Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 20 October 2021

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 20 October 2021

From the Principal

Last night we received the exciting news that for the second year in a row Kardinia International College was the winner of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Geelong Business Excellence Awards in the Sustainability category. While it is lovely to win awards, what I am most excited about is the recognition this gives to our staff and students who are actively seeking to make a difference to their own environment and subsequently to the planet as a whole.

There is an ever-growing commitment from our College Community to enhancing current practices and finding innovative ways of being a sustainable organisation. Just last week, despite the rain, many of our students chalked up their commitment to climate change around the College, getting the importance of the message out to their peers.

In our new Strategic Plan, which we hope to launch soon, there is a commitment to having a 5-star rating as a sustainable school. The new Junior School building will have a significant solar panel presence. Our Earthcore and Planeteers continue to enhance our College grounds and remind us of the importance of recycling. Best of all, student voice and agency are driving this agenda and we will all benefit as these voices join together and become louder in the move towards positive changes for our environment.

From the Head of Senior School

Dear Parents & Students,

On Friday this week all students in years 7-11 will be back on campus after what has been a difficult year for all of us.

One of our priorities will be to get everyone back on track in relation to effective learning and study routines.

Even more important will be ensuring that everyone feels welcomed back, included, valued and respected.

Sadly, over the various periods of remote learning, some online interactions between students have been contrary to our community’s most important values – respect and friendship. This is something that we will all work very hard to remedy.

Next week, year 12 students will begin their final exams, IB on Monday and VCE on Wednesday. We wish them all the best, knowing that despite the difficulties they have faced this year, they are very well prepared.

After the exams, we will celebrate the completion of their secondary education during the Graduation Ceremony on 18 November and the Graduation Dinner on 19 November.

During the graduation ceremony, the prefects of 2021 will handover to their successors. We will also thank the retiring prefects for their commitment and contribution to the College Community.

The Prefects for 2022 are:

College Captains: Lillian Henderson and Jesse McDougall
Sport: Oliver Armstrong
Performing Arts:  Cleo Fawcett
Cowie: Kirra Steel and Jos Newton
Gotemba: Sheridan Dillon and Phoebe Murray
Morongo: Polly Lewis and Lachie Read
Thomson: Emily Diment and Mikayla Staehr

On Friday during an extended tutor group we will revisit the COVID safe protocols which we must all observe on campus and while travelling to and from the College on buses and trains. Please support our efforts to keep everyone safe, by emphasising to your children the importance of full compliance with these simple, vital measures.

Regards

Geoff Woolard

From the Head of Junior School

This Friday will be the first day for many months that all students will be learning on-site at the same time. This is a milestone that we are very much looking forward to. Our students, staff and parents have done an incredible job balancing the many demands that we have faced recently, including juggling staggered days at school, remote learning and other COVID related issues. We are continuing to adhere to recommended COVID safe protocols at school, including regular sanitising, hand washing and ventilating the classrooms.

Works have continued on the new Lower Primary construction with earthworks underway this week.

Because of the construction of the new building, the staff car park behind the Junior School has been reduced in capacity. As well as this, heavy vehicles are using the Ballarat Road entrance to access the construction site. Because of this, the pick-up and drop-off area in the staff car park is no longer in use for parents before and after school. Instead, we ask all families to use the Junior School car park at the front of the school, which can be accessed from Gotemba Road.

Geelong Sustainable Business Award win

We are thrilled to win the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, 2021 Geelong Business Excellence Award for Sustainable Business! Sustainability is very important to the College, with special congratulations to our Student led Environmental Committees, Earthcore in the Senior School and Planeteers in the Junior School who set a wonderful example for everyone in the Kardinia community. We do aim to foster internationally minded, ethical, global citizens who value a just and sustainable planet and this is fantastic recognition of all our committed students and teachers. Thanks again to the Geelong Chamber of Commerce for their spectacular awards night and congratulations to all finalists.

Senior School Art Show 2021 Launch

Don’t miss our online Senior School Art Show 2021 showcasing our amazing and talented art, design and technology students form Years 7-12 with the fantastic support of our committed teachers! Check it out https://www.kardinia.vic.edu.au/artshow

Congratulations Cate McNeil

Year 7 student Cate McNeil recently entered a competition through Raise Our Voice Australia, which invited people aged under 21 to submit a short speech on educating Australian youth about financial literacy.

We are thrilled to learn that Cate’s speech has been personally selected by Senator Sarah Henderson to be read in the Australian Parliament due to its relevance for the youth of today and how well it was written.

Well done Cate!

Careers News

Year 11 Students and Parents – The University of Melbourne Hansen Scholarship Virtual Information Session

The Hansen Scholarship Program is the University of Melbourne’s most generous scholarship, offering 20 exceptional students from around Australia free accommodation at Little Hall, a living allowance, financial support, and personal and academic mentoring throughout your undergraduate degree at Melbourne.

Applications for the Hansen Scholarship Program open in term one of Year 12.

Current Year 11 students and their families are invited to join an online information session to learn more about this scholarship program and how to start preparing a competitive application. Find out about the eligibility criteria, full benefits, and how this program will support you to unleash your ambition.

Eligible applicants will be:

Australian citizens, permanent residents, or asylum seekers
Studying an Australian Year 12 qualification or the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Aged 16-20 in the year of application
Be on track to achieve an ATAR of 90.00 or higher (or IB equivalent)
Able to demonstrate financial need.

The University of Melbourne is holding a virtual information session from 6pm-7pm on Thursday 28 October. Register here.

Judo Club News

The Judo Club, recovering from so many COVID cancellations and restrictions, has made some positive steps to start Term 4. The Club Coaching and Leadership Program has commenced, resulting in four junior members being graded to their next belt. It’s always great to see the smiles of people wearing a new belt, but it was doubly pleasing to see the first students of apprentice coach Marlee Keirl posing for the camera. As a Green Belt, Marlee has been learning the art of coaching, and diligently guiding the junior members on Thursday and Friday afternoons, as well as attending the night sessions for her own study of judo. Well done Marlee, and congratulations to Ella, Pearl, Georgie and Aiden on achieving the new rank of Yellow-White-Black Tip.

School TV

Instilling hope in uncertain times

Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and immense. It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time and this is taking a toll on our young people.

With continued disruptions to education and isolation from peers and family, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many young people may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Adult carers can help instil hope in such times of uncertainty by ensuring young people remain connected with their social networks, encouraging them to see life as it is and focussing more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.

Over the centuries, the human race has faced significant adversity for prolonged periods of time and often emerged stronger and more determined. Therefore, it’s important not to give up hope and remain optimistic. By keeping the lines of communication open and listening, parents can help young people reframe their worries and put the disruptions into perspective. It’s important young people make a conscious effort to focus on the good bits, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.

If your young person has concerns or just wants to talk to someone outside of the family unit, encourage them to call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 – anytime, any reason. Alternatively, they can chat online at www.kidshelpline.com.au

Click here to watch this episode

Camp Australia Newsletter

In the past week children have engaged in a variety of Indoor and Outdoor activities. Some of the highlights were colouring and decorating Chinese Lantern, decorating wooden mobile phone holder, Science experiment “making slime’, and draw your family using the CA Way Family Template. Next week’s activities please see under the heading Activities coming up.

Children will be able to transition between indoor and outdoor grass area outside the OSHC room during the session, where children can engage in a variety of games using the sports equipment or just relax and engage in quiet activities.

With the warmer weather, children will require to bring a hat to be able to engage in outdoor activities.

Activities coming up

Colouring and decorating Wooden train frame
Baking Anzac Biscuits
Science Experiment – Making playdough
Making Stress balls

What’s on the menu?

Singapore style noodles
Pancakes- Golden syrup
Toast- Vegemite, honey, Jam

Camp Australia is the College’s Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provider. For more information click here.