Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 17 June 2026

From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill

It’s hard to believe that it’s the end of Term Two already, and that it was only nine weeks ago we were planning for Founders' Day. There have been so many achievements, celebrations and challenges for all of us, and the end of a semester is an important landmark in the school year and provides a time for us to stop and reflect.

This week we have hosted the GAT exam, the first, and biggest, of our formal VCAA exams for the year. Our students were calm, organised and focused throughout the tests, demonstrating maturity and a sense of readiness for the exam period ahead.

Tonight is our Year 12 Mid-Year Dinner, with the Year 12 cohort and staff coming together to celebrate the end of Semester 1 for some good company, good food, and of course dancing together prior to moving into second semester and focusing on exams and pathways.

The term wraps up on Friday with House Music, which is one of my favourite days of the College year. House Music is an event where every single person can be involved, from House Karaoke to the performers on stage and the crew, and where every person’s contribution makes a difference to the whole. I cannot wait to see the performances on Friday!

We have a number of staff who are finishing up their time at the College at the end of this term. Some have only been with us for short periods, covering for short-term absences; we are very grateful to Fiona Watson, Agnes Tymms, John O’Neil, Koby Webb and Jamie Saunders for their work at the College this semester. Also finishing up with us after longer periods are Lochie Verhagen and Sigourney English. Both these staff have made wonderful contributions to the College in their time with us. Finally, we have some much longer-term staff members who are finishing at the College. Sue Siketa and Steve Siketa have been on Long Service Leave for an extended period but formally conclude their time at the end of this term. Both Sue and Steve have been instrumental in the Art, Maths and Science departments, as well as in the co-curricular program and as Tutor Group teachers for a number of years. We wish them well in retirement. Finally, Ann-Marie Iversen is also finishing her time at the College at the end of this term. Ann-Marie has been a much-loved member of the Art department for a number of years, as well as being active in developing our RAP, and most recently, as an ambassador for the Mother’s Day Classic. We wish Ann-Marie well.

Key Dates for Term 3:

• Tuesday 14 July – Students Return

• Monday 27 July – Year 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews (Year 12 subjects only)

• Thursday 30 July – Tuesday 4 August – College Photos

• Thursday 6 August – Year 7 Immunisations

• Thursday 13 August – Saturday 15 August – 30th Anniversary College Production

• Wednesday 19 August – Year 9 Morrisby Testing

• Wednesday 26 August – Year 11 Formal

• Monday 7 September – 2027 College Prefect Elections

• Tuesday 8 September – Year 7-11 Parent-Teacher Interviews (from 3:40pm)

• Tuesday 8 September – Friday 18 September – IB Mock Exams

• Monday 14 September – House Debating Finals

• Tuesday 15 September – Friday 18 September – VCE Mock Exams

• Tuesday 15 September – 12:50pm Dismissal – Year 7-11 Parent-Teacher Interviews (from 1:40pm)

• Thursday 17 September – Last day for students (3:20pm dismissal)

• Friday 18 September – Student-Free Day – Year 7-11 Parent-Teacher Interviews

From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou

As we come to the end of a very full and rewarding term, it has been wonderful to see the growth in our children. Earlier this week, our Morning Melodies assembly was a highlight, showcasing the talents of the Choir, the String Orchestra and a number of impressive solo artists. A sincere thank you to Adam Burke for his leadership, and to our wonderful hosts, Ryan and Georgie, for their confident and engaging presentation.

A reminder to please check lost property, as we currently have a significant number of unnamed uniform items; the holidays may be a good opportunity to ensure all uniform pieces are clearly labelled.

Thank you for your ongoing support across the term, and I wish all families a safe and restful break. Have a great three-week holiday, and we look forward to welcoming all students back on Tuesday 14 July.

Junior School Staffing

Amanda Ruiz has been connected to Highview Kindergarten, since 2003, when her son Aaron commenced as a student. Although I have only known Amanda for a short time, it quickly became evident how meticulous, organised, dedicated and reliable she is in all that she does. Amanda will commence Long Service Leave in Term 3 and has made the decision to conclude her employment with the College. We thank her for her outstanding contribution and commitment to the College community over many years, and she will be greatly missed.

We also thank Katie Anderson, our Head of Sport, who will be commencing maternity leave from next term. We wish Katie all the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to welcoming her back in the future. During Semester 2, if there are any sporting matters or enquiries, please direct these to me.

Wellbeing Dog Update

Last week, parents had the opportunity to meet Millie at our Meet and Greet event. It was wonderful to share more about her role within our College community. Many parents commented on how calm and relaxed Millie appeared.

Millie also had her first interaction with some of our Lower Primary students who proudly shared the beautiful pictures they had made for her. 

As we prepare for Millie to become a regular part of our school environment, we are committed to ensuring that students understand how to interact safely and respectfully with her. In Week 1 of Term 3, Drew Baxter from Concept Dog Training will be speaking with all Lower Primary students. Drew will discuss appropriate ways to interact with Millie, as well as important information about having a dog in a school setting. 

The Grove Pop-up Market

We are holding one final market on Thursday, 18 June, outside the Junior School reception area from 8am. There will be a range of items available, including homemade relish, eggs, vegetable seedlings, as well as fresh mint and rosemary. A big thank you to our Year 5 students and staff.

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 Production News

This year, our College Production titled Reach for the Stars! will celebrate 30 years of Kardinia. The performance will honour musicals from past productions while exploring familiar themes such as friendship, opportunity, and gratitude for our founders, teachers and friends. Kardinia has a unique history, and this will be shared in the form of a musical revue – a style of theatrical entertainment which combines song, dance, sketches and comedy, showcasing the wide variety of talents of our students. We have over 100 students and staff who have been busy rehearsing and helping to create a performance the Kardinia community can all be proud of.

Tickets sales are scheduled to open on Wednesday 1st July through Humanitix, stay tuned for further details!

Mr Burke rehearsing with our Junior Ensemble Cast

Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning News

We are delighted to share that the recent Year 8 Glenelg Canoe Journeys were a great success. Across the program, students embraced the experience with enthusiasm, demonstrating a positive attitude and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. The stunning river environment provided the perfect backdrop for learning, adventure, and reflection, and it was wonderful to see students fully engage with both the challenges and the fun that the journey offered.

Throughout the expedition, students showed impressive resilience and growing independence as they navigated new situations, worked collaboratively in their canoe groups, and managed daily camp routines. Many formed new friendships and strengthened existing ones, supported by a strong sense of teamwork and shared achievement. Overall, it was a highly rewarding experience that contributed meaningfully to their personal growth, and we are incredibly proud of the way all students represented themselves and the College.

Music Department News

Australian Youth Classical Music Competition Results

The AYCM Competition finals were held at the Keith Humble Centre on Saturday 13th June. Out of the 11 finalists who performed on the day, three outstanding musicians were Kardinia students. Ella R (Year 12), Alice H (Year 9) and Jennifer Y (Year 8) all performed at an exceptionally high standard with Jennifer's outstanding piano performance winning the competition. Jennifer received a $2000 award and the opportunity to perform at the National Classical Music Competition on 11th July. We wish Jennifer all the best at the National Competition. Congratulations Ella, Alice and Jennifer!

Instrumental Pods

The Music Department is excited to introduce our new purpose‑built Instrumental Pods, designed to support both individual and small‑group instrumental lessons for Junior and Senior students. Their close proximity to Junior school classrooms and the School of Performing Arts means Junior students can move safely and quickly between lessons and their classroom.

Each Pod is fully equipped with high‑quality soundproofing, creating a focused and distraction‑free environment. This upgrade is a fantastic addition to our facilities and will greatly enhance our students’ ability to concentrate, practise, and enjoy their music learning experience.

Future Pathways and Education News

CitiPower Visit

Do you have electricity at your house? Have you ever experienced a power blackout? Are you into solar power and sustainability?

Are you interested in a career as an electrician? An electrical engineer perhaps. What about Marketing? Accounting even?

What does a linesman do and how much they earn? What qualifications do I need to become a Wind Turbine Technician and do I need to be tall to become one?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, this might just be for you…...

Representatives from one of our larger power supply companies, will be visiting Kardinia International College on Thursday July 16 at lunch time to discuss all things related to careers within the Power Industry including apprenticeships, jobs requiring university qualifications, scholarships, traineeships and so much more.

If you are interested in learning about jobs within this HUGE industry, come along to an information session on:

Thursday July 16, Auditorium, 12:50 pm, Bring a friend…!

Homestay Families Wanted - Japanese Homestay Exchange Program, August 2026

Kardinia International College is pleased to welcome a group from our sister school, Gotemba Nishi High School (Japan), this August. A group of 13 students (Years 10–12, boys and girls) and two teachers will be visiting Geelong from Tuesday 18 August to Monday 24 August (Week 6, Term 3). This exchange is reciprocal, with Kardinia planning to send a group of students and teachers to Gotemba Nishi High School in 2027.

We are currently seeking volunteer homestay families who are willing to share their Australian lifestyle and culture with a visiting student. Homestay families are asked to provide:

• A caring and welcoming environment

• All meals during the stay

• A bedroom (or shared bedroom)

This is a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful cultural connections and support our international partnership. If your family is interested in hosting, please email h.suzuki@kardinia.vic.edu.au for further information, including requirements such as completing the volunteer register and holding a valid Working with Children Check.

Homestay families will be supported by the Senior School Exchange Program Team. An online host family orientation session will be held prior to the visit to outline the program, share the itinerary, and provide an opportunity for questions.

Sports News

Junior School Division Soccer – Tuesday 9 June

Kardinia International College had a fantastic day at the Junior School Division Soccer on Tuesday 9 June, with both our boys’ and girls’ teams qualifying and representing the College with great pride.

Across a full day of competitive matches, both teams demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. The boys progressed through a series of tough games to reach the final, where they delivered a determined performance to secure a 1–0 victory. This outstanding result sees them advance to the Regional Finals next term.

The girls also had a strong tournament, playing consistently throughout the day before competing in the 3rd place playoff. In an exciting match, they came away with a well-deserved 3–2 win to finish on a high.

It was a wonderful day of soccer, with all students representing the College exceptionally well both on and off the field.

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!

Co-Curricular News

Earthcore

As part of our World Environment Day celebrations, we were fortunate to receive four chrysalises from local artist and College parent Britt Silvester, a Yorta Yorta contemporary artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural world and Indigenous cultural heritage.

Students eagerly followed the butterflies' development and took part in a competition to guess their emergence dates. Fittingly, all four beautiful Monarch butterflies emerged and were released on Friday 5 June, coinciding with World Environment Day. Congratulations to Bhrithi and Sonny, who were the competition winners with the closest guesses.

A special thank you to Britt and Indi for sharing this wonderful experience with our College community and helping our students connect with nature while witnessing one of its most remarkable transformations.y

Take a look at the video below!

Social Justice Committee

Timor Soccer Tournament

"This year, the Social Justice Committee’s annual Timor Soccer Tournament occurred across three big weeks with 12 teams. This was led by Charlie B-A (Year 9) and Sara K (Year 12) as their final project together. With the help of the entire committee and many staff members, we managed to run a successful equipment drive and bake sale fundraiser for our sister community Viqueque in Timor-Leste.

Congratulations to our reigning champs, Christmas Dinner, and thank you to all those who came to watch the matches. See you all next year!"

- Sara K - Year 12

Chess Club - Junior School

Register for Term 3 now! Held on Thursday lunchtimes, in the JS Conference Room 23 July - 10 September. Click on the image below to sign up or visit chessforschools.com.au

Wellbeing Hub News

Alcohol use can present significant risks for young people, particularly during adolescence when the brain is still developing. While alcohol is often viewed as a normal part of social life, early or excessive drinking can affect mental health, decision-making, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. For some young people, experimentation with alcohol may be influenced by peer pressure, stress, curiosity or the desire to fit in. How adults respond is important. By approaching conversations about alcohol with openness, empathy and accurate information, we can help them build awareness and develop healthy coping strategies.

Read more here.

Community Engagement and Foundation News

Alumni Volunteer Needed!

We are seeking an alumni volunteer, willing to assist Kardinia teachers with activities and the supervision of students of our Chiang Mai 'The Journey', Group 4, 2026. The program dates are from Monday 31 August to Saturday 10 October and graduates from 2014 to 2025 are invited to apply.

Please see our Alumni platform, kardinians.com for program and application information. Applications close Friday 26 June 2026.

K-12 Term 3 Coffee Morning

Join us for our first K–12 Parent Coffee Morning of Term 3 on Tuesday 14 July.

After the three-week holiday break and morning drop-off, take a moment to enjoy a coffee, reconnect with familiar faces, and warmly welcome new parents joining our community for Semester 2.

There’s no need to RSVP - simply head to Centrepoint Café at 9am. We’d love to see you there.

Parent Trivia Night!

Our annual Parent Trivia Night is on Thursday 30 July at Murphys Geelong (Upstairs) from 6:30pm–9:30pm, with trivia kicking off promptly at 7pm.

It’s always a fantastic evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition- be sure to secure your spot as seating is limited.

Tickets: $25 per person (Food and drinks available at bar prices) 

https://events.humanitix.com/2026-ccc-trivia-night

Teams: 6–8 people Form a team ahead of time or simply join one on the night. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with other parents, catch up with friends, and welcome new members of our community.

Hosted by the College Community Council (CCC), this event is all about fun and building community spirit! Don’t let all that trivia you know, go to waste!

Celebrating 30 Years - Thank You

Over 300 orders have been placed! Thank you for participating in this 30th Anniversary Commemorative Brick initiative. We are incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and participation. Stay tuned for further details about the paving and installation!

LAST CHANCE-Bookings close at the end of June - Ripples of Kindness: The Gift That Grew

Orders for the special limited-edition 30 Years Anniversary picture book 'Ripples of Kindness: The Gift That Grew' close on 30 June.

These books will be available for collection at the Junior School and Senior School reception this week or in the first week of Term 3. An email will confirm your book is ready for collection.

Thank you for owning a copy of our story.

June orders: https://events.humanitix.com/june-2026-ripples-of-kindness-the-gift-that-grew

CCC Family Footy Tipping

After Round 14, and with 17 members each tipping six correct games, competition remains tight! The Family Footy Tipping leaderboard now stands as follows:

1. Scott S
2. Peter P
3. Mark N
4. Holly R
5. Tania B
6. Simon B
7. Isabel W
8. Katherine P
9. Bec D
10. Scott E

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

Memories of House Music 2016 - 2025

Over the past decade, House Music has remained one of the most vibrant and anticipated events on the College calendar. From large-scale performances to innovative new formats, the evolution of House Music reflects both the creativity of our students and the changing nature of performance itself.

A Decade of Evolution

Between 2016 and 2019, House Music was defined by its large ensemble performances, where the collective strength of each House created powerful and memorable performances. Complementing these were small group performances, which brought diversity to the program and allowed for more intimate, creative expression. Together, these elements highlighted strong House spirit, high energy, and impressive coordination across large student groups.

Following the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions, House Music took on a new form from 2022 onwards. With the challenges of larger student numbers on stage, the format evolved to include House Karaoke performed from the audience, supported by smaller groups presenting on stage. In 2025, the introduction of the House Spirit Cup further recognised and celebrated whole-House participation.

The winning Houses for this period included:

2016 Winner- Thomson

2017 Winner- Morongo

2018 Winner- Gotemba

2019 Winner- Morongo

2020 Event Cancelled due to COVID restrictions

2021 Event Cancelled due to COVID restrictions

2022 Winner- Gotemba

2023 Winner- Cowie

2024 Winner- Thomson

2025 Winner- Cowie

2017 - Cowie

2022 - Small Group Performance

2024 - Small Group Performance

2025 - Cowie - Cookie R

2025 - Thomson - Daisy Q

Fiona Russell - College Archivist

Community

Casting Dreams Benefit Evening

Not long now, and all is looking very exciting! Tickets are still available: Casting Dreams

City of Greater Geelong - Community Workshops

Click here for a calendar of events.