From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
Last night I had the privilege of representing Kardinia International College at an event held by the Consul General of Japan, Mr Furuya Tokuro, to mark the 66th birthday of the Emperor of Japan.
When Gotemba Nishi High School was founded by the Katsumata family, the Emperor was six years old. Thirty years later, Mr and Mrs Katsumata founded a school across the world and our wonderful school commenced.
Now we are celebrating our 30-year anniversary and Gotemba Nishi High School its 60th year. At the event last night, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Honorable Ben Carroll, addressed the gathering and spoke about how important the connections between Australia and Japan are for both our countries.
He also specifically mentioned sister cities and sister school arrangements and the importance of exchanges between schools. We have been blessed to have such a strong and significant connection with Japan through the legacy of the Katsumata family.
Last night was a strong reminder to me of the huge benefits of our school having international mindedness and understanding as one of its cornerstones.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
We are very excited for the Senior School Swimming Carnival on Monday. Students will be participating in events, engaging in novelty events, cheering on their peers and chanting very loudly for their houses. Year 12 students will also be engaged in a Fashion Parade, where they’ll have the chance to show off their costumes to the whole school.
This is not a day that students may opt out of, like every school day, we expect all students to be in attendance at the Swimming Carnival, no matter their level of involvement. Thank-you to our families for their support with helping students to meet this expectation.
Please remember sunscreen, hats and rash vests, to make sure that everyone is sunsmart. Students need to bring their own food and water; there will not be opportunities to purchase food on the day.
Tuesday 3 March marks our inaugural Brighter Futures Festival. Further information will be sent to families in coming days, including a full outline of the event. We’re really excited to have our families on campus with their children, to think deeply about the future and to explore the very many subject areas and programs that are on offer, and to have a chance to explore the College together. Students will be dismissed at 12:50pm, with buses departing at 1:00pm and 1:05pm. Year 11 and 12 students are invited to remain on campus after this time, to engage in an expo put together by our Future Directions Team, incorporating presentation and workshops from a wide range of providers, focused on life after Year 12. There will also be an opportunity for families to engage in this program; further details will be available in the information to come.
From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou
Year 6 Investiture – Leadership in Action
This week we proudly celebrated our Year 6 Investiture Ceremony, a special occasion recognising our student leaders for 2026. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge those who have accepted formal leadership roles, while also reminding our entire community that leadership extends far beyond a badge or title.
In speaking to our students, I shared an important message: leadership is not something you wear - it is something you do.
Leadership is not reserved for the loudest voice, the most confident speaker, or even just for Year 6 students. It is demonstrated through everyday actions- choosing to include someone who is alone, doing the right thing when no one is watching, speaking kindly, trying your best when things are difficult, and taking responsibility when mistakes are made.
I reflected on my own experience as a quiet, introverted primary school student who never imagined standing in front of a school to speak about leadership. What I learned over time is that leadership grows through small, consistent actions- through integrity, courage, and kindness.
To those students who received a leadership badge, congratulations. Wear it with humility and remember that true leadership is about service- not being important, but making others feel important.
And to those who did not receive a badge: you can still be among the most powerful leaders in our school. Some of the strongest leaders are quiet leaders, influencing others through consistency and character.
As a whole school community, we are encouraged to:
Lead with kindness.
Lead with courage.
Lead with integrity.
Lead through action.
As our motto reminds us, wisdom leads to respect and friendship.
Because leadership is not about standing above others - it is about standing with others.
Serendip Sensory Garden
Last week, Parks Victoria invited us to celebrate the opening of the Serendip Sanctuary Sensory Garden.
Back in November, many students and their families gathered on a Sunday morning, where we planted dozens of wildflowers and native grasses at the garden’s entrance.
The Sensory Garden offers five natural spaces that invite visitors to connect with nature.
Each space is designed for visitors to engage with one of the five human senses to:
- See: vibrant native plants from window frames and planter boxes at various heights
- Smell: fragrant plants from timber seating areas made for relaxing
- Listen: to the sounds of birds and bees drawn to native flora planted to attract them
- Taste: learn about edible bush foods like Murnong, alongside a traditional grinding stone created by artist Glenn Braybrook
- Feel: textured boulders, native plants and a hands-on water feature.
Interested families are encouraged to visit Serendip Sanctuary and explore the Sensory Garden.
As a ResourceSmart school, we hope to conduct further planting at Serendip and hope you’ll join us as we work together towards a more sustainable future.
Mothers' Day Classic
We would love for you to join us on Sunday, 10 May, for the Mother’s Day Classic.
Our Community Ambassador this year is Mrs Ann‑Marie Iverson, who has created a team page, is supporting the event behind the scenes, and will be with us on the day. Several students will also be promoting the event as part of their CAS and Duke of Edinburgh programs. You can view or join Mrs Iverson’s live page via the link provided.
We will be walking or running to raise awareness and funds for life‑changing breast and ovarian cancer research. Please note this is a community event, not a school event.
To learn more or to register, visit: https://www.mothersdayclassic....
During registration, please remember to join our team: Kardinia International College.
We are also seeking staff and student volunteers for a variety of roles to help make this our biggest year yet. Further details and meeting dates will be shared in the Bulletin.
We look forward to seeing you there. Save the date and share the love this Mother’s Day - Sunday, 10 May.
Future Pathways and Education News
As part of our upcoming Brighter Futures Festival, we are excited to host a Pathways, Careers and University Expo in the College Hall.
During Periods 5 and 6, Year 11 and 12 students have the option to remain on campus to make the most of this valuable opportunity to connect with a broad range of providers, institutions, employers and Kardinia alumni.
From 3:30pm to 5:00pm, the Expo will be open to all students and families from every year level. We encourage you to come along, meet representatives, and ask questions about admissions, entry requirements and possible future pathways.
Our pathways resources can be found on KIC Online under the Future Pathways page. We also encourage families to make use of our Study Work Grow hub here
Kardinia International College – Study Work Grow Education which offers a wide range of information to support students in planning their next steps.
Work Experience at Kardinia
Work Experience at Kardinia is an opt‑in opportunity and is encouraged to take place during school holidays. The Guide for Work Experience 2026 is a helpful resource for both students and families, outlining the many benefits of completing a work placement.
Further details about the Work Experience process and the required forms can be accessed here.
Please note that Work Experience is guided by Victorian Government Legislative requirements, including:
- Students must be 15 years of age or older.
- Placements must take place within Victoria.
- Students cannot participate in industries considered “at risk.”
- Students are required to complete a series of Occupational Health and Safety workshops or online modules before their placement.
- All documentation must be completed and signed by the College Principal or Head of Senior School prior to commencement. A copy must remain with the College.
Work Experience placements can be competitive, so it is a great idea to start organising early.
Future Pathways Appointments for Year 12: Year 12 students are encouraged to book a Future Pathways appointment this term to set goals and map out their plans beyond school. These meetings are a valuable chance to explore options, refine ideas, and receive personalised guidance. Please make your appointment during a Study Period using the online booking system via KIConline – Senior School – Future Pathways – Make a booking.
For further information, please contact the Kardinia International College Future Pathways and Education Department futurepathways@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Mrs Kloe Woods
Library Services News
Dear Parents and Carers,
We currently have a large number of overdue library books outstanding from 2025.
As part of our normal procedure, students receive two automatically generated reminder emails each term regarding overdue items. If books remain unreturned, parents are included in the third reminder. An email outlining any outstanding loans was sent on Monday.
We do not charge weekly overdue fines. However, if items are not returned by the end of the school year, a replacement cost is applied.
Could you please check with your child regarding any outstanding books and assist them in returning these as soon as possible?
Any items not returned by Friday 20 February will have their replacement cost forwarded to Accounts Receivable on Monday 23 February.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain our library collection for all students.
Adria Juros, K-12 Library Services Manager
Wellbeing Hub News
School TV is a resource for schools created to educate parents and support families across all areas of mental health & wellbeing so that our young people are given every opportunity to not only succeed but thrive!
Although we all want our children to succeed academically, the foundation for that success lies not just in intelligence or motivation, but in the study habits they develop. Healthy study habits are essential for children to learn effectively, manage stress, and ultimately achieve their academic potential. Yet, in an age where distractions are plentiful and the pressure to perform is immense, it's more important than ever for us, as parents and caregivers, to guide our children in cultivating these habits.
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Host Family Welcome BBQ
Last Friday, our homestay families and overseas students gathered at Centre Point Cafe for our annual Welcome BBQ and Child Safe Information Session.
This term, we were delighted to welcome 11 new overseas students to our school community, along with seven new homestay families. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together at the beginning of the year.
The social event allowed students to build new connections and strengthen friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment. Meanwhile, host parents received updated information on our Child Safe policies from the Deputy Head of Senior School, Nick Fairlie, reinforcing our shared commitment to student wellbeing and safety.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of our homestay families and look forward to another enriching year of cultural exchange and community connection.
International Women’s Day Breakfast - Reminder
Join us for Kardinia International College’s 2026 International Women’s Day Breakfast as part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations. This year’s theme is “Honouring the past and creating bridges to the future.”
Enjoy a breakfast smorgasbord and hear from our Keynote Speaker, Dr Ashley Nesseler (née Kay, Class of 2000), with Ms Nikki Petyanszki (Class of 2001) as MC.
Event Details
- Date: Friday 6 March
- Time: 7:00am – 8:30am
- Venue: College Hall
- Tickets: Adults $25 | Students (VCE & IB) $20
We look forward to celebrating our community—past, present, and future.
Parent Mingle Night – Reminder
Our first social event of 2026 is almost here. All K–12 Kardinia International College parents are invited to ‘Mingle at Mary’s’ for a relaxed evening of connection and community.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
- Time: 6:30pm–9:30pm
- Venue: Meet Me at Mary’s, 66 Pakington Street, Geelong West
- Tickets: $20 per person (includes entry and nibblies)
- Hosted by: College Community Council (CCC)
We look forward to a great night together.
Morongo High Tea Invitation
Before Kardinia International College opened in 1996, the site was home to Morongo, a Presbyterian girls’ school with a proud history and a strong community. Each year, we are delighted to welcome former Morongo students and staff back to campus for the annual Morongo High Tea Reunion.
If you were part of the Morongo community—or know someone who was—we warmly encourage you to share this invitation with family, friends, and fellow Old Collegians. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the legacy that continues to shape our College today.
Event Details
- Date: Sunday 29 March
- Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
- Venue: Morongo House, Kardinia International College
Kardinia Community Foundation Golf Day – Get Involved!
Kardinia International College, together with The Kardinians and proudly supported by McHarry’s Buslines, invites you to be part of the 2026 Kardinia Community Foundation Golf Day at the beautiful 13th Beach Golf Links on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
This much-loved event isn’t just for golfers—it’s for everyone who wants to enjoy a memorable day while supporting lifechanging opportunities for students.
Play, Connect, Support
Whether you’re:
- a keen golfer,
- a casual social player, or
- a nongolfer who simply wants to enjoy the lunch and atmosphere,
there’s a place for you. Register as an individual, bring a team, or join through a business sponsorship.
What’s Happening on the Day
- Ambrose golf (teams of four)
- Relaxed clubhouse lunch
- Oncourse competitions
- Raffles and silent auctions
- Guest Speaker: Cameron Ling
- Postgame shoulder massage
- A fantastic community atmosphere
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday 31 March
- Time: 7:00am – 3:00pm
- Venue: 13th Beach Golf Links
- Tickets: Includes full golf registration, all competitions, lunch, guest speaker, and massage
- Lunch only tickets available for nongolfers only
Support Beyond Playing
We warmly encourage families—especially those with businesses—to contribute to the wine raffle or silent auction. Donations of products, services, vouchers, or experiences help elevate the event and directly support the Kardinia Community Foundation Scholarship Fund.
Your generosity, whether through playing, attending, or donating, helps create meaningful opportunities for deserving students.
Why Your Involvement Matters
Every contribution strengthens our community and supports scholarships that change lives. It’s a chance to enjoy a wonderful day while making a real difference.
We’d love to see you there—bring your team, your enthusiasm, and your community spirit.
For more information, please contact Fiona Russell, Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator, at foundation@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Celebrating 30 Years – The Geelong International School (Morongo) Ltd.
‘Once John Goodfellow was appointed Principal, planning for the new school continued at a rapid pace. The school was to be called, ‘The Geelong International School’. This was soon changed to ‘Geelong International College’. A concern was then raised that this new name was too similar to an existing school in the Geelong region. The College Board investigated the alternatives and settled on a name full of meaning and local significance.
Kardinia is an Aboriginal word meaning sunrise or new beginning…The College Board considered the name appropriate for ‘the dawning of a new era and a College for the new world’. The name Kardinia is full of promise in the future and grounded in local significance.
The first advertisement for the new College use(d) the original College name. As there were no students enrolled at this stage, John Goodfellow borrowed some students from a local school for the photos on the leaflet. They were dressed in a different uniform and had photographs taken in the library and on the steps of the administration block.’
Extract from Kardinia International College-The First Ten Years 1996-2005 P. Dowie
Next week: The College Motto and Logo
Fiona Russell-College Archivist
