From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
This week wraps up the end of exams for all our Year 12 students. As one student said to me, it is a bittersweet, relief that exams are over but feeling nostalgic already for the great times and friends at school. We will celebrate with our Year 12s and their families at the Graduation Dinner on Saturday night but on behalf of the entire College community, I take this opportunity to thank our Year 12s for being such an important part of our community and wish them all the very best for their futures.
Last Friday night the College Community Council (CCC) hosted our second annual Principal’s Dinner at Truffleduck. It was a wonderful night, commencing with some brilliant musical items from our College String and Woodwind Ensembles.
There were also some great speeches from Board Member and current parent, Paul Robson, and alumni, former College Captain and parent, Wes Self. Paul shared that he has come across many Kardinia Graduates and how highly they are held in esteem in the workplace, which was great to hear.
Wes also shared delightful stories about the benefits of a Kardinia education that he has experienced. He also set us the challenge of keeping up the great culture that has always been a signature of our school while at the same time continuing to innovate and move bravely into the future.
Finally, just a reminder of the parent student Cybersafety Evening being held online on Tuesday 25 November led by the Cybersafety Project. We already have many families signed up but are incredibly happy to welcome more. Please see further details later in this eNews.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
There has been a great deal of focus in the Senior School this week, with students in Years 10, 11 and 12 all undertaking exams. Today marks the last day of the 2025 Year 12 exam period, while the IB exams concluded last week. Thank-you to all our students for their flexibility and consideration around exam venues, making sure that they were quiet and mindful of those students undertaking exams. We have also had our Year 10 and 11 exams this week, with all students in those year levels completing exams in each subject. It is important for students to have formal exam practice before reaching those crucial Year 12 exams, and I have been so impressed with the maturity our Year 10 and 11 students in preparation for these exams.
Next week Year 10 and 11 students move into orientation for their 2026 programs. This week includes sessions on study skills and wellbeing, as well as specific details about organisational requirements for both the VCE and IB programs. Year 11 students will finish at the end of next week, and our Year 10s will head off on journeys all around Victoria, organised by the Outdoor Education Team.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
Term 4 Dress-Up Days Bring Fun and Purpose
As Term 4 draws to a close, students have the chance to celebrate in style with a series of themed dress-up days. These events not only add excitement to the school calendar but also support meaningful causes.
Upcoming Dress-Up Days:
- Friday, 21 November – Casual Clothes Day with a touch of black or gold. Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation to support the Uganda Conservation Foundation.
- Friday, 28 November – Japanese Week celebration featuring Japanese, Pokémon, and Sanrio-themed outfits.
- Monday, 1 December – Casual Clothes Day with a festive twist! Add a touch of Christmas.
- Tuesday 9 December – Casual Clothes Day and bring a gold coin donation to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Year Five Camp at Aireys Inlet
Last week, our Year Five students and staff embarked on an exciting camp at Aireys Inlet. The program featured outdoor adventures such as canoeing, bike riding, and tackling the climbing wall—activities designed to encourage teamwork and resilience. These experiences play a vital role in helping students build social and communication skills, strengthen friendships, and, most importantly, enjoy themselves in a fun and supportive environment.
We need your newspapers please!
If you have any newspapers, our Japanese department would really love for you to deliver them to the JS office this week. The newspapers will be used for Japanese week, next Monday 24 November - Friday 28 November. They are planning to use them for origami activities.
Junior School Japanese week!
Next week is Japanese Week in the Junior School. Many activities are planned, including classroom activities, comedy show, lunchtime activities, and a dress-up day just to name a few.
Social Media Changes are Coming
Cyber Safety Project - Online Family Workshop
From 10 December 2025, Australia’s minimum age for social media use will increase from 13 to 16 years. This change will affect young people under 16, as well as the parents/carers and schools who support them.
To help parents and children under 16 understand what's changing, why it matters, and how to prepare together, we invite you to an online information session presented by the Cyber Safety Project.
Date: Tuesday 25 November
Time: 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Register Here
School Immunisation Catchup Information
If you child missed immunisations at school this year, catch up is available through Barwon Health Immunisation, via the information below or contact your GP.
If you intend to go to Barwon Health and you think that your child will need longer than the routine 5-minute appointment due to nerves, etc, please phone 42154444 to book a longer appointment for your child.
You can book at Barwon health Immunisation service via this link Vitavo or phone 42154444 if you need assistance with a booking.
Immunisation Centre | Immunisation Hours |
Belmont Vaccination Centre 2 Colac Rd, Belmont, 3216 (enter off Reynolds Rd)- Carpark in between Bowling Lanes & Barwon Health. FOLLOW SIGNS | APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR ALL SESSIONS see below Wednesday and Friday mornings - 09.00am - 12.00pm
Wednesday and Friday afternoons - 1.30pm - 4.45pm
Saturday morning - 08.30am -12.00pm
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Korayn Birralee Family Centre 146-152 Purnell road, Corio, 3214. | APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR ALL SESSIONS see below Every Wednesday 9.45am - 11.45am
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Ocean Grove Boorai Centre, 4-50 Shell road, Ocean Grove, 3226. | APPOINTMENT ONLY FOR ALL SESSIONS see below 2nd and 4th Friday of each month 9.30am -11.45am
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Wellbeing Hub News
Insight Article: A Safer Digital Future: What Parents Need to Know About Australia’s New Social Media Age Laws by Dr Justin Coulson.
From December 10 this year, Australia will lead the world in a major change to online safety. New legislation will restrict children under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts — including popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). (Other platforms such as Roblox and Discord have not been identified as “in” or “out” at time of publication.)
It’s a huge - and positive - step. And for many families, it will mean big changes to how kids connect, communicate, and spend their time online.
Celebrations, partying and socialising are a fundamental rite of passage and one of the most important aspects of a young person's life. Although the prospect might seem somewhat daunting or even terrifying for parents and caregivers, keeping young people safe can often be a compromise and a challenge.
Your son or daughter may appear to be physically large and mature, but this is not necessarily matched by their emotional maturity and responsibility in behaviour. Most young people try to do the right thing most of the time, but your leadership as a caregiver is crucial. Ensure you are a good role model and discuss your personal views on drug and alcohol use. Your attitude towards addictive substances can have an enormous influence on the way your teenager approaches their own use.
A celebration at home or at a venue for your teenager can be a fun and memorable event. It all comes down to careful planning. It is important to agree on the ground rules well before your event is announced to ensure there are no misunderstandings later on. As the host you owe your guests a 'duty-of-care' and therefore should take all reasonable steps to ensure everyone attending the party is kept safe. Every party has the potential to get out-of-hand, as sometimes it's hard for young partygoers to make good decisions. Communication and regular discussions are vital, particularly because young people are often faced with peer pressure to do things they prefer not to engage in.
For more information and practical advice, visit:
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Principal’s Dinner 2025
The 2025 Principal’s Dinner, held last Friday evening at Truffleduck, was a truly memorable occasion. This annual event provided a wonderful opportunity for Katsumata Circle members, K-12 parents, alumni, and KIC staff to come together in celebration of the year’s achievements and to strengthen the bonds within our school community.
Guests were welcomed with elegant pre-dinner entertainment in the gardens, followed by a delicious meal, fine wine, and the best of company.
REMINDER - Invitation to TONIGHT’S AGM – College Community Council
We warmly invite all parents to support the Kardinia community by attending TONIGHT’S Annual General Meeting of the College Community Council - CCC. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Become a member
- Run for office
- Or simply come and listen in
Venue: Kardinia International College – Morongo House Board Room
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Your presence and participation help shape the future of our school community. Whether you're ready to take on a leadership role or just want to stay informed, your involvement matters. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP to: f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au
REMINDER - THIS FRIDAY- The First Decade Reunion 1996-2006
Were you a student or staff member during Kardinia International College’s first decade? Join us for a special reunion to celebrate the beginning of the College and those who were part of this history. Reconnect with familiar faces and reminisce on the early days.
Date: Friday 21 November
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
RSVP: Head to EVENTS on https://kardinians.com/ and RSVP to The First Decade Reunion.
Let’s celebrate friendships, milestones, and memories! We can’t wait to see you!
2026 Kardinia Community Foundation Golf Day
We are delighted to invite businesses to our 2026 Community Foundation Golf Day, taking place at 13th Beach Golf Links on Tuesday 31 March. This special event is dedicated to raising funds for bursary scholarships that help provide life-changing educational opportunities to deserving students.
We are offering a range of sponsorship options to suit different levels of involvement and recognition:
- Platinum Sponsor
- Gold Sponsor
- Silver Sponsor
- Bronze Sponsor
- General Donation
- Silent Auction Contribution
Your support—whether through sponsorship, personal donation, or auction items—will directly impact students who rely on these scholarships to pursue their education. Together, we can make this event a meaningful success and expand opportunities for those who need it most.
The sponsorship packages and links for registration and donations can be viewed at https://events.humanitix.com/2026-community-foundation-golf-day
If you’d like to discuss this opportunity further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 5278 9999 or via email at foundation@kardinia.vic.edu.au.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The First 10 Years Reunion
As Kardinia International College approaches its 30th Anniversary in 2026, we’re reaching out to those who helped shape our story during the very first decade.
To kick off the celebrations, join us for The First Decade Reunion (1996–2006) on Friday, 21 November.
- Tickets: Complimentary for alumni and staff
- Entry: RSVP required
Details: Visit the EVENTS section at https://kardinians.com for venue and time information
📸 Were you part of our early years? If you spot yourself in these photos, we’d love to reconnect — this celebration is for you!
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
Community Workshops and Holiday Programs
