From the Principal
Every week in our e-news there are stories of students undertaking great experiences and making the most of the opportunities that are presented to them, both at school and in the wider community. Even making the most of one club, one committee, one co-curricular activity, camp or learning experience can make a difference in a student’s life. The more students can avail themselves of these experiences, show commitment, curiosity, a great work ethic and passion, the more opportunities seem to come their way.
Today I am delighted to share with you the news of one such student who has absolutely made the most of every opportunity that has come her way during her journey at Kardinia. Her list of achievements and commitments is long including:
Volunteer work: Karen Homework club, Smith Family Reading Program mentor, Peer Support, Surf Lifesaving patrol member
Sports: Soccer, Soccer refereeing, Surf Lifesaving competition
Music: part of school bands and ensembles
Other: Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, University of Melbourne’s Girl Power Engineering Program, Student Representative Council
Academic achievements including Academic colours and Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar’s program.
The student I am referring to is Georgia Borschmann, a current Year 12 student, who has just been awarded the prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship with ANU.
The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. With a total scholarship package valued at up to $140,000, it offers funding to students for five years of full-time study; allowing them to take full advantage of their time at university, including the many academic, social, cultural, sporting and leadership opportunities that come with life on campus.
This year, ANU received over 1,200 applications for Tuckwell Scholarships. Georgia was one of only 49 invited to interview in Canberra in early July, where she impressed the selection panel and was offered one of 25 Tuckwell Scholarship for next year.
I am sure you will all join me in a huge congratulations to Georgia for this achievement and wish her all the very best for her forthcoming studies.
I hope that in the future many more of our students who avail themselves of the opportunities available to them at school and in their community can also find that new and exciting pathways open up to them as a result.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
One of the best things about Kardinia is seeing students take action to improve the lives of others. Some of our Year 11 students are supporting the Vinnies Winter Sleepout. There are over 120,000 people sleeping on the streets each night in Australia and raising awareness about homelessness is crucial. A number of our students have committed to sleeping outdoors to raise funds for St Vinnies to help those in need. If you’d like to support their efforts, you can donate via: https://my.fundraiseforvinniesvic.org.au/school-sleepouts/kardinia-international-college-winter-sleepout
For other students wanting to contribute to social issues, the Social Justice Club is a great starting point. This group meets Thursday lunchtimes and always welcomes new members.
Head of Junior School
Aerobics Champion
Congratulations to Paris in Year 5 who recently competed at the state sport aerobics championships. Paris won first place in the 'Cadet International Individual' category in sport aerobics and is off to the Gold Coast in September to compete in the national competition. Congratulations Paris and good luck at the nationals.
Drop-off and Pick-up
It has been a delightful experience overseeing yard duty at the front of the school during mornings and afternoons. I am pleased to observe that the flow of car and foot traffic is efficiently managed, thanks to many Upper Primary families choosing to delay pick-up by ten minutes to prevent congestion.
Please be reminded that the school grounds do not open until 8.30am each morning. For students who arrive a few minutes early, we kindly request that they proceed to the Junior School office where they can wait under supervision until 8.30am. Additionally, I'd like to remind Lower Primary families that the school grounds open at 3.15pm for pick-up.
Pets on Campus
Please also be reminded that we are unable to support pets being brought onto school campus without special approval. Recently we have had cases of dogs being brought into school grounds at drop-off and pick-up times. While I would love to approve this practice (I am a dog lover!), unfortunately regulations don’t allow us to do so. We do have some children who are not familiar with dogs and become anxious in their presence. Thank you for your support in ensuring our students feel safe when on campus.
Grove Market Stall
The Year 5 Grove students will be opening their market stall again this Friday. All goods need to purchased using cash, so dig around and find those old coins buried in the console of your car, you just might find a bargain!
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
Careers Department News
The Careers Dept in association with Bond University, is proud to bring you:
‘Bond is coming to Kardinia’ (NOT the James variety!)
Bond University Qld will be presenting course information at Kardinia International College on Thursday August 10th at 1:00pm in the H rooms.
Students interested in courses and importantly, scholarships available at this Internationally acknowledged University are encouraged to attend
Manfred Pohlenz
Head of Music/Careers Teacher
Sport News
Victorian Cross Country Championships
Five students from Kardinia had the chance to compete in the Victorian Cross Country Championships over the weekend. There was some pretty stiff competition but it was a great experience for all involved. Pictured below are Cooper and Angus Borschmann. Cooper finished 35th in the under 15s with a time of 14.04 for the 4km competition and Angus around 40th in under 16s, with a time of around 13.50.
Netball Victoria School Championships and GISSA Intermediate Girls
On Thursday 20 July, the Vic Champs Netball Competition was held. This year we had a great group of Year 10 girls, playing together for the first time but determined to do well. Over the day we played five games, winning four, and as a result, we won our pool and will proceed to the next stage, representing the school in Melbourne. The following day, the same group of girls played again in the GISSA competition. Dealing with sore bodies and tough competitors, we played three games and worked hard to get into the grand final against St Ignatius where, in a game where both teams were going goal for goal, Kardinia girls lost by two points. The whole team played amazing over the two days and are super pumped for what comes next! Nicola Cohen Year 10 – GISSA A Team (Pictured above, left)
The GISSA netball tournament on Thursday that KIC participated in was awesome! Everyone played their best and contributed to us coming third overall. Our first game was against Geelong College with the final result being Geelong College winning by one! After this disappointing score, we went on to win three games. These were great matches with close scores and everyone playing brilliantly. Next was the hardest game against Iona College. They beat us convincingly and they then went on to win the tournament. We finished with a win against Western Heights. This was a particularly tough game with steady rain. I had a really fun day, and it was great to be able to play some great netball. It is a great opportunity, and I am glad I got to do it. Stella Goldstraw - GISSA B Team (Pictured above, right)
On the Saturday 22 July, two inter netball teams consisting of both year nines and tens went to Geelong Sports Hub to compete in the GISSA netball competition. It was a well fought out day with both teams fighting their hardest to try and gain the title of 2023 intermediate GISSA Netball champions.
The inter B team started out with a big win again Geelong Baptist, which was followed by a close second game narrowly losing by just a few points to Christian College. As a team we then went to the semi-final playing the top team from the other pool (St Ignatius), to try and make it into the championship grand final. Being up, coming into half time created a very energetic and loud second half but unfortunately it just wasn’t our day and St Ignatius defeated us. This meant that we were playing Christian College again for the third and fourth position. Again, it was a close game, but Christian College beat us again and we placed fourth overall for the day. It was a great day with each person being a team player and trying their hardest as well as getting around each other throughout all the games. Overall, the days wouldn’t have been able to happen without the amazing teachers that were there to help out and coach the teams; Mr Van Wyk, Mrs Williamson and Miss Rinaldi so thank you to them. Sophie Baker - GISSA B Grade
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)
"Completely Normal (and Other Lies)", Biffy James Published by Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
An authentic, sensitive story of love and grief in all types of relationships, and the power of true friendship. This story feels utterly real in so many ways, whether it’s the cavalier and off-the-cuff humour in the face of despair, or the genuine friendship and family interactions in their swings and roundabouts. The conceit of the situation is unusual but authentically explored, and the characters are presented through their thoughts and actions, not coarse language or extreme behaviours - they are all very normal and believable. The inclusion of social media as a plot element provides a realistic atmosphere without overshadowing the main themes. The positive representation of counselling for not just major issues but just general “life” is extremely valuable, and not something often seen in young adult fiction. It was gratifying to see characters come to understand how the behaviour of themselves and others has an impact, even in the face of such strong emotions (which are never dismissed).
Younger Readers (7-12 Years)
"Evie and Rhino", Neridah McMullin Published by Walker Books Australia
Inspired by true events, Evie and Rhino is a moving and entertaining story about love, friendship, grief and how making connections can bring about change and healing. The characterisation is strong and builds as the story is told from the interchanging perspectives of Evie and Rhino. The small illustrations that indicated a change in perspective were subtle and refined, matching the style of the prose perfectly. A real strength in the book is how the plot develops, and the story grows seamlessly across the characters. The author’s notes and historical details included provide background knowledge of the events.
Picture Book (0-8 Years)
"Jigsaw: A Puzzle in the Post", Bob Graham Published by Walker Books Australia
The Kelly family embraces a mysterious puzzle anonymously sent to them in the post. The subplot narrates how a puzzle piece falls to the ground and goes missing while the family undertakes the long project of completing the puzzle. These parallel storylines continue throughout the book. Serendipitously, their threads do cross paths, and the reader is privy to this, while the characters are not. Themes of family, the generosity of strangers, persistence, hope, determination and serendipity are explored. Beautiful illustrations vary from small vignettes, time-lapse, and full-page double spreads. The use of framing and white backgrounds help to focus attention and are used to effect, while the language is simple and economical, yet magical. The mystery of time, and the slowness of its passage, are beautifully mirrored through the almost tragic journey that the puzzle piece takes to ‘the end of the world’, as it were.
Junior School Picture Book Competition
From the Archives
Early Productions - Part 5
The Story of Joy
In 2005 ‘The Story of Joy’ was performed at The Arena in Geelong as an arena stage spectacular, a triumphant celebration to mark the tenth year of the College. Incorporating music, dance and drama, the production honoured the relationship between eastern and western cultures. It involved over 300 performers and stage assistants, including a choir of 120 grade three and four students. The play incorporated the talents of the Jazz Combo with flashbacks and swing dancing in the pre-World War II years as well as contemporary fashion and dance sequences in modern day New York.
One World
The College production for 2006 was ‘One World’, a concert featuring a variety of musical ensembles, dancers, actors and visual artists from across all areas of the College. All in all, over 275 performers were involved in this showcase of talent. The show was structured around the learning profile described in the International Baccalaureate and traced the growth and development of a central character named ‘Sam’. To produce this event, students and staff of the College were invited to contribute items responding to the central concept of ‘One World’, including broad perspectives such as culture, geography, science, religion, ecology, politics, history and the arts. ‘One World’ was a celebration of the creativity of every student at the College, along with their appreciation of the world in which they live. This project was developed by a creative development team consisting of staff of the School of Performing Arts working collaboratively with other members of staff and students from all areas of the College.
Credits:
Dowie, P & Russell, F. Kardinia International College- Celebrating Twenty Years- 1996 to 2015. “College Productions” J. Russell
The next article features ‘Early Productions Part 6’
Fiona Russell - Archivist
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Where are they now?
Alumnus Jaxsyn Scholes (Class of 2010) is providing unique alternative resources for schools in the youth mental health area, through his business ‘Shake Counselling’.
Jaxsyn was recently interviewed on a popular podcast “Power, Strength and Vulnerability” and reflected positively on his valuable time at Kardinia and the friendships he made while a student.
https://powerstrengthvulnerability.com.au/podcast/jaxsyn-shake-counselling/
Jaxsyn’s business provides ‘Shake Counselling Workshops’, to local secondary schools. Its non-traditional approach is outlined in its Mission Statement:
Shake provides adolescents with an environment that offers a unique setting, one that is unconventional to other counselling/peer-mentor approaches.
Shake takes pride in offering a service that is accommodating for anyone that experiences unhelpful thoughts around working with professionals.
Based in Newtown, we have the ‘Shake Shed’, which is equipped with a custom basketball court, gym equipment, kitchenette and gaming area.
It is here that we engage in non-traditional counselling & NDIS peer-mentor assistance, offering a place that is unique and allows teenagers to have a ‘safe space’.
The Kardinians congratulate Jaxsyn on the contribution ‘Shake Counselling’ offers the local community.
Credits- Shake Counselling, Michael Ford
Fiona Russell- Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
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
