From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
I really cannot believe that this is the last eNews for 2025. When I look back on 2025 it has been jam packed with activities, events, camps, trips, performances, the list goes on. It also seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our wonderful staff for a great year. Thank you also to our parents and College community for your support, it really does take a village to help our young people thrive. May you all have a fantastic holiday season and a great start to 2026.
We commence our 30 Year Celebrations next year and I am looking forward to all the fun that will be.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
It’s hard to believe we’ve arrived at the end of another school year. Congratulations to every student in the Senior School. Each young person has learned something new, achieved things they may once have thought were out of reach, and experienced moments, both big and small, that have shaped who they are becoming. Learning is, of course, at the core of a school’s purpose, but it doesn’t live solely in textbooks or classrooms. It happens in conversations, in challenges overcome, in friendships built, and in the opportunities students have embraced. Every student has grown this year, often in unexpected and meaningful ways, and they should all be incredibly proud.
We also farewell a number of students who will be leaving us at the end of the year. We thank them for their contributions to our community and wish them every success as they step into new pathways and possibilities.
There are some staffing changes to acknowledge as well. Julia Ekkel, Cindy Van Dreumel, Gary Cox and Lisa-Jane Campbell will be taking periods of leave during 2026, and we hope this brings them fulfilment, adventure and rest in equal measure. We also offer our thanks and warmest wishes to Scott Wallace and Jamie Saunders, who conclude their contracts with the College this term. We are grateful for the energy and commitment they have brought to our students.
This year, we also mark two particularly significant farewells - Mr Jonathan Chapman and Ms Harriet Mestitz will be retiring after many years of service to the College. Their wisdom, generosity and deep care for students have shaped not only their classrooms, but the culture of the College more broadly. Their influence will continue to be felt long after they step into this new chapter, and we are profoundly grateful for all they have contributed.
Thank you to our students, staff and families for the attitude, resilience and kindness shown throughout the year. I wish everyone a restful, joy-filled summer break, and I look forward to welcoming you all back refreshed and ready for a new year of possibilities in 2026.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
What a wonderful year. While we still have several events remaining this year, this will be the final eNews. Thanks so much to all families for partnering with us on the most important journey there is, our children's education.
Orientation
Orientation day this morning was a huge success. Well done to all students and staff for leaping into your new learning spaces and groups with such enthusiasm.
Hour of Code/AI in the Junior School
This week our Junior School joined the global Hour of Code/AI celebration. Every class completed one hour of coding using our Kardinia Coding Matrix and explored robotics including Kubo, Dash, Beebot, LEGO Spike Essentials and LEGO Spike Prime.
The week was organised by our Innovation and Technology Student Advisory Committee working alongside the Year 6 Techsperts, with support from Senior School students, including our current and former ITSAC presidents.
Hour of Code AI is celebrated worldwide and highlights the importance of digital literacy. Coding and robotics help students think logically, solve problems and build confidence with technology from an early age.
Social Media delay - parent workshop
Last week, we hosted our family workshop on the upcoming social media delay, and it was wonderful to see so many families attend. The recording has been shared through EdSmart with those who were unable to join. The session covered a range of important topics, including a discussion about Roblox. We kindly remind families to stay aware of the platforms their children are using outside of school hours, as social and safety concerns can arise in online games such as Roblox.
During the presentation the presenter shared some helpful ‘non-negotiables’ that could be adopted by families. They include:
- No screens in bedrooms or bathrooms.
- Devices are always charged in a common area at night and cannot be accessed by children.
- Set screen time limits and ensure everyone stick to them.
- Adhere to social media and gaming age limitations/recommendations.
Creating these types of non-negotiables could be very helpful with the holidays on the horizon.
Students connecting with Highview Students
Throughout her time in the Junior School, Novalie has made a connection with authors Alison Lester and Jane Godwin. Last Friday Novalie made a speech at the launch of their latest picture book, Where Would You Go? Novalie and some other kids who have spent time at the Royal Children’s hospital illustrated the book and also came up with ideas within the book.
Last week Novalie came to Highview and read the book to all of Highview students.
Christmas Book Drive
This Christmas we would love your help to support Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums) with a special Christmas Book Drive. This initiative is lovingly organised by Year 1 student Harriet D who wanted to help brighten the season for children in our wider community by collecting new children’s books. If you’re able, please consider donating a book, big or small, picture book or chapter book - every story helps bring a little extra magic to a child’s Christmas. Donations can be dropped into the box at Junior School Reception by Monday 8 December. If you are pressed for time at this busy time of year you could consider making a donation via the following link: https://our-village-community-fundraising.raiselysite.com/harriet-dyer
Thank you for helping us share the joy of reading this Christmas.
Enrolment Withdrawal
If you are thinking of withdrawing your child, please be aware that the College requires a Term's notice, in writing. This is outlined in our terms and conditions.
Please contact the Marketing and Admissions Department via email: marketing@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Save the Date - Brighter Futures Festival
In 2026, Senior School families will be invited to join us for our inaugural Brighter Futures Festival on 3 March from 3.30pm–8.00pm.
This event will be a fun and informative evening for Senior School families to connect while exploring:
- learning pathways and subject information
- wellbeing and pastoral care programs
- co-curricular, expedition and performance opportunities
Families will also have the chance to tour the campus, visit classrooms, and explore key facilities.
More information to come early in the New Year!
Victorian Schools Garden Program Awards Success
On Thursday 27 November, Earthcore students Stella, Ruby and Malia proudly represented Kardinia International College at the Victorian Schools Garden Program Awards, held at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne.
We are delighted to share that the College received the RB Landscape Award, securing $5,000 to support the landscaping of our new Sustainability Centre within the Senior School Vegetable Garden precinct.
This award launches an exciting collaboration between our Earthcore students and RB Landscapes. Together, they will develop a design that is functional, beautiful and environmentally sustainable. Following this, the students will take the lead on fundraising, sourcing materials and ultimately bringing the landscape vision to life.
We look forward to watching this project take shape in 2026!
Sports News
Junior School - SSV State Athletics
The SSV State Athletics Championships took place in November. Rocco T (Year 5) competed in the 11 boys 80m hurdles where he placed 4th in the second heat with a PB to qualify for the final. In very strong competition, he placed 4th in the final achieving a PB time of 12.82.
Mikayla W (Year 5) competed in the 11 girls triple jump and 11 girls long jump. Despite being injured, she placed 6th in triple jump with a jump of 9.20m and 7th in long jump with a jump of 4.19m.
Outstanding results and congratulations to Rocco and Mikayla!
Vocational Education and Training (VET) News
It was a pleasure to attend The Gordon’s Shining Stars Awards ceremony on Monday night—an evening full of glitz and glam, celebrating the talents and achievements of students in VET in Schools, SBATs, apprenticeships and the wide range of TAFE courses on offer in Hair, Beauty, and Floristry.
A special highlight was seeing Lila M (Year 11) receive an Outstanding Achievement award in VET in Schools – Beauty Therapy in her first year of study. This award recognises her hard work, commitment, and dedication to her VET studies in 2025.
Well done, Lila!
Future Pathways and Education News
Support for Year 12 students 2025 during change of preference time
Recently, all year 12 students were emailed with key dates and details about contacting the Future Pathways Advisors at Kardinia International College during results & change of preference for support and to set up meeting times.
We look forward to supporting our students to achieve their goals. Best wishes for the future.
Futurepathways@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Wellbeing Hub News
Insights Article
Time is Love: Why Being Present Matters More Than Ever.
In the whirlwind of school runs, work meetings, laundry piles, and life’s endless to-do lists, it’s easy for family time to fall to the bottom of our priorities. We’re “there” with our children, but are we truly with them? One powerful truth from our family’s journey—and from years of research and real-world parenting—is this: To our kids, love is spelled T-I-M-E.
As families around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas by decorating their homes, singing carols, buying gifts and planning feasts, often the true meaning of Christmas can be lost due the commercial exploitation of this time of year. Many people see it as a joyous occasion to spend with family and friends, but for others it is viewed as a stressful and challenging time attributed by a combination of things such as financial pressures, relationship issues, and quite often, loneliness.
During the Christmas period, there is a huge increase in the number of calls to support organisations. Many of these callers are considered to be in a high-risk category and sadly, this is the ugly side to Christmas. Should you, or a loved one, ever feel that the pressure of Christmas becomes too much, it is important to seek help. Reach out to a trusted friend, talk to your doctor or counsellor, or phone one of the many support organisations available to you 24/7.
Read more here: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/surviving-christmas-au
UNDER 16s SOCIAL MEDIA BAN – A GUIDE FOR TEENAGERS
https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/under-16-social-media-ban-about
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Host Family Christmas Party
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful Host Families, who so generously open their homes and hearts to our overseas students. The spirit of community, friendship, and true ‘family’ shone brightly at last night’s annual Host Family Christmas Party.
A special congratulations to Miss Yuting for her outstanding leadership in guiding, supporting, and strengthening the connections between Host parents and their students throughout 2025.
If you would like to become a Host Family for our international students or like to find out more about the benefits of the Homestay Program, please contact y.zhao@kardinia.vic.edu.au We would love to have more Kardinia families join us.
The Combined Reunion – Classes of 2020, 2015, 2010 & 2005
The 5-, 10-, 15- & 20-Year Combined Reunion was held at Meet Me at Mary’s on Saturday night. It was a special community evening, bringing our alumni together to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate shared memories.
A heartfelt thank you to the staff who attended this event — Catherine, Ainslie, Brooke, and Ros — along with some of our GEMS, whose support ensured the night was a success.
The AFLW Kardinians Footy Tipping Winners
Congratulations to the winners of The Kardinians 2025 AFLW Footy Tipping Competition. The Leaderboard winners at the end of the AFLW season (Round 12) were:
1st place - $500 Manning C
2nd place - $375 Taylor & Georgia S
3rd place - $250 Will E
Prizes will be headed your way soon!
The 2026 First Day Back K-12 Parent Coffee Morning
All K-12 Parents are warmly invited to the First Day of Term 1 2026 Parent Coffee Morning on Friday 30 January. Head over to Centrepoint Café straight after drop-off at 9am and mingle with current and new parents.
There is no need to RSVP for this event, just come along and encourage other parents to join you!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The 2015 Whole College Photo to Celebrate 20 Years
In 2015, Kardinia International College commemorated its 20th Year Anniversary with the production of another whole-school photograph.
By this stage, the College had expanded to such an extent that the traditional scaffold arrangement was no longer practicable. Accordingly, the image was assembled through the application of contemporary technological processes available to photographers, reflecting both the scale of the institution and the innovations available at the time.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
