conducted themselves and the legacy they have left because of their efforts.
This is such an important message to convey - winning does not just mean coming first. Winning in life is about attitude, resilience, persistence, fighting against the odds and doing your best. The Matildas inspired a nation and that is really something worth celebrating.
I was also delighted on Friday to see so many students wearing their national dress or colours and costumes that represented their cultural heritage. As you well know, the term international is at the heart of our name and intercultural understanding is one of the four cornerstones of our College.
I think we are also aware that developing intercultural understanding and global citizenship needs us to go much deeper than just costumes, flags and food. We will continue to work on delving deeper with our students but as a tangible way of celebrating our diversity, our International Weeks and International Celebration Day on Friday were fabulous.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
It has been a very busy week in the Senior School. We have continued to celebrate our International Weeks, with activities, and different cuisines, all culminating in a cultural dress day on Friday. It was so great to see so many people, students and staff alike, celebrating aspects of their own cultures but also appreciating the cultures of others.
We also celebrated Science Week, with activities including a staff versus student debate about AI, the biggest bubble competition, a paper plane competition, and a visit from the Geelong Tech School, which included using drones and VR technology.
Even though it’s only August, we’re well into planning for 2024. Current Year 10 students have all had appointments to discuss their plans and courses for next year and our Year 7-10 students will be making their subject selections for Semester 1 2024 this week.
Our Year 8 students have had the opportunity to complete applications to participate in the Chiang Mai Program next year and will also complete interviews in the coming week.
On Tuesday we had our Year 9 Wellbeing Day, working with ‘Live Life Whole’ and ‘The Man Cave’. The presentations on this day focused on physical and mental health and it was fabulous to see our students so engaged with the activities and the learning. The feedback from the presenters was so positive about our young people, where they were described as respectful, focused, and sincere. We look forward to running a similar day next year.
From the Head of Junior School
Book Week
Book Week is off to a flying start. Author visits, craft activities, dress-up day, and photobooth fun have dominated the Junior School timetable this week. Thank you to our Inquiry Centre team for organising such a great week of reading, growing, and being inspired!
Junior School Breakfast
All Junior School families are invited to attend the Junior School Breakfast before school on Friday 15 September, the last day of Term 3. The Student Action Committee will be working with the KIC Connect team to organise the day and will be asking families to bring a donation of various goods to support the local organisation, Geelong Mums. This event coincides with a ‘wear your team colours’ day where students will be invited to dress up in their favourite team’s colours. I wonder how many Matilda’s tops we’ll see on that day?
Camp Australia, OSHC Newsletter
Please Obey College Speed Limits
Please remember to obey speed limits while on College grounds. The drop-off zone in front of the Senior School oval is a 10km/h zone.
Thank you.
The CCC Parent 'Spring Fling'
The CCC (College Community Council) is hosting the 2023 ‘Spring Fling’! This special event for parents and staff will be held at the Pier on Saturday 14th October and will include a two-course meal, live music, and a silent auction.
Tickets are $150pp and the seating is for tables of 10. You can select your own table of 10 or we can place you with friends. Please contact CCC member Tamara Madjeric if you have any queries regarding tickets at: tamara.madjeric@gmail.com
It will be a wonderful night of socialising, great food and music, and a silent auction with some amazing items up for grabs!
Tickets are now available at: https://events.humanitix.com/spring-fling-2023-kic-community-college-council and will be available for purchase until 31 August.
Please support your community and join us for a fabulous evening!
PYP Exhibition
Student Actions
Sports News
GISSA Basketball
Year 9 and 10 students recently went to play in the GISSA tournament against many other schools. I was a part of the girls A team and even though our results weren’t all that great, I think I can speak on behalf of all the girls in saying that we all had so much fun playing and watching others play. Our coach Zarli was amazing and taught us some great strategies to use in basketball, and Trinity (Who was one of the only people who had previously played basketball) was amazing in helping everyone to improve throughout the day.
The highlight of our day would be in our final match against Saint Ignatius when we were probably losing by about 20 points so as a team we decided to go for as many three-point shots as possible. The only successful person however was Alice who ended our day with the first and only three-point shot for the whole day. Overall, the day taught me a lot and it was great to have fun with the people in my team and meet new people from other schools! - Eliza Browne
GISSA Soccer
On Friday 18th August 2023, the senior girls took part in GISSA School Soccer. The day was a massive success, with our team bringing home the trophy. Although the competition was tough throughout the day, we beat Clonard 5-0, Christian College 1 – 0, a draw with St Ignatius (1-1), and finally a 3-0 win against Covenant College. After playing four tough games we fortunately made the Grand Final where we took home the trophy after a 3-1 win against St Ignatius. We now get to play in the SSAV Premier School Girls Cup on Friday the 25th of August in Darebin and play against very experienced sides such as Maribyrnong and Caulfield Grammar. Our team was a very experienced team with everyone currently playing soccer for teams in the local regions such as North Geelong, Barwon Heads, and Bell Park, as well as Barwon and Geelong Galaxy. Each player put in their absolute best and gave it their absolute all, with standout performances from Milla Parkin, Mia McCoach Cripps, Eva Ruiz, Rosie Skerratt, and Sienna Wrench over the whole day. Overall, the day was a success. Over the day I have learned that teamwork is so important when playing soccer and to always support everyone around you - Leisel Huddart
Outdoor Education News
Year 9 Experiences, 2024
Library News
Children's Book of the Year Winners!
This week the winners of the Children’s Book of the Year Awards were announced! Congratulations to the following books…
Plus, don’t forget to come and join in the fun book week activities still to come during lunchtimes this week!
Happy Book Week!
Careers News
Many of our year 12 students are in the research and decision-making phase of their school year. We hope that the following resources might be of some use to students and parents during this time (please click on the images below for information sheets).
Co-Curricular News
The University of Newcastle – Science and Engineering Challenge
On the 16th of August, a group of Year 9 and 10 Kardinia International College students participated in The University of Newcastle, Science and Engineering Challenge hosted by Deakin University. On the day we were competing against 8 other local schools.
The challenge consisted of eight separate activities completed in smaller groups of 3 – 4 students. Each group had to use their critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve the scenarios provided, in the quickest and most effective way possible.
The challenges included:
- Creating a working Mars Rover
- Providing power to a model city
- Design and construct a glider for accuracy and long distance flight
- Communication through (RGB) code
- Creating a stable bridge and test for strength
- Construct a tower that would survive a simulated earthquake
- Network design
- Scheduling problem solving
Students had the opportunity to talk to Deakin staff and students and representatives from international STEM associations, helping to understand their professions and think about our potential futures. This opportunity allowed us to improve our collaboration skills by working in teams and strengthening our cognitive thinking in a competitive yet enjoyable environment.
Health and Physical Education Week!
To prepare for Health and Physical Education Week, you’re invited to participate in KIC’s Healthiest Lunchbox Competition. As part of HPE week, we’re celebrating the importance of healthy eating, by getting students involved in planning and preparing their own lunchboxes; encouraging positive food habits so you can thrive.
Tips for a healthy lunchbox:
- Choose fresh fruit
- Choose vegetables
- Choose one healthy protein
- Choose one wholegrain
- Incorporate dairy (if you can)
- Limit packaging
How to Enter:
- Simply take a photo of your lunchbox each day (from Monday 28th of August to Friday the 1st of September) and submit the five images via email to Mrs West
- Your photo must have a copy of the day/date written on a note beside your lunchbox each day
Judges criteria:
- Nutritious value of food
- Diversity of food groups
- Visual presentation
- Bonus points for home-made snacks / meals.
Performing Arts News
We warmly invite all Kardinia families to attend our student-led, showcase performing arts concert! The evening will feature bands, soloists, singers, actors, and dancers! Wednesday 4 October, 7 pm in the Katsumata Centre. Please bring along a gold coin donation and your wonderful applause, to support our talented performing arts students!
Tickets available via: https://events.humanitix.com/kic-koncert (tickets are free!)
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Alumni Reunions
The combined 5, 10, 15 and 20 year reunion - classes of 2018, 2013, 2008 and 2003
Tickets for the Combined Reunion for the Classes of 2018, 2013, 2008 & 2003, have now been released. This event will be held on Friday 20 October and is for registered members only. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your rsvp and obtain your ticket to this event.
The class of 2022 - 1 year reunion
The 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2022 will be held on Friday 27 October. This event is for registered members only and is the first official reunion since graduation. Please log onto https://kardinians.com/ for further information, to complete your rsvp and obtain your ticket to this event.
Where are they now?
Jed Castle - Class of 2022 Leading up to the 1 Year Reunion for the Class of 2022, The Kardinians are checking in with some of our alumni, and recently asked Jed Castle for an update: "Since Graduating Kardinia, I’ve moved out of home and on-campus to La Trobe in Bundoora. I’ve commenced my degree in Health Information Management and have been working as a ward clerk in the Emergency Department at Austin Hospital in Heidelberg. Not a lot has changed! I’m still volunteering a lot and being an active Rotarian! I was recently appointed to the Health Information Management Association of Australia, Victoria Branch, and have been working towards furthering my skills in health management. Hopefully one day I’ll be working for the Department of Health! I think moving out to on-campus accommodation has been one of the best things I’ve done. It’s been fantastic and the experience is unlike anything else I have ever done. I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it for 2024."
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Early Productions - Part 9
Onwards - 2015
Onwards was created for the 20th Year Celebrations of Kardinia International College. Under the directorship of Mrs Christine Anketell, a talented and dedicated group of staff created this amazing show about the beginnings and development of Kardinia. Mr Manfred Pohlenz (Musical Director), Mr Ian Nash-Gilchrist and Mrs Rachel Sheehan (Choreographers) and Mr Ian Campbell (Producer) worked together masterfully to tell our story through a theatrical celebration of powerful images.
Every part of the show had profound connections to the story of Kardinia. For example, the finale, ‘Amigo Pare Sempre’ is not only a fitting celebratory extravaganza, but also highlights the central concept of friendship of our motto and also is a tribute to Mr and Mrs Katsumata both of whom had this song as the conclusion to their memorial services.
Westside Story - 2016
"With auditions beginning early in Term 4, 2015 the task of producing one of the world’s most popular musicals was off to a flying start. It was amazing to witness how quickly everything came together. Over 240 students from various year levels put up their hands to be involved and fairly soon the cast was assembled and rehearsing their songs. Past musical successes at Kardinia have highlighted our numerous talent pool of musicians, singers and dancers but, for the first time in many years, we were lucky enough to assemble a cast of males and females who could sing, dance and act! (Often at the same time!)
West Side Story is not a cheerful musical, but it gave me and other production members much pleasure watching the students develop as individuals and rely on each other throughout the production process. The determination, commitment and comradery shown by all members made this production one of the most memorable.
Having a talented cast, however, is only part of the equation. This show could not have been produced without the creative talents of many staff members who dedicated numerous hours of their time, above and beyond their normal teaching load. I would like to personally thank Rachel Sheehan, Manfred Pohlenz, Andrea Crosbie, Fiona Russell, Sue Siketa, Meredith Ferguson, Kirsty Chapman, Phil Houghton, Ian Campbell, Nick Kerber and Lisa-Jane Campbell for their support and creative energy. In addition, thanks once again must go to the talented and hardworking cast and crew who made each performance a highlight for the year."
- Ian Nash-Gilchrist
Credits: The Bell - 2015 & 2016. Report by Ian Nash-Gilchrist.
Dowie, P & Russell, F. Kardinia International College- Celebrating Twenty Years- 1996 to 2015. “A Time to Celebrate”
The next article features ‘Early Productions Part 10’
Fiona Russell - Archivist
School TV - Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms. It has far-reaching damaging impacts on a child's self-esteem, self-worth, resilience and academic success which can carry right through to their adult life. Bullying is a repeated and targeted behaviour and it also relates to how it makes a young person feel as a result of such behaviour. As parent, it is important to understand what is happening before concluding that it is bullying. Online bullying can have a much greater impact and be far more difficult to deal with. Online bullies can engage in inappropriate behaviours 24/7 and invade a young person's home environment where they should feel safe.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying
Community News
