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Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 9 March

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 9 March

From the Principal

On Monday we had an excellent parent presentation by Maree Crabbe “It’s Time We Talked” a presentation on pornography, young people, and sexuality. Maree has kindly allowed access to a similar video presentation for the next two weeks for Kardinia families only. This can be found on the KICOnline Wellbeing Page.  

Maree’s presentation was confronting on many levels but also provided valuable information to parents not only about what harmful media our children can easily access but also some practical advice on how to talk to children about these topics. A very salient point Maree made was that this is a very different world for our students today to the one that we, as parents and teachers, grew up in. Therefore, to be able to address it, we need to be able to understand the landscape for children and teenagers today. I highly recommend this video to all our parents, noting that it is not suitable for children. 

There are excellent resources for parents on the Wellbeing Hub page on other topics as well. Including, tips for talking with children and young people after extreme/distressing events. News from within Australia and abroad continues to be harrowing and I am sure that our young people are, to varying degrees, feeling distressed about what they are seeing and hearing. 

On a positive note, I took visitors for a tour of our school yesterday and they marvelled at the calm atmosphere and the positive way the students were engaged in their learning in each and every classroom. They were also extremely impressed when talking to some of our students they met along the way.  Moments like these make me feel very honoured to be the Principal of this wonderful school. 

From the Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Students,

I am sure by now that you have had the opportunity to read the letter from the Principal, Catherine Lockhart, re the school’s updated position on vaping. As outlined in the letter there are many compelling reasons why students should not vape on or off the College campus. Over the past week the wider student body have become increasingly vocal in expressing their opposition to vaping on campus. It is something which they recognise as both a nuisance and a potential threat to their own health and wellbeing. I strongly encourage them to continue to give a very strong message to the small minority who may be foolish enough to persist in vaping on campus. We all have a right to feel safe and a responsibility to ensure that we are.

This morning students in all year levels completed a short survey related to the College’s entry to the Council of International Schools, who have sought insights into the culture and operation of the College from all stakeholders, staff, parents and students.

On Thursday this week, year eight students will enjoy their first personal development seminar for the year, which starts with a performance by the Brainstorm group, ‘The Hurting Game’. The performance, which raises issues about online bullying, will be followed by workshops on the same very important matter.

Next week students in years seven to ten will begin the process of selecting their subjects for semester two. The process will involve input from each student’s current teachers, Head of House and, of course, parents. The process will be outlined during an extended tutor group meeting on Thursday, 17 March.

Regards,

Geoff Woolard

From the Head of Junior School

Year 2 Inquiry
On Monday this week our Year 2 students visited the new JS building site as part of their inquiry into systems in our community. Thanks to Plan Group for accommodating this incursion and helping our students with their inquiry.

Dr Seuss Crazy Hat and Socks Day
Today we celebrated Dr Seuss Crazy Hat and Sock Day. It was amazing to see all of the colourful and creative ways that students expressed themselves.

Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews in the Junior School will be held on Friday 1 April. This is a student free day while teachers conduct online interviews with parents. Information on how to book a time will be shared with families by the end of this week. Please also note that Tuesday 5 April is an early dismissal across the College. Students in Kindergarten will be dismissed at 12.45pm, while students in FY-Y12 will finish at 12.50pm. Buses will run as normal but will depart at 1.00pm and 1.05pm on this day.

Car Park Reminders
Thank you to all families who are safely using the Junior School Car Park. As a reminder, please be aware of the following rules.

  • The speed limit is 10km per hour
  • Give way to pedestrians
  • Pedestrians should always use the designated crossings
  • Do not leave your car if using the drop-off/pick-up zone

After exiting the car park, please be mindful of traffic and pedestrians in the neighbouring streets. Thank you for your ongoing support and vigilance.

Join us for the College Strategic Plan Launch 2022 – 2032!

Kardinia International College has recently completed the development of its’ new Strategic Plan, which will be in effect for the next decade, from 2022-2032.

To celebrate the Strategic Plan 2022 – 2032, please join us at an exciting adult-only event where it will be formally presented to the College community.

This free event will include a formal presentation of the Strategic Plan by our Principal, Catherine Lockhart, at the Katsumata Centre followed by networking, socialising, food and refreshments at Centrepoint Cafe. Please note that COVIDsafe protocol will apply and all guests will be required to show proof of double vaccination upon entry.

Get Tickets

Year 10 Camp Newsletter

Photo by Oliver Hordern, winner of ‘Teamwork’ category.

The penultimate week of school last year saw 224 year 10 students venture out into the world for their annual expedition. There were four options on offer: A 5 day environmental project around Geelong, a 5 day hike in the Bogong High Plains, a 7 day expedition in the Bogong High Plains and the first 14 day expedition in Kardinia’s history, which journeyed from Mount Hotham to Loch Sport.

All students returned in one piece, with a few more friends, a few more stories and a bit smellier than when they left. Reflecting with the students after the camp, the social aspect of camp stood out overwhelmingly. However, a close second was the sense of achievement experienced by the students; “I doubted whether I could complete the full 5 days after reaching the first camp site. The packs were so heavy and it was physically and mentally challenging. I am very proud of my efforts and my persistence.”

We will celebrate the group’s achievement at the first Secondary School Assembly.

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural photo competition. Our winners were Emma Borschman in the Nature category, Steph Reade in the Challenge category, and Oliver Hordern in the Teamwork category. They all received a $20 Centrepoint voucher.

Thanks to everyone involved in making the camp such a huge success!

Kardinia Authors Write New VCE History Book

The first textbook for the new VCE Australian History course has been co-written by two Kardinia International College historians. 

Head of Humanities Geoff Peel and alumni/former teacher James Grout are co-authors of the Analysing Australian History publication, which has just been released statewide to Year 12 students. 

They were invited by acclaimed author-historian Emeritus Professor Richard Broome to join him and fellow academic David Harris in writing the new text.  This followed their Voices for Change book for the previous Australian History course written with another KIC colleague in Cecily Curran. 

Published by Cambridge University Press, profits from Analysing Australian History are being directed to the Indigenous Reading Project, which aims to improve the reading ability of disadvantaged and remote Indigenous students. 

The series will be officially launched later this month at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Equestrian News

On Sunday the 6th of March the KIC Equestrian team made the journey to Werribee National Equestrian Centre to attend the Geelong Grammar School Dressage Day. With the weather being unpleasant and a huge competitive field of riders, each Kardinia student achieved amazing results, making Kardinia the Overall Team champion for the day. We should all congratulate the following riders, for the amazing efforts they put in, as well as the fact that they all qualified for Interschool State Championships early next month.

The team on the day involved Alannah Heagney, Rosemary Heagney, La’Moza Velisha, Charlize Scott, Ruby Smith, Tiffany Peters, Phaestian Velisha, Charlotte Baker, Casey Shields, and Piper Bondarenko.

KICOnline News Feeds

The Senior School is committed to ensuring that students and parents are always informed about the learning that is happening in classes, even when a student cannot come to school.  

Teachers will update the KICOnline News Feeds at least weekly to advise students and parents of the learning that is happening in the forthcoming week. When a student cannot make it to class, they can login to KICOnline and know the work, reading and/or learning activities that were covered in their absence. This allows students to follow up on learning that has been missed. 

Parents can access all News Feeds using their login credentials. Students and parents should always look to the KICOnline News Feeds in the first instance. Please only email teachers directly when you require specific clarification on the learning that has been set in News Feeds. 

Future Directions Information

Last night families of Year 8 & 9 students were provided with information to assist their child/ren prepare for their senior years. If you missed this opportunity you can download the Bridges supplement from the Bridges website https://bridges.kardinia.vic.edu.au

IB Swimmers ‘Laps for Life’

Over the month of March, IB students- Leija Murphy, Mia Lyons, Steph Reade and Louis Perryman- will be raising money for youth mental health through the Laps for Life program. Running through the organisation Reach Out Australia, the students will be accepting donations from the wider KIC community to raise awareness about the importance of mental health wellbeing. If you would like to support the IB swimmers, please donate through the link below:

School TV – Sleep

Children these days seem to be going to bed later and later. Distractions such as TV, computer games, internet, texting friends and social media are all having a negative impact on a child’s sleep time. Sleep is vital to a child’s wellbeing. When children sleep well, they are more settled, happier and ready for school the next day. Sleep also strengthens their immune systems, supports overall development and their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation. Recent studies have shown than many children, especially teenagers, are missing out on vital REM sleep, which is particularly important for memory and learning. 

Click here to watch this episode:
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep

Kardinia International College

PO Box 17
Geelong, Victoria 3220

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

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