From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
Last Sunday, our community gathered for “Bloom and Brunch”, led by our College Community Council (CCC), particularly Davin Kroeger, Fiona Russell, and with the assistance of Senior School staff member, Nicole Holton. Together, we planted over 200 native wildflowers and grasses at Serendip Park, sourced from local seed from GenU. These species will attract beneficial insects, supporting a thriving ecosystem of lizards, frogs, and birds.
With insights from Kwai Chang from Parks Victoria and a shared BBQ brunch, the event highlighted our commitment to sustainability and caring for the environment, as a ResourceSmart School. We look forward to continuing this work, thank you to all those who attended.
A final call - only 8 tickets left!
The CCC warmly invites you to join us for the Principal’s Dinner - a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the close of another successful academic year. We’d love to see many of our parents at Truffleduck for this special evening of connection and celebration.
Date: Friday 14 November 2025
Venue: Truffleduck – 66 Hyland Street, Fyansford
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Tickets: $80 per person https://events.humanitix.com/2025-principal-s-dinner
Your ticket includes a gourmet main course and dessert catered by Truffleduck, along with tea and coffee. Tables seat 10 guests, and you are welcome to nominate others that you would like to sit with when booking.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Our annual Art Show was opened on Wednesday last week, which coincided with the official opening of our new School of Visual Arts. I am constantly amazed by the talent and skill of our students, and love reading about each of the artworks and the thought and message behind them.
We had the first of our Year 7 Outdoor Education camps last week, with Cowie students spending a night in tents and cooking outdoors at Anglesea, to build their skills before having extended periods away in Year 8. Despite the dismal weather, the students were wonderful, enjoying each other’s company and working together to pitch tents and cook dinner. A very big thank you to the staff who accompanied the students on this camp.
The weather also played havoc with our planning for our Remembrance Day Assembly, which we had hoped to hold as a whole school gathering. Unfortunately, rain and hail meant we had to move to our back-up plan, which was to stream the assembly into classrooms. Thank you to our Junior School leaders, Zac and Matilda, our 2026 College Captains, Alice and Alex, Angus for playing The Last Post, and Ms Humphrey and KIC Brass for their performance of the national anthem. While we are a long way in time from the Armistice of 1918 when the guns on the Western Front finally fell silent, it is important to stop and reflect on the enormous sacrifice and suffering that results from war. The values of those ANZAC soldiers back in World War I are a powerful reminder of the values that we still hold dear, 107 years later – sacrifice, resilience, mateship and a commitment to protect one another.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
Year Two Adventures
Last week our youngest campers enjoyed some Outdoor Education, including the famous Year 2 sleepover. Congratulations to students and staff for demonstrating outstanding resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm.
Year Five Camp
This week I look forward to joining our year five students and staff in Aireys Inlet for some more outdoor adventures.
Science Buddies Week 2: Exploring Pond Life Through Microscopes
Last Wednesday, our Years 4–6 students continued their exciting journey into the microscopic world during Week 2 of our Science Buddy Program. This time, the senior primary students visited the Senior School science rooms to investigate living organisms in pond water samples using high-powered microscopes.
Guided by enthusiastic Year 10 and 11 science buddies, the students observed tiny aquatic life forms—some for the very first time—sparking awe and curiosity. These sessions not only deepen scientific understanding but also build meaningful connections between junior and senior students through shared exploration and discovery.
The program continues to empower our older students to lead with confidence and inspire a love of science in their younger peers. We look forward to more hands-on learning and collaborative fun in the weeks ahead!
We need your newspapers please!
If you have any newspapers, our Japanese department would really love for you to deliver them to the JS office this week and next week. The newspapers will be used for Japanese week, which is week 8, Monday 24 November - Friday 28 November. They are planning to use them for origami activities.
Container Deposit Scheme Bins reach the Junior School!
At Kardinia, sustainability starts with student initiative! During our recent waste audit in the Senior School, Year 2 student Oscar noticed a gap in our recycling efforts and decided to take action. What happened next shows the power of collaboration and commitment to a greener future.
"Recently, when holding our annual waste audit, we had a year 2 student Oscar approach us over the lack of purple bins present in the Junior School. Oscar saw this as a big problem for the Junior Schools sustainability goals and wanted to do something about it. On Tuesday, members of the Senior School's Earthcore committee traveled to the junior school with a collection of CDS bins to help Oscar pull off his plan. Thanks to the dedication of Oscar to sustainability, the Junior School now has three new CDS bins for their use" - Mitch (Year 11, Earthcore committee)
Senior School Art Show
The annual Senior School Art Show opened last week, alongside the official launch of our stunning new School of Visual Arts. Once a Lower Primary Building, this space has been reimagined into a vibrant hub for artistic expression, blending heritage architecture with sustainable design.
Every corner of the newly renovated wing showcases the incredible talent and vision of our students. Don’t miss the exhibition — the final day is TOMORROW Thursday 13 November, 9am-5pm. All visitors during these business hours must visit Main Reception to sign in, where directions to the School of Visual Arts will be provided.
A big thank you to our amazing Art Department and students for their support of an incredible exhibition, Principal Catherine Lockhart for the official opening of the newly renovated building and local Wadawurrung woman, Kristi Watts for holding a wonderful smoking ceremony.
Congratulations to the award winners as judged by our Guest Artist, Odin Strbac Low.
Senior Art – Charlton L (Year 12)
Junior Art – Aarya N (Year 10)
Senior VCD – Henry E (Year 12)
Junior VCD – Miley T (Year 10)
Photography – Alex J (Year 11)
Junior Photography – Jasper M (Year 10)
Media – Alex L (Year 12)
Fibre Art – Hannah K (Year 11)
Sculpture – Alex L (Year 12)
Polglaze Award – Toby S (Year 12)
Mrs Katsumata Award – Sacha S (Year 12)
Principal’s Award – Charlton L (Year 12)
Wellbeing Hub News
Supporting Autonomy Without Losing Authority
Parenting involves a delicate balancing act: we want our children to grow into capable, independent decision-makers, but we also need to guide them with clarity, confidence, and care. That’s where the great parenting challenge lies—supporting autonomy without losing authority.
Click here for to read more about the five practical, evidence-based principles that can help.
Miss the webinar last week?
Entitled: Raising Responsible, Respectful Kids. You have 14 days recording access, so you can catch up whenever works for you!
Click here to watch: https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/answers-with-dr-justin-entitled-watch
The Australian Government will introduce new laws designed to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This landmark reform marks a major step forward in addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and development.
These changes aim to create a safer, more balanced digital environment by shifting responsibility back onto social media platforms to verify user ages and reduce exposure to harmful content. For many families, this is a welcome and long-awaited move that recognises mounting evidence linking early social media use with anxiety, poor sleep, body image concerns and reduced wellbeing.
While regulation is an important milestone, it cannot replace parental guidance. Families continue to play a vital role in helping children navigate the online world with awareness and confidence. This is an opportunity to review technology use at home, set healthy boundaries and start open conversations about digital behaviour. By understanding what these new regulations mean and why they matter, parents and caregivers can feel empowered to support their children's online safety and wellbeing through this period of change.
To stay informed about how these laws will work in practice, visit the eSafety Commissioner website for updates, tools and guidance.
You can also download the SchoolTV Family Tech Agreement to help your family set clear expectations around technology use.
Or, access our step-by-step guide showing young people how to download and save their social media data before regulations take effect.
These documents can be found at the bottom of this webpage, alongside the KEYpoints Flyer.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Final Call - Principal’s Dinner 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Truffleduck this Friday, 14 November. This is your last chance to secure a seat—only 8 tickets left!
Don’t miss out on this special celebration for the Kardinia International College community. Reserve now before it’s too late!
https://events.humanitix.com/2025-principal-s-dinner
Class of 2024 - 1 Year Reunion
Last Friday evening, Murphys came alive with the energy and warmth of around 60 Kardinians from the Class of 2024. The gathering was a joyful opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate one year since Graduation.
The venue buzzed with conversation, laughter, and heartfelt embraces as classmates shared stories, updates, and plenty of smiles. Whether reminiscing about school days or catching up on new adventures, the night was a testament to the enduring bonds formed during their time together.
It was a memorable evening filled with friendship, laughter, and the promise of many more reunions to come.
Broadway & Soundtracks Concert – Final Performance of the 2025 Series
Join Millie Roberts (2025 Performing Arts Captain) and our talented musicians for the final concert series event for this year: the Broadway & Soundtracks Concert, a celebration of iconic tunes and theatrical flair.
Friday, 28 November, 6:30pm – 8:00pm (doors open at 6:15pm)
Entry by gold coin donation. Tickets available at: https://events.humanitix.com/broadway-and-soundtracks-concert
Don’t miss this spectacular evening of music, memories, and show-stopping performances to close out the year in style.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The Inaugural Principal’s Dinner - Celebrating Community and Achievement
Held at The Geelong Club in 2024, the Inaugural Principal’s Dinner was a landmark occasion that brought together the heart of our college community. Hosted by College Principal Catherine Lockhart and proudly supported by the College Community Council (CCC), the evening was a celebration of the achievements, spirit, and shared journey of the year.
Catherine delivered a heartfelt address, expressing deep gratitude for the dedication of staff, families, and alumni, while also sharing an inspiring vision for the future. The evening was filled with warm conversations, meaningful connections, and a collective sense of pride in all that had been accomplished.
Guests included staff members, supportive parents and families, and alumni, each playing a vital role in shaping the college’s story. Together, they reflected on the year’s milestones, celebrated successes, and strengthened the bonds that make our community so special.
The success of this inaugural event has laid the foundation for a cherished annual tradition—one that honours our core values of Wisdom, Respect and Friendship through community, excellence, and celebration. We look forward to many more evenings that bring us together in recognition and joy.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
NICA Youth Mountain Bike Opportunities
Newtown and Chilwell Football Club Netball Trials
- Dates: 16th Nov – 22nd Nov – 30th Nov
- Location: Elderslie Reserve, Read St, Newtown
- Ages: 11–17 years
- Registration: Visit our website for link at https://newtowneagles.com.au/netball/
Playing with the club gives students:
- Additional training and match experience, helping to improve fitness, confidence, and game awareness.
- Exposure to different coaching styles and skill development, which can enhance their performance in school competitions.
- Opportunities for leadership and teamwork, as well as pathways into higher-level netball for those who are interested.
