From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
Yesterday, I had the privilege of welcoming and presenting Professor Sandra Milligan, Director of Melbourne Metrics at the University of Melbourne, to the Association of Heads of Independent Schools Victoria Branch meeting.
Sandra and her team at Melbourne Metrics are looking to redefine how we rigorously assess and recognise what we value in the curriculum, not just scholastic attainment but the competences which contribute to the development of the whole person.
As a school we commenced working with Melbourne Metrics 18 months ago to begin to define in more depth and eventually assess the elements that make up what we term the SPICE (Social, Personal, Intercultural, Critical and Creative Thinking and Ethical) competences.
We have already commenced with some pilot programmes and will continue to roll out over the next few years actions both in our curriculum and co-curriculum programmes which will seek to embed explicit development and, eventually, assessment of the SPICE competences for students across the College.
It is exciting work and we are extremely fortunate to have Sandra and her team at Melbourne Metrics assisting us in navigating this space.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Looking ahead in the Senior School
- Wednesday 19 August – Trivia for Timor
- Friday 21 August – 2027 Subject Selection for Years 7-9 students
- Monday 24 August – Book Week Dress Up Day
- Wednesday 26 August – Year 11 Formal
- Friday 4 September – Casual Clothes Day (raising funds for Feed Me Geelong)
We have a group of students from Gotemba Nishi High School visiting the College next week, arriving on Tuesday 18 August. We’re so grateful to all the families who are hosting Japanese students and inviting them into their homes and families and helping to strengthen the connection between Kardinia International College and Gotemba Nishi High School.
Despite only being August, our planning is moving soundly into 2027 already. Last week we welcomed our new Year 7s and will see them again at their Head of House Conferences in two weeks. At the same time, we’re working with our current students on their future plans too. Our Year 12s have had a VTAC session and many have already put in preferences for Victorian Universities for next year. Our Year 10 and 11 students have selected their subjects and courses for next year, and on Friday 21 August our Year 7-9 students will make their initial Semester One 2027 Subject Selections.
Finally, one last reminder for ‘Trivia for Timor’ and event organised by some of our Year 11 students, which will be held on Wednesday 19 August. Funds raised at this event will contribute to the Community Centre in Viqueque, Timor-Leste. It should be a wonderful evening, and students, staff and families are warmly encouraged to gather a table and come along in support of the students’ fundraising efforts. Tickets are available from: https://events.humanitix.com/trivia-for-timor.
From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou
Dance Floor Comes Alive
Whether it was getting a fun temporary tattoo, enjoying a slice of pizza with friends, showing off their dance moves or creating glow-stick glasses, there was something for everyone at the Junior School Disco. The evening was filled with laughter, music and plenty of excitement, providing students with a wonderful opportunity to connect and have fun. A big thank you to our KIC Connect parents whose initiative and support helped make the event such a success.
New Life and New Growth at The Grove
It has been an exciting week at The Grove. Amongst the lambs that are only days old, with 31 lambs born over the past week, our Year 5 students also took part in National Tree Planting Day on Friday. A sincere thank you to Dan King and the Year 5 team for their initiative and leadership in organising this meaningful experience. The day provided students, parents and staff with a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the environment and deepen their understanding of sustainability.
Blessed with glorious weather, it was fantastic to see so many members of our school community come together to plant seedlings and small plants, and invest in the future of The Grove. The sense of purpose on display made for a memorable day, and we look forward to watching these plantings grow and flourish in the years ahead.
From Darren Chen and Tanush G - Year 6
For our PYP Exhibition action, we are collecting bottle caps to stop more waste from entering the ocean. Our Exhibition topic is: An inquiry into how pollution in the ocean affects marine life. Bottle Caps are NOT RECYCLABLE. That is why we are collecting bottle caps to make into carabiners. This will reduce waste and be used to keep our lockers closed, and things won’t fly out on a windy day.
The donation box is outside the 6MG classroom, which is down the hallway from the reception. Donate for a better cause!
2026 College Production News - Reach for the Stars!
Dear Students and Families,
Tomorrow night is opening night for our 2026 College Production Reach for the Stars! Performing for three shows on the Katsumata Stage, Junior and Senior school students are ready to showcase their talents as we celebrate 30 years of Kardinia. Featuring a variety of live musicians, dancers, solo performers and entertaining sketches, this revue performance will revisit past Kardinia musicals, embrace moments of nostalgia and celebrate all that it means to be part of the Kardinia community.
Tickets are $25 each, we have a group booking discount of 5 tickets for the price of 4. So, gather your friends and family, and join us as we celebrate 30 wonderful years!
To purchase tickets, click on the following link: College Production Tickets
If you have any questions, please email Ms Birley (k.birley@kardinia.vic.edu.au)
Congratulations to the following students who entered our colouring in competition, they have won tickets to our show! There were so much great entries, we increased the prizes:
Highview – Sophie H (K4CC) and Charles P (K4CC)
Foundation Year – Jasper Y (FYSM) and Aiden W (FYAM)
Lower Primary – Aria E (L2DQ) and Daisy R (L2KA)
Middle and Upper Primary – Hannah M (M3JP) and Oscar D (M3JP)
Lower Senior School – Eloise W and Edie P
Upper Senior School – Ava C
Music News
The Brothers Win Battle of the Bands!
We are thrilled to share that The Brothers (Year 11 students Charlie Callil, Charlie Hutcheson, Sam Carr and Jude Lane) have won the Amplify Battle of the Bands competition!
The band performed an impressive set of original songs at Queenscliff Town Hall and came away with the top prize. Their talent, creativity and dedication were on full display, making this a well-deserved achievement.
As part of their prize, The Brothers have been invited to perform at the Queenscliff Music Festival, an incredible opportunity.
Congratulations to Charlie, Charlie, Sam and Jude on this outstanding achievement. We can't wait to see what they do next! (Photo Credit: Patrick Callow)
High-Performance Athlete Program News
A profile from Year 10 student Abbey Chen - Artistic Swimming
'I began artistic swimming when I was very young, and it has been a major part of my life ever since.
Over the years, the sport has taught me discipline, creativity, and perseverance, and it continues to shape who I am as both an athlete and a person. One of my biggest challenges came when I trialed for the 2023 Youth National Team. I made it deep into the selection process but didn’t reach the final squad. Instead of letting that setback define me, I used it as motivation. I dedicated the following year to improving my technique, strength, and artistry, determined to come back stronger.
That hard work paid off. In 2025, I trialed again and successfully earned a place on the Youth National Team. Representing Australia at the Youth World Championships in Greece was an unforgettable experience, especially competing in the mixed duet with my partner.
This year has marked another major milestone. In 2026, I trialed for the Junior National Team and was selected. I will be travelling to Budapest for the Junior World Championships, and I’m incredibly proud to continue representing my country on the international stage. Looking ahead, I hope to keep developing my skills, take on new challenges, and continue growing within the sport I love. Artistic swimming has been a lifelong journey, and I’m excited for everything still to come. '
Neil Hick - High-Performance Athlete Program Coordinator
News from the Japanese Language Department
On Monday, we were pleased to welcome Asami and her son, Nao, who were visiting Australia from Japan. Nao is a former student of Mayumi, our Japanese Assistant Teacher at Kardinia's Highview Kindergarten, making the visit a special opportunity to reconnect.
During their time at the College, Nao and Asami enjoyed meeting students and staff and experiencing the warm and welcoming spirit of the Kardinia community. It was wonderful to see our values of Wisdom, Respect and Friendship on display as students engaged with our visitors. Thank you to Mynott-Sensei for hosting the visitors in her Year 5 Japanese class.
We thank Asami and Nao for visiting and wish them an enjoyable stay in Australia!
Future Pathways and Education News
Preparing for life beyond school starts with asking the right questions.
Yesterday, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to hear from Alana Kilmartin, founder of Unserious Careers who shared insights into building confidence, making informed choices and making the most of the first years after school.
Drawing on her experience working with hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, Alana shared practical advice to help students navigate the years beyond school with confidence and purpose.
Parents and carers are invited to continue the conversation by joining Alana's online workshop tomorrow, Wednesday 12 August, from 6.00pm (information will be relevant to all our Senior School year levels!).
Registration details can be found in KICOnline or via the following link: Unserious Careers Online Parent Presentation [Kardinia] Tickets | TryBooking Australia
Arts News
The celebrations for Kardinia's milestone 30 Year Anniversary continue with a very special Art Competition coinciding with the annual senior school Art Show!
Open to students, alumni, past and present staff, artworks can be created in response to the theme, 'Honouring the past, creating bridges to the future.' Plenty of prizes to be won! See Ms D'Alessandro for more details. Thank you to Hannah R (Year 12) for the competition flyer artwork!
Wellbeing Hub News
While many children can appear distracted or energetic at times, ADHD involves ongoing patterns of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity that can impact learning, behaviour and relationships. These challenges may show up as difficulty staying on task, forgetfulness, emotional frustration or acting before thinking. ADHD is increasingly recognised, yet it is often misunderstood, with behaviours sometimes mistaken for defiance or lack of effort. With the right understanding and support, however, young people with ADHD can thrive. Parents and carers play an important role by recognising early signs, maintaining open communication and working alongside schools and health professionals to help children develop practical skills, confidence and strategies that support their wellbeing and success.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
All community events can be accessed via the KICOnline app. Simply navigate to the 'news' tab and select 'community' to view upcoming activities.
Full event details, including information and RSVP links, photos and upcoming event dates are available there.
Bloom and Brunch - Save the Date!
The much‑loved Bloom and Brunch returns to Serendip Park on Sunday 18 October, 10am-12pm, offering a relaxed, family‑friendly morning for our community to come together. Further details and ticket releases will be shared soon.
CCC Family Footy Tipping
Congratulations to Mike H, who tipped an impressive 8 in what proved to be a low‑scoring round across the board. Despite the challenge, the Leaderboard remains unchanged following Round 22:
- Mark N
- Katherine P
- Holly R
- Scott S
- Simon B
- Tania B
- Drake Family
- Meri N
- Fiona R
- Isabel W
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
School Photos 2005
As we look ahead to creating a 30th Anniversary whole‑school photo, this time with the remarkable possibilities offered by AI, it is impossible not to reflect on the sheer scale of the task in earlier years. In 2005, assembling every student and staff member in the College for the Anniversary photo was a mammoth logistical effort: hundreds of people coordinated, positioned, and patiently gathered to capture a single historic moment.
That photograph stands as a testament to the dedication and unity of the College community at that time. Today, as technology allows us to imagine new ways of bringing our community together, the 2005 image reminds us of the commitment and teamwork that shaped our early traditions.
‘On the 17th of March 2005, a momentous occasion occurred with the taking of a whole school photo as part of the Tenth Anniversary celebrations. Approximately 1600 people were organised onto an enormous stand in full uniform. The resulting photo was amazingly clear and a spectacular display of the growth of the College over such a small period of time. John Goodfellow spoke to the College on just what an achievement this photo encapsulated.’
Reference: P. Dowie. Kardinia International College. The First Ten Years 1996-2005
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
