Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 9 November 2022

Home Kardinia eNews – Wednesday 9 November 2022

From the Principal

When I first became a school principal, a colleague gave me some very good advice: “Whatever you do, do not change the uniform. It can be a minefield, with so many varied opinions and agendas. It is not worth opening that can of worms.”

However, I also think that a principal should listen to their school community and if there is a consensus that something can be improved, a way should be found to do so.

Over the last few years, we have run focus groups and surveys on our uniform with our students, staff and parents. All were generally in favour of our uniform, however, some aspects have been identified that could be tweaked. There is correspondence coming out this week about the “tweaks”, none of which are major and none of which require parents to immediately buy new items. They are incremental changes, which will not affect the overall look of the uniform but will be more comfortable for our students.

I think it is important to revisit why we have a school uniform and what the school uniform means at Kardinia International College. There are many benefits to a school uniform, including not having to think about what you need to wear each day, but I think the key ones to note are more about our College culture and the safety and wellbeing of our students.

Wearing a school uniform is an equaliser. It is inclusive and stops judgements and stereotyping about students based on what they are wearing. The move to gender neutral options has increased inclusivity.
Seeing students across the campus wearing the uniform appropriately and respectfully reinforces our College values. The colours, the styles and the logo are a symbol of our College and what it stands for.
From a practical perspective, students in uniform make it easy to identify who should be on campus and, when off campus on excursion or in public, who our students are.
The rules restricting jewellery, shoes etc. are there to make it simple to understand what is and is not acceptable. They also have an important safety aspect in practical classes.
Our uniform demonstrates our identity to the wider community. Worn well and respectfully it shows the calibre of our students and that they take pride in being a member of our school.

Clothes, jewellery, hairstyles, makeup can all be a way of showing individuality and personal preferences, but for school, having a sense of being part of a bigger group and community with shared values and common goals comes from wearing our College uniform well, and it also saves having to think about what to wear each day.

From the Head of Senior School

Dear Parents,

On Friday 11 November the Senior School will gather in the forecourt of Main House to participate in the annual Remembrance Day Service which will be led by the College Captains elect, Emma Borschmann and Jack Holton.

Next week our year seven intake for 2023 will enjoy their first experience of secondary school during their Orientation Day on Wednesday 16 November. During the day they will be supported by year ten students who recently trained to take on the important role of Peer Support Leaders, a role which they will continue next year.

Next week we will also farewell the year twelve students during the graduation ceremony on Thursday and at the graduation dinner on Friday. The Graduation Ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube via this link: https://youtu.be/0S29nh-oWDo

Just a reminder that apart from their sport day, students must wear their blazer to and from school each day, unless the advertised temperature in Melbourne is 28 degrees or higher.

From the Head of Junior School

Japanese Week – 14-18 November – A message from Metcalfe Sensei

Japanese Week is nearly here! One week to go! This year will be the first time we will be having Japanese performances for our 3 year old and 4 year old kinder children. What a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese culture at school.

This year we will have Japanese activities running during lunchtime everyday of the week. We are so grateful for the commitment and generosity of the Junior School Student Leaders to help run these activities. Some of the activities include designing your own Japanese flag or kimono, making a Japanese fan, or watching a kendama demonstration.

Year 4 students will be testing their skills at manga drawing, Year 3 and Foundation Year will be celebrating the wonderful beat of Taiko drumming, Year 1 and Year 2 students will be part of an interactive performance of the Rabbit Moon story. Year 5 and 6 will experience the music of traditional Japanese instruments.

Ninja balls will be available for students to try on Thursday and Friday while the canteen will be running some special Japanese food items throughout the week for students to order for their lunches.

In the children’s regular Japanese classes, we will also be doing special cultural activities such as origami, ink and brush writing and ikebana.

And not forgetting the opportunity for students to enter the Junior School Manga drawing competition.

The aim for Japanese week is for our students to experience and appreciate Japanese culture in its many forms.

Student Sporting Success

Last Wednesday November 2, Jamieson Mikunda, Edward Dally, Cruz Tanic and Chace Hunter competed in the 10 and under boys 4 x 100m relay at the State Track and Field Primary Athletics Championships, Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

They ran a fantastic race in their heat to qualify for the final. There were some very strong and fast teams competing and unfortunately our team did not place in the final.

Congratulations to the boys, this is a huge achievement. We are very proud of their commitment to training for this event and giving it their everything.

Yesterday, Will Keen from Year 5 competed in the School Sport Victoria Golf Regional finals at the Midlands golf course. In a stunning display of skill, Will finished with an equal best 41 strokes in the nine-hole competition. Will eventually placed second on a count back, but has won his way through to the State Final to be held on November 30 at the Kooringal Golf Club. Congratulations Will and all the best for the State final.

A Message from 4YO Kindergarten Group K4KJ
We have been learning about littering, saving the planet and looking after the ocean and animals. We are asking for your help. We must help the ocean because sea creatures can get sick if they eat rubbish. We ask you all to help by:

Picking up rubbish before it goes in the drain
Using less plastic – try to use reusable bottles if you can
Take your reusable bags to the supermarket
Make new things out of old things
Put items in the right bin so things can be recycled.

Thanks for your help!

Junior School Disco
A great big thank you goes to our KIC Connect parent group who hosted the Junior School Disco last Friday. A great time was had by all as students dressed in fluro and danced the day away.

From the College Community Council

The Kardinia College Community Council FOOD AND WINE NIGHT is happening tomorrow night!

Delicious Austin’s Wines and food provided by the Federal Cafe.

When: Thursday 10 November 2022
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: The Federal Café, Restaurant & Bar, The Federal Mills Park, Mackey Street, North Geelong
Price: $35.00 (Wine and Food included. Other drinks at bar prices)

Click on the link below to book your tickets – we look forward to seeing you there!

https://www.trybooking.com/977670

Kardinia’s Music Showcase

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

Sport News

Our Junior School girls Blast Cricket team travelled up to Melbourne to compete in the Western Metro Regional Blast Cricket Finals. The girls were undefeated, qualifying for the State Championships later this term!
The boys and girls Hotshots Tennis teams competed in Melbourne at the Western Metro Regional Finals. Our boys finished 3rd, while our girls were runners-up in the finals.
Year 7 student Guy McPherson recently competed at the All Schools competition, where he won a bronze medal in the 90 metre and 200 metre events.

Co-Curricular News

On Saturday November 5, Junior School surfers took to the waves at Cosy Corner in Torquay with great enthusiasm. The first session for the year scored fun surf with smiles all around as former participants returned to hone their skills alongside new additions to the team in 2022. As the tide dropped, the length of the waves improved and the surfers stuck out the full two hours with some epic rides along the way. There were some exciting wipe-outs alongside the glory, keeping everyone entertained. Parents were loving the show as they lapped up the sunshine along the Foreshore, cheering on the determination of those in the water. Surfers are looking forward to the second session and praying for good waves!

Instrumental Music Lessons for 2023

Has your child always wanted to learn a musical instrument? Now is your chance to enrol them in instrumental music lessons for 2023. Individual lessons are usually 30 minutes in length with a professional specialist musician.

If your child is already learning an instrument, you will also need to submit a re-enrolment form to secure a place with their teacher for next year.

Many of our instrumental music students are involved in the bands and ensembles program at Kardinia. Students learn skills of persistence, collaboration and make lots of new friends. They have many performance opportunities both at school and in the local community. Come and join us for some music making – they’ll have so much fun!

Please complete the enrolment form and email to music@kardinia.vic.edu.au. Priority enrolments close on Monday 28 November.

Senior Enrolment Form here
Junior Enrolment Form here

From the Head of Wellbeing – Junior School

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through Term 4. With the warmer weather and the silly season upon us, often our calendars begin to fill up quickly. It is a timely reminder to be kind to ourselves and look after those around us.

Once again, I would like to share a wonderful opportunity for FREE parenting education. The Happily Family website offers 28 key speakers including psychologists and psychiatrists. They run sessions over four days, from November 10-14, 2022, giving valuable education, tips and tricks for parenting.

Happily Family Online Conference

Alicia Bennett

Outdoor Education News

As the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on our accomplishments in 2022 and looking forward to continued growth in 2023.

Our mission in the Outdoor Education department is to provide students with inclusive, empowering, and meaningful experiences that deepen their relationships with themselves, others, and nature. Through Outdoor Education programs, KIC students will continue to develop as lifelong learners including SPICE skills and attributes, such as courage, reflection, perseverance and empathy for the world around them.

We had more students venturing outdoors this year than ever before. New trips took place at years 9 and 10, on the Queensland adventure, Wollangarra, the Glenelg canoe trip and Culture College.

Next year, we are proud to announce our first year 8 program. Information sessions for both students and parents will take place next week.

Next year, the following trips are planned:

Year 7 – House camps, aimed at fostering positive relationships.

Year 8 – Murray River Canoe Expeditions, aimed at developing independence, as well as outdoor skills.

Year 9 – Chiang Mai, Queensland Adventure and Wollangarra Farm stay, aimed at further developing independence, outdoor skills, and teamwork.

Year 10 – Culture College with an indigenous focus and the Bogong High Plains Journeys with a focus on journeying as a small group.

Year 11 – Nyirripi and East Timor, aimed at developing cultural awareness.

Years 9-12 – Ski trip, aimed at developing winter camping, hiking and skiing skills.

For more information, please visit the Outdoor Education page on KICOnline

Alumni News

Morongo Old Collegians will have the opportunity to tour the former grounds of Morongo when they gather for a High Tea in ‘Morongo House’ at Kardinia International College, on Sunday 20 November.

This invitation is extended to boarders, day students and staff. Please use the following link to RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/xzRkNSZ7ce

For further information, please contact Ms Fiona Russell- Alumni Relations Manager on 52789999 or f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au

From the Archives

The extensive property contains numerous trees and plants that have been growing on the site since the homestead garden was established, and some even before.

The beautiful scent of the wisteria, covering the veranda of Morongo House is instantly recognisable. Its branches create an interesting sculpture, even in winter; but the purple floral display is stunning throughout spring and early summer, followed by the lush leaves of new growth and the rich autumn tones of autumn. A stunning ornamental tree in all seasons.

A large peppercorn tree stands between the Main Administration building and Morongo House, overlooking the hedged garden. Its dark trunk and gnarly branches create a distorted, and even sinister-looking figure, on a wet winter day.

The enormous Moreton Bay Fig, standing sentinel out the front of Morongo House, features strong visible roots and a huge canopy. Over many years, it has witnessed the caretakers of the site, including the Traditional Owners, the pioneer families, Morongo staff and students, and the current Kardinia community.

These, and other various trees on the site, have been identified in Paul Dowie’s guide titled ‘Plants in the Kardinia Environment’.

Fiona Russell- Archivist

Camp Australia Newsletter

To view the latest Camp Australia Newsletter, click here: Camp Australia Newsletter

School TV

School TV have just released this great brochure giving invaluable advice on Building Resilience Post Pandemic. Click the image to access the full brochure available on KICOnline.

The Wellbeing Hub page on KICOnline has lots of useful information on a range of topics so make sure to have a look: Wellbeing Hub