From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
As we wrap up another jam-packed school term, I extend my sincere gratitude to our staff, students, and families for helping to create such a positive learning community.
So much happens within and outside the regular school day to provide our students with opportunities to learn, grow and become the best versions of themselves and the end of term is a great time to look back and reflect on all that has been achieved.
I wish all our school community a safe and happy time over the school holidays, and I look forward to welcoming our students back to Term 4.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
As we reach the final days of Term 3, I am pleased to announce the appointment of our 2027 College Prefects:
College Captains - Fred B and Ava C
Sport Captains - Cooper H and Teagan R
Arts Captains - Rose H and Page P
Cowie House Captains - Sam C and Isabella S
Gotemba House Captains - Ruby B and Siena G
Morongo House Captains - Tara A and Stella R
Thomson House Captains - Charlie H and Poppy T
Congratulations to these students on their appointment. The selection process was rigorous, and each student demonstrated the character, commitment and leadership potential that will serve our College community well in 2027.
I would also like to acknowledge the many Year 11 students who put themselves forward for leadership positions. Applying for a role requires courage, reflection and a willingness to contribute to the life of the College. While not every applicant could be appointed, the quality of the field was exceptionally strong, and I thank all students who participated in the process. Their commitment to service and leadership remains valued, and there will be many opportunities for them to make a meaningful contribution to our community in the year ahead.
From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou
Student-Led Conferences: Celebrating Learning
One of the most anticipated and rewarding events in our Junior School calendar is our Student-Led Conferences (SLCs). As one staff member enthusiastically shared, "This is my favourite day of the year.” It is easy to understand why. The evening is filled with excitement and meaningful conversations as students take centre stage to share their learning journey with their families.
Unlike traditional parent-teacher interviews, students lead the discussion, guiding their parents through their learning experiences. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop confidence in communicating their thinking and understanding.
Student-Led Conferences are also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Parents and carers hear directly from their children about their learning journey.
Perhaps the most special aspect of the evening is the sense of pride that fills our learning spaces.
Events such as these do not happen without a tremendous amount of planning and preparation. We sincerely thank our dedicated staff, who work alongside students to ensure they are well prepared and confident to lead these important conversations. We also thank our families for their enthusiastic participation and support.
Student-Led Conferences are a powerful reminder of what is possible when students are empowered to take ownership of their learning. They are a celebration of growth, and one of the many ways we bring our commitment to student agency to life. As our staff member remarked, it truly is “the favourite day of the year.”
Team Colours Day – This Thursday!
Despite most Victorian teams being out of the finals, and even the mighty Cats missing out, we are looking forward to celebrating Team Colours Day this Thursday!
Students are encouraged to come dressed in the colours of their favourite sporting team and show their team spirit. Whether it's AFL, soccer, basketball, cricket, netball or another sporting code, we look forward to seeing a wonderful array of colours across the school.
We ask families to make a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Footy Colours Day, which raises funds for children and families supported by Fight Cancer Foundation. To learn more about this important cause, visit Footy Colours Day.
Thank you for your support.
As Term 3 comes to a close, I would also like to thank our students, families and staff for a wonderful term. I wish everyone a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead on Monday 5 October.
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
College Photos 2026
Our 2026 school photos, taken by Arthur Reed Photos, are now available to view and order online.
An email with your child’s unique ordering code has been sent out and includes all information required to access your 2026 images.
To access your child’s photos, you will need to either log in to your existing Arthur Reed Photos account and add your 2026 code or create a new account using the details below. Please note that you must use this year’s unique code to view the 2026 images.
How to view your images:
- Visit https://order.arphotos.com.au/
- Enter your unique ordering code
- Select “Add Another Child” if you would like to enter codes for siblings
- Log in or enter your contact details to access and order your photos
All photo orders are processed by Arthur Reed Photos and mailed directly to your home.
If you have any questions or need assistance, Arthur Reed Photos’ Customer Service Team can be contacted via email: customerservice@arphotos.com.au or phone: 5243 4390 (option 1)
Geelong Youth Award Recognises Novalie's Inspiring Impact
Year 7 student Novalie has been recognised with a Community Award at the Geelong Youth Awards, honouring her advocacy and fundraising efforts in support of childhood cancer.
The award was made even more special by the fact that Novalie was nominated by Year 9 student Daniel, who was himself recognised with the same award in 2024 for his charity, Casting Dreams.
Currently undergoing a bone marrow transplant at the Royal Children's Hospital following a relapse of leukaemia, Novalie was unable to attend the awards ceremony. In a touching display of friendship and support, her best friend Matilda, also in Year 7, proudly accepted the award on her behalf.
The recognition is a testament not only to Novalie's courage and determination, but also to the positive impact she continues to have on those around her through her advocacy and fundraising efforts.
The award comes as excitement builds for the upcoming SuperNova Spectacular, a community fundraising event organised in support of Novalie and her family. Click on the image below for tickets and more information about how you can support this amazing initiative!
We congratulate Novalie on this well-deserved recognition and acknowledge Daniel and Matilda for the friendship, kindness and support they have shown throughout her journey. "We're all cheering you on Novalie" - Matilda.
College Art Show - 30 Year Anniversary Special Edition
The Annual Senior School Art Show is nearly here, mark your calendars for Awards Night!
With this year's 30 Year Anniversary Celebrations, the Art Show includes a very special Art Competition! Come along to see entries from students, alumni, past and present staff, artworks have been created in response to the theme, 'Honouring the past, creating bridges to the future' as well as student pieces from various year levels, created throughout 2026.
Don't miss it! Awards Night: Thursday 29 October, 5-8pm (the exhibition will be up from 26-30 October, and open for viewing from 9am-5pm).
Sports News
Badminton
Recently, Kardinia students competed in the Victorian All Schools Badminton Championships at MSAC across three days, taking on some of the strongest school teams in Victoria.
The standard of competition was exceptionally high, and all students represented Kardinia with pride, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the event. Our Open Division Boys team faced a challenging draw against several of the state's strongest schools and placed 7th overall. The Division 2 Boys team also encountered strong opposition throughout the tournament. While results did not fall their way on this occasion, the team showed significant growth and gained valuable experience that will serve them well should they compete again next year.
A highlight of the championships was the performance of our two Division 2 Girls teams, who both finished second in their respective pools. Our senior girls, competing together as a newly formed team, quickly developed strong on-court chemistry and produced an outstanding result. Meanwhile, our junior girls continued their impressive growth in their second year together, building on the foundations established last season. Both teams should be proud of the hard work, improvement, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the year.
Congratulations to all students who participated. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented Kardinia and look forward to the continued growth of our badminton program.
Open Division Boys
Tee H, Tom L, Jonathan L, Hung K T, Colin W
Division 2 Boys
Matthew C, Maahir D, Jimmy N, Alec S, Keshav S
Division 2 Girls A
Fallon C, Madi M, Alva Shea, Jennifer Y
Division 2 Girls B
Esha A, Sophia D, Natalya K, Charisse S, Christine X
Co-curricular News
Interschool eSports Competition
From an idea inspired by an interschool eSports competition in Singapore to a regional event involving participants from seven schools, this is student agency in action.
After developing a proposal for Geelong Tech School (GTS), Year 12 student Xavier worked with students from across the region to bring the idea to life. A steering committee was formed with sportsmanship, camaraderie and positivity at the heart of the competition.
The inaugural event brought together 12 teams from seven schools to compete for the Mario Kart World championship trophy, creating opportunities for students to connect, share their skills and celebrate a shared passion for gaming.
Congratulations to James, Maxie, Samuel and Jonathan, who were crowned the inaugural Geelong Interschool eSports Champions after both Kardinia teams reached the finals.
A special thank you to all students involved, and to Paul at Geelong Tech School for supporting Xavier in turning an idea into reality. With GTS planning to continue the competition into the future, this is a wonderful example of student agency in action.
Humanities News
Friendship, respect and thoughtful debate were on display as a group of Kardinia students participated in the Model United Nations at St Joseph's College.
Representing China and Guatemala, Bhrithi, Evie, Sarah, Meher, Lucas, Sanjai and Ethan joined students from across the region in a mock General Assembly, debating the recognition and rights of Indigenous peoples around the world.
The experience challenged students to consider global perspectives, develop their public speaking skills and work collaboratively to address complex issues.
Congratulations to all involved for the way they represented our College throughout the day.
Wellbeing Hub News
Importance of Connection
"Connection comes in many forms. It isn't just about friendships or family ties, but also about feeling a sense of belonging, being part of something bigger and developing shared experiences and traditions." - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
Connection is vital to the wellbeing and development of children and young people. Strong relationships with family, friends, school and the wider community help build belonging, self-esteem and resilience. As young people grow more independent, these connections can change, with online relationships also playing an increasing role. By creating opportunities for meaningful connection, modelling healthy relationships and ensuring young people have trusted adults in their lives, parents and caregivers can help them feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate life's challenges.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Term 4 Parent Coffee Morning - Reminder!
The final K–12 Parent Coffee Morning for the year will be held on the first day of Term 4, Monday 5 October, from 9:00am –10:00am at Centrepoint Café.
We warmly invite parents to come along, enjoy a morning beverage, and reconnect with one another and with members of our Leadership Team. It’s a relaxed and friendly opportunity to catch up after the holiday break and begin Term 4 with fresh momentum and a warm sense of community.
No RSVP is required for this event.
Commemorative Bricks - Update
The commemorative bricks are now in production and will be installed in the college grounds during Term 4. Once this special area is complete, our community will be invited to visit and admire the space, recognising the many families and supporters who have contributed to this lasting tribute.
2026 Kardinians Reunions - Tickets Now Available
As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to announce that tickets for the 2026 Kardinians Reunions are now available. These milestone events are an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, celebrate shared memories and strengthen our alumni community. We would appreciate your help in spreading the word to fellow Kardinians who may not yet be receiving our communications.
The First Decade Reunion - 1996-2006
As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to invite all alumni and staff who were part of Kardinia International College during its first decade, to a special reunion event. This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the formative years that helped shape the College’s identity.
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Meet Me at Mary’s
Eligibility: All students and staff who attended the College between 1996 and 2006
Tickets are available at: Tickets for the First Decade Reunion
This commemorative evening honours the earliest chapter of Kardinia’s history and the people who helped establish the foundations of our vibrant community.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Celebrating 30 Years - The Whole School Trip to Japan in 1996
Kardinia International College’s inaugural year was defined by a bold and visionary undertaking: the whole school cultural trip to Japan in 1996. More than a travel experience, it was an early declaration that international mindedness, cultural understanding and global citizenship would become cornerstones of the College’s identity for decades to come.
In 1996, Kardinia was a brand-new school with a clear aspiration: to prepare students for a rapidly globalising world shaped by emerging technologies and increasing cultural interconnectedness. The decision to send the entire school community to Japan was both symbolic and strategic. It demonstrated that international learning would not be simply an enrichment activity, but a core part of the College’s educational philosophy.
The trip introduced students to Japanese culture, language and daily life, offering experiences far beyond the classroom. For many, it was their first time travelling overseas; for all, it was an unforgettable immersion into a culture that would become central to Kardinia’s identity.
A highlight of the 1996 journey was the establishment of the College’s enduring relationship with Gotemba Nishi High School. Students visited classrooms, participated in cultural activities and formed friendships that laid the groundwork for future exchanges.
The whole school trip to Japan did more than introduce students to the culture of our Founders; it established a model for experiential learning that would define Kardinia’s next three decades. It inspired future overseas journeys, exchange programs, sister‑school partnerships and the Chiang Mai program.
Most importantly, it demonstrated that even in its first year, Kardinia was committed to providing students with opportunities that broadened their worldview and strengthened their sense of global citizenship.
Photo: College Archives
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
School Immunisation Catch-up Sessions at Belmont Vaccination Centre - September School Holidays
Barwon Health Vaccination Centre - Rear 1-17 Reynolds Road, Belmont VIC 3216
- Wednesday 23 September- 1.30pm - 4.30 pm
- Wednesday 30 September- 1.30pm - 4.30 pm
- Friday 02 October- 09.00am - 12.00 pm
- Saturday 03 October- 09.00am - 12.00 pm
Bookings via this link Vitavo .
If your child might need more time for the immunisation process, please phone 42154444 so that we can custom book extra time for you .
Alternatively, you can book other venues at Barwon health immunisation service via this same link Vitavo or phone 42154444 if you need assistance with a booking.
Alternatively, you can book other venues at Barwon health immunisation service via this same link Vitavo or phone 42154444 if you need assistance with a booking.
City of Greater Geelong Youth Event
Open to the whole community, with a focus on local young people aged 12–25, the fair will feature live performances by young people, interactive activities and stalls from young makers. Fun, inclusive and welcoming, it’s a space to meet new people, hang out, build connections, celebrate creativity, showcase talents and support youth-led businesses.
From handmade creations and live sketching to original music and inspiring performances, this youth-designed market is packed with creativity, passion and local talent. Click the graphic below for more information!
Motiv8 School Holiday Program
Click the graphic below for tickets!
