From the Principal
Each year we undertake the LEAD survey run by Independent Schools Victoria (ISV). The results of this survey help to inform our strategic goals, benchmark against other like schools, and get a good sense from our College community about those areas where we are doing well and the areas where there is room for improvement. Thank you to everyone who has already responded, your responses are greatly appreciated.
To get an accurate reading of the survey data and achieve a confidence level of 95% we need well over half our parents to respond to the parent survey but, to date, we have yet to achieve that level. If you have not had the chance to respond, another EdSmart reminder will be coming out in the next few days, and I would be incredibly grateful if you could take the time to respond.
As you will be aware, from the start of this week, legislation came into effect for an employee’s right to disconnect. At Kardinia, we value our staff and looking after their wellbeing including the right to disconnect is important to us. It would be helpful if our families could support us in enabling our staff the right to disconnect. One way to help is through the timing of sending emails.
I understand that many of our families are busy with their own working lives and may not have the time through the workday to contact our staff. However, what would be helpful is that if you need to write an email after hours that you delay delivery until the next working day. Our staff will endeavour as much as possible to respond within two working days to emails.
On a much more fun note than surveys, yesterday we celebrated Languages Day, and I had the opportunity to judge the Year 7 French Cake competition on Monday. The quality of the entries was formidable. I certainly felt more like a judge on MasterChef than Nailed It! Congratulations to all the students who took part.
From the Head of Senior School
We celebrated Languages Day yesterday in the Senior School, with an array of activities, including Taiko drumming, Iaido and sword dancing demonstrations, cake decorating competition, Latin America music at Centrepoint and the ever popular Churros van.
We are thrilled that Kardinia was able to participate in Wakakirri again, after a few years’ absence. Wakakirri is a national festival for Australian schools that allows students to express their thoughts, ideas and aspirations through dance and storytelling. This year’s cast has been rehearsing for months and came away with a Highly Commended Award, amongst many other awards. The group will perform their entry at assembly on the last day of this term.
Congratulations to Daniel Lim (Year 7) who has been cast as Pinocchio in the upcoming professional production of Disney’s ‘My Son Pinocchio’. You may also be lucky enough to see Daniel performing later this week in our KIC PIC Production of Oliver Jr, which opens on Friday. KIC PIC (or Kardinia Performance in Community) is a student-led production
Congratulations to Year 11 student Jimmy Gibbs, who won a silver medal at the Judo Asian Cup, despite battling illness while he was away.
Congratulations also to Year 12 student, and Thomson House Captain, Tallulah Rush who was a member of the U/17 – Open Team of the Year at the Lifesaving Victoria Awards of Excellence earlier this month, as a member of the Mordialloc Life Saving Club.
Lexie Kay-Ballard of Year 11 is a qualified Level 1 Disabled Wintersport Australia Guide and recently volunteered at the Interschool Victorian Snowsports Championship. Lexie supported DWA participants with both physical and intellectual disabilities in the Multiclass event by familiarising them with the course for two days prior to the event, then on race days continuing to offer support as well as getting competitors to the top of runs for their events, and meeting them at the bottom of runs. Visibility was poor as were snow conditions so meet at bottom, make sure they get to the top. What a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and support others to participate in a very exciting sport. Well done Lexie!
From the Head of Junior School
PYP Exhibition
Year 6 students are busily preparing for their PYP Exhibition on Monday 16 September. Students have inquired into a range of environmental and social issues over the past several months and will present their findings and actions at the Exhibition. Students will present their learning in several different ways, including podcasts and stop motion videos.
Amelie creating a podcast.
Eva making a stop-motion video.
Book Week Wrap
Thank you to all families who supported Book Week in the Junior School last week. An even bigger thank you to our library staff, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Juros, and Mrs Thurman, for organising all of the wonderful activities.
Red Nose Fundraiser – A message from the Student Action Committee
The Student Action Committee is hosting a fundraiser and raising awareness for the Red Nose charity. We are doing this to support and recognise this organisation. On Wednesday 4 September we are hosting a disco in the inquiry centre. There will also be colouring sheets available. We are also hosting a casual clothes day on Friday 6 September. The dress code is casual clothes with a touch of red or something silly. Please bring a gold coin donation.
Year 6 PYP Exhibition News
The Year 6 students are working hard as the upcoming PYP Exhibition approaches.
The PYP Exhibition is a significant event where Year 6 students showcase their learning by engaging in in-depth inquiries on various topics. They take action to raise awareness about important issues, and the exhibition is often a culmination of their skills in research, inquiry, collaboration, and presentation.
Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks to hear more about the actions they are taking to raise awareness and inquire into some important issues.
Market Day - Friday 30 August
Marley's Action
My name is Marley Brien and I am in Year 6, doing my PYP Exhibition inquiry. My Exhibition topic is 'Homeless people and their pets'. I am doing the action component of my PYP Exhibition. For my action, I am setting up some donation bins around the Junior School for people to donate supplies and resources that I will then donate to 'Pets Of The Homeless'. 'Pets Of The Homeless' is a not for profit organisation helping homeless people feed and take care of their pets. I will be donating food to help people feed their pets, as well as toys, pooh bags, blankets, collars, leashes etc. - all collected from the donation drive. So I am asking that as many people as possible could bring something to support my action. You can drop them off in one of the tubs located around the Junior School.
Outdoor Ed News
2025 Year 8 Canoe Journey
In 2024, we saw many of the Year 8 students take part in the inaugural Glenelg River Canoe Journey. We received glowing feedback from students and parents alike.
We are starting to plan for the 2025 Year 8 Glenelg Canoe Journey. Please watch this short presentation outlining the trip: https://youtu.be/4qyARncwec4
Soon, we will email a slip to all Year 7 students. This will give you the opportunity to confirm your participation, as well as to nominate a week that doesn't suit your family calendar. Find some more information below (or click here to download the .pdf)
International Students
Overseas Students Step Back in Time at Sovereign Hill
This past Sunday, a group of overseas students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Australia's rich history at Sovereign Hill, the renowned living museum in Ballarat. Accompanied by Mr. Ota and Mrs. Zhao, the students journeyed back to the 1850s, experiencing the life of gold rush pioneers in an authentic 19th-century setting.
Jesse Padungtod “We were transported back to the 1850’s hunting for gold and talking to the towns people. The apothecary halls are one of the most interesting shops that I visited. Although most of the substances in jars have been replaced due to laws, it was interesting to see how far medicine has developed to be safer for everyone. Another popular spot was the candy shop that sold many flavours of candy that everyone enjoyed.”
These termly weekend trips, organised by the college, are designed to provide overseas students with the chance to explore Australian life beyond the classroom. Such excursions not only enrich their understanding of the country's history and culture but also help in forging strong friendships among the students. This visit to Sovereign Hill was no exception, offering a perfect blend of education, adventure, and camaraderie.
Cocurricular News
Wakakirri
The College’s first Wakakirri group since 2015 performed on Tuesday 20 August at the Frankston Arts Centre.
Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools informed by the belief that great stories can inspire change. It is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dances.
The motif of the festival this year was “belonging”. In response to this theme, student leaders Lily Brown, Emilia Considine and Sarita Muller, created a 7-minute dance piece telling the story of Mr and Mrs Katsumata and their dream to create Kardinia.
The group’s performance was extremely successful, winning the following show awards:
- Ensemble Award for Group Dance
- Lead cast award for Performance in Acting
- Storytelling Award for Great Minimalist Production Style
- Production Award for Soundtrack
- Storytelling Award for Story Theme and Concept
The group went on to receive the Highly Commended Award in the Secondary Schools category.
The students were supported by Elyssa Mahr and Ian Nash-Gilchrist, with assistance from Rachel Fitzgerald and Kardinia Alumni Georgia Siddall.
Photo credit: Wakakirri and Winkipop Media
Careers News
Important reminders for Year 12 Students applying for University:
- Offers from Universities: Students will only receive offers from Universities if they have applied and paid the admissions centre fee prior to the closing date. Please check with your child that they have paid the fee. Sometimes, students create the account and put in preferences and forget to pay the fee.
- We are encouraging students to get applications submitted prior to the end of the term, so that if they require assistance from the College or Careers team, that staff are available for students to access.
- Scholarship Applications & References: Students should be researching and applying for Scholarships via admissions centres, direct to Universities and residential colleges. It is now week 7 of term, if students require written references from teachers and Heads of Senior School, please be mindful in arranging these as soon as possible to allow enough time for them to be written and published on College letter head prior to the end of term. Usually allow 1 week turn around for this process.
- VTAC information https://vtac.edu.au/
- SEAS & Scholarships https://vtac.edu.au/access
- Key Dates https://vtac.edu.au/dates
- VTAC Guides https://vtac.edu.au/guides
- Support / Video Demos for applying: https://vtac.edu.au/applying/demos
Upcoming Careers Support for Year 12
Year 9 Morrisby Profile, research & planning Student Workshop held in week 6 with all year 9 students in the College Hall.
The purpose of this time was to ensure that all students had the opportunity to review their Morrisby Profile & Report.
Parents of year 9 students are encouraged to have conversations with your child about their Morrisby report, subject & career suggestions. It is a great idea to keep the conversations positive by asking students about their strengths, interests, subjects that they currently enjoy. These positive conversations can be really helpful to support pathway planning and decision making around subject selections. With parent teacher interviews approaching, its a great time to speak with subject teachers to ensure that your child is selecting subjects that are the correct level for optimal learning to occur.
A copy of the Workshop Presentation can be accessed here, it covers:
- What is Morrisby?
- Morrisby Profile Objectives
- Reading & understanding your individual report
- Accessing the student website & many resources
- Navigating Morrisby: About Me
- My Choices
Should you have any questions please email careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au
An excellent article from Study, Work, Grow, the school’s subscribed Careers Education Resource. More resources & articles can be found on our College Careers Hub https://studyworkgrow.com/education/school/kardinia-international-college/
How to get your teen off their phone and into a book
In today’s digital age, it can feel like an almost impossible task to get your teen to put down their phone and pick up a book. With so many distractions at their fingertips— social media, games, TikTok — it’s no wonder that reading sometimes takes a back seat. But don’t worry; there are many ways to encourage your teen to rediscover the joys of reading without causing a family feud.
Here are some tips to help you get your teen off their phone and into a book.
Start with their interests
If you want your teen to read more, start by tapping into their existing interests. If they’re passionate about sports, find biographies of their favourite athletes. If they’re into fantasy, there’s a whole world of exciting series waiting to be explored. The key is to make reading feel like a natural extension of what they already love – if it feels less like you forcing them and more of a choice they made themselves, they’re far more likely to find real enjoyment in it.
Create a reading routine
One way to build a reading habit is to set aside specific times during the day for reading. This could be before bed, during a quiet weekend morning, or even as a family activity where everyone reads together. Creating a routine can make reading a normal part of daily life, rather than a chore.
Lead by example
Teens often mimic the behaviours they see in their parents. If you want your teen to read more, show them how much you enjoy reading yourself. Talk about the books you’re reading, share interesting passages, and discuss the themes and ideas that capture your imagination. Your enthusiasm can be contagious, and having a shared hobby can make it a lot more fun.
Set boundaries for screen time
While it’s important not to be overly restrictive, setting some boundaries around screen time can help make room for reading. For example, you might decide that phones and tablets are off-limits during meals or that there’s a “no screens after 9 PM” rule. Use this screen-free time as an opportunity to encourage your teen to pick up a book instead, and make sure the boundary extends to you too – again, leading by example is very powerful.
Make reading fun, not a punishment
It’s really important that reading doesn’t feel like a punishment or a forced activity. Try to make it enjoyable by allowing your teen to choose what they want to read, even if it’s a graphic novel or a magazine. By celebrating their reading achievements (no matter how small) you can create a positive association with reading that will be a valuable foundation for their future.
Incorporate technology into reading
Sometimes, meeting teens where they are — on their devices — can actually encourage reading. Consider introducing them to e-books, which they can enjoy on their phones or tablets. More accessible modes of reading, like audiobooks or text-to-speech software, can also be particularly helpful for those with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. Apps like Goodreads can also help them track their reading progress and connect with other book lovers.
Support their choices
Whatever your teen decides to read, support their choices. Whether they’re diving into the latest bestseller or exploring a classic novel, your encouragement can make a big difference. Praise their efforts and be there to discuss the stories and ideas they encounter along the way.
Find more tips
Getting your teen to read more may take time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. For more tips on encouraging positive habits and supporting your teen’s education journey, check out other blogs for parents on our website here.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Alumni - Where Are They Now
Alumnus Lockie Scicluna (Class of 2015) is off on an adventure of a lifetime!
“In December last year I started my application to the Australian Antarctic Division in response to the advertised role for a maintenance electrician on their research stations. After several long and tiring years working in Melbourne's construction and infrastructure industry I felt there was no better time in my life to explore the option of working internationally while I was still young and without commitments at home.
The process of employment between submitting my application in late December and receiving a contract more than 8 months later involved a technical assessment, a group assessment (where I was flown to Hobart and put into a group with other potential candidates and given written, verbal, physical and social problems to solve and discuss as a group for 2 days), a rigorous medical assessment, a police check, and finally a psychological assessment to determine if I was suitable for a wintering role down south.
My job will be a maintenance electrician on the Mawson research station which is the furthest station around 5790km away from my home for approximately 15 months with no return unless of course for a medevac. While on station I will be tasked with maintaining power generation systems (including wind turbines), fire alarm systems, HVAC and refrigeration, as well as general power and lighting. I will also be involved in a range of community work such as helping the chefs preparing meals, general cleaning, etc. In my down time I will have the opportunity to go on hikes, seal and penguin surveys, countless opportunities for photography, as well as using some of the station facilities like the gym and library.
During the winter months there will be a lot less personnel on station as the icy cold winds lash through the area often exceeding 130 knots with temperatures lower than -20 degrees Celsius, making research for the scientists far less practical... that and the 6 weeks of no sunlight. This I believe will be my greatest challenge while away, but "tough times don't last, tough people do".
I am incredibly excited to meet and work with a range of new professionals all deemed to be experts in their occupations, and I know the people I will be wintering with will be some of the most supportive humans Australia has to offer. I will be relocating in a matter of weeks to Hobart for my training followed by Departure for the "Deep South" later on this year.”
Lockie will be documenting his journey on a public Instagram account: Lockie Scicluna (@scic.travels) • Instagram photos and videos
The Kardinians wish Lockie a truly amazing Antarctica experience!
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 Claudia Gunjaca (Class of 2015) Geelong Cats, and Analea McKee (Class of 2021) now with Western Bulldogs, for the 2024 Season!
Donuts for Dads
This Friday 30 August is ‘Donuts for Dads’, a Father’s Day Gathering for Junior School families. This community event will be held at Centrepoint Café between 8.15am – 9.30am.
Please RSVP via the following link for catering: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
Donations to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia can be made directly to: https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/KICConnectDonutsforDads?ref=ch_3PnA2hBB1K9Peeaq1o6gFpqx
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: 6pm , 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
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Class of 2019
Only 5 years ago, the Class of 2019 were gearing up for their final exams. Where has your journey taken you over the last five years since Graduation?
The Kardinians would love to hear your story prior to your 5 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 - Arthur Reeds Photos & the College Archives.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist.
School TV - Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity is an inherent aspect of modern society. It enriches our communities by bringing together a wide array of cultures, traditions, and histories, contributing to our unique identity and strength. Embracing and celebrating this diversity is essential for fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging among children. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will set a strong example for all young people. Through collective efforts, we can pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/cultural-diversity-au
Community
Upcoming School Holiday Workshop
