From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
On Thursday 1 February 1996, students were welcomed for the first time to Kardinia International College. A small group of students in the Kindergarten, forty students in the Senior School and six teachers commenced the journey to where we are now, celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary. Much has changed over that time, but what has not changed are the values entrenched in our school motto Wisdom Respect Friendship.
Over the last 12 months our staff and groups of parents and students have been helping us to articulate what living that motto looks like in practice. Over the coming eNews articles, I will share with our community snippets of what has become known as The KIC Way, a tangible way to share what makes this school a special place to be part of.
For today, I just want to honour the remarkable legacy left by Mr and Mrs Katsumata which was fuelled by their innate desire to foster peace and harmony and build bridges to international understanding and a deep respect for all members of the human race.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Welcome to 2026 in the Senior School! We have started the year in such a positive fashion and I’ve loved the excitement as students make new friends, commence new classes and meet new teachers. A very warm welcome to our new students who have joined us from near and far; we are very glad to have you with us.
The start of the year in the Senior School is particularly momentous for our Year 7 students, who will be the Class of 2031 in a few short years. They have embraced life at Kardinia and have learned so much in a short space of time, with support from their Heads of House, Peer Support Leaders and all the staff who have run workshops during the ‘Right Start’ Program.
Our Year 12 students have similarly made an excellent start to the year and today have participated in the ‘KIC Start Year 12’ program. They have been involved in workshops with a wide range of experts to prepare them for the year and for life beyond school. Thank you so much to our Future Pathways Team for their work in putting this program together, as well as the VCE English faculty and the IB Core Team for organising sessions as well.
We are very excited to be hosting our inaugural Brighter Futures Festival on Tuesday 3 March. This event is designed to engage students and parents in understanding learning at the College, from subjects and programs to Co-Curricular offerings and expeditions. Our families have told us that they would love to be more connected to the College and more involved with their children’s education, and this event provides this opportunity. The Festival will commence at 2pm and a more detailed timeline will be shared in due course. We are very excited about the Brighter Futures Festival and look forward to seeing all our families on 3 March.
Congratulations to Year 10 student Vignesh, who has been elected Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong Youth Council. Vignesh has been an outstanding member of our Student Representative Council in 2025 and we are confident that he will be a wonderful representative for young people in Geelong this year.
Finally, congratulations to four students who have been selected as part of the VCE Season of Excellence based on their Year 12 results in 2025. Will (Class of 2025) has been selected for Top Designs: Media, Charlie (Class of 2025) and Max (Year 12) have been selected for Top Designs: Systems Engineering, and Lily (Year 12) has been selected for Top Class: Dance. We are very proud of you receiving this recognition and know that upcoming VCE students will benefit from seeing your work.
From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou
Junior School Assembly: Growing Together
As the new Head of Junior School, it has been a wonderful start to the year. I have already been struck by the warmth of our community and the care and commitment shown by our Junior School staff as they welcome children back and set the tone for an engaging and inspiring year of learning.
In our first Junior School assembly, I shared a little about myself, including my love of gardening and how I spent much of the holiday break tending to my garden. To make our discussion about growth more tangible, our Junior School Leaders, Elena N and Nathan Y, helped me plant a seed. I then invited the children to care for it, water and nurture it as it begins to grow. This activity illustrated one of our core values - Grow Together.
Using the idea of planting a seed, we explored how learning and growth take time, care and patience. I shared with the children that just as a seed needs water, sunlight and nurturing to grow, our students also need encouragement, support and guidance as they learn and develop.
Our teachers are deeply committed to caring for and nurturing each child, creating learning environments where students feel safe, supported and confident to try new things, make mistakes and continue growing. I also encouraged students to think about their own role in this process- by putting in effort, showing curiosity, and being kind and supportive of others.
I was also delighted to celebrate individual student growth. Ryan Z from Year 6 demonstrated his continued progress on the piano, showing dedication and a love of learning. His achievement is a wonderful example of how our students grow when they are supported and encouraged to keep nurturing their talents.
We are also excited to support the growth of others beyond our school community. Recently, Max H (Year 4) initiated a project to sponsor and fundraise for Macka Mackenzie, a talented para-badminton player, to help her travel to Bahrain in February and represent Australia in pursuit of gold. Macka has already won numerous medals, but travel costs mean she cannot compete at every competition. This initiative is a wonderful example of how we can encourage and support the growth and achievements of others. If you are interested in learning more about Macka’s story or contributing, donations can be made directly through the Australian Sports Foundation here.
Information Evenings
I am very much looking forward to meeting parents this afternoon at 2:30pm in the Junior School Conference Room, and later at The Grove with our Year 5 families. We also look forward to gathering on Thursday evening for the K–6 Information Evening, where our teachers are eager to connect with parents, share insights into the year ahead and begin building strong partnerships. The evening will commence at 6:00pm in the Katsumata Centre.
It is a wonderful way to begin the year- strengthening relationships and continuing to grow together as a community. We look forward to working closely with families to support the ongoing growth and wellbeing of every child.
Junior School Committees - An Invitation to Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 Students
In the coming weeks, students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are invited to join a variety of student-led committees that meet every two weeks during one lunchtime. Each committee is guided by two Year 6 leaders and a supporting teacher, and provides a meaningful opportunity for students to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the wellbeing and vibrancy of our school community.
These committees play an active role throughout the year by assisting in school events, sharing information with peers, and leading initiatives that make a positive impact. They are a powerful platform for student voice, encouraging leadership, creativity and a sense of belonging.
In addition to these options, the Grove students are encouraged to create their own committees and groups that reflect their interests and are directly connected to The Grove.
Committees that students are invited to join:
- Student Action: Supports student-led initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across the Junior School.
- RAGE: Coordinates games and activities for Upper Primary students to promote fun and connection.
- JAM JARS: Provides recreational activities for Lower Primary students, fostering play and engagement.
- Planeteers: Leads events and actions focused on environmental awareness and sustainability.
- Performing Arts: Organises musical events and performances, celebrating student talent and creativity.
- Techsperts: Creates and runs IT-based games and activities during lunchtime.
- International Mindedness: Promotes intercultural understanding by celebrating cultural holidays, special occasions, and diversity.
- The Student Representative Council is another way to get involved. Students nominate a representative in each learning group to meet every two weeks and discuss ideas, requests and any matters that are raised by their peers in their learning group.
Joining a committee is a fantastic way to make a difference, build friendships, and help shape our Junior School community.
To our students - Are you ready to get involved?
Sign-up details will be shared shortly. Our leaders will also meet with the students in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to discuss this in more detail.
2026 Junior School Investiture Ceremony
We are delighted to invite you to the 2026 Year 6 Leaders Investiture Ceremony, a special occasion where we formally acknowledge and celebrate our new Junior School student leaders.
The ceremony will be held on Monday, 16 February, at the Katsumata Centre. Proceedings will commence at 2:00 pm and conclude by 3:00 pm. All students from Foundation Year to Year 6 will be attending as we come together as a community to honour this important milestone.
We kindly ask parents to park in the Junior School car park, as parking near the Katsumata Centre will be reserved for school buses.
Families who have a child being presented with a leadership badge are warmly invited to sit in the front rows of the adult seating section so they can be closer to the stage during the presentation.
We warmly welcome all families to join us for this meaningful event and to support our Year 6 cohort as they take on their new leadership roles.
As always, we recognise every one of our Year 6 students as leaders of the Junior School, each contributing uniquely to the life and spirit of our community.
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
Privacy Reminder
Kardinia International College collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent/carer personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the College’s Privacy Policy.
Please take a moment to review the College’s Standard Collection Notice, available on our website https://www.kardinia.vic.edu.au/
For further information about how the College manages personal information, please refer to the College’s Privacy Policy.
Medical Centre/First Aid Room - Start of Year Reminder
Parents/Carers, please remember to provide updated student medical Action Plans and any student medication to the Medical Centre (Senior School) or the First Aid Room (Junior School).
Please be aware that students are not permitted to transport medications from home (with the exception of asthma puffers and adrenaline pens – i.e. Epi Pens).
We kindly ask that parents/carers check that medical action plans are up to date and that medication is checked and in date.
Right Start - Year 7 Induction Program
Student Reflection by Year 7 student Ned M, Thomson Higashi
"The Right Start Program is a series of days designed to help familiarise students with the college campus and teach them vital skills that will help them throughout their year and college experience.
I had the pleasure of taking part in an explanation of how to select your Wednesday afternoon and GISSA sport, then played some movement and teamwork building games. Another session I enjoyed was the Find your Superpower and Future Pathway, in which I took part in numerous activities including a logo design, a dream classroom diagram, and a riddle solving puzzle.
Throughout the program I learnt a numerous amount of skills that will help me on my high school journey, like learning how to borrow books through KICOnline, being taught how to be safe online through a wonderful session brought to the Year 7's by Kiah, a school teacher in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, who shared her experiences online and what we can do to protect ourselves from harm, and most importantly... Our camp cabins!
This program made me feel more confident about starting my high school years. It is a great thing that KIC is doing and I'm sure my fellow peers would agree that without this experience, they would be missing out on so many vital skills.
This year, I'm looking forward to beginning my journey at KIC and surrounding myself with the extra opportunities that this amazing school presents, inside the classroom and out."
Duke of Edinburgh Program
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an Internationally recognised program where you make a commitment to yourself to develop skills, participate in physical recreation, contribute service to your community and to embark on an adventurous journey.
If you are in years 9, 10 or 11 and are interested in participating in this program, there will be an information session for future dukes and their parents at 7:00pm in the Auditorium on Tuesday 10 February.
A representative from Duke of Ed will be there to run through the program and answer any questions that you may have. This meeting will cover the support that you will get from Kardinia International College, the Adventurous Journeys and the timeline for signing up to the program.
If you are keen to hear all about the program and the commitment you will need to make, we will see you there.
Please email Mrs McKenzie if you have any queries.
Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning News
In the final week of school for 2025, our Year 10 students participated in an 'Experience Week' with 120 students taking part in five different experiences over the week: challenging themselves, learning new skills and developing new knowledge.
Some of the experiences included hiking through Wilson's Prom or the Bogong High Plains, Snowy River Rafting, Work Experiences opportunities and participating in Arts Camp.
Social Justice in Action
Over the holiday break, College Captain Alex, and Savannah S (Year 9) visited Kimbissa Primary School in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, bringing donated children’s books and school supplies to the students as part of Alex’s 'Books Without Borders' project.
Thank you to the many Kardinia families who contributed to the donation collection; Alex would like to share that 273 books were donated with 100 of them sent to this school and others in the region.
Wellbeing Hub News
School TV is a resource for schools created to educate parents and support families across all areas of mental health & wellbeing so that our young people are given every opportunity to not only succeed but thrive!
Click here for information and advice from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that the children are growing up!
However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children. Parents need to be aware of their child’s feelings during any school transition and minimise anxiety, so the process is an enjoyable experience for all. It is important for children to attend transition or orientation programs offered by schools. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs.
Read more here: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions
Book here: https://tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/event/raising-grateful-hearts-family-forum-
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Parent Coffee Morning
Parents from across the College enjoyed a relaxed and friendly Term 1 Parent Coffee Morning last Friday. It was a lovely opportunity for families to reconnect, meet new parents, and ease into the new school year together.
Our Parent Coffee Mornings take place on the first day of each term, offering a welcoming space to build community, share conversations, and catch up with familiar faces after the holiday break.
We look forward to seeing you at the Term 2 K–12 Parent Coffee Morning on Tuesday 21 April.
Parent Mingle Night – ‘Mingle at Mary’s’
We are delighted to welcome all K–12 Kardinia International College parents to our first social event of 2026: Parent Mingle Night. This relaxed evening is a lovely chance to build new connections, catch up with others, and enjoy time together as part of our vibrant school community.
We look forward to sharing a wonderful evening with you.
Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
Venue: Meet Me At Mary's - 66 Pakington Street, Geelong West
Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Tickets: $20 per person (Includes entry and nibblies) https://events.humanitix.com/2026-kardinia-ccc-parent-mingle-at-marys
International Women’s Day Breakfast
The 2026 International Women's Day Breakfast is hosted by Kardinia International College. This year the college celebrates its 30th Anniversary and our theme is 'Honouring the past and creating bridges to the future.'
Parents, alumni, staff, and VCE and IB students are warmly invited to attend this event. Tickets include a delicious breakfast smorgasbord with fabulous company and inspiration from our Keynote Speaker, Class of 2000 alumna, Dr Ashley Nesseler!
Tickets: Adults (Parents, Alumni and Staff) - $25; Students (VCE & IB) - $20 https://events.humanitix.com/2026-international-women-s-day-7zcpln4l
Date: Friday 6 March Time: 7am- 8:30am Venue: College Hall
Locating Community Events on KICOnline
Once you have installed the KIC App, head to the ‘News’ section to keep abreast of all 2026 ‘Community’ Events.
Kardinia International College celebrates its 30 Anniversary this year, so it will be HUGE!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Celebrating 30 Years - In the Beginning
‘The founder of Kardinia International College, Mr Yoshimaro Katsumata, brought the former Morongo Girls’ College site in early May of 1995. Mr Katsumata had ties with Geelong for many years. The school he owns in Japan, Gotemba Nishi High School, had been placing students in local schools for short term exchange experiences. The exchange program was run by the Australian Institute of International Understanding.
…When Morongo Girls’ College closed down, Mr Katsumata saw the opportunity of starting a new school which had, as its basis, the idea of reaching out and educating students, to have true international understanding.
…Mr Katsumata appointed Mrs Kiyoko Katsumata, Mr Yoshihisa Katsumata, Mr Katsushiro Shimizu, Mr Masaru Kuriharshi, Mr Graham Corney and Mrs Patricia Whitford as members of the College Board. The College Principal was to be made Chief Executive Officer, once appointed.
…Mr Katsumata took possession of the property on the 11th of July 1995. After finalizing the purchase of the Morongo property. Mr Katsumata announced he would be opening a new school in February of 1996. The Geelong Advertiser (12th July 1995) printed the following statement from Mr Katsumata: The new school offer a breakthrough of great significance for our Asian-Australian connections. In shape and form not unlike other prestigious campuses…it will be somewhat familiar and yet quite new. By moving into fully developed facilities the principal and staff will have maximum opportunity to develop a unique and powerful model of effective schooling.’
Extract from Kardinia International College - The First Ten Years 1996-2005 P. Dowie
Next week: A Principal is Appointed
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
Geelong Youth Choir
Geelong Youth Newsletter - City of Greater Geelong
Stay up to date with local events, programs, resources and professional development opportunities for young people (12-25), parents/carers and people who work with or support young people.
Receive the Geelong Youth Newsletter in your inbox only eight times a year – at the beginning of each term, and in time for the school holidays.
Sign up today, visit: https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/youth
Community Workshops
