From the Principal
Recently I was reading an article on Social Justice and education and the crux of the article was around how the concepts of the environment and sustainability also need to be entwined with discussions and actions around social justice.
While I think as a school there are many ways in which we can look to do more in these areas, I was also heartened by what we are already doing in this space. In both the Junior School and Senior School, we have student committees dedicated to both social justice and the environment, with all doing amazing work. Student projects like the PYP Exhibition, the IB Extended Essays or subjects like Environmental Science often enable students to inquire and explore the ways in which the way we treat the environment, impacts issues of social justice and vice versa.
Just this week our staff had professional development looking at Sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and mapping where we are already addressing these and where there are opportunities to further embed real-world examples into our curriculum. They are small steps in the grand scheme of things, but I do hope that they are small steps that may lead to positive change over time.
I would like to also give a shout-out to our PE Department who are encouraging us all with healthy habits this week during Health and PE Week. As I write this article, I was thinking about heading off in search of some chocolate to keep me going into the afternoon, but then I remembered that the PE Department had provided apples in the staff room today and so instead I am enjoying a healthy and very tasty apple, and I am very appreciative.
Can you assist with a LEAD Survey Response?
A huge thank you to those parents/guardians who have completed the LEAD survey 2023.
We have been notified by the Independent Schools Victoria Research Department that we do not have enough responses from parents in order to provide feedback with a confidence level of 95 per cent.
If you have not already completed the survey, an EdSmart message has gone out today with the link to access.
The time to complete the survey has been extended to the end of Friday 1 September 2023.
We rely on this data to continue to improve the services we provide our families here at Kardinia.
From the Acting Head of Senior School
It’s hard to believe that we only have two weeks left of this term, which means that things are very quickly coming to a close for the Class of 2023. Year 12 students are about to start working through their mock exams and are very firmly focused on the end of their schooling and the start of the next phase of their lives. We wish them all the very best.
At the same time, the Heads of House have just finished meeting with our new 2024 Year 7s, considering their subject selections and getting to know these young people to make their transition to the Senior School as smooth as possible. There’s so much excitement about commencing secondary education and it’s been lovely to see this, while also seeing the Year 12s coming to the end of the same journey.
From the Head of Junior School
Chess Club Awards
At a recent assembly, I had the honour of presenting the Term 2 Chess Club awards. Congratulations to Marcus, Ryan, and William for their achievements.
Student Led Conferences
Student-led Conferences (SLCs) will be held for all K4-Y6 students on Tuesday 12 September. Please be reminded that there is an early finish on this day of 12.45 pm for K4 students and 12.50 pm for FY-Y6 students. Buses will depart at approximately 1.00 pm and 1.05 pm. Camp Australia is available for after-school care from 12.50 pm onwards on this day. K3 SLCs will be held on Thursday 14 September. Please refer to correspondence sent by Deputy Head of JS and PYP Coordinator, Geoff Geddes on 21 August for further information.
Junior School Breakfast
All Junior School families are invited to a free Junior School Breakfast hosted by our KIC Connect team from 8.00 am on the final day of term, Friday 15 September at Centre Point Café. This is a casual clothes day in the JS with students invited to wear their team colours. The Student Action Committee are asking families that join the breakfast to donate items to local organisation Geelong Mums. Further information will be shared with families in the coming days.
Tournament of Minds Team Update
Our Tournament of Minds team had a busy Sunday this week! They completed their Long-Term Challenge and Spontaneous Challenge at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds. Parents and others were allowed in to watch their Long-Term Challenge and they performed really well. The seven students represented Kardinia wonderfully when talking to the judges about the process afterwards. They were respectful, could demonstrate their knowledge and everyone contributed. Congratulations to:
- Sarah Y5
- Raina Y5
- Angus Y5
- Harry Y5
- Edward Y5
- Oscar Y6
- Frankie Y6
Camp Australia, OSHC Newsletter
PYP Exhibition
Student Actions
Sports News
Fencing
The Kardinia Senior Men's fencing team took home the title of Senior Schools League Team Champions on 20 August 2023. The team previously finished both 5th and 3rd in past School's League Team competitions. After placing 1st after the preliminary seeding rounds, the team comprising of Darcy McClelland, Tom Fawcett, Lachlan Swadling, and Declan Whitford, held the momentum all the way through to the finals. The boys would go on the beat Penleigh Essendon Grammar School in the round of 8, before beating previous title holders Trinity Grammar School 27-21. Versing Scotch College in the finals, Kardinia held the lead and finished strong with another 27-21 win and took home the gold medal - Tom Fawcett.
Netball
On Tuesday 29 August, after winning the Geelong Inter-school round and progressing to the next stage, the Kardinia College Intermediate netball team played at Parkville stadium in a series of intense matches. Coming up against many state players and well-trained Melbourne teams, we played a total of nine games over the course of the day. Unfortunately, we didn't come out on top - however, we had a lot of fun playing together as a team. No matter the score, we put in 100% effort, encouraged each other, worked together, and supported all of the little achievements that occurred throughout the games. A big thank you to Ms Williamson for coaching us over these last two events - Georgia Carr.
Library News
The library has just celebrated Book Week! Using this year’s theme of Read, Grow, Inspire, students have participated in some fun activities.
In the Inquiry Centre, classes read the shortlisted Early Childhood and Picture Books in the weeks prior and voted for their favourite, which was then compared to the CBCA judges winning books. At lunchtime, students made alfalfa heads and pet rocks, watched the Tinkerbell movie and had their photos taken in the photo booth.
Wednesday was dress-up day where students and staff came dressed as a book character or used the Book Week theme to inspire their costumes. In the Learning Commons, students decorated little pots with posca markers, added a succulent plant, and then finished them off with a tag. In addition, there was an interactive display where students could write their favourite book or author on a leaf and add it to the tree. We also had two guest authors visit us; international award-winner Stef Gemmill spoke to students in Kindergarten-Year 4 and multi award-winning author and illustrator Mark Wilson spoke to Years 5 and 6 and then to a group of 17 senior students.
Thank you to everyone who participated in any way. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Careers News
Reminder: Timely VTAC applications are due on 28 September at 5pm!
Students who would like to study at a Victorian university in 2024 are reminded that timely VTAC applications close on Thursday 28 September at 5pm. To assist with the process, we are strongly encouraging students to ensure that they have created a VTAC account and submitted their course application prior to the end of term three so they can get help from the careers team if required. The team will not be available over the school holidays to assist with course applications.
Year 12 students are encouraged to book an appointment to meet with a member of the careers team or attend a lunchtime drop-in session if they have any questions or require assistance with their application.
Year 12 students are also reminded to complete applications for early and alternative entry programs that require school endorsement by no later than Friday 8 September to allow time for the careers Team to upload required documentation prior to the end of term.
VU Careers for Young Women in Sport Forum- Friday 25 August 2023
Last Friday, Ms Flack and Mr Madunic accompanied nine students from Years 10 and 11 to Victoria University’s Footscray Park campus to participate in the annual VU Careers for Young Women in Sport Forum.
We were treated to a variety of workshops on the day, including a keynote address by Maggie Roberts, a former elite athlete who is now the current Director of Diving Australia while also working as the CEO of Creative Factory, a successful digital marketing company that has worked on digital web and app developments for a range of high profile companies including Carsales.com.au, The Wine Collective, My Prosperity, Village Cinemas, and Pancake Parlour.
We were also fortunate enough to listen to a panel presentation hosted by three inspirational women, Nisha Wijesekera (Governance and Integrity, Sport and Recreation Victoria), Gabrielle Kleyn (Current VU student, Game Development Officer at AFL Victoria) and perhaps most notably, Susan Alberti, AC (businesswoman, philanthropist, former Vice President for the Western Bulldogs AFL team and advocate for girls in sport).
Students were then able to participate in a series of hands-on and interactive workshops designed to highlight the different career areas available in the sports industry, including:
Sport Coaching
- Injury & Rehabilitation
- Data Analytics & Insights
- Strength & Performance
- Membership & Public Relations
- Sponsorship & Event Management
- Sport & Community Participation & Engagement
This was an engaging and insightful day, enjoyed by all who attended.
Music News
Hello Spring…Here Comes The Sun!
What better way to celebrate the end of term than a night of music at Piano Bar? Gather your friends and family and join us for a fun night out! Kardinia’s contemporary bands will perform on Thursday 14 September. Doors open at 6 pm with entertainment from 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm. Tickets are $10 per head for adults and $5 under 18s.
Food will be available for purchase at the bar. The college community is warmly invited to come and enjoy this family-friendly event. Tickets can be purchased from Piano Bar via the following link: Piano Bar Geelong (nowbookit.com)
Bands and approximate playing times are:
- 6.30 - 6.40 pm LeSpag - Saxophone Ensemble
- 6.45 - 7.00 pm Delilah and Daisy - Indie Duo
- 7.10 - 7.30 pm KIC Start My Heart - Women Rockers
- 7.35 - 8.05 pm Square 1 - Contemporary Rock/Soul Group
- 8.10 - 8.30 pm KIC Brass - Stage Band
We would love to see you there!
Co-Curricular News
There are many activities that our students do outside of the College with the support of their families. Whilst the College is not involved in these activities, we still love to share the amazing things that our students are involved in and help celebrate their achievements. We appreciate the time, dedication and effort required and the benefits it brings to the development of our students. There are sometimes opportunities where students can represent the College in an activity or at a level that the College cannot support. If you or your child would like to represent the College in an event beyond the College’s scope, we ask that you first seek the approval of the College. In the first instance please contact either our Head of Sport, Damian Van Wyk d.vanwyk@kardinia.vic.edu.au or the Co-Curricular Co-ordinator, Nicole Holton n.holton01@kardinia.vic.edu.au to begin this process.
The following results have been shared with us by the students and families involved in the Interschools Snowsport Championships.
The Interschools Snowsport Championships were recently held August 21 – 27 at Mt Buller, providing an opportunity for Australian school students of all ages to experience competitive snow sports. Nine Kardinia International College Students represented the College throughout the week in a variety of events, with many qualifying for the National Championships which were to be held in early September. Unfortunately due to the mild weather conditions, the courses and event sites could not be built and maintained and sadly the event has been cancelled.
We congratulate the following students for their dedication to their sport and celebrate their achievements. Well done and hopefully next time the weather conditions will be more favourable.
Mia Lyons
- Div 1 Ski X - 15th overall qualifying for Nationals
- Div 1 Alpine - 15th overall qualifying for Nationals
Ava Lyons
- Div 2 Ski Cross - 6th overall qualifying for Nationals
- Div 2 - Alpine (GS) - 5th overall qualifying for Nationals
Billy Hordern
- GS Alpine - 4th overall out of 219 entrants qualifying for Nationals
- Ski Cross - 7th overall out of 195 entrants qualifying for Nationals
Amy Denness
- Ski Cross - 34th
- Ski Cross - Moguls - 39th
- Alpine GS - 58th
KIC TEAM Div 2 Ski Cross 14th out of 29 teams with Ava Lyons, Lucy Blersch & Elizabeth Tegart.
KIC TEAM Div 2 Alpine (GS) 19th out of 41 teams with Ava Lyons, Lucy Blersch & Elizabeth Tegart.
Whilst we do not have access to their results, we wish to also congratulate the following students:
Maya Vincent, Lucy Blerch, Elizabeth Tegart, Clara Blerch and Nick Blerch. Well done 😊
Health and Physical Education Week!
This week is HPE 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, and encouraging positive food habits so you can thrive.
Tips for a healthy lunchbox:
- Choose fresh fruit.
- Choose vegetables.
- Choose 1 healthy protein.
- Choose 1 whole grain.
- Incorporate dairy (if you can).
- Limit packaging.
How to enter:
- Simply take a photo of your lunchbox each day (from Monday 28 August to Friday 1 September) and submit the 5 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 homemade snacks/meals.
Performing Arts News
KIC Koncert
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
2023 AFLW Alumnae
A huge congratulations to three of our alumnae who are in the AFLW 2023 Season!
Geelong Cats - Erin Hoare (Class of 2007) - Returning after a 4 years absence.
Geelong Cats - Claudia Gunjaca (Class of 2015).
Brisbane Lions - Analea McKee (Class of 2022) - Debut season.
Wishing these Kardinians a successful season!
2023 Kardinians Footy Tipping Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Kardinians AFL Footy Tipping Competition.
Prize money is headed your way:
1st - $1,000 Jake Gunjaca (Class of 2013)
2nd - $750 Steph Sprigg (Class of 2011)
3rd - $500 Adam Russell (Class of 2005)
Where are they now?
Ben Considine (Class of 2015) The WSL World Longboard Tour will call the iconic Bells Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast one of four stops for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Bells Beach Longboard Classic will run from August 30 to September 2 in 2023 and alumnus Ben Considine has qualified! The Kardinians wish him all the best in this prestigious competition! https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/surfcoasttimes/sport/a-lifetime-goal-considine-qualifies-for-2023-world-longboard-tour/
Community Engagement
A shout out to some of our amazing staff, who have been giving back to the community by participating in the recent Vinnie's Winter Sleepout with senior students. Thank you to Ainslie Howard, Andrew Letts, Danielle Harmer, Kate Peel and Sophie Armes for braving the cold and role-modelling community spirit!
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.
The CCC KIC Footy Tipping Competition Winners!
The inaugural 2023 KIC AFL Footy Tipping Competition, hosted by the College Community Council (CCC) for current Kardinia families, has finished!
The top 3 family prize winners are:
1st - $500 Katie Loynes
2nd - $300 Georgie Gnjec
3rd - $200 Andrew McKinnon
Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all those who participated in this event.
The College Community Council (CCC)
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Early Productions - Part 10
Rainmaker - 2017
In 2017 the Junior School presented a stunning performance of Rainmaker. The script and score were inspired by a story from Central America, where the heroes needed to navigate through a series of ordeals to achieve their goals. Along the way they solved problems, learnt from their surroundings and situations and in most cases, triumphed over adversity. The synopsis represented the values of Kardinia International College.
The Grand Spectacular - 2018
'The Grand Spectacular' was a glamorous evening of inspirational hits from selected musicals. The College Hall was transformed into a grand cabaret, complete with bentwood chairs, cocktail tables, a revolving central stage and a piano wine bar in the foyer.
A jazz combo set the mood as people were shown to their candle-lit tables in an art-deco-themed theatre. The evenings featured our musical ensembles and vocalists, including the Jazz Quintet, KICBrass, an amassed Orchestra, and the Senior Choir which highlighted the strength and diversity of our talented musical performers in the Senior School.
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 11’
Fiona Russell - Archivist
School TV - Respectful Relationships
Initiating conversations about respectful relationships with children is crucial for their emotional and social development. By addressing topics like kindness, empathy, and communication, parents create a foundation for healthy interactions. These discussions promote awareness of boundaries, consent, and mutual understanding, fostering a safe environment where children can thrive. Teaching respect from an early age equips kids with essential skills to navigate friendships and romantic relationships, building a future based on empathy and equality. Open dialogues about respect empower children to recognise and value their own feelings and those of others, cultivating a positive and harmonious approach to all relationships.
Click here to watch this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/respectful-relationships
Community News
