Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 22 July 2026

From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou

KIC Connect Disco – Friday 7 August

Come along and join us for the KIC Connect Disco on Friday 7 August, from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm in The Hall (next to CentrePoint). Students are welcome to attend in their school uniform or bring a change of clothes and arrive in their favourite disco outfit. Please note that parents or carers must remain present for the duration of the disco, as children cannot be left unsupervised at the event. Students are encouraged to bring a drink bottle filled with water and, if helpful, headphones to support their participation and comfort. Pizza slices will be available for purchase at $3 each, with a choice of Margherita, Hawaiian, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options. We look forward to a fun afternoon of music, dancing and community connection.

Save the Date – Upcoming KIC Connect Events

Uniform Sale & Swap – Monday 7 September
Bring along outgrown uniforms to sell or swap with other families. The sale will be held in the Junior School Conference Room from 8.30 am.

Team Colours Day – Thursday 17 September
Students are invited to wear the colours of their favourite sporting team and celebrate school spirit with a fun day of colour and community.

Millie's First Day in Lower Primary

This term has already seen two exciting milestones in the introduction of our Wellbeing Dog, Millie, to our Lower Primary community.

Last week, Drew Baxter from Canine Wellbeing Consulting, met with all Lower Primary students to teach them how to safely and respectfully interact with Millie when she is onsite. Students learned the importance of staying calm, giving Millie space, waiting for her to approach them and not feeding her. We also learned how to read a dog's body language and what to look out for. We were incredibly impressed with how thoughtfully our students embraced these expectations.

On Tuesday, Millie enjoyed her first morning in Lower Primary. She visited each classroom and clearly loved meeting our students. It was wonderful to see our students put their learning into practice. 

Even after just one morning we have already seen the positive impact Millie can have. She supported one student who was feeling hesitant about coming to school, helping them settle into the day. She also assisted another student through a transition they were finding challenging. These small but significant moments highlight the valuable role a wellbeing dog can play in supporting students' emotional wellbeing.

We are excited to continue integrating Millie into the Lower Primary community throughout the term and look forward to seeing the many ways she supports the wellbeing of our students. 

Chess Club Success in Term 2

Throughout Term 2, a group of enthusiastic students participated in our weekly Chess Club sessions, where they developed their understanding of chess strategies, tactics, planning and critical thinking. The sessions provided students with opportunities to challenge themselves, learn new techniques, and apply their skills in friendly competition with their peers.

To conclude the term, students competed in a chess tournament that showcased the progress they had made throughout the program. The tournament was played in excellent spirit, with students demonstrating concentration, sportsmanship, resilience and strategic thinking.

Congratulations to our top performers:

1st Place – Stefan S (Year 4AB)
2nd Place – Jaxon Y (Year 4JK)
3rd Place – Billy M (Year 6MG)

We look forward to welcoming both returning and new players this term. Chess Club will be held on Thursdays throughout Term 3, providing students with another opportunity to develop their Chess skills.

Well done to everyone involved, and we wish our chess players all the best for another exciting term of competition and learning.

Student Action Committee

The student action committee have organised a food drive with an organisation called Pass the Snacks. Pass the Snacks help make sure that kids are eating during the school holidays when schools cannot provide food. We are asking you to help your child bring in the assigned food for their year level. Please also remember you ONLY need to bring the assigned food for their grade. For more information on what food to bring and dates, please visit the attached file.

Thank you, and we look forward to receiving donations to help out kids in need.

Sam W, Hattie S

Updated School Photo Timetable

Upcoming School Photos

School photos will take place between Thursday 30 July – Tuesday 02 August (please find the Foundation Year - Year 6 schedule listed above). Please note that Kinder photos will be scheduled on different dates, and further details will be provided separately for these families.

All families will receive a unique ordering code via email prior to the end of this week. Please refer to this email to register details for notifications and photo order processing. At this time, more specific information will also be shared regarding uniform requirements.

Family/sibling photos will be taken in sessions determined by family’s surnames. Times will be shared once confirmed.

2026 College Production News - Reach For the Stars

Tickets are now on sale for Reach for the Stars, Kardinia International College's 2026 College Production. Performing across three shows on the Katsumata Stage, students from both Junior and Senior School are preparing to showcase their talents in a special production celebrating the College's 30th anniversary.

Featuring live music, dance, solo performances and entertaining sketches, this revue-style production will revisit memorable moments from past Kardinia musicals, celebrate the achievements of our students, and reflect on the spirit and community that have shaped Kardinia over the past three decades.

Tickets are $25 each, with a special group booking offer of five tickets for the price of four. Gather your family and friends and join us for an entertaining evening celebrating 30 years of Kardinia.

Purchase tickets here: 2026 College Production - Reach for the Stars!

For further information, please contact Ms Birley at k.birley@kardinia.vic.edu.au.

Japan Study Program

After 12 weeks of learning, cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences, our Japan Study Program students have returned home.

Before departing, the group received a heartfelt farewell from our sister school, Gotemba Nishi High School, marking the end of a journey that has provided far more than language learning alone. Through daily life in Japan, our students developed independence, confidence, cultural understanding and lasting friendships.

Reflecting on the experience, student Ash shared:

“Throughout our time in Japan, I think we have all learnt a lot. As we got ready to leave, a majority of our last week was spent packing and reminiscing with the students at Gotemba Nishi. This experience has been incredible, and I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to continue learning Japanese. We have all learnt so much, more than we’ve been able to outline in these weekly reports. And while we are all ready to tell everyone back home about our trip, I think we’re all very sad to leave.”

We thank our friends at Gotemba Nishi High School for their generosity, hospitality and warm send-off, and we look forward to continuing this valued partnership for years to come.

Student Achievements

Casting Dreams Fundraiser

A night of talent, community and meaningful impact.

Congratulations to Daniel L (Year 9) and the team behind Casting Dreams, whose recent fundraising concert, 'Dream Big' held on the Katsumata Centre stage, raised more than $13,800 to support performing arts scholarships for young people in our region.

The evening brought together performers, supporters and members of Geelong's vibrant arts community (including some wonderful Kardinia students, staff and alumni). Daniel's vision was to raise funds and to celebrate the wonderful performing arts community that we have in Geelong and it certainly did that.

We applaud Daniel for his vision, dedication and commitment to creating opportunities for aspiring performers for years to come.

Photo credit: HJV Creative Images

Harmony Day Songwriting Competition

Evelyn N (Year 12) took part in the Harmony Day songwriting competition last term and came out as the Year 10-12 winner!

The award was presented by 'Moving Forward Together' at NSW Parliament House. Evenlyn's song is called "Breeze becomes a squall".

https://movingforwardtogether.org.au/2026-harmony-day-competition-award-winners/

Congratulations Evelyn!

Sports News

Fencing Report State Team Competition

On Sunday, 21 June, our Senior Girls' and Junior Boys' fencing teams travelled to the State Hockey Centre to compete in the State Team Competition.

The girls' team of Sara K (Year 12), Kalyani S (Year 11) and Nidhi V (Year 12) brought a wealth of experience to the event, having fenced together for many years and already won state titles. In contrast, our boys' team of Henry W (Captain, Year 9), James H and Victor Z (both Year 8) were competing together as a team for the first time.

I was particularly impressed by the way the girls conducted themselves throughout the competition. As I needed to spend much of my time supporting the less experienced boys' team, the girls independently managed their fencing order, discussed tactics between bouts, and supported each other through challenging moments. Their maturity and teamwork were exemplary.

The boys elevated their fencing to an entirely new level. With a team consisting of two Year 8 students and one Year 9 student, they were among the less experienced teams in the competition. Despite this, they went undefeated in the poule rounds and defeated the second-seeded team in the elimination round to reach the final four out of 28 teams. Although the girls and boys competed in separate events, they celebrated their achievements together as representatives of Kardinia International College.

Girls' Results:

The girls won their matches 27-24 and 27-18 and narrowly lost one match 23-27. This left them tied for first place; however, they comfortably secured the title on countback.

Final Placings:

1. Kardinia International College
2. Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar
3. Lowther Hall

Boys' Results:

Poule Matches

• Defeated Scotch College B, 27-15

• Defeated Trinity Grammar, 27-11

First Elimination Round: Defeated Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, 27-20 (2nd seed)

The boys were eventually defeated by Scotch College in the semi-final, earning an outstanding 3rd place finish.

Congratulations to all six fencers on their excellent performances and the way they represented Kardinia International College throughout the competition.

Intermediate Netball

On Thursday 16 July, Kardinia International College's Intermediate Netball Team proudly represented the College at the GISSA Championships held at the Kardinia Park netball courts. Throughout the day the three teams displayed wonderful sportsmanship, teamwork and a high level of skill in every match. The girls supported one another both on and off the court and enjoyed a fun day of playing netball together. Congratulations to all players for representing Kardinia International College with pride.

Future Pathways and Education News

Upcoming Parent Presentation - Alana Kilmartin from Unserious Careers

Join Alana for an inspiring session designed to motivate parents about the possibilities for their children's career. Having presented at over 250 high schools across Australia in 2025, she is now bringing her valuable insights to parents.

With an engaging presentation: Building A Strong Career Support Team, Alana will share valuable lessons from her time in schools and tips from her book, Unserious Careers. This session will ignite enthusiasm and provide guidance for parents about how best to support their young people's career decisions.

12 August 2026, 6pm - Online

Registration link https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1616908

Wellbeing Hub News

Anxiety is a natural and expected part of growing up. It helps young people navigate new experiences, challenges, and transitions. However, for many children and adolescents today, anxiety can become intense, persistent and disruptive. Factors such as academic pressures, social expectations, family dynamics and the constant presence of digital media can all contribute to heightened stress and worry. When left unrecognised or unsupported, anxiety can begin to affect a young person's wellbeing, learning, relationships and overall confidence. That's why it's essential for adult carers to understand how anxiety may present in their children. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there's no one-size-fits-all response. With greater awareness and the right support, families can help young people build the skills to manage anxiety effectively, fostering resilience, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing for life.

Read More Here.

Community Engagement and Foundation News

NEXT WEEK - Parent Trivia Night!

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

This much-loved event is always a highlight on the community calendar — an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. With the event nearly at capacity, now is the perfect time to secure your spot.

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

Booking link: 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 wonderful opportunity to meet other parents, reconnect with friends, and welcome new families into our community.

Hosted by the College Community Council (CCC), this event is all about building community spirit — so don’t let all that trivia knowledge go to waste!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Alumna Lilian Hudson (Class of 2019) is currently performing in "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind" opening at the The Motley Bauhaus - Theatrette, 118 Elgin Street, Carlton, Melbourne from the 21-25 of July.

Tickets available at: https://www.eventfinda.com.au/2026/too-much-light-makes-the-baby-go-blind/melbourne/carlton 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW - La’moza Velisha

Alumna La’moza Velisha (Class of 2024) is now a member of the Australian High-Performance Eventing Squad and has established herself as one of Australia’s leading young event riders.

Some recent career highlights include:

• Winner of two FEI CCI4*-S international events.
• Winner of the Melbourne International Three-Day Event CCI4*-S.
• Selected for her first Australian team at the Oceania Challenge in April, where Australia won the team competition and La’moza finished 2nd and 9th individually across her two horses.
• Selected to represent Australia at the inaugural FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships in Millstreet, Ireland. Last week she flew to Europe with her horse, Call Me Cooley, to compete against the world’s best young riders.

La’moza is now competing at Olympic level in the sport through FEI CCI4* competition, with her sights firmly set on representing Australia at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games alongside her talented team of horses.

She is currently ranked:
• 92nd in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings.
• 3rd in the FEI Eventing Young Rider World Rankings.
• 6th in the FEI Eventing Under 25 World Rankings.

La’moza is also currently fundraising through the Australian Sports Foundation to support her Australian campaign at the FEI Under 25 World Championships. Her campaign can be found here:

https://asf.org.au/campaigns/lamoza-velisha

We wish her every success!

CCC Family Footy Tipping

With the season end now in sight, tipping proved challenging this week, with low scores across the board. After Round 19, the Leaderboard stands as follows:

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

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

The 10-Year Production - Les Miserables

The unforgettable ten-year anniversary college production of Les Misérables, directed by Christine Anketell (dec.), marked a significant milestone in the College’s history as it celebrated the opening of the Katsumata Centre.

Christine reflected on the experience in her report for the 2010 Bell magazine, writing:

“23 July 2010. Dusk descends and, in the early evening glow of the new Katsumata Centre, Kardinia students transform into members of the Parisian university students of June 1832. The old gym becomes a bustle of activity as make-up, wigs, costumes and microphones are applied and connected. Students of all ages intermingle as the ‘Les Mis’ family prepare for their opening performance. Act One finishes to thunderous applause, and the students celebrate with cake, drinks and lots of tension-releasing gossip during the interval. The audience, meanwhile, tour the new Katsumata Centre complex while enjoying champagne and nibbles. By the end of Act Two it is clear that the audience has absorbed the story, embraced the team and thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural experience of the new Katsumata Centre.

‘Les Misérables’ had a total of six sold-out performances, each one an opening in itself as the Katsumata family and various dignitaries spoke of the overarching vision that propelled the College through its formative years. The Principal, Mr Goodfellow, realised a long-cherished ambition to produce the ‘Les Miserable’ musical, for the universal appeal of its message: that love transforms, transcends all denominations and creeds and is a fitting maxim for an International College.

It was a huge project that garnered the diverse talents of staff, parents, friends and students. On closing night, with hugs and tears, the ‘Les Mis’ family tumbled out into the night, proud and empowered.”

Reference: The Bell 2010. Kardinia International College.

Fiona Russell - College Archivist