From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
This week we are celebrating all things Science in the Senior School during Science Week.
There are some fabulous activities and events happening throughout the week. I would like to send a huge thank you to Mrs Dillon and her team of scientists for all their work leading up to and throughout this week. The options for our students to engage in the world of science is growing exponentially and it is great to see our students being encouraged to explore science and think like scientists too.
Scientific thinking is about so much more than knowledge. While discrete subject knowledge is an important component, the ability to ask questions, to investigate, to be curious and observant are also very important competencies our students need to develop.
These competencies can also be found in our SPICE framework under the Critical and Creative Thinking domain. In addition, there are other parts of the SPICE framework that support scientific thinking. For example:
Social competencies such as being able to collaborate and work in a team.
Personal competencies such as time management and being able to reflect on a process.
Intercultural competencies such as being able to take into consideration different perspectives and appreciate scientific discoveries from different cultures.
Ethical competencies such as considering the ethical implications of scientific experiments and their applications in the real world.
I encourage our families to engage your own budding scientists in discussions around these areas throughout the week and beyond.
Finally, on a very different note, but equally important to the development of the whole student, the arts are alive and well this week as final preparations are underway for the Senior School Production of Chicago Teen. This has been six months in development with hundreds of hours dedicated to rehearsals.
I wish all members of the cast and crew all the very best with their shows this week.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Tomorrow night is opening night for our 2025 Senior School Production, Chicago: Teen. This has been well over six months of work, with auditions commencing in Term 4 of 2024.
I’ve seen some of the dress rehearsals this week and it is an excellent show, with outstanding individual performances, but more importantly, and I think one of my favourite things about theatre, and musical theatre in particular, is the way that every individual’s contribution matters in creating the whole performance. The cast, the band, the crew, and the staff production team, every element of this production works together to create a wonderful whole.
Tickets are still available for all shows starting this Thursday and are available here.
I highly recommend getting there if at all possible – you’ll see over 90 of our students absolutely owning that stage!
Friday this week is Bullying No Way Day, and this year’s theme is ‘Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.’ Unfortunately bullying exists everywhere there are people, but every one of us has the power to make a difference. The words we use can build others up or tear them down, which is why it’s so important to think before we speak, write or post. Every positive action, no matter how small, can make our communities safer for everyone.
Finally, on Wednesday 20 August, we are celebrating Book Week across the school, with a whole-school Dress-Up Day. In the Senior School, this has been an entirely student-driven day and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone, staff and students alike, in costume.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
This week I would like to highlight some school related activities that have been happening outside of the classroom. Activities such as these do so much to enrich the students experiences and develop their communication, social and self-management skills.
Our Year 4 students have been enjoying Outdoor Education experiences while on camp this week. This shelter really took my eye, particularly the welcome mat. We are all looking forward to listening to some stories from the year 4 students when they return today.
Our Year 5 students have been keeping a watchful eye on the paddocks. This week, three sheep have given birth and all have had twins. This has of course generated an absolute buzz at the Grove.
The Western Metropolitan Regional Soccer Championships saw our Boys Soccer Team excel. They went undefeated in the Term 2 District Inter-School Competition and won the Division title without conceding a goal. At the Regional Championships, they won their first match, drew the second, and secured a Grand Final spot with a stunning goal. Despite a valiant effort, they lost the final but showcased resilience and sportsmanship. The team made the school proud with their performance and spirit.
KIC Taiko Club Starts Again
KIC taiko club starts practicing again. From Term 3 Week 5. Every Wednesday 15:30 - 16:00. In P16 portable music room. Limit to 11 spots among Year 4 - Year 12. First contacts, first gets. No experience necessary. At the end of Term 4, the club will perform in JS Celebration Assembly.
If you would like to join, please contact Mr. Ota (y.ota@kardinia.vic.edu.au).
Come along and support our students - Chicago Teen Edition is here!
Join us, and enter the glittering, jazz-filled world of 1920's Chicago. A world where ambition, fame and justice collide in spectacular fashion.
- 7pm Thursday 14 August
- 7pm Friday 15 August
- 2pm Saturday 16 August
- 7pm Saturday 16 August
Don't Miss Out! Click HERE for tickets!
Are you interested in Becoming a Homestay Family? 🌎🏡
Kardinia International College provides a very successful overseas student program for students from Years 7-12. Our program is growing, and we are looking for more people interested in becoming Homestay Parents!
Our Homestay families provide a caring and nurturing environment for our overseas students and receive weekly remuneration for undertaking this role.
For more information about Homestay please contact Homestay Coordinator Yuting Zhao at y.zhao@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Sport News
Modern Pentathlon
Will Nieuwenhuis in year 9 has been selected to represent Australia in the Modern Pentathlon this December, at the World Championships being held in South Africa. He will be competing in the U17boys Laser Run. Laser Run combines running and precision laser shooting in a thrilling, fast-paced format.
Congratulations Will!
French News
Model UN
On Thursday 31 July, nine Year 11 and 12 students of French participated in the Model UN in French on the topic of "Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development: Harnessing the Benefits - Safeguarding Human Rights". Students interacted in French all day, aiming to agree to changes to a resolution on the topic.
Well done to all who participated!
Wellbeing Hub News
School TV - Free Webinar
Community Engagement and Foundation News
VCE Music Showcase
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 have been preparing for their VCE exams.
Venue: The Piano Bar – Little Malop Street, Geelong
Time: 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!
KIC PIC Presents - This Murder Was Staged
It's opening night of a brand-new mystery play, but just as the killer is about to be revealed, the body of the play's director falls onstage instead. In that moment, the theatre becomes an active crime scene, and everyone from cast to crew to even the audience becomes a suspect. This Murder Was Staged is a fast-paced, backstabbing, backstage comedy for all to enjoy. For questions or more information, please contact Mrs Kemp j.kemp@kardinia.vic.edu.au.
Dates:
Friday 5 September 7:30pm
Saturday 6 September 2pm
Saturday 6 September 7:30pm
Venue: College Hall Tickets: $5 https://events.humanitix.com/the-murder-was-staged
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)
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/classical-and-world-music-concert
For more information, please contact roberm@kardinia.vic.edu.au (performing) or f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au (tickets and event information).
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Chicago Memories
As the 2025 College Production of Chicago-Teen opens this week, it’s fascinating to look back through the Archives and discover that back in 2003 the School Production, Broadway Goes to Hollywood, was staged at the Ford Theatre in the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
This vibrant show featured a selection of beloved musical numbers from Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, A Chorus Line, Fame, and Oliver, along with various musical ensembles. The production brought together more than 200 performers from both the Junior and Senior Schools, showcasing the depth of talent and enthusiasm across the College community.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist