Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 25 May 2022

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 25 May 2022

From the Principal

This week started with a newly elected Federal Government. Regardless of the outcome, I reflected many times over the weekend how very grateful I am to live in Australia. I was able to easily get to a polling booth, walk into the centre with my family and feel very safe in doing so. I was able to have a say in who was elected to govern our country for the next few years. I had a voice.

I was also grateful that the outgoing leader accepted defeat graciously, did not challenge the validity of the process or incite people to storm Parliament House. I was grateful that I met many current and ex students who were actively engaged in the political process and keen to make a difference. It was also a beautiful blue-sky day, albeit a little chilly.

My hope is that our current students and future generations recognise and appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and commit to embracing and living our College vision by becoming knowledgeable and compassionate globally minded citizens who act as agents of positive and sustainable change.

It is also why we are committed to developing in our students the social, personal, intercultural, critical thinking and ethical skills and attributes that enable and inspire them to actively contribute to a more inclusive, respectful, peaceful, and sustainable world.

From the Head of Junior School

Like most schools and workplaces, we are being impacted by a variety of illnesses at the moment, including COVID and the flu. However, as a community we are doing well despite the high number of absences amongst both students and staff. Thank you to all families for your support in keeping us all as safe as possible. I expect our classrooms will continue to be disrupted over the remaining weeks of this term, but we will continue to do all that we can to ensure student learning and wellbeing is maintained to a high standard.

The new Lower Primary building is nearing completion and is looking great. We are still on track to move in on the first day of Term 3. In the coming weeks I will share our strategy for ‘The Big Move’.

Phone options have changed at the College

The phone options at the College have recently changed. Please take note of the new order:

Option 1               Absences
Option 2               Student Services
Option 3               Senior Reception, Bus queries, Finance
Option 4 Marketing and Admissions
Option 5               Computer Services Help Desk
Option 6               Junior School
Option 7               Goodfellow Aquatic Centre
Option 8               Repeat options

Please note that the easiest option to log your child’s absence is the Kardinia App.

Kardinians – The Alumni of Kardinia International College

From the Careers Team

Careers Week went off without a hitch last week with a wide variety of activities and programs being run. The Year 8 PD on Monday was a wonderful experience for our students whereby they completed a self- awareness module coupled with learning about and understanding what employability skills look like. Students took part in a survey which identified skills and possible pathways for them to start thinking about for the future.

Our Year 9 students received their Morrisby Profile reports which is a comprehensive document outlining their aptitudes, personality traits, learning styles and potential career and subject pathways. Over the next three weeks, they will be sitting an interview with either their House Coordinator or Career practitioner to discuss the report at length. An action plan will be developed from these meetings for students to continue to work on.

Our Careers Week Special Events during lunchtime were very informative and interesting seminars, whereby students were treated to sessions on Uni survival tips, getting part time work, what work looks like in the Arts, a visit from Deakin University and also a session on Careers being more than just a job. A big thank you to all our presenters, Ms. Danielle Flack, Chelsea Hart, Rhianna Kennedy, Mr. Manfred Pohlenz and Alex Campbell from Deakin Uni (KIC Alumni 2004) as well as Mrs. Kloe Woods for coordinating the week.

Remember, students who would like to speak to a career’s practitioner about subject selections, work placement opportunities, university or TAFE courses, or any other career or pathway issues can book a Careers Interview through our Careers Page on KIC online or use the following link: Booking a Careers Interview.

The Careers Team

Reconciliation Week begins soon!

Tomorrow is National Sorry Day, then from Friday 27 May to Friday 3 June is Reconciliation Week. We will be holding our Sorry Day Assembly tomorrow and have a range of activities planned for Friday onwards, including collaborative art projects, listening to First Nations music, tasting Indigenous-themed food, as well as playing games and learning sports.

More information will be available about Reconciliation Week activities at tomorrow’s assembly.

Centrepoint Café – Casual Vacancies

Casual relief during school hours
Previous café, canteen, food prep experience preferred
Completion of DoFoodSafely training (free online)
Have a Working with Children Check and COVID Vaccinations (including 3rd dose/booster)

We welcome applications from outside of our college community. Please send your resume and a brief covering letter to employment@kardinia.vic.edu.au

Congratulations to our GISSA Athletics Champions!

The GISSA Athletics team were all smiles after winning all four age sections at the event, as well as taking out the trophy for overall winners!

What an amazing effort from all students involved.

Co-Curricular News

As part of the Co-Curricular Program, Kardinia are proud to partner with Anglicare to support the Homework Club at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Corio. This is a long established partnership and provides free educational support to young people from refugee backgrounds in years 5-12 from the local community. With a team of 24 students and several teachers, Kardinia provide young people with assistance with their homework after school each Wednesday from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

The program is unique and our dedicated Kardinia students are the key mentors of the program. They work with other students on literacy and numeracy while building strong friendships and community links. All areas of homework are supported and there is time allocated for games, which also help to build strong relationships and community spirit. This is a truly rewarding program with mutual benefits for all involved. Whilst the program is full at the moment, questions about future programs can be directed to Ms Bailey. The program is open to all Senior school students aged 15 and above.

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.

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: Gaming & Young People

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

School TV – Body Image

A child can form an opinion of their own body at a very young age. Research suggests that children as young as three years old can have body image issues, and there are many things that influence them. Parents play a critical role in helping children develop a positive body image.

Today’s media can negatively influence our young people on what is the “ideal” body shape and size. The problem is, a “perfect” body doesn’t really exist. Although body image issues are mostly associated with girls, boys are also affected. A negative body image can trigger eating disorders in some children and parents need to be aware of the signs. Their child’s eating habits and language around appearance can be an indicator. Parents and teachers need to help kids understand that appearance does not equate to an individual’s health or success.

Click here to watch this episode:
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/body-image