KICOnline
LinkedIn
YouTube
Instagram

Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 8 September 2021

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 8 September 2021

From the Principal

Last week we undertook a virtual visit by the Council of International Schools as part of a pre-evaluation to embark on the full accreditation process. We will find out officially how we went in a few weeks’ time.

The evaluators were very impressed with everyone they met from the College – staff, students and parents. They also attended many online lessons and were amazed at how much great learning was occurring. Of course, we all acknowledge that online is not the same as face to face, but for visitors who see many different schools in operation to comment so positively on the learning and engagement that they saw occurring during their visit is very encouraging.

From the Head of Junior School

The paragraphs below were written prior to the Premier’s announcement today that Kindergarten and Lower Primary students would be returning to school this Friday. Nevertheless, my article is still relevant and I would encourage families to read on. Further communication about the announcement today will be shared with families as soon as possible.

Tomorrow is RUOK? Day. I suspect that fewer people feel like they are doing ok this year than in previous years. My observations are that this lockdown has hit many people harder than we’ve seen in the past. And while this is may not be true for everyone, generally it seems that things are tougher this time around.

Having said this, I want to reassure our families that things will be ok. Our children are resilient and resourceful and will not be disadvantaged by learning from home in the long term. We will make sure of this, together.

I have been amazed at the independence that all our students are showing in their learning. The skills they have acquired to be able to access their learning remotely are transferable to new and future learning environments. Students are also showing great empathy and care towards each other. The way they support each other in their learning and general wellbeing from a distance is something to cherish.

While we do not yet know when we will return to face to face learning, in the Junior School we are planning for the future.

Today I surveyed Junior School staff to collect their ideas about how we can support students when they do return to school. If as a parent you would also like to contribute your thoughts and ideas to future initiatives, please click on the survey link below.

While all ideas are valued and appreciated, please understand we won’t be able to do everything that is proposed. Having said that, be as creative in your thinking as you like as you just never know what may come of it!

My message to all families is that you are doing a great job and your children will be ok because they are in good hands. Below are some links to various articles from around the world that might be useful if you are worried about how lockdown is affecting your child’s growth and development.

I do hope you are navigating your way through this lockdown well and I look forward to sharing some future plans with parents in the coming weeks.

Berthe Mouchette Competition

The Berthe Mouchette Competition provides students in Victoria with the opportinity to practice their French language skills, with various categories and prizes on offer. 

We are very proud of all students who took part, and would like to acknowledge the following students who have been selected as finalists:

Congratulations to Evelyn Ellis, Coco Warita, Grace Tawfik and Caitlin Erwin, who have qualified for the essay writing finals based off their scores in listening/reading/grammar.

Jesse McDougall and Edward Armes took part in the speaking competition, which required them to have a conversation in French before discussing a topic of their choice. In the final students will face a jury of two examiners and answer questions related to the student’s personal world and their interactions with the French language and culture as a learner.

Good luck to all students involved!

MS Readathon

The MS Readathon is officially over for another year, and despite it happening during a lockdown we still managed to raise an amazing $3,425. A huge thank you to all the students who participated this year, you have done a fantastic job. Well done! 

Yearbook Naming Competition – vote now!

Voting for the Yearbook Naming Competition closes at 4pm this Friday 10 September.

Thank you to everyone in our College community who has already submitted their vote, we can’t wait to see what our new Yearbook name will be.

Students, staff, College families and alumni are still able to vote via the link below. Only one vote per person, so make sure to take time to consider all options!

Click here to vote.

R U OK? Day

This Thursday is the day to ask the all-important question R U OK? and to take some time to make sure they really are ok? It’s not just about the question, it’s about the conversation that stems from the question, it’s about taking time out to be there for one another and emphasise the significance of checking in from time to time. Sometimes these conversations can be the start of something much bigger. This year on R U OK? Day, we would not only like to encourage the College community to ask someone R U OK?, but educate and support our students on what to do if a friend isn’t OK.

https://www.ruok.org.au/

Click this link to learn more:

https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Please remember that there is a team of people at school who are here to support you all during this trying time. Jump on the Wellbeing Hub page on KICOnline at any time to connect with one of the team members or to access a range of resources. Take care and be kind to yourselves.

(And keep an eye out when we head back on campus for a few reminders to check in with ourselves and others!)

Careers News

The following information will assist Year 12 students and parents/carers with the VTAC and SEAS processes. Please contact careers@kardinia.vic.edu.au with any questions.

Click here to access the Careers Presentation on KICOnline.

PDF documents:

Videos:

VTAC Guide to applying for Year 12 students and parents

Applying through VTAC: Course preferences

Scaling in VCE – How it works and why it is important

SEAS and VTAC Scholarships evidence: how to submit

SEAS Category 4: Difficult Circumstances

SEAS Category 3: Disability or medical condition

SEAS Category 2: Disadvantaged financial background

SEAS: VTAC process and Category 1

KIC Careers – Year 12 Live Q&A

Withdrawal from the College

If you are planning on withdrawing your child from the College, one full term’s notice in writing is required, or one term’s fee in lieu of such notice is payable. For example, notice given in Week 2 of Term 4 will require fees to be paid up to and including Week 2 of Term 1 the following year. Please email marketing@kardinia.vic.edu.au with any questions or if you are planning to withdraw your child from the College at the end of the year. Thank you.

Headspace webinars for parents and carers

Headspace National is hosting two free mental health education sessions for parents and carers in Geelong, on ways to support young people when they are concerned about their mental health.

Information presented in the webinars will:

• Strengthen your understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
• Build skills and strategies to support the mental health, and well-being of your young person.
• Explore the conversational approach to talking about mental health and well-being.
• Build an awareness of local, state, and national support services available to young people.

The sessions are running on Tuesday 14 September (6:30pm – 7:45pm) and Monday 27 September (6:30pm – 7:45pm). Please note that they will not be recorded.

For further details and to book:

• Tuesday 14 September – click here
• Monday 27 September – click here

SchoolTV

Surviving Final Year

Every year, the media exposes us to the hype and pressure relating to the final year of secondary school. However, putting things into perspective for students and parents alike, can help prevent everyone getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it will not be the most important year of your child’s life. It is crucial for parents to reinforce the mantra of ‘you are more than your ATAR’.

A student’s performance in final year is only a point in time measured by their ability to sit an exam. If the desired ATAR or NCEA score is not achieved at the end of the day, there are other options available to your child. It will not define their happiness. There will be many other pathways available to them to help them reach their goals.

Click here to watch this episode:

https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12

Kardinia International College

PO Box 17
Geelong, Victoria 3220

+61 3 5278 9999
kardinia@kardinia.vic.edu.au

IB World School

© Copyright Kardinia International College 2018