Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 14 May 2025

From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill

This week is National Careers Week, which has been facilitated by our Future Pathways and Education Department. We have a focus on technology this year and started the week with an excursion to the Geelong Tech School for our KIC Flix students, who created a three-part film using a new media production stage, equipped with technology to provide highly versatile creative control. We’ve also had VR Career Experiences in the Learning Commons, which have been very popular.

Last week a number of our Senior School students participated in the GISSA Track and Field Championships at Landy Field. We took out the Junior Boys and Senior Girls categories as well as the overall school shield, which we won for the fourth year in a row.

We are very proud of Year 8 student Daniel, who was awarded the 2025 Little Gigs ‘Little Victorians’ Achiever Award. In 2022 Daniel founded ‘Casting Dreams’, aiming to support young people’s access to the performing arts, no matter their financial situation. To date, Daniel has funded 15 scholarships for local students. We are so proud of you Daniel – you're making a wonderful difference in the world.

Congratulations also to Year 10 students Angus and Ruby for their recent selection in state sporting squads. Angus has been selected in the Victorian Indoor Cricket Under 16 West Boys Team and will be heading to the National Junior Carnival in Perth. Ruby has been selected in the 17&U Girls Victorian State Water Polo Squad, which has an upcoming competition in Canberra.

Finally, a reminder that when dropping off or collecting their children from the College, only the dedicated pick-up spaces in the carpark area at the southern end of the Katsumata Centre, behind the tennis courts should be used. Where possible, we encourage parents to wait until after buses have left at 3:35pm to collect their children, to reduce congestion around the College and increase student safety.

From the Acting Head of Junior School - Nikki Petyanszki

Student Agency in Action at KIC

At Kardinia International College, we are proud to see student agency alive and thriving in our Junior School.

Student agency is about empowering students to take ownership of their learning. It means giving them voice, choice, and responsibility in the learning process, allowing them to make decisions, follow their interests, and actively contribute to their school community. Over the past week, I’ve seen so many wonderful examples of student agency in action. Our Year 1 students have been busy building structures to explore the properties of different materials. On Monday, our Year 2 learners planned and led assembly with confidence and creativity.

In Year 5, students have taken charge of collecting and processing eggs from our chickens, a practical and meaningful contribution to our community. Meanwhile, in Kinder 3, a keen interest in reptiles sparked a Roaming Reptiles incursion last week, bringing their learning to life in a memorable way.

Last week, our Foundation Year students stepped into the role of researchers during their visit to Common Ground, where they explored ways to help their garden thrive. Now, they’re eagerly planning the next stage of their garden project, and I can’t wait to see their ideas take shape!

These are just a few of the many moments that highlight how our students are engaged, curious, and actively shaping their learning journeys.

KICOnline

We would like to extend our thanks to the parents who have completed the KICOnline feedback survey. Although we had a limited number of responses, we truly appreciate the time and effort you took to provide us with valuable insights. If you haven’t yet had a chance to fill in the survey, we would be very grateful if you could spare five minutes to do so. The survey can be accessed on this link.

Please read the information below from Aisha Kristiansen, our Director of Innovation and Technology.

Based on the feedback we received, we have already made some adjustments that should enhance your experience.

Key Improvements:

• Class News Default Setting: The main feedback was regarding the news section. To make it easier to use, we have set the default to CLASS NEWS and reduced the number of items displayed from 10 to 5.
• Mobile Accessibility: Of the Junior School families that responded, the majority were accessing KICOnline from a mobile device. We have optimised the main features for phone view and would like to share some important features:
  
  • MY STUDENTS: Shows the students attached to your account.
    
  • CLASS NEWS: The default setting is now restricted to 5 news items. You can still explore other areas like ALL, WELLBEING HUB etc. by clicking on the categories, but the news default will be CLASS NEWS, where you can access information about your child's learning group. To view older news items, please click VIEW MORE.
    
  • MY GROUPS: Here you will locate information about our Junior School. If you have a student in Senior School, two groups will appear (burgundy for Junior School, blue for Senior School). In these areas, you can access everything from curriculum information to the Library Hub and co-curricular activities.
    
• We encourage families to explore the different areas of KICOnline and remind you to check out the Welcome to KICOnline video, which will help you navigate the space. Finally, if you would like to find out how your child is progressing, please click on their name and explore their Learning Moments.
  
  Thank you once again for your feedback and support as we navigate and improve our new Learning Management System!

Camp Australia Newsletter

Social Justice Committee - Science educator training in Viqueque

The greatest asset Timor-Leste possesses is probably its young people. They are energetic, keen and resilient. Providing opportunities for young people to connect and to achieve their dreams is the aim of any educator anywhere in the world and in short, this is what our connection with Viqueque is has always been about.

Making a real and positive difference in the world is also one of the core pillars of the KIC Social Justice Committee and one of our long-term projects over the last 3 years has been to support the development of Science Education in a Viqueque senior school: Escola 4 Septembre, a year 10-12 senior campus in Viqueque. This project was initiated and led by the SJC President Sara K and was to provide a professional training opportunity for science teachers, through an organisation called SESIM (Sentro Estudio Siensia no Matematica – or The Centre for the Study of Science and Mathematics in English!). This division of the TL Ministry of Education provided 2 days of wholistic and practical training in core science subjects – Physics (electronics), Chemistry (distillation techniques) and Biology (cell structure and identification).

The training was conducted through the facilitation of the Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools Project Officer, Mariano DaSilva, himself a Viqueque teacher and former deputy Principal. Overall, 13 teachers and 12 volunteer senior students from 5 local schools attended the training over 2 days.

Building educational capacity is certainly a long-term venture. This project provided opportunity for teachers to connect across different schools in Viqueque, to build confidence and connections with a professional body like SESIM. It was led by Timorese professionals for Timorese professionals and conducted on the principles of Timorese national educational priorities. For Kardinia International College, it also aligns with our own principles – after all – we are an international school and education is what we do! It was also initiated and run by Kardinia students who see the living motto for what it is – an opportunity to be global citizens who genuinely can and do make a positive and very real difference in the world.

Jonathan Chapman. Maths/Physics Teacher

Sport News

Equestrian Victoria Interschool State Championships

Congratulations to Piper and Georgie on their outstanding achievements at the recent Petstock Equestrian Victoria Interschool State Championships, held at Boneo during the school holidays (9–13 April). Piper took out the Primary Show Horse title, while Georgie won the Primary Show Hunter class. We wish them both the very best as they go on to represent Victoria at the Australian Interschools Championships in Sydney this September.

Many students participate in activities outside the College with family support, and while the College isn’t directly involved, we’re proud to celebrate their achievements. A formal process is now in place when students wish to represent the College in activities beyond our usual scope. Please contact the Co-Curricular Co-Ordinator Nicole Holton n.holton01@kardinia.vic.edu.au to begin this process.

Junior School Swimmers Make a Splash at Western Metropolitan Regional Championships!

The Kardinia Aquatic Centre was alive with energy as our talented swimmers hit the water for the Western Metropolitan Swimming Championships held in the final week of term 1 on Tuesday, April 1. With a spot at the School Sport Victoria State Swimming Championships on the line — and only first place earning qualification — the pressure was on!

Our swimmers gave it everything in a fiercely competitive field. The Boys 9–13 Years Medley Relay team and the Boys 12/13 Freestyle Relay team came heartbreakingly close, finishing second overall, just shy of the qualifying mark. Alex K also narrowly missed a place at States, powering to a strong second-place finish in the Girls 11 Years Breaststroke.

Meanwhile, Jimmy M made a splash in the 12/13 Years Boys Butterfly, placing a commendable third in the region. Not to be outdone, the Girls 11 Years Freestyle Relay team also stormed home to grab third place, showing just how strong Kardinia’s swimming program is becoming.

All other College competitors swam with determination and pride, many recording personal bests and holding their own against some of the toughest swimmers in the region.

A huge thank you goes to our amazing support crew — parents, grandparents, and friends — who filled the stands with cheers and encouragement all day long.

And a special shout-out to Rhianna Kennedy for her support, expert coaching, and guidance throughout the swimming season.

Congratulations to all our swimmers that competed this year! You represented the College with dedication, commitment, and sportsmanship — and we couldn’t be prouder.

REGIONAL SWIMMING TEAM

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS:

Elsie – Breaststroke Girls 9/10yr & Butterfly 9/10yr

Ivy V – Backstroke Girls 11yr

Elise W – Backstroke Girls 11yr

Alex B – Freestyle Girls 12/13yr & Backstroke Girls 11 yr.

Campbell C – Backstroke Boys 12/13yr

Zac G – Breaststroke Boys 12/13yr.

Jamieson M – Freestyle Boys 12/13yr & Butterfly Boys 12/13yr

FREESTYLE RELAY EVENTS

Alex K, Emily K, Katherine T, Ivy V - Girls 11yr

Campbell C, Lachlan S, Zac G, Jamieson M – Boys 12/13yr

MEDLEY RELAY EVENTS

Boys 9-13 Medley: Backstroke Campbell C, Breaststroke Zac G, Butterfly Jamieson M, Freestyle Lachlan S

Girls 9-13 Medley: Backstroke Alex B, Breaststroke Emily K, Butterfly Alex K, Freestyle Ivy V

Outdoor Education News

IDAHOBIT Day

On Friday May 17 we acknowledge IDAHOBIT as a day for our college community to go rainbow and stand up against discrimination. Whether you're part of the LGTBQIA+ community or you’re an ally – today we stand together.

You will find some delicious rainbow food in the canteen on Friday, and a fun tutor group Kahoot to enjoy.

https://www.idahobit.org.au/about-may-17/

Child Safe Standards

This is the fourth week of our series exploring the Child Safe Standards, which guide our College’s approach to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all students. Established under Ministerial Order No. 1359, these Standards form an important part of the legal and ethical obligations that all Victorian schools must meet.

This week, we are focusing on Child Safe Standard 4 - Involving Families and the Community

At Kardinia International College, we believe that child safety is not just the responsibility of the College, but a shared commitment with families and the wider community. Creating a child-safe culture involves everyone working together to protect and support our students, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and valued.

To meet Child Safe Standard 4, we focus on building strong partnerships with families and community members. This means engaging in open communication, creating inclusive environments, and ensuring that our College community is actively involved in shaping and maintaining a safe space for all children.

We know that the involvement of families in the life of the College enriches our students' experiences and strengthens our child-safe approach. This includes actively listening to your feedback, addressing your concerns, and providing opportunities for you to be involved in College activities that contribute to the safety and wellbeing of your child.

We are committed to ensuring our policies and practices reflect this inclusive approach. By working together, we can create an environment where every child is empowered, supported, and safe.

As partners in your child’s learning and wellbeing, we invite you to reflect with us on how we can continue to build stronger connections between school and home. If you have feedback or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact your child’s Head of School or speak to a member of our Leadership Team.

Future Pathways and Education News

Wellbeing Hub News

Happy Families

Conversations can be challenging with every age group, young and old, and for so many different reasons. With children and teens, just getting the conversation going can be the biggest challenge. How many times have you said, “How was your day?” only to be told “Good” or asked them what they did today only to be told “Not much”! So where to start?

Read the Insight Article here

Save the date for our next Happy Families webinar

Rewards are Just Punishments in Reverse!

Using rewards and punishments as a form of discipline was popularised throughout the 1970s as parenting programs began to be developed. And the approach is still popular today, for a couple of reasons. Join Dr Justin Coulson for Carrots & Sticks: Better Ways to Build Boundaries with Your Kids (and Students!) on Wednesday 18 June at 7pm AEST. Together you'll explore science-backed alternatives and move beyond outdated discipline methods. Read more here

To access the Webinar: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/kic Password: happykic

* We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the site will remember you. 

Young people today are navigating a rapidly changing world - economically, socially and emotionally. Many are struggling to find direction. For boys in particular, even a simple search for advice on fitness, confidence or relationships can quickly lead them into a stream of online content that promotes extreme or unhealthy ideas. This is the reality of the digital age and the nature of today's attention economy.

Click here to read more: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

Community

Parent and Carer webinar: Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men

We invite families to take part in a free webinar hosted by the eSafety Commissioner, designed to support parents, carers and educators in understanding the online experiences of boys and young men.

Date: Thursday 29 May
Time: 3.45 pm
Duration: 45 minutes

This session will explore how boys and young men seek connection and identity online, while also navigating risks such as exposure to harmful content and ideologies.

Key topics will include:

• Social and cultural influences shaping boys' online behaviours
• How boys build relationships online and where they may be vulnerable
• The impact of influencers, gaming and social media
• Strategies for building critical thinking and respectful online engagement

Details and registration for the parent/carer webinar can be found here: Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men