From the Principal
Last Saturday night was the Graduation Dinner for the Class of 2024.
It was a beautiful evening and so heartwarming to see the graduates and their families celebrating this significant milestone, following the completion of exams.
On the other end of the scale, the cycle begins again with our transition programs for new students and our current students to meet their 2025 peers and teachers.
There is so much excitement mixed with trepidation at this time, and it is always lovely to see new friendships and connections being formed.
From the Head of Senior School
On Thursday last week we held our 2025 Year 7 Orientation Day, with 250 Year 6 students joining us, some coming from as far away as Townsville to be with us. The students were introduced to Kardinia and its values, and the hopes that we have for all of them as members of our community for the next six years. The students spent time with their Heads of House, received their timetables, got to know their peers, and were ably supported by their Peer Support Leaders. These Year 10 students all volunteered their own time to look after new students to the College and will be important supports to them next year.
On Saturday evening we celebrated the Class of 2024 at their Graduation Dinner, held at the President’s Room at the Geelong Football Club. We had a wonderful evening of friendship, reminiscing and dancing to mark the end of an era. It was particularly special to be able to share this with the students' parents, who have played such an important part in the students’ journey through school.
Our Year 10 students head off on their expeditions next week and we wish them all the very best, with hopes for good weather, new friendships and some adventures along the way.
Year 11 students’ last day of school is Friday 6 December, with students in Years 7-10 finishing at 3:20pm on Tuesday 10 December.
From the Head of Junior School
JS Leaders 2025
Congratulations to the following Year 5 students who have been selected by their peers and teachers for leadership positions in 2025. The investiture ceremony for these students is scheduled for 2.00pm Monday 17 February 2025.
JS Leaders - Zac Gordon and Matilda Schokman
Cowie - Hudson Kovacevic and Kayla Heskett
Morongo - Mason Stojanovski and Esther White
Thomson - Jimmy Mikunda and Alexandra Butler
Gotemba - Spencer Austin and Piper Bondarenko
JAM JARS - Hugh Ainsworth and Novalie Morris
Student Action - Oscar Reuben and Lucy Broadhead
Rage - Harrison Hodgson and Ava Harper
Planeteers - Wil Kennedy-Maddy and Willow Robinson
International Mindedness - Ayra Murad and Hannah White
Performing Arts - Molly Rossiter and Maya Hamblet
Techsperts - Jonathon Luo and Max Davis
Japanese Week
Lots of fun has been had already this week learning and celebrating all things Japanese. Yesterday students dressed up for Japanese Week and enjoyed a range of activities. The fun continues for the remainder of the week.
Middle Primary Swimming Carnival
Today, Year 3 and 4 students competed in the Middle Primary Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to all students who competed and tried their best for their House. Thank you to Mr Russell, the Goodfellow Aquatic Centre team, and all other staff involved in running the event.
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.
Christmas Picnic
Join us for the Christmas Picnic on Thursday, 5 December. Enjoy performances by the Junior School Choirs, a Senior School band, and the Mik Maks at the Katsumata Centre. Doors open at 5:00pm, with performances starting at 5:30pm. All Junior School families are welcome. BYO food and drink. Novalie’s Christmas items will be on sale in the foyer.
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.
2024 KIC Waste Audit
"Last Friday we held our annual school waste audit. Involving members from the Earthcore Committee and various classes, it was a great opportunity to come together and meet new people with the shared goal of improving the school’s sustainability. We were incredibly grateful to have access to the new COLA, which made the whole process much smoother and allowed us to use the large screens to display the data as it came through, as well as making it easier to cope with the smell! Unfortunately, we found 4000 pieces of soft plastics in the red bins, which will all end up in landfill. However, the addition of the purple bins this year proved to be meaningful as they significantly reduced the amount of waste that went into landfill. We managed to save 324 bottles from purple bins and other bins, meaning we raised $32.40 just from canteen drinks alone! Overall, we had a great time and our main message is to try and put any bottles with the 10c sign on them in the purple bin and leave the cans and bottles as undamaged as possible, as squashing them makes it difficult for their barcodes to be scanned and for us to raise money for Recycle4Change.
Future initiatives were brought to our attention by Sarah, one of the volunteers from a waste management group in Melbourne, to provide more knowledge on effective utilization of bins and their contents. This included setting up a composting site near senior school garden, so we wouldn’t have to pay the estimated $40,000 per year for green waste to be transported over 100 kilometres away to be dealt with. It would also create a free fertilizer and limit overall carbon emissions, decreasing how much the school has to spend on waste treatment and transportation and reducing our carbon footprint! Other initiatives discussed including the creation of myth-busting “do and don’t” lists to make it easier for people to choose which bin their rubbish belongs in. We look forward to the implementation of these tactics and the next steps we can take to make our school a better place for the environment!"
Anna B - Year 11
Social Justice Committee
Congratulations to Jessica K and Violet M (Year 11) for organising and running the clothing collection for Our Village. The students initiated the project, organised, sorted through, ordered and labelled piles of donations - which was greatly appreciated by the team of volunteers when it was dropped off last week. These items will be off to local families and in good time for Christmas.
A simple, straightforward and impactful social project completed. Well done to both Jessica and Violet and a big thank you to all those who donated.
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.
Music News
Last week, students from music classes 'Bandstand', 'Encore' and 'Like A Version' took part in a concert for Class Music (Level A, B and C). One of the many highlights was the ensemble created by combining the 3 Level A Bandstand classes into a large band/ensemble to play 'Alpha Squadron', an exciting futuristic piece, together.
Each of the other classes showcased the work they had created and developed during the semester to a packed and proud audience of more than 150 parents.
Congratulations to all who took part and a big thank you to our fantastic music department!
Sports News
The following students completed the Bronze Medallion course at Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club in October - Bella W, Hollie M, Melaki M and Chloe N.
Look out for them as they patrol Breamlea beach in the upcoming 2024/2025 season!
Library News
Book Returns
Could we please ask parents to assist us with all library book returns?
All books should be returned by this Friday 29 November. (Language class sets will be returned with the class during their last language lesson)
Next week we will email families at both campuses of any books still outstanding. Please reach out if you need further information as anything not returned will be charged in the Term 1 fees.
Citizen Science Project
Year 7 Art Installation
The artworks will be shown until the end of this week, come along and take a look at the wonderful works from the Level A 'Hands on Art' unit.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
The G.E.M.S.
Some of our G.E.M.S. (Great Ex-Members of Staff) caught up recently for breakfast at King of The Castle.
With over 80 members in this group, many are retired while some are still working, volunteering or travelling. Those who are available gather once a term as long-term co-workers and friends.
Parent Coffee Morning - Save the Date!
The beginning of the school year is a fabulous opportunity to welcome new parents and pause to have a coffee and a chat with other parents straight after drop-off. The first day back for all students is Friday 31 January 2025. Save the Date and check next week’s e-news for the RSVP link. We’d love to see you there!
Morongo Reunion - Save the Date!
The next Morongo High Tea Reunion will be held on Sunday 30 March 2025. This annual event is held in Morongo House and includes a social gathering with afternoon refreshments, as well as a tour of the College.
Please save the date and share this upcoming event with other former Morongo students. Further information and ticket details will be published soon.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Graduation Dinner
The Graduation Dinner has been part of Kardinia’s tradition since the very first Graduation.
“On the 18th of October, the first Graduation Ceremony of Kardinia International College took place. Year 12 parents attended a special ceremony during the day and gathered again in the evening for the Graduation Dinner Dance at Capri Receptions….”
Over the years the venue for the Graduation Dinner has varied to include Capri Receptions, the Arena, the KD Stewart Centre, the Barwon Civic Centre, the Katsumata Centre and the GMHBA Stadium.
In 2005, the Graduation Dinner was held at the Barwon Civic Centre with our Founders Mr and Mrs Katsumata part of the celebrations.
Photos - College Archives, The Bell 2005
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Confidence and Motivation
Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their development and overall wellbeing. Supporting these traits means encouraging your child to set realistic goals, celebrate their achievements, and learn from setbacks. Confidence allows young people to believe in their abilities, face challenges with resilience, and feel empowered in their decisions. Meanwhile, motivation drives them to pursue interests, strive for personal growth, and stay engaged in school and other activities. By fostering a supportive environment at home, parents can help nurture these qualities, providing their children with the tools they need to navigate life's ups and downs and maintain a positive, proactive mindset.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/confidence-motivation-au
Community
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards
Geelong Youth Choir Open Day and 2025 Programs
Bluebird School Holiday Program