Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 21 October 2026

From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill

Looking ahead in the Senior School

• Monday 26 October – IB Exams commence

• Monday 26 October – Year 10 Leadership Program (Periods 1-4)

• Tuesday 27 October – VCE Written Exams commence

• Thursday 29 October – Art Show Awards Night

• Monday 2 November – Student-Free Day

• Tuesday 3 November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

• Monday 16 November – Level D/E and Year 11 Exams commence

• Monday 23 November – Year 11 and 12 2027 Orientation Week commences

• Friday 27 November – Last Day for Year 11 students

• Monday 30 November – Year 10 Journeys commence

• Tuesday 1 December – Year 9 Wellbeing Day

• Friday 4 December – Last Day for Year 10 students

• Tuesday 8 December – Last Day for Year 7-9 students

The Class of 2026

Our Year 12 students marked their Celebration Day on Thursday with a Wild West theme. It was a wonderful opportunity for the cohort to come together, enjoy some well-earned fun and celebrate the friendships and memories they have built throughout their time at Kardinia. The day was filled with laughter, creative costuming and a strong sense of community.

Our Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony on Friday evening formally marked the end of schooling for this remarkable cohort. It was a meaningful occasion for students, families and staff to reflect on the journey these young people have shared and to celebrate all they have achieved.

Their path has not always been easy, finishing their primary years and beginning their secondary school journey in the midst of a global pandemic, but they have met challenges with courage, perseverance and care for one another. We are enormously proud of their growth and of the thoughtful, capable young adults they have become. As they prepare to take their next steps, we are confident they will carry Kardinia’s values with them and make a positive contribution to the communities they join.

Our senior students are now in Swot Vac, with examinations beginning next week. This is an important time for focused revision, balanced routines and looking after wellbeing. We encourage students to use their time purposefully, seek support when needed and remember that consistent preparation is more valuable than last-minute study.

Families can help by encouraging regular breaks, healthy meals, adequate sleep and a calm study environment. We wish every student the very best and acknowledge the dedication they have shown throughout the year.

Art Show

We warmly invite families to attend the KIC 30th Anniversary Art Show and celebrate the creativity, imagination and hard work of our students. The exhibition is always a highlight of the school calendar, showcasing an impressive range of work and giving students the opportunity to share their ideas with the wider community.

Please come along, enjoy the exhibition and support our talented young artists. The exhibition will take place in the School of Visual Arts from 26-30 October, open 9am until 5pm daily. The Awards Evening will be held on Thursday 29 October, from 5.00-8.00pm.

From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou

Camp Season is Here!

Camp season is well and truly underway, and these experiences are such an important part of school life. Last week, our Year 6 students enjoyed four days away from home, stepping outside their usual routines and home comforts while building independence and resilience. I would like to thank our staff who also spent four days away from their own families to make this experience possible. Below, we hear directly from Rupert one of our Year 6 students, who shares his reflections on the camp experience. As one camp finishes, another begins, and we wish our Year 3 campers all the very best as they head off tomorrow. We hope they have a wonderful time filled with fun and new adventures! Year 5 and Year 2 students will experience Camp later this term.

Year 6 Camp – Peninsula Outdoors

'Last week Year 6 went on camp to Peninsula Outdoors in Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula. We were lucky to catch the ferry from Queenscliff, which was a great way to start. Everyone was excited, we could move around and weren’t stuck on a bus for the whole time!!

We did lots of different activities including: archery, tree climbing, canoeing, rock pooling, surfing, radio regaining. We even camped overnight and cooked our dinner on a trangia. The camp had a Gaga Ball court and we learnt to play! It was so much fun, we should get a Gaga Ball court at school. The experience was more challenging than Year 5 because we travelled further, did more challenging activities and were away for 3 nights!

I liked surfing the most because I stood up and I found it easier because the boards were really big. I also liked the instructors for everything because they were knowledgeable and funny. The food was great.

We were all really tired and happy to see our families when we got home. We know this experience will help us with outdoor adventures when we go to Senior School.'

Week ahead-

22 October- Year 3 Camp departs
22 October- Co-curricular- Chess
23 October- Kinder 3 Family visit
27 October- Working Bee- The Grove
27 October- Excursion: Grove Canoe Experience Session 2 (selected students)
27 October- JS Choir
27 October- KIC Connect
28 October- GALS in STEM
28 October- Kinder 4 Family Visit

Cocurricular News

KICPIC (Kardinia International College Performance in Community)

The Suitcase Series -

'On Monday 20 students from years 7-11 associated with our Co-Curricular group KICPIC, travelled to the Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne to take part in the Suitcase Series alongside 5 other schools from around Victoria. Our prompt was simple: create a show less than 20 minutes long, exploring themes of climate change. Then came the challenge. As the name of the program suggests, all the props and sets must fit inside one suitcase.

The day began slowly, as we arrived at the bus bays a short hour after the sun rose, but having to be at school at 7:30 in the morning was the only downside of the day. Once at the theatre, the group had only five minutes to inspect the stage and run tech rehearsal before taking our seats in the audience. After two rounds of anticipation as the randomly selected schools were announced, we performed the show that they had been rehearsing for the last few months. It was an incredible experience for the 19 actors to own the main stage, and for the one tech student to work in the bio box with a professional.

However, one of the most incredible parts was receiving feedback from the industry as the producers of Ritual, Ritual, Ritual shared their thoughts on our devised piece. It became clear that we were not the only ones who had worked hard on their piece as we watched the other schools perform their creations. Seeing how other groups of students like us perceived the theme of climate change differently was fascinating, and the range of genres in the productions was remarkable. After a break, we returned to our seats, this time to experience Ritual, Ritual, Ritual, a show written and performed by industry professionals. This performance did not cease to impress everyone in the theatre, and the overall quality of all the talent in the room was simply outstanding. We also got to have a Q & A with the cast and creatives after the show. We can’t wait to see what amazing opportunities KICPIC offers next!'

Maddie B (Year 7) - KICPIC

Student Achievements

Rowing

Congratulations to Jamie B (Year 9), William B (Year 7) and William B (Year 9) on an outstanding performance at the Bendigo Regatta.

Representing Barwon Rowing Club, the boys claimed first place in the Beginner Quad event, crossing the finish line an impressive 16 seconds ahead of the field. They also achieved second place in Grade C competition against crews with significantly more experience.

A fantastic result after only a few months in the sport. Congratulations!

Wellbeing Hub News

Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life.

When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices.

Read more here.

Community Engagement and Foundation News

Celebrating 30 Years - The Japan Trip

As part of the College’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, a group of self-funded staff travelled to Gotemba Nishi High School to visit the place where it all began. Nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, which remained hidden behind cloud for much of the visit, the group received a warm welcome from Mr Yoshihisa Katsumata and members of the Katsumata family including Mr Takahiro Katsumata, Principal of Gotemba Nishi High School and grandson of the College’s Founder, Mr Katsumata. Following a formal welcome and exchange of gifts, the group toured the school and reconnected with the enduring ties between the two institutions.

The visit also provided the opportunity for staff to pay their respects at the Katsumata family gravesite, honouring the legacy of the family whose vision helped shape the College’s foundation.

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. Please share this invitation with our alumni from the first decade.

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.

Bloom and Brunch - A Wildflower Planting Morning at Serendip Park

The annual Bloom and Brunch at Serendip Park was held recently, with an aim to plant native wildflowers at Serendip Park, to attract beneficial insects and support biodiversity in the area.

A team of environmentally-minded families contributed their time to this event.

Special thanks to staff member Nicole Holton who sourced the plants, parent Davin Kroger and Serendip’s Head Ranger Kwai, who coordinated the event.

CALL OUT TO ALUMNI - 2027 Chiang Mai Program Assistant

Calling for Volunteers for our Chiang Mai, The Journey program in 2027. Graduates from Year 12, 2026 and from 2015 to 2025 are invited to apply.
•Do you have a thirst for travelling and experiencing different cultures?
•Are you considering a GAP year?
•Are you available to volunteer for a 6-week (expenses paid) program assisting staff and students at our Kardinia Sum Pun campus in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
•Do you enjoy a team environment and a warm, humid climate?
•Are you active and healthy with a reasonable fitness level?

The Program

Chiang Mai The Journey is designed as an inclusive self-discovery journey, endeavouring to lead students to a deep self-understanding, self-awareness and true independence. It also serves to provide students with a deep and lasting sense of international mindedness, where an understanding, acceptance and respect for different cultures, religions and ways of life become a hallmark of their character. Kardinia Sum Pun is a resort style campus, located approximately 16 km northeast of Chiang Mai City, in Thailand. The College will provide volunteers attending the program with:

• Flights, visa, transport, meals and laundry.
• Travel insurance including the provision for medical expenses.
• Accommodation – volunteers will be provided a private en-suite room on campus and will be required to share a room during off campus overnight stays.

2027 Program Dates:

Monday 25 January - Saturday 06 March
Monday 10 May - Saturday 19 June
Monday 05 July - Saturday 14 August
Monday 30 August - Saturday 09 October
Monday 25 October - Saturday 04 December

Application for Program Assistants
Please read the Program Assistant Position Description and Information documents published on The Kardinians.

Send a current resume, referees and letter of introduction, outlining your suitability, qualifications if applicable (i.e. First Aid, Bronze Medallion, DoE, IB CAS, coaching experience) and dates of availability to chiangmai@kardinia.vic.edu.au

Please address application to Ms Kath O’Neill, Head of Senior School. Application due: Friday 30 October 2026

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

Celebrating 30 Years - The Bell 2006-2010

Following the successful launch of The Bell in 1998, the magazine continued to evolve between 2006 and 2010, capturing a period of growth, achievement and community spirit at Kardinia International College.

The editions published during these years provide a fascinating snapshot of a College coming into its own. As enrolments increased and new programs emerged, The Bell documented not only the milestones and achievements of students and staff, but also the developing culture that continues to define Kardinia today.

A strong theme throughout the magazines of this era is opportunity. Readers can trace the expansion of academic, sporting, cultural and international programs, reflecting the College’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Student accomplishments featured prominently, showcasing success in the classroom, on the sporting field, on the stage and in the wider community. Highlights from this period included the introduction of the Chiang Mai Program, which broadened students’ global perspectives through immersive cultural experiences, the construction of the Katsumata Centre and the celebration of the College’s 10th Anniversary, a significant milestone that reflected on a decade of growth, achievement and community spirit.

The magazines also highlight the growing diversity of the College community. International connections, language programs and cultural celebrations became increasingly visible, reinforcing Kardinia’s vision of fostering globally minded young people. Many of the reports demonstrate how students were encouraged to embrace new experiences, develop leadership skills and build meaningful connections across cultures.

Staff profiles, community events and campus developments feature throughout the publications, offering valuable insight into the people and projects that helped shape the College during this period. Looking back, many familiar faces and memorable events serve as reminders of the strong sense of belonging that has always been central to Kardinia’s identity.

As we revisit The Bell magazines from 2006 to 2010, we are reminded that while facilities, programs and student numbers may have changed, the values underpinning the College remain remarkably consistent. The commitment to excellence, innovation, community and international-mindedness evident in these pages continues to guide Kardinia 30 years on.

These editions are more than historical records; they are a celebration of the people, experiences and achievements that have contributed to the rich story of Kardinia International College.

Note: The College’s annual magazine was originally titled The Bell. Following consultation with local Aboriginal leaders, it was renamed The Bridge in 2021.

Images below: Covers of The Bell magazines, 2006-2010.

Photo: College Archives
Fiona Russell - College Archivist