From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
This will be my last eNews for the term as I head off in the early hours of Saturday morning with a group of 23 students for a three week visit to France.
Most of the time away will be spent at St Alyre, our sister school in the city of Clermont Ferrand. We have a wonderful connection with St Alyre built over many years. Madame Ekkel was instrumental in creating this great relationship and we are very grateful that we can provide this amazing opportunity to our French speaking students. We will have a reciprocal visit from the students from St Alyre early next year.
In a world where we currently hear so much about people wanting to divide and focus on the negative connotations of difference, opportunities such as this exchange enable our students to learn that the world is made up of a tapestry of perspectives, cultures and experiences that are not better or worse, but just different. Experiencing firsthand some of those differences and understanding how much we also have in common is an invaluable life lesson for our students.
Until I see you all again next term, stay safe and well and enjoy the upcoming break.
Au revoir!
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Tomorrow, we commence our Semester Two Parent-Teacher Interviews. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for teachers and families to discuss student learning. I’m grateful to our families for making time for these interviews, and to our staff for the additional work that is involved in preparing for these conversations. The home-school partnership is vital in supporting each student’s growth and wellbeing.
Further to my update last week about Marley (Year 7) winning a silver medal in the Division 3 Girls Ski Slope Style at the National Interschools Snowsport Championships, I’m thrilled to share that Darci (Year 9) enjoyed a very convincing win in the Division 2 Girls Ski Slope Style to take out the gold medal.
Congratulations also to Alex (Year 11) and Georgia (Year 12) who were both short-listed for the Innovation Award at the recent Geelong Youth Awards. Georgia, who is the president of the Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, was recognised for her leadership in building whole-school approaches to innovation, while Alex was recognised for his work with children in Cambodia and also recently, in leading the laptop project on the College’s recent visit to Viqueque in Timor-Leste. Alex was named as the winner of the Innovation Award for 2025.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
There are many examples of positivity and students taking action across the JS. This week I would like to point out a couple of examples for us to celebrate. There are links included if you would like to support them, but of course, the main thing is that we celebrate the contributions our students are making in our community. I would also like to highlight a positive parent communication and welcome you all to the footy colors breakfast.
Spreading the positivity
This week a teacher shared with me a positive email they had received from a family. The email had us both grinning from ear to ear for days. I’ve removed the names, but I wanted to share this with you to highlight how much impact some simple words can have. Thanks so much to all families that spread positive vibes.
Dear teacher,
Thought I would send you a good news email, as they do listen to you (even if some days it might feel like they don't!). I asked my child what he liked about his school the other day, and he said it has great teachers.
Thanks again for all that you do!
Kind parent.
Ana and Steptember
Congratulations to Ana (Y2) for taking on the Steptember challenge.
What is Steptember?
Steptember is a global challenge where people aim to take 10,000 steps a day throughout September. People who participate raise money for babies and children with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination.
The money raised helps fund therapies, early intervention programs, and research that give kids the best start in life. It also supports families with guidance and resources. By taking part, every step makes a difference – helping children with cerebral palsy build strength, independence, and brighter futures.
This is Ana’s second time fundraising for Steptember, and her goal this year is $500. To donate please click on this link https://www.steptember.org.au/fundraisers/AnaPyziakos
Novalie and the Children’s Cancer Institute
As many in the KIC community know, Novalie (6SP) launched 'Bee Brave Cards' in 2022 while undergoing treatment for relapsed leukemia. Over the years, she has sold her artwork, raising $25,000 for children’s cancer charities.
In exciting news, one of Novalie’s mug designs is now available at Freedom Furniture, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Cancer Institute. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so head into Freedom this month and look out for Novalie’s beautiful mugs!
Can you lend a hand at next week’s Team Colours Breakfast? We need volunteers from 7:45–9:15am (you can volunteer for the whole time or just as long as you are available). If you would like to volunteer, please email kicparentconnect@kardinia.vic.edu.au with your best contact details. If you haven’t volunteered this year, we will send you a copy of the school volunteer form to complete.
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
Music News
Contemporary Bands Festival
We’re proud to celebrate our vibrant contemporary bands program at Kardinia International College with an exciting night of live music at The Piano Bar, Little Malop Street, Geelong.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Doors open 6:00pm | Entertainment 6:15–9:00pm
Tickets: $10
https://events.humanitix.com/2025-piano-bar-pnfaaszj
Food available for purchase from 6:30pm
Featuring performances from: Wallflower/KIC Brass/Capital Funk/Amped Up/KIC Start/Square 1…and more!
This family-friendly event is the perfect chance to celebrate the end of Term 3, enjoy music, memories, and a very special farewell showcase from our talented Year 12s.
Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent /guardian.
Wellbeing Hub News
The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions, and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people.
This year R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 11 September, an annual National Day of Action and a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues.
R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year-round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, "Are you OK?"
Parents, caregivers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in R U OK? Day goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood, and supported. Parents can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health.
Many schools nationwide organise events for the R U OK? message, offering students opportunities to engage. Parents and caregivers can help by supporting their school in this endeavour or choose to organise your own event for your workplace or community group. Participating in R U OK? Day nurtures compassion and demonstrates our dedication to the wellbeing of the whole school community, reaffirming that together, we can make a difference!
For more information on R U OK? Day, access to FREE resources or want to host your own event, here are some links you may find useful.
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day
R U Ok Day at KIC
Whilst tomorrow is R U OK? Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Each day this week we’re sharing conversation starters on KICOnline we can all use to check in on family and friends, and others we don’t know so well.
There’ll also be The Great R U Ok? Day Duck Search of 2025 with a claw machine and prizes to be won and special treats available at Centrepoint.
(Note: Savoury items must be ordered online in advance. Sweet items will be available on the day. Limited numbers so get in quick!)
Community Engagement and Foundation News
College Community Council - K-12 Community Event
'Bloom & Brunch'- A Wildflower Planting Morning at Serendip Park
Join us for a vibrant morning of community, nature, and connection! Kardinia International College invites all K–12 families to take part in our Community Wildflower Planting Day at beautiful Serendip Park.
Together, we’ll help enhance the local environment by planting native wildflowers that attract beneficial insects and support biodiversity.
📅 Date: Sunday 9 November 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 12:00 noon
📍 Location: Serendip Park
🍳 BBQ Brunch Provided!
🎟️ Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/bloom-and-brunch
🌱 What to Bring:
- Gardening gloves
- Trowels
- SunSmart clothing & sturdy footwear
- Water bottle
🌸 We’ll be planting:
- Chrysocephalum apiculatum
- Eryngium ovinum
- Calocephalus citreus
- Rytidosperma caespitosum
- Rytidosperma setaceum
Thank you for supporting this Community event, hosted by the College Community Council (CCC).
The Kardinians First Decade Reunion 1996-2006
We are excited to invite Kardinians from the college’s first decade to a very special event: The First Decade Reunion!
Between 1996 and 2006, the college was a smaller, close-knit community where friendships often crossed year levels. If you attended at any time during those formative years, this is your chance to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate with fellow alumni and staff.
📅 Date: Friday 21 November 2025
🕙 Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
This is a ticketed event exclusively for registered alumni. Head to The Kardinians platform for further information and to access your complimentary ticket.
🎟️ Tickets available through The Kardinians: https://kardinians.com/
We can’t wait to welcome you back and celebrate the legacy of the first decade together!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Celebrating The First Decade of the College 1996-2006
The years from 1996 to 2006 were a time of close-knit community, pioneering spirit, and shared growth at Kardinia International College. The College was smaller then, and it was common to know everyone by name; students across year levels mingled easily, and staff played a pivotal role in building the culture we cherish today.
As we look back, these archival photos offer a glimpse into the heart of those early years; the friendships, the uniforms, the classrooms, and the moments that made Kardinia feel like home, especially for our international students.
Whether you were part of the first graduating classes, taught in the early buildings, or simply remember the joy of those foundational years, we invite you to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate together at the upcoming First Decade Reunion on Friday 21 November.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
A Message from the eSafety Commissioner
Regional Parenting Programs
(Click on the image below to see a calendar of events).
