From the Principal
Last Saturday I had the most wonderful experience seeing our students and staff in the parade at Pako Festa.
Pako Festa is an incredible celebration of the cultural diversity within our community. It is always such a special event in the Geelong calendar but to see our College represented in the parade for the first time in many years was extra special. I also cheered on more of our staff, students and alumni represented in other groups throughout the parade.
This year’s Pako Festa theme was Building Bridges: Passing Culture to Future Generations which serendipitously matches so well with one of our main College themes of “Bridges” including our College song Bridges to the Future. The day was a great reminder that building bridges across cultures works both ways. Bridges can take us to other places, people and perspectives but they can also bring others to us and create stronger relationships and understanding within our own community if we are just open to being welcoming and inclusive.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of Pako Festa.
From the Head of Senior School
The 2024 College Prefects:
Cowie House Captains: Leisel Huddart and Anyou Zhong
Gotemba House Captains: Annabel Broad and Henry Buckley
Morongo House Captains: Nathan Lai and Liv Quirk
Thomson House Captains: Charles Leahy and Tallulah Rush
Performing Arts Captain: Ciara Molloy
Sports Captain: Liam Clark
College Captains: James Leahy & Fadilah Mahmood
College Colours are awarded to students for significant contributions, over an extended period of time in a range of categories. Congratulations to the following students for their achievements:
Zayma Ashraf – Academic and Community Colours
Clara Blersch – Sport Colours
Lucy Blersch – Sport Colours
Angus Borschmann – Sport Colours
Lily Brown – Performing Arts Colours
Jade Bushell – Community Colours
Ruhan Cai – Academic and Community Colours
Bella Campbell – Performing Arts Colours
Emily Canepa – Performing Arts Colours
Liam Clark – Academic Colours
Emilia Considine – Performing Arts Colours
Eliza Dean – Sport Colours
Clarissa Dinata – Academic Colours
Tess Dorris – Performing Arts Colours
Olivia Dowsley – Performing Arts Colours
Issac Ho – Performing Arts Colours
Grace Holton – Sport Colours
Leisel Huddart – Sport Colours
Jessica Hutchesson – Academic Colours
Eliza Jenkins – Sport Colours
Elise John – Academic and Community Colours
Edith Kefaloukos – Performing Arts Colours
Nathan Lai – Academic Colours
Jacob Lee – House and Performing Arts Colours
Fadiliah Mahmood – Community Colours
Sienna McDougall – Academic Colours
Johnny McKeague – Performing Arts Colours
Ciara Molloy – Performing Arts Colours
Anouk Ord – Academic Colours
Ella Rossiter – Performing Arts Colours
Tallulah Rush – House Colours
Ellie Shannahan – Performing Arts Colours
Jelke Spear – Performing Arts Colours
Ezann Tan – Community Colours
Grace Tawfik – Academic and Community Colours
Coco Warita – Community and Sport Colours
Elise Whyte – Academic Colours
Bee Woodman – Performing Arts Colours
Anyou Zhong – Academic, House and Performing Arts Colours
We were also able to celebrate the achievements of some of our Year 12 students, who as Year 11 students in 2023, achieved the highest scores in school-based assessment in their accelerated subjects.
Biology – William Semple
Business Management – Rebecca Smith
French – Sienna McDougall
Australian History – Saffron Zumpe
Japanese – Haruki Kitai-Gooi
Physics – Nathan Lai
Mathematical Methods – Nathan Lai
Physical Education – Liam Clark
Systems Engineering – Charlie Ford
Finally, we recognised some individual students who were awarded specific awards.
The College’s representative as a member of the Class of 2025 Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar’s Program is Angus Borschmann.
We were also thrilled to acknowledge that Ruhan Cai was also accepted into the Class of 2024 Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar’s Program.
This program provides access to The University of Melbourne’s resources, as well as mentoring and other programs, and provides further benefits if recipients go on to study at the University of Melbourne.
Zara Coupar was recognised by Deakin University as a Deakin Young Influencer, for her work in promoting mental health. This award provides immediate support but also provides additional support should she go on to study at Deakin University.
James Leahy was awarded the Richard Marles Prize for Outstanding Leadership, reflecting on his efforts to bring others together for a common goal.
The ADF Long Tan Award – Year 10 (in 2023) was awarded to Elise John. This award recognises students who embody the values of the ADF, in particular, mateship, courage and a desire to improve community.
Finally, the ADF Future Innovators Award – Year 10 (in 2023) was awarded to Charlie Watson. This award acknowledges the importance of STEM skills in in the ADF and in future innovation in Australia.
From the Head of Junior School
I am pleased to announce that this year we will be presenting Shrek Junior as our Junior School Production. The production will be run as a co-curricular activity for students, with rehearsals scheduled for Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm.
Nicholas Mawson has been appointed Director, while Kate Birley has been appointed Producer. Adam Burke will be supporting as part of his Music teaching role, as will Linda Essery.
The cast will predominantly be drawn from the Year 5 and Year 6 cohorts, with Year 3 and 4 students supporting through various ensembles.
Auditions for students will be held on Thursday 7 March with callbacks scheduled for Thursday 14 March. Nicholas and Kate are preparing an information booklet for students this week and will provide further information about the audition process.
Performances are scheduled for August 1, 2, and 3. Students who participate will need to be available on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (not necessarily both as it may depend on the role) in Term 2 and early Term 3. A Sunday rehearsal is expected in the week before the performances.
Leesa Downes Announcement
Foundation Year teacher, Leesa Downes, has accepted a new position as the Deputy Head of the Early Learning Centre at Beijing City International School. Leesa is currently on long service leave and won’t be returning to her role as Junior School teacher at the end of Term 2 but will instead start her new role in China, in August. Leesa has been a valued member of the Junior School since 2010 and has left a lasting impression on the many students, staff, and families she has supported over the years. This is a very exciting opportunity for Leesa and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing her all the best.
Pako Festa
Last Saturday, Mynott Sensei supervised members of our International Mindedness Student Committee in representing Kardinia International College at Pako Festa. Well done to all involved.
Camp Australia Newsletter
Dr Seuss Week
Pako Festa 2024
Last Saturday, more than 30 students from both our junior and senior schools participated in the Pako Festa 2024 parade! The Kardinia parade team showcased the rich diversity of our school community, representing over 15 cultural backgrounds including India, Singapore, Japan, China, French and many more. Beyond being a vibrant celebration of our school's commitment to embracing cultural diversity, the team also strengthened connections with the wider Geelong communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Senior School International Council, Junior School Mindfulness Committee, and all the dedicated teachers who supported this endeavor.
A Friendly Reminder
Applications for 3 Year Old Kindergarten 2025 will close on Friday 8 March. Please click the image below to lodge applications and find further information.
Mothers Day Classic 2024
Hi Everyone , it's that time again!
Today, 57 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This year as we do every year, we’re doing our bit to help those affected by this disease.
On Sunday, 12 May, we are getting active for breast cancer research. We’re running, walking, dressing up and fundraising to raise awareness and funds for life-saving breast cancer research projects. We’d love for you to join us!
This is not a school event but we like to have a presence on the day .
Research is making a big difference! Since the Mother’s Day Classic’s inception, the 5-year survival rate has increased from 76% to 92% thanks largely to research. However, there’s still a long way to go before Australians stop losing their lives to breast cancer.
So join us this year, and together, let’s start our Mother’s Day with purpose. It would be great to see you there with your families .
To learn more and register for the Mother’s Day Classic, visit https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/
When completing the registration process, remember to join our team – Kardinia International College – when prompted.
Or go to our team fundraising page and make a donation https://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/fundraisers/kardiniainternationalcollege
Thank you for your support,
Kardinia International College
Co-Curricular News
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Senior School Co-Curricular Open Day! The event is designed to provide an opportunity for Senior School students to explore the diverse range of clubs and activities available at the College. No matter what interests our students have—whether it’s an active pursuit, academia, social justice, wellness, or any other passion—our clubs cater to all. Encourage your student members to participate by organising and running their club’s table. It could be as simple as having students at a table with a handwritten sign, chatting with their peers about their club’s activities or alternatively, they can get creative and make the experience more interactive!
Event Details:
- Date: Friday 15 March
- Time: Lunchtime
- Location:
Centre Point Café
Judo Club Adjusted Timetable
The Judo Club has decided to adjust its timetable to make it more accessible for Upper Primary School students. As of this week, starting Tuesday 27 February, the Intermediate classes will now run together with the Junior classes. When the Junior students finish, the Intermediate members will stay on for a final half hour. It’s hoped this makes it more convenient for families with siblings of different ages to manage. It will also give our hard-working coaches an hour to rest and eat before starting the senior session.
The club is now entering Grading Day Preparations, when the students start practicing techniques to demonstrate at the Grading Day, which is Saturday 23 March, starting at 9:30 am. Any club members who have other commitments on Saturday will be able to grade during club sessions the following week.
A tip from the Earthcore committee!
Careers Department News
The Careers team strongly encourage all year 12 students to be booking appointments during term 1 to begin pathway planning conversations. Bookings are made by students via the booking link on KIConline - KIConline Careers Homepage. Senior students are to book during study periods or lunchtimes.
Career Practitioners are available every lunchtime for year 7 to 12 students, in the Learning Commons upstairs in the Careers office & discussion rooms.
Bond University Queensland – Career Practitioner Visit
https://bond.edu.au/
Upcoming opportunities for students:
Australian National University
Sign up here by clicking the image above. For more information please email careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Melbourne University Residential Colleges
Home - Colleges University of Melbourne (unimelb.edu.au)
Please register your intent to attend the Open House across Melbourne University Residential Colleges
Uni Melb Residential Colleges Open House Tickets, Sat 11/05/2024 at 12:00 pm | Eventbrite
Tour our ten Residential Colleges and visit the University during Open House on Saturday 11May 2024. Each College has its own unique community spirit to explore and offers a supportive environment that will help you to make lifelong friends, build lasting connections, further your academic pursuits and experience unique opportunities.
During our Open House you will have an opportunity to:
- explore and tour our Residential Colleges
- hear from current residential students
- meet our academic and pastoral care staff
- learn more about our generous scholarship programs and College application process
- discover the best of Residential College social, cultural, sporting and leadership opportunities
Each College will be running tours continuously throughout the afternoon on a regular basis. Please register and select which Colleges you intend to visit. You can also register for our general information session at 12 noon or 3.30 pm.
We would like to invite your female students in Years 7 – 12 to apply for the Young Women in Aerospace & Defence (FREE 5-Day STEM program), offered during the school holidays in Terms 1, 2, and 3. Please find more information here: https://www.rmit.edu.au/defence-aerospace/events
The program is an RMIT University co-sponsored initiative addressing the persistent gender gap across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Application Process:
- Students are asked to submit a written statement (max 500 words) or a video (max 2 mins) explaining why the student should be chosen for the program.
- Applications need to be sent to WackettSTEMprogram@rmit.edu.au
Applications close: Tuesday, 12 March 2024, Applicants notified of success: Tuesday, 19 March 2024
When: SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD
Term 1: 8-12 April 2024/Term 2: 8-12 July 2024/Term 3: 23-27 September 2024
Students can choose the STEM program they'd like to attend. With high demand expected, preferences will be accommodated based on availability.
Where: RMIT University, City Campus
Students will:
- Engage in a range of activities including constructing drones, designing apps, building gliders, programming bots, and conclude with races featuring their creations.
- Participate in lectures and explore RMIT University's cutting-edge engineering facilities.
- Take part in Q&A sessions with female STEM professionals and explore tours of aerospace and defence industry-leading companies.
Monash Information Evening - Melbourne City
March 5, 2024
We know that choosing a university is a big decision, especially if you don’t live in Melbourne. Monash Information Evenings are the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered on everything you wanted to know about undergraduate study at Monash.
You’ll hear about:
- our 10 diverse study and discipline areas
- undergraduate course types, such as our comprehensive and specialist courses, double degrees and pathway programs
- international opportunities including study abroad and overseas tours
- how to apply – everything need to know about VTAC, key dates and deadlines
- scholarships and fees
- Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and the Monash Guarantee
- accommodation options, both on and off campus.
Find out more - https://www.monash.edu/discover/events/general-information/monash-information-evening-melbourne-city
ADF - Navy Careers Virtual Information Session
March 7, 2024
Consider a career like no other and work alongside likeminded, expertly trained personnel as a member of the Navy.
Speak with serving members about career opportunities at our virtual info session.
Many opportunities continue to be advertised to senior school students via KIConline and direct to student emails. Workshops, competitions, seminars and information sessions offer great experience for students that can help them with decision making process about pathway options.
Further information – careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Community Engagement and Foundation News
International Women’s Day Breakfast
The 2024 International Women's Day Breakfast is hosted by Kardinia International College. This year's theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' and we are delighted to announce that our Keynote Speaker is past parent Jo Plummer (FAICD) (MBA) and our Emcee is current parent and Board member, Barb Cronin. Jo is a contemporary governance specialist and seasoned board chair experienced in commercial, government, SME and NFP settings. She is an Australian Institute of Company Directors Master and Fellow and holds an MBA majoring in leadership, communication, strategy & planning. Her value proposition lies in creating enabling, high-performance environments where boards partner with their organisations to supercharge aspiration and collective strategic nous to deliver beyond traditional boundaries. She is relentless in her pursuit of environmental, social and governance excellence and, is a long-term advocate for enabling choice, opportunity and equality for women and people who are underrepresented. As a self-confessed ‘happy provocateur’, her professional purpose for being is to: “Inspire aspiration, confidence and optimism so together we can do and be better.”
Parents, alumni, staff, and VCE and IB students are warmly invited to attend this event. Tickets include a delicious breakfast smorgasbord!
Adults (Parents, Alumni & Staff) - $20, Students (VCE & IB) - $15
https://events.humanitix.com/2024-international-women-s-day
Introducing our College Community Council (CCC)
Andrew Alexander, Vice-Chair
“We are working together on the CCC team to assist the school to reach out to the broader school community. We are creating opportunities to connect through various activities. Stay tuned throughout the year!
Our family is very pleased to have Isaac in Year 9 and Evelyn in Year 7 at Kardinia. I work as a lawyer and I have an interest in social justice, play tennis and enjoy drinking herbal tea.”
“Hello, I am Shimal. My husband and I have 2 little ones that attend Kardinia, one in foundation year and the other in kindergarten 3. I joined the CCC because I think it’s a great opportunity to connect with the school community and collaborate with like-minded people to achieve positive experiences for students and parents.”
CCC Parent Social Evening - Wine, Canapes & Great Company!
Next week is the first social event for Kardinia parents! This ticketed event, hosted by the College Community Council (CCC), will be held upstairs at the Eureka Hotel on Thursday 7 March, and is a chance to connect and socialise with our Kardinia Community. Come and introduce yourself in a casual, welcoming environment, and if you have already established some parent connections at the College, invite them to register also. The cost is $35 for a substantial selection of canapes, and drinks are at bar prices. Tickets are available via the link or the QR code: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-wine-canapes-and-great-company We look forward to seeing you there!
The CCC Footy Tipping Competition for all Kardinia families
The 2024 AFL Footy season starts soon!
The CCC Footy Tipping Competition is open to all our Kardinia families and there is no entry fee! Each Kardinia family can enter once to be eligible for great prizes, with the top 3 family winners awarded: 1st- $500, 2nd- $300 and 3rd - $200.
The competition starts with Round 1 and ends with Round 24. It does not include the Opening Round or the Finals. The competition code is: U7C9XYSW and the link is: https://tipping.afl.com.au/tipping/index.html#/comp/37586/about?code=U7C9XYSW
Please note that this is a family competition and students cannot enter this competition independently. Only current Kardinia families are eligible.
Business Directory
Do you have a business you would like to promote with our community? While parents have limited access to The Kardinians platform, enjoyed by our Alumni Community; they do have access to the Business Directory. This facility enables parents who own their own business, to promote it with the community, while other families can access these services, often with a KIC discount. Register as a parent on https://kardinians.com/
Pop Up Reunion
The next Pop-up Reunion for our newest alumni will be held on Tuesday 26 March at the Prince Alfred Rooftop and Bar in Carlton. Alumni starting employment, university or continuing study in Melbourne, will be invited to attend. Head to The Kardinians for further information https://kardinians.com/
Morongo High Tea Reunion
This year, the Annual High Tea Reunion will be held on Sunday 24 March, between 2:00pm-4:30pm at Morongo House.
Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/2024-morongo-high-tea
Please share this information with any former Morongo ladies, especially those celebrating their 30, 40-, 50-, 60- or 70-year reunions this year!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
A Lucky Horseshoe
The most recent find from the tennis court refurbishment, is a horseshoe, the origins of which remain a mystery.
While horses were the main mode of transport when the Calvert’s and successive families resided in the homestead, it is more likely to have belonged to one of the horses on the property during the Morongo era. The early boarders were able to keep their horses on the property and ride along the mostly uninhabited surrounds of Bell Post Hill.
Photo Credits: Kardinia Archive Collection
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
School TV - Toxic Achievement Culture
Toxic achievement culture is a critical societal issue where an individual's self-worth is entangled to their academic or extracurricular achievements. This culture is not merely about striving for success; it represents a deep-seated belief that a student’s value is solely dependent on their performance, often propelled by intense external pressures from parents, schools, and society. The concept of toxic achievement has recently been outlined in a book that sheds light on this phenomenon, highlighting the dark consequences of a culture obsessed with success.
Toxic achievement is becoming increasingly prevalent, characterised by excessive competition, unrealistic expectations, and a singular focus on results. This culture is also being aggravated by parental expectations, peer competition, a relentless comparison ethos, as well as being compounded by social media. It stems from a shift towards individualism where personal achievements are being equated with self-worth.
This relentless drive to excel is leading many students to prioritise accolades over genuine learning and personal growth, often at the expense of their own wellbeing and interpersonal relationships. Some students are overfilling their schedules with activities aimed to "get ahead". However, the consequences are proving to be detrimental on students' mental and physical health resulting in burnout and heightened stress levels.
As adult carers, we need to advocate for a more balanced and holistic approach to achievement, emphasising the importance of resilience, wellbeing, and the pursuit of diverse interests. There is nothing wrong with having ambition, but it's crucial to ensure that this desire doesn't push our young people into a toxic cycle of achievement and make them feel they must achieve in order to matter.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-toxic-achievement-culture
Community News
