Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 11 May 2022

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 11 May 2022

From the Principal

As we move further into Term 2, we are travelling well with most school events and our daily routines are almost back to normal.

At the start of the year, increased COVID numbers prompted us to anticipate some staff shortages, but we were relatively unscathed with only a small number of teachers unwell at any time and no more than usual. However, this term as we move into the traditional cold and flu season, we are beginning to see higher than normal numbers of staff and students unable to come to school for days at a time.

As the term progresses, we will continue to monitor the situation and get as much like for like cover of staff as possible to provide the greatest level of consistency for our students. I must, however, flag that there may be times in the future where classes are combined or where teachers are required to cover classes outside of their main area of expertise. We will do our utmost to limit disruption to classes and to provide purposeful, productive and engaging learning. We ask that our families do all they can to help us stop the spread of cold, flu and COVID by continuing to keep children home who display symptoms and by continuing to use RATs to monitor for COVID.

On a very different note, I want to highlight a recent initiative of our Interact Club, who last week connected with schools around the state to enable them to hear from the International Humanitarian Group whose volunteers are working to support Ukrainian refugees. The students were able to hear directly from three volunteers and two Ukrainian university students who were remarkably still managing to keep up their university studies while volunteering and experiencing devastation in their city. The webinar generated over $1,700 in funds to support the efforts of the volunteers and provided our students with an incredible learning opportunity. I particularly want to thank Jed Castle, the Interact President, for all his work in making this event possible.

From the Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Students,

This week students in years seven and nine will complete the annual NAPLAN Tests, for the first time online. Thanks to careful planning and preparation, by Mr Bram McLeod, one of the Deputy Heads of Senior School, the process has gone very smoothly. Similarly, our annual House Cross Country last week was ably organised by the Head of Sport, Mr Jarrod Waight. Results, including age champions, will be announced later at a Senior School Assembly.

Last week, students in years ten, eleven and twelve attended separate drug and alcohol presentations by the founder and director of Drug and Alcohol Research Australia, Mr Paul Dillon. Paul has presented this sequence of talks at KIC for many years. His totally engaging delivery coveys a vital and compelling message which emphasises responsible and safe behaviours in relation to drugs and alcohol. This year he also outlined the issues and risks associated with vaping.

Later in this month, all Senior School students will attend a presentation on the safe and responsible use of the internet and social media.

Next week is National Careers Week and our newly expanded Careers Team led by the Head of Careers, Danielle Flack, has an extensive programme planned which will benefit all year levels. Careers education for all year levels is delivered beyond careers week via lunchtime workshops, information sessions and programmes such as Morrisby, which was recently completed by students in year nine. On Monday all year eight students will have a careers PD during which they will explore self-awareness and employability skills. Other year levels have either already completed careers PD or will do so later this term. Students in year nine also complete careers education in the compulsory unit, Life Essentials. All students have easy access to the four careers counsellors either at lunchtime or by appointment.

From today, students will receive regular reminders via the daily bulletin re key aspects of the things that are very important at KIC. At the top of the list is respect, shown in many ways by and to all members of the College community. Respect is at the heart of everything we do – the way we interact, the way we react when our own behaviour is challenged, the way we dress, use technology, use the school grounds and facilities, support school events. Parents are our most important partners in ensuring that students work with us to ensure that our very positive school culture is protected and enhanced.

From the Head of Junior School

International Families Week – A message from our Student Committees

School Reluctance
Lately, as I stand at the school gate each morning and welcome students to school, I am noticing some lower primary children are more reluctant to start their day than usual. Some children are more clingy, while others are dragging their feet when they would normally skip into school. There are many factors that could be contributing to this, most of which likely stem from living with Covid-19 for the past few years.

Once the children have entered the school grounds and resume their normal classroom routines their reluctance usually dissipates very quickly. As a parent it can be tough managing school drop-off when your child baulks at the gate or appears reluctant to go to school. Below are some tips that may help you navigate tricky times in the morning.

Keep the same routine each morning. A different routine each day can be a cause of worry.

Be on time. Feeling rushed, or late, can also be a cause of stress. The school gates open at 8.30am with the bell ringing at 8.50am to start the day.
Having a play with friends before school can help decrease anxiety. The playground is open from 8.30-8.50am each morning for the children to play and have fun.
Keep your goodbyes simple and quick. Consider your exit strategy and avoid drawn out goodbyes. Please talk to me at the gate if you need help with this.

The KIC Wellbeing Hub has also produced information for parents about school reluctance. To read more, please click on the link below.

What to do when your child doesn’t want to come to school

If these strategies are not working for you and your child, please contact me or Nikki Petyanszki (Head of Early Years) to discuss possible next steps.

NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy)
This week students in years 3 and 5 across Australia are sitting NAPLAN. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.

Host families wanted: Homestay GOKIC

Homestay GoKIC is a Zoom-based online program where you and your family can meet a Japanese student from Gotemba Nishi High School (our sister school in Japan). You will have the opportunity to communicate with the student once a week for five weeks. No Japanese language is required, but some Japanese may be helpful. The program starts this month. If you are interested, please contact Mr. Ota: y.ota@kardinia.vic.edu.au

IDAHOBIT Day – Tuesday 17 May

Precisely 31 years ago – on May 17, 1990 – the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

Yet today, 30+ years later, 75% of LGBTQIA+ youth still experience some form of discrimination.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) celebrates LGBTQIA+ people globally and raises awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination.

(Ref: www.idahobit.org.au)

Look out for the rainbows across the campus, as well as in Centrepoint Café … 🌈🌈🌈

And make sure to check out some of the great inclusive reads we have at the library, including many great Australian titles: just scan the QR Code:

Duke of Ed trip – Glenelg River

Spelt the same forward as backward, the Glenelg River forms the tribal boundary between the Bungandiji people on the western bank and the Gunditijmara people on the eastern. At the start of this term, Duke of Edinburgh participants in years 10 to 12 set off on a 45km canoe trip down the Glenelg River. The five-day camp formed either the Adventurous Journey or Gold Residential Project components of the award, with students completing Silver or Gold levels. The journey began in Dartmoor, 30 kms from the South Australian border, and ended with hot chips in the sleepy fishing town of Nelson. The Lower Glenelg National Park is a gorgeous part of the world, and as we paddled down the river, the terrain slowly evolved from shrubbed bushland to sweeping limestone cliffs. We even got to paddle into some caves, carved out of the steep rock, which left us equally awed and considerably muddier than when we started.

These cliffs formed the perfect backdrop for an eventful wedding, which saw the bride (wearing an op-shopped gown, as one does) push the groom into the river in lieu of saying “I do”, before jumping in herself. Necessarily, the celebrant was also pushed in for allowing such a union to go ahead in the first place. Teamwork was key throughout the trip: from loading the canoes into and out of the river each morning and night, to rafting up for a floating lunch and drying out sodden tents. Of course, no one was safe during nightly games of Mafia. And whilst the rain barely ceased over five days, no one really minded. After all, the rainy days are only temporary – the memories last a lifetime.

Timor Leste Fundraiser

For the next two weeks there will be a Raffle happening to raise money for KIC’s sister school in Timor Leste.

The prize will be a 10kg chocolate bar. The raffle tickets will be sold on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at lunchtime in CentrePoint Cafe, from May 11 – 20.

Tickets will be priced as follows:
$2 for 1 ticket
$5 for 3 tickets
$10 for 7 tickets

Theatre Studies Student Performance – Little Women

The Unit 3 Theatre Studies class is taking on the production of Little Women. As we undertake this coming-of-age production, we learn about life in the 1800’s and begin to explore themes of love and family. The cast of Little Women have been extraordinary and rehearsals are running very smoothly. We are excited to keep developing this production and then perform it for our Kardinia community.

The play will be performed at 7:30pm on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of June at Kardinia’s College Hall. Entry cost will be a gold coin donation, to register for tickets, click on the link below.

https://events.humanitix.com/little-women-theatre-studies-student-performance

Upcoming Webinar: Body Confident

This relaxed and informative seminar for carers of primary and secondary age children gives practical tips to help you better understand and promote positive body image in the home. Delivered by the Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s largest not-for-profit for eating disorders and body image concerns.

To learn more about this seminar, find the full information PDF here: Body Confident – flyer

To register for this seminar, click here.

Co-Curricular News

Kardinia students are fortunate to have the unique opportunity to learn and compete in the exciting Olympic Sport of Fencing from one of our very own, Mr Hick, an internationally qualified coach. Fencing is a challenging sport for students who want to try their hand at something a little more unusual in their after-school time. Fencing provides students with a wide range of different benefits including physical fitness, improved problem solving and strategic thinking, better balance, posture, co-ordination and timing, greater responsibility and self-awareness, higher resilience and a sense of respect for themselves and others, all whilst having fun improving their wellbeing and health.

Whether it be just for fun or to find a new competitive sport, come and give fencing a try.

Contact Mr Hick for further details. Training is on Wednesday 3:30pm in the Katsumata Centre. Students are required to register with Fencing Victoria, all equipment can be supplied.

Leaders in Residence – The International Humanitarian Support Group currently supporting Ukraine

Last week Kardinia International College hosted a webinar titled “Leaders in Residence – The International Humanitarian Support Group currently supporting Ukraine” in which students, parents, staff, and other members of the Kardinia community were able to connect online with the International Humanitarian Support Group, who are delivering vital aid to refugees fleeing Ukraine.

This event was a wonderful success, and we really couldn’t have done it without the Kardinia community. Kardinia has currently raised $1,705.00 for the International Humanitarian Support Group, and that is a testament to the generosity of our community.

There is still time to donate! You can donate here: https://events.humanitix.com/international-humanitarian-support-fund-donations

We thank you for your generosity and support with this project.

Kindest Regards,

The Interact Club of Kardinia International College

The Importance of Breakfast

In the return to school this term, some students are struggling with time management in the mornings and are coming to school without having had breakfast. When breakfast hasn’t been eaten, students will often feel sluggish and struggle to focus as their brains don’t have the energy to really get going. For students who are time poor, some quick and easy breakfasts can be prepared over the weekend or the night before, such as zucchini slice, savoury muffins, fruit or vegetable smoothies, or overnight oats. When students can ‘grab and go’, they are more likely to eat breakfast, even on their way to school or when they arrive at school, which sets them up for more effective learning.

Upcoming Webinar: Gaming & Young People

To register your interest: https://bit.ly/3vrz7Lu

School TV – Screen Time

Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.

Click here to watch this episode:
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time