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Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 16 November 2022

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 16 November 2022

From the Principal

Thank you to everyone who attended the first College Community Council ‘CCC’ event for the year at the Federal Mills Café last Thursday. There were 70 people in attendance, with community members with children in Highview right through to the senior years. It was lovely to see familiar faces and to meet new people too. Many commented that after the last few years it was wonderful to begin to connect with our community again.

The current committee met again last night, and the committee members are full of energy, positivity and they have some fabulous ideas for a variety of events next year.

I also want to acknowledge that our new committee stands on the backs of giants, in the form of our previous CCC and, prior to that, College Community Board.

The last few years meant that despite their very best efforts, events planned could not go ahead, but they have, nevertheless, built over time a strong sense of connection with our school community and I want to thank them on our collective behalf.

I look forward to seeing the community connections grow once again as we move out of our COVID bubbles and seek ways to enjoy each other’s company. Keep an eye out next year for events you can become involved in.

From the Head of Junior School

Japanese Week
This week is Japanese Week in the Junior School. Several incursions and activities are planned including interactive presentations of Japanese music, Taiko drumming, Manga drawing, flag making, Kimono designing, and Kendama demonstrations.

Year 5 Camp
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Year 5 camp. Students stayed in tents out at the Grove and engaged in adventure activities on the surf coast, including zip lining, surfing, bike riding and rock climbing. Well done to all students who demonstrated resilience, leadership and determination. And thank you to all staff who organised and delivered a great adventure experience.

Remembrance Day Service
Last Friday FY-Y6 students attended a Remembrance Day Service at the Lone Pine in the Junior School. Led by Year 6 students Sophie, Abi, and Hussain, the service touched on the reasons we have Remembrance Day and why poppies are an important symbol of this day. The Performance Choir performed ‘Always Remember’ by Ian Jefferson to perfection and Year 6 student, Scarlett, played stirring renditions of Last Post and Reveille on the trumpet.

Aquatic Centre Car Park
Junior School parents are to be reminded that the Aquatic Centre car park is for patrons’ use only. There have been reports of Junior School parents using the Aquatic Centre car park at the end of the school day. The Aquatic Centre run after-school swim programs and the car park is reserved for parents whose children are enrolled in a swim program. Thank you for your understanding.

Kardinia’s Music Showcase is one week away!

 Join us on Thursday 24 November to celebrate a wonderful year of music at the College. Running from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, the Music Showcase will take place at the Katsumata Centre.
To book your seats, click on this link: https://events.humanitix.com/musicshowcase2022

From the Head of Wellbeing – Junior School

Tips for Transitioning into 2023

Transitions for many children can bring mixed emotions. The excitement of a new learning group, teacher and classroom space mixed with the worries about: Who will be in their class? Will they have their friends? Where will their classroom be? Who will their new teacher be?

This is a normal aspect of all transitions. Like all people, some students find this more challenging, while others don’t seem to even notice the change. Some students need days of ‘frontloading’ (punctuating the key learning points before an activity or experience takes place), while for others this only causes more worries.

I believe the first thing to recognise as a parent and to teach our children is that feelings of worry are normal, and associated with these feelings is a physiological aspect such as butterflies in our tummy, or feeling sick. We all have worries from time to time. In fact, you can’t have bravery or courage without worries or fears, because to be brave or show courage we must overcome our fears and worries.

Often as parents, we want to take our kids’ pain away immediately. This makes sense, they are our pride and joy. However, often this means that we don’t allow them to sit with their feelings, move through them and then learn from them. When we allow children to do this, we build their ability to overcome the next hurdle. This is because they are able to remember the experience of a previous time they overcame their fears and worries. This is how resilience is built, it is having those worries or uncomfortable moments, understanding that it is okay to feel that way, sitting with it and then using our strategies to move through it. Strategies to move through worries and build resilience can be part of our ‘Wellbeing Tool Kit’, a tool kit of all the strategies that help us as an individual to regulate our emotions. This could include things like; taking deep breaths, positive self-talk, positive affirmation, singing, drawing, listening to music, moving your body or reading.

My top tips for transition are:

  • Consistent routines- Ensure that you have a consistent routine in the mornings leading up to transition, as this allows for predictability and creates a calm environment. Ensure that you wake up with enough time to get ready calmly without rushing. This might mean that lunchboxes are packed the night before and clothes are ready and out so that they are easily found. It means knowing which way you will walk to your classroom so you avoid getting lost.
  • Sleep- Ensure you keep to a consistent and predictable sleep routine. Sleep plays a major role in our ability to regulate our emotions and deal with challenging situations. If you know your child is a worrier and the questions will come when they go to bed, as often happens, prepare for this. Head to bed earlier with the knowledge that your child will want to chat, and give them that time and support.
  • Positive mindset- Speak positively about transitions and find the benefits of the transition. Make sure that you are modelling positive emotions about transitions and using language that reflects a positive outcome. ‘Mirror neurons’ in the brain mean that our children will pick up if we are feeling anxious and then mirror this.
  • Validate emotions- Validate your child’s emotions, normalise them and remind them of times they were capable. This might look like: ‘I don’t think I can do this; I am scared.’ ‘I understand, changes can be scary. I think everyone will be feeling a little bit scared and that is okay, that’s normal. Remember when you started swimming lessons and you were very scared? You were so brave. I think you are really good at doing tricky things.’
  • An excellent picture storybook that beautifully highlights how our body feels and acts when we are worried is ‘Hey Warrior’ By Karen Young. I highly recommend this! By understanding how our body works and why it feels a particular way we empower our children.
  • Environmental changes- Discuss where the child’s classroom might be located, take a walk around the area, and have a peep inside the classroom. What can you notice that is the same about the room as your current room? All classrooms are fairly similar in set up which helps with consistency and predictability. Find the closest toilets so your child knows where they are. Have a look at the playground and have a play, highlighting the positives of the space.
  • Model- Model by talking out loud during times you are feeling worried and talk about the strategies you will use to overcome the worry.

For most students, these small tips will help alleviate worries. However, all students will be slightly worried on orientation day (and excited), just as any adult would be starting a new job. This is normal and is helping to build your child’s resilience to deal with greater changes in life.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or would like further information.

Alicia Bennett

Careers News

Important end of year information for graduating Year 12 students

Last week, graduating Year 12 students were sent an email from the KIC Careers Team containing some important information regarding the release of the ATAR, change of preference events and services, as well as some opportunities that exist for those looking for employment, apprenticeships and traineeships, and/or further training. Students are encouraged to read this email carefully and contact the Careers Team either in person or via email if they require any additional assistance.

The KIC Careers Team will be available to students during both the December (VCE) and January (IB) change of preference periods via Teams. More information regarding availability and the link to the booking system can be found in the email sent to students last week. It is important to remember that bookings can only be made using the student’s KIC email address.

Government financial assistance available to Year 12 graduates

Students who are continuing on to further study next year or moving on to an apprenticeship are encouraged to look into their eligibility for government financial assistance. Some examples of the types of assistance available can be found below. Please contact Services Australia for more specific information.

Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)

  • A payment to help students with the cost of moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study.​

The Tertiary Access Payment is a one off payment of up to $5000. It is designed to help eligible students with the cost of moving to study. This is for study after you’ve finished year 12 or equivalent.​

To get the payment you need to meet some rules. These include:​

  • moving from a regional or remote area for tertiary study​
  • starting tertiary study directly after finishing year 12 or equivalent with no gap year

For more information, visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/tertiary-access-payment​

Youth Allowance​

  • Financial help if you’re 24 or younger and a student or Australian Apprentice.​

To get this you must meet one of the following criteria:​

  • 18 to 24 and studying full time​
  • 16 to 17, studying full time and either independent or needing to live away from home to study​
  • 16 to 17, studying full time and have completed year 12 or equivalent​
  • 16 to 24 and doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship

Young people who are eligible for Youth Allowance may also be eligible for a Health Care Card.

​To find out more, visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/youth-allowance-for-students-and-australian-apprentices​

Relocation scholarship​

  • A once a year payment if you get ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance. You must also need to move to or from a regional or remote area for higher education study.​

Student Start-up Loan​

  • A voluntary loan you can get up to twice a year if you’re an eligible higher education student.​

Education Entry Payment​

  • A once a year payment made when you start study if you get certain income support from Services Australia.​

Rent Assistance​

  • A regular extra payment if you pay rent and get certain payments from Services Australia.​

Find out more information here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/most-viewed-payments-for-higher-education?page=0&type%5Bvalue%5D%5Bpayment_service%5D=payment_service

Congratulations Cookie Robinson!

Cookie Robinson (Year 9) has earnt herself a performance spot at Queenscliff Music Festival on Saturday 26 November! She is performing her original songs in the ‘The Couta Quarter’ for the ‘Foot in the Door’ competition from 5:15pm – 5:30pm. Hundreds of applicants apply for an opportunity to perform each year, so this is a wonderful achievement to be selected. If you’re heading to the Queenscliff Music Festival, make sure you go and see Cookie perform.

STEM Program News

Once again, Kardinia students were part of both the Geelong Future Leaders of Industry (GFLOI) and Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing Program (GLAM) in 2022. Year 9 students Michael Jales, Charlie Cowled, Geoffrey White and Ruby Taylor (pictured) were all part of the programs this year and were formally recognised for their efforts at their recent graduation ceremony held at Deakin University where Charlie was also awarded the prize ($500) as one of the most engaged students in the program.

The programs, coordinated by Geelong Manufacturing Council and supported by Skilling The Bay, allow students to experience pathways and career options in the manufacturing, engineering and STEM trades sectors via industry tours and presentations, provide job readiness and leadership skills training, and introduce students to a number of rolemodels including scientists, engineers and senior management of some of our region’s most important and advanced manufacturers.

Below are the thoughts of some of our participants on their respective programs.

“The GFLOI program was an incredible experience that I would recommend to everyone who is interested in engineering as a potential future career. Once a month, a small group of students got to tour Geelong’s most prominent manufacturing and technology facilities. The excursions brought us to places like the massive shell powerplant, Deakin’s high-tech research sector, and my personal favourite, the 10-billion dollar Ford proving ground. At each location we had the opportunity to talk to leaders in the industry and I even managed to participate in work experience over the holidays which was another incredible experience. If you have the chance, I highly recommend this program to anyone interested as you learn so much and it’s super fun.”

  • Charlie Cowled Year 9

“This year, I had the privilege of participating in the Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing Program, also known as GLAM. I got to experience many pathways and career options in STEM trades via industry tours to places such as Godfrey Hirst, Worley, Austeng, and many other industries. This program was designed specifically for girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM or expanding their knowledge in the Manufacturing and Engineering Industry! One of my favourite highlights was the Godfrey Hirst industry tour, where we got to see the process of making carpet and the amazing machinery that does it. Being in the GLAM program has also led me into several different opportunities, such as the Father’s Day Breakfast hosted at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, where I had the privilege of hearing some amazing women who are heads in their fields talk about their experiences of being a woman in a male-dominated field.”

  • Ruby Taylor Year 9

“Across the entirety of GFLOI program, I learnt the fundamentals of a workplace environment and gained valuable skills for my school and future work life. The program gave a great insight into the sheer volume of careers and job opportunities associated with engineering and manufacturing, and how exciting and interesting the field is. I particularly enjoyed the Ford Proving Ground and Incitec Pivot Fertilisers visits, and I was incredibly lucky to be able to participate in three days of work experience at the later, shadowing a lab technician in the RnD lab.”

  • Michael Jales Year 9

The programs will be running again in 2023 and we encourage all Year 9 and 10 students next year to apply for the program and engage in what is a wonderful eye opening career orientated experience.

The Careers Team

Alumni News 

Kardinians nominated for the Music Victoria Awards

Two of our talented alumni are amongst the nominees for the 2022 Music Victoria Awards:

  • Tess Guthrie (Class of 2012) is nominated for Best Song.

GUTHRIE (guthriesounds.com)

  • Jasper Jolly (Class of 2016) and his band Bones and Jones, are nominated as Best Regional Act.

Click on the following link to listen to these talented Kardinians and vote:

Vote Now – Music Victoria

Fiona Russell- Alumni Relations Manager

From the Archives  

The impressive heritage bluestone building on the property, now known as ‘Morongo House’, was designed by Geelong architect Joseph L. Shaw for John Calvert. It was built by contractors Foyle & Co. in 1859-60.

The original plans of Morongo House illustrate many rooms typical of a grand residence in the Regency style. These included ‘an entrance hall which led to a drawing room, dining room, morning room, conservatory, smoke room, gun room, maids’ rooms, scullery, cellars, bath rooms and bedrooms.

The property also had extensive stables at the back of the homestead and a gate house at the entrance to the long driveway into the property.’  (Dowie, P. Kardinia International College- The First Ten Years. 1996-2005)

Morongo House is listed as Historic Building No. H1138 on the Victorian Heritage Register.

‘Minor alterations to the interior were carried out in the 1920s, and from 1926 the original homestead buildings were altered and extended to incorporate them into an extensive girls’ boarding school complex…Morongo, with its former laundry wing and stables, is architecturally significant as an example of a substantially constructed and finely detailed residential complex erected in the late 1850s. The main house is important as an unusually late and very strongly expressed example of the elegantly proportioned and minimally decorated manner usually associated with the Recency style of architecture. The very austerity of the architectural expression serves to emphasise the excellent craftsmanship of the masonry.’ (Heritage Victoria Database)

Fiona Russell- Archivist

School TV

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 this episode: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-managing-overwhelm

Kardinia International College

PO Box 17
Geelong, Victoria 3220

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

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