From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
This week we have some very special guests at school.
The granddaughters of Mr and Mrs Katsumata, Nao and Ema, are visiting Kardinia along with Nao’s husband and three children (the Katsumata’s great grandchildren). The children are spending some time in classes in the Junior School this week.
Today, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ema and Nao and interviewing them about their memories of their grandparents, Mr and Mrs Katsumata, and their memories of the early days of the school.
The amazing school that we have today would not have been possible without the vision, passion and imagination of our founders, Mr and Mrs Katsumata, and it is so special that this link remains so strong today with the fourth generation of Katsumata’s sharing time with our community this week.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
I was lucky enough to see one of the rounds of House Debating on Friday, which saw Gotemba and Cowie face off on the topic: ‘Money is the root of all evil’. We saw passionate, thoughtful and considered young people who were able to pose credible, coherent arguments, no matter their personal beliefs about the topics. The House Debating competition continues across the term, with Junior (Year 7-9) and Senior (Year 10-12) debates occurring each week. Congratulations to all the students who are involved in this program – from researching, time keeping, and debating, it all contributes to the competition and its experience.
Year 11 2026 Course Selection Evening will occur at 7pm on Monday 11 August in the Katsumata Centre. For our current Year 10 students, this is a critical juncture where decisions between VCE and the IB need to be made, consideration of the VCE Vocational Major for some, or VET subject applications need to be completed. Considering future pathways, requirements and individual learners is a complicated and important process. I strongly encourage all Year 10 families to come along on Monday night.
Finally, we’re heading into Production Week for Chicago: Teen!, this year’s Senior School production. I’ve been fortunate to have already seen some rehearsals and know it’s going to be a spectacular show, which involves over 90 students on stage, in the orchestra and in the crew. I am so proud of all that these students have achieved and am grateful for the support of the production team and their families in getting this show on stage. Please make sure that you get along to see Chicago: Teen!
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
The Grove
This year the learners at the Grove have decided to experiment with some different recipes to make best use of the fresh vegetables they have been growing.
So far, they have enjoyed spring onion pancakes, roasted beetroot, bok choy with garlic and soy, broccoli and cauliflower soup. Later this week they are planning to pickle some beetroot and cauliflower.
The students are really enjoying these relevant, engaging and authentic experiences with food.
SSV Primary State Cross Country Championships
On Thursday 24 July, at the Yarra Valley Racing Club in Yarra Glen, Lily Armstrong proudly represented Kardinia at the SSV Primary State Cross Country Championships. Competing in the 11 Year Girls 3km event, Lily lined up against nearly 100 of the very best runners from across Victoria.
With fierce competition, she gave it her all and blazed through the course to claim an impressive 16th place — a fantastic result on the state stage!
Reaching the State Championships is an outstanding achievement in itself, and Lily’s performance is a testament to her hard work, determination, and commitment to her sport. She has set a wonderful example for her peers and younger Kardinia students, showing what can be achieved with persistence and passion.
A huge congratulations to Lily on this incredible result!
Car Park Reminder
A quick reminder to families that the JS Staff Car Park is for staff only. This zone is not a designated pick up or drop off area for students.
Have a wonderful week.
Chicago Teen - Next Week!
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Senior School production of Chicago Teen! There is a selection of cabaret tables, as well as theatre seating available.
Performing on the Katsumata Stage on:
- 7pm Thursday 14 August
- 7pm Friday 15 August
- 2pm Saturday 16 August
- 7pm Saturday 16 August
Click here to book your tickets!
Celebrating Diversity on Multicultural Day
"It was wonderful to see our school community come together to celebrate Multicultural Day last Friday with such pride and enthusiasm. Students and staff embraced their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional attire and sharing stories that reflected their backgrounds. It was truly inspiring to witness the wide range of countries represented and the vibrant energy that filled the campus.
A heartfelt thank you to all the IB students who generously volunteered their time, and a special shout-out to the staff and teachers who supported the day and helped make it all possible.
As an international student, it’s always uplifting to see the diversity within our school celebrated so openly. The pride each student carried in representing their culture is a powerful reflection of our school values and the inclusive community we are proud to be part of."
International Council - Jesse P (Year 11)
Library Services
Morris Gleitzman Visit
On Monday 28 July, Morris Gleitzman visited Kardinia International College to speak to our Years 5, 6 and 7 students.
Here are some reflections from students:
"I was extremely lucky to be one of the students that got to meet Morris Gleitzman. On Monday 28 July, Morris took a visit to our school, Kardinia and it was great experience to hear about Morris’s life as an author, his best books and new ones on the way, and other things such as how he writes his books. Morris stated that to write a story, you need to write about the characters biggest problem in their life. This problem could reach out into many other little details that brings the story together. When Morris plans his stories, he writes down where his main ideas will happen such as the problem, how they solve it, and it occurs. Morris uses these as a “map” instead of instructions because he would think of great ideas while he is writing, taking detours but still reaching his destination. Some of my favourite books he writes is the 'Once' series that consists of seven books. It’s about a young boy called Felix who meets a little girl called Zelda and they make an unbreakable friendship as they run from the bad and problems in their life. Morris talked about how he wrote these books and how his life could connect some of his work. Overall, it was a great experience, and it was a pleasure to meet Morris." - Bianca C (Year 8)
"Yesterday at Kardinia International College, we were lucky to have Australian author Morris Gleitzman visit us. Morris Gleizman has written approximately 45 books. He spoke to all the students in years five, six, and seven, sharing interesting facts about himself, his writing style, and his personal stories that inspire his writing. Morris made sure we had plenty of time for questions. Although we didn’t get to answer all of them, we learned some cool things—like how he names his characters. He also said that he doesn’t have a favourite character from his books, but he tries to become friends with all of them. While he didn’t pick a favourite book, he mentioned that he enjoyed the ‘Just William’ series by Richmal Crompton when he was a kid." - Sam L (Year 6)
Picture Book Competition 2025
Junior School
Senior School
Music News
VCE Music Performance at the Piano Bar!
Join us for an evening of live music as our Unit 4 VCE Music students take the stage at Piano Bar Geelong to present highlights from their final performance exam repertoire.
Expect incredible talent, a vibrant atmosphere, and a chance to support our emerging musicians as they share the work they’ve been preparing for their VCE exams.
Event details:
The Piano Bar – Little Malop Street, Geelong
Show starts at 6:30PM
Tickets: $15 https://events.humanitix.com/2025-piano-bar
Meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase
Please note: This is a family-friendly Kardinia Community event.
All ages welcome but under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Limited seating – book your tickets now and support our VCE performers!
Wellbeing Hub News
Happy Families Upcoming Webinar - Wednesday 20 August, 7pm
Helping Your Child Navigate a World of Worry
It’s heartbreaking to see our kids struggling with anxiety. The statistics paint a stark picture: anxiety disorders are on the rise, affecting approximately one in seven primary school children and one in four adolescents. We see our kids burdened by fears and worries, their confidence fading, and sometimes even experiencing panic attacks. As parents, we desperately want to help but often feel lost or unsure of what to do.
Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to support your child’s emotional wellbeing and help them build resilience in the face of anxiety.
Click here to register
School TV - Managing Screen Time
Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five- to 17-year-olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
AFLW Footy Tipping Competition
Registered Kardinians (Alumni, Year 12 students, GEMS and Staff) are invited to join the AFLW Footy Tipping Competition. Kardinia currently have two alumnae playing this season, so this is a great way to support them and cheer them on! There is no cost to enter!
Head to The Kardinians events or the link in the July edition of The Kardinians newsletter.
Prizes and Conditions of Entry
The Leaderboard winner at the end of the AFLW season (Round 12), will win: 1st place - $500, 2nd place - $375, 3rd place - $250.
*Where there is a tie, the prizes will be combined and split.
*Entry and prizes are void if participants are not registered Kardinians (Alumni, Year 12, GEMS and staff only)
Classical and World Music Concert
Hosted by Performing Arts Captain Millie R, this will be a fabulous night for our classical musicians to perform examination pieces, share their favourite classical music or simply experience the stage.
Date: Monday 8 September
Venue: College Hall
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm (doors open at 6pm)
For more information, please contact roberm@kardinia.vic.edu.au (performing) or f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au (tickets and event information)
Save The Date - The 2025 Principal’s Dinner - Friday 14 November 2025
An evening of elegance, connection, and inspiration awaits!
We warmly invite our community to come together for a special night of celebration and conversation.
- Enjoy a fabulous evening of socialising
- Hear from our Principal, Catherine Lockhart, as she shares her vision for the future
- Delight in fine food and great company
Ticket information will be released later this term – stay tuned!
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
School Photo Memories
School photos have been a cherished tradition at Kardinia International College since its founding in 1996. As Arthur Reed Photography returns to campus this week, the Archives team takes a nostalgic look back at some of our earliest Learning Group and Tutor Group photos.
These images offer more than just smiling faces—they’re snapshots of our College’s journey, capturing the spirit, friendships, and growth of our community over the decades. Whether it’s the fashion, the hairstyles, or the familiar faces, each photo tells a story of its time.
Neil Hick with his 1999 Tutor Group TNH
Lyn Norton with her 2005 Learning Group JLN
Geoff Peel with his 2010 Tutor Group GHGP
CHEESE!
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
