Kardinia eNews – Thursday 2 March 2023

Home Kardinia eNews – Thursday 2 March 2023

From the Principal

Our Founders’ Day celebration at Adventure Park yesterday was fantastic. It is such a special event in our College calendar when our whole school can come together in friendship and enjoy each other’s company in an informal and joyful environment.

I know that our Founders, Mr and Mrs Katsumata, would have loved the fun and respectful way in which our students interacted with each other. I spent quite some time supervising Mini Golf and it was great to see the mix of Junior and Senior school students taking turns and enjoying the challenges of Putt Putt. The older students were so kind letting the younger ones go ahead of them and clearly enjoyed watching the enthusiasm and fearless way the little ones played the game.

I was really pleased at the end of the day when I spoke to some of the cleaners at Adventure Park who told me they would have our school back any day because of the way they kept the park clean throughout the day.

I felt very proud of our students yesterday. It was a joy to spend the day with them.

From the Head of Junior School

Founders’ Day
Yesterday was a great day at Adventure Park celebrating Founders’ Day. Staff, parents and students all did a great job working together to ensure a safe and fun time was had by all.

Dr Suess Week

Year 6 Investiture
Congratulations to all Year 6 leaders who received their certificates and badges at the Junior School Investiture Ceremony last Friday. New leaders, Mason and Francesca, shared their thoughts on leadership with the Junior School, as did Principal, Catherine Lockhart. All Year 6 student committee meetings have started with lots of exciting and important initiatives being planned already.

Parent Helper Workshops
Lots of parents have already signed up for the Parent Helper workshops next week. If you would like to attend, but haven’t yet signed up, it’s not too late. Please check previous correspondence for details.

Community Engagement and Foundation News

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Junior School Re-development has certainly progressed over recent weeks. The roof sheeting has been completed along with most of the external claddings, and the internal fit-out is now underway. The internal and external doors are installed, plaster linings and service connections are in progress, along with carpentry, retaining walls and landscaping. There are some excited students and adults counting down the days!

ALUMNI UPDATES

Alexandra Campbell (Class of 2004)

Alexandra was a guest at the recent Prefect Investiture to present the Deakin Young Influencer Award to Poppy Brown, in her role of Future Student Engagement Coordinator.

“After graduating from Kardinia, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Public Relations from Deakin University. I currently work at Deakin University in the Marketing Division as Coordinator, Future Student Engagement. A role I thoroughly enjoy and enables me to engage with many prospective students including presenting the Deakin Young Influencer Award at Kardinia last Friday.

I have worked in the marketing field in the higher education sector for the past 8 years, at Deakin and prior to that Swinburne University and Holmesglen Institute. I lived and worked abroad in London for a couple of years which was a wonderful experience and allowed me to spend quality time with my family who live in the UK.

I am about to have my second child in April this year after having my first son, Jack in 2021 with my husband John who I married during Covid in October 2020. I moved back to Geelong five years ago with my family after living in Melbourne since graduating from Kardinia and we have loved being back.”

Chantelle Brocket (Class of 2008)

Chantelle is one of our guest speakers at the upcoming International Women’s Day Breakfast.

Chantelle Hall, Digital Marketing Manager at Arthur St Digital and Board Member for Lazarus Community Centre Geelong.

Chantelle is a passionate customer-focused marketer and user experience (UX) designer, driven to assist businesses and people to reach their potential. Chantelle brings together an understanding of customers and their needs to help businesses create positive online experiences that drive business goals.

She also enjoys helping people in our community through volunteering and being on the board of Lazarus Community Centre Geelong.

Chantelle graduated from KIC and went to college in the USA to play basketball where she received her Bachelor’s (Marketing) and MBA.

For the past 10 years, she has worked in the USA and Australia in digital marketing and website development.

Lexie Sewell (Class of 2022)

Lexie is a graduate of the Class of 2022. She is currently casually employed by the Goodfellow Aquatic Centre as an accredited lifeguard, swim teacher and water safety instructor.

Lexie has deferred her studies at RMIT until Semester 2, when she will begin an Advanced Diploma of Building Design and a Bachelor of Construction Management, with a dream to one day open her own business.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST

The 2023 theme for International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

We have some engaging speakers working in IT across our Kardinia Community, who will present during next week’s community breakfast including:

MC- Diana Murase – Director of Innovation & Technology at Kardinia International College

Chelsea Hart – Marketing Assistant at Kardinia International College

Chantelle Hall (Brockett) – (Parent & Alumnus- Class of 2008)

Digital Marketing Manager – Web Strategy | UX Designer

Danielle Flack- Head of Careers at Kardinia International College

Parent, alumni and staff tickets are available for only $20. Student concession tickets are $15. Please click the link to secure your ticket to next week’s IWD Breakfast: https://events.humanitix.com/kic-iwd-2023

Fiona Russell- Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator

College Community Council News

SOCIAL NIGHT AT THE GEELONG BOWLS CLUB
The College Community Council (CCC) invites you to our first social event of 2023!
Barefoot Bowls at the Geelong Bowls Club on Wednesday 15 March from 6pm – 9pm.

Tickets are $20 each which includes entry and pizza, and the opportunity to try out lawn bowls. Drinks are at bar prices. Children are welcome to attend for free. Click on the link to book for this event: https://www.trybooking.com/CFVQK

Harmony Day at KIC

This year to celebrate Harmony day, we will be creating an e-cookbook of recipes submitted by our diverse College community members. The book will then be shared with the College community on Harmony Day, 21 March 2023.

We have an incredibly rich community of cultures her at KIC, so what better way to celebrate it than by connecting through a delicious treat or meal to share with family and friends.

Over the next few weeks students, staff and families are encouraged to share a favourite recipe (sweet, savoury, or maybe even a drink) that may represent who they are and where they have come from. Recipes will then be reviewed and become part of our 2023 Harmony Day Celebration E-Book Hungry for Harmony. A few selected recipes will also be available to purchase at Centrepoint Café on Harmony Day.

Check out the Wellbeing Hub page on KICOnline for details on how to share your recipe! https://kiconline.kardinia.vic.edu.au/d2l/home/12435

Please contact Kate Robertson k.robertson@kardinia.vic.edu.au or Katie Self k.self@kardinia.vic.edu.au if you have any questions.

KICking Goals Squad

The squad is returning in Week 6!

New members are still welcome. It’s FREE and FUN.

For those who’ve missed what we’re about:

Are you currently playing a sport, but want to give yourself an edge?
Do you want to make a change to your lifestyle this year?
Do you want to feel better, be stronger, get fitter?
Do you want to improve your mental health?
Are you looking to put yourself outside of your comfort zone?
Do you want to cultivate a positive attitude and mindset?

Please email Katie West if you want more information: k.west@kardinia.vic.edu.au

Co-Curricular News

This week’s co-curricular news is brought to you by the Philosophy Club.

Philosophy Club

What is the meaning of life? Who are you and what are you doing here? According to the ancient Greeks, the study of philosophy begins with a simple question: ‘I wonder…’ New to the Co-Curricular program in the Senior School, Philosophy Club meets every Monday at lunchtime in D1 to discuss these very things. Students have enjoyed analysing and discussing concepts such as morality, ethics, logic, society, politics, knowledge and much more. Here’s what students are saying about the new and popular Philosophy Club:

“In philosophy club we will learn about a concept and then we discuss it and put in our own thoughts regarding the topic. I like going to philosophy club because it’s a great place to discuss our opinions and learn new stuff about others. I’ve only been a few times and I’ve already learnt so much!” – Year 8 Student

‘Philosophy club is a great way to debate abstract topics with your peers.’ – Year 10 Student

So if you have ever wondered about anything, why not come along to the Philosophy Club.

Please contact Ms Metcher or Ms Harmer for further details.

Rowing News

Junior State Champs – Saturday 25 February 2023

Junior and Inter Squads

Finally, a regatta on the Barwon River with no wind and perfect rowing conditions. It has been said that you can spot the Kardinia crews because of their poise and technique. The two crews on Saturday made rowing look easy and elegant.

Unfortunately due to illness, our younger Junior crew were unable to race. Competitors are allowed to row up against older crews, but not the other way around, which meant we had no replacement available. We look forward to seeing the girls back out, competing at Head of Schoolgirls in a few weeks time.

The more senior Junior crew had the dilemma of missing competing today, or attending the Harry Styles concert. Thankfully Anita came up with a happy alternative, which allowed the girls to do both, but meant they instead raced up, in the Inters Yr 10 Division 3 category. The girls finished their heat with a clear length and a half, qualifying for the A Final, where they placed third, earning a bronze medal.

Our Inters crew seem to have the uncanny luck of drawing Lane 1 for each of their races. Unfortunately for the parents, we have to wait with baited breath to see where they are positioned due to the long reeds on the bank obscuring the view. The girls looked great and strong on the water. They pushed hard in their heat, gaining ground on their opponents near the finish line to come 2nd, qualifying for the B Final. The Inter crew faced tough, fast opponents in their Final, placing third.

Results:
May Welch, Claire Jamieson, Grace Holton, Ava Lyons,
Cox: Lola Ogilvie
Female School Coxed Quad Scull Year 10 Div. 3 – A Final – 3rd

Beth Lycett, Mia Parker, Abbie Forder, Chloe Dillon,
Cox: Alina Shand
Female School Coxed Quad Scull Year 10 Div. 2 – B Final – 3rd

Congratulations to All Rowers!
Photo credit to Steve Jamieson

Kazuma Yamamoto visits Kardinia Judo Club

Over the last two weeks the Judo Club was honoured to host a very special Japanese guest. Mr Kazuma Yamamoto is a Japanese Judo teacher in Osaka and a graduate of world-famous Tenri University, where he was a daily training partner of three time World Champion and dual Olympic Champion Shohei Ono.

Very kindly hosted by Jimmy Gibbs and his family, Mr Yamamoto stepped on the mat with our Junior, Intermediate and Senior classes where he amazed everyone with his world-class skills. He also visited a State Squad training where he won against all of his opponents, even those twice his size! More impressive than his judo skills though, were his interpersonal skills. Mr Yamamoto was kind and friendly to everyone and really enjoyed his time getting to know our Junior School members. We have very fond memories of Mr Yamamoto’s visit and hope that he takes back warm memories of his own!

My thanks go to Moe Sakio, Jimmy Gibbs, Chan and David Gibbs, Marlee and Dylan Keirl and of Marita Furlan for their generosity and kindheartedness in helping make Mr Yamamoto’s visit a most enjoyable one.

Host Family wanted!

Geelong Galaxy is a female soccer club playing in the VPLW / NPL competition in Victoria, and we have a Japanese player joining our club for this season, Aya. She has no English and we are looking for a host family in the Geelong area that has at least basic Japanese to assist with communication. Aya has a teaching degree and is also looking for work and is open to all options, having worked in cafes, warehouses, recognising with limited English speaking options are reduced.

Galaxy plays out of Hume Reserve in Bell Park and we will support with transport as required for training (evenings) and games (weekends). While preferring around the Northern side of Geelong we would be happy anywhere within Geelong. There is financial support for accommodation for the players, amount to be discussed. The time period is to at least early September when the soccer season finishes, at this time players will either return to their home countries and others elect to stay longer for working holiday.

Please contact Marina on mobile: 0448 369 956 or galaxyunitedfcsecretary@gmail.com for more information.

Congratulations Makayla Staehr!

Makayla graduated from KIC in 2022 and has since been chosen to exhibit at the Geelong Gallery ‘Future Creatives’ exhibition. Congratulations Makayla!

From the Archives

THE FIRST PRINCIPAL – MR JOHN GOODFELLOW

Kardinia’s inaugural principal, Mr John Goodfellow, reflects on the first twenty years of Kardinia International College:

“When I was appointed as the principal of the proposed “Geelong International College” in October 1995, it was, for me, a rather daunting beginning. We immediately faced a legal challenge regarding the proposed name. The Board was happy to take on a new name “Kardinia International College” with the word Kardinia from an aboriginal name meaning “new beginning” or “sunrise”. Mr and Mrs Katsumata had purchased the empty and rather tired and derelict Morongo Girls’ College which had closed in 1994. Apart from the wonderful caretaker, Reid Simpson, I was the only person on this large campus and everywhere I looked I came across a lot of mice, rats and millions of spiders. In some classrooms the windows were very darkened by a massive web of creepy creatures…

The real daunting problem at the beginning was that we were to open in the new year of 1996, and it was already early October in 1995. Alas, at this stage, we had no staff, no students, no curriculum, no government funding and indeed we did not even have permission to open! I set about the task of gathering together some students and staff. But who was going to join a school that didn’t exist… The vision of a new College with new structures for a new age was presented here and there and trickle by trickle we gathered some students together… On day one, we started with 28 students in Years 7-9 and 42 children in the Kindergarten.

… The old Morongo campus was quite run down. It had been vacant for 15 months…But what we did have were three very special things: one an amazing staff, two a serious vision and three a clear philosophy…

From the very beginning it was very important that we articulated who we were…the obvious questions were “Who were we?” and “Why did we exist?” Hence, the four cornerstones we created provided an articulation of the nature, substance and the purpose of the College. In short they confirm that the College only exists to fundamentally make this world a better place – to produce skilled all-round graduates with wholesome values who will be leaders who make a profound difference…”

Credits:

Dowie, P & Russell, F. Kardinia International College: Celebrating Twenty Years 1996-2015.

An extract from John Goodfellow’s article ‘A Personal Reflection’.

The next article features the beginnings of Highview.
Fiona Russell- Archivist

School Community Safety Orders

Schools are positive places of learning where everyone has a right to a safe and healthy learning environment. Schools are also workplaces, and school staff deserve to work in an environment where they don’t feel threatened or unsafe.

The School Community Safety Order Scheme (Scheme) is now in effect in all Victorian schools. This Scheme allows principals and other authorised persons to issue ongoing or immediate school community safety orders that place limitations on the way certain parents, carers or other adults who act in a harmful, abusive or threatening way behave towards staff, students or others in the school community. Click here for more information about the Scheme, including a short video that provides an overview of the Scheme.

This Scheme provides a range of safeguards for people who may be subject to an order and their child. For example, before issuing an ongoing school community safety order, an authorised person must consider the person’s response to the notice to issue an order and how an order may impact their child. Orders can only be issued as a last resort option if it is the least restrictive option to address the behaviour. To read more about the protections built into the Scheme for parents, carers and other adults who may be subject to an order (including information on appeal rights), access the Department of Education’s website.

Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work. The Parent Code of Conduct outlines the shared roles of parents and carers in creating a positive environment for learning.

Our mutual objective is to support your child’s education. To do this, we ask that feedback and complaints are both constructive and respectful. Parents are reminded to follow the College’s complaints policy if you wish to raise any constructive and respectful feedback.

You can find the Parent Code of Conduct and other resources to build a positive relationship with our school community here.

Library Services News

Next week we will be having some fun during Dr Seuss Week with a special day including sharing of books and craft activities. Activities will take place across both the Senior School and Junior School.

School TV – Managing Overwhelm

Willingly or not, we have all been exposed to a piece of bad news that has lingered in our thoughts for days afterwards. This seems to be more common in the current environment than ever before. Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place, so it is easy to see why we might feel impacted. It can often seem like there are many stressful events occurring simultaneously, and the hyperconnected nature of our environment means we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can often leave us feeling overwhelmed.

It is therefore important for children and parents alike, to consciously and intentionally learn good wellbeing strategies. Unfortunately, our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital landscape we find ourselves in and this often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and can result in increased levels of stress and anxiety. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to a number of behavioural issues or health consequences.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. Although we can’t provide our kids with certainty, we can provide them with the skills and strategies to cope to enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally and academically. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it.

Click here to watch the episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm