From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
On Saturday night we farewelled our wonderful Year 12 Class of 2025 at their Graduation Dinner.
Today, we welcomed the new batch of Year 7 students for 2026 for their Orientation Day. The never-ending cycle of schools as we constantly transition from year to year and farewell and welcome students from and to the College is one of the many things that I love about schools.
On one hand, there is excitement for the graduates for their new possibilities and wondering what they will do next, mixed with the sadness of saying goodbye to a group that we have witnessed grow and develop over the years. On the other, there is the excitement of meeting the newest cohort, seeing their fresh faces full of possibility, and wondering what will make their journey through the school special and interesting for them.
We wish both cohorts, the old and the new, all the best as they embark on their new journeys.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Saturday evening saw our final event with the Class of 2025 and their families, the Graduation Dinner. The formalities of graduation were all covered at the Graduation Ceremony in October, so this event was simply a party, which allowed us to celebrate the students’ time at Kardinia together. We send the Class of 2025 off with our very best wishes for the future.
The final step in the Timor Soccer Tournament occurred on Tuesday, with eight large boxes of donated equipment and clothing being delivered to Rotary in Kind for shipment to Timor Leste. Our College community donated so generously to this project and the proceeds of it will make a huge difference to young people in Viqueque, where soccer is enormously popular.
Yesterday afternoon we had our pre-Orientation session, which we have dubbed ‘Onesies Afternoon’. This afternoon is for students who are the only one from their primary school moving into Year 7 the following year, and provides a chance for them to have a head start on Orientation as well as making some connections before the actual Orientation Day. We are very grateful to our 2026 prefects for volunteering to help our ‘onesies’ – and for their initiative in deciding to actually wear onesies!
This morning, we welcomed over 260 Grade 6 students who will be joining us in the Senior School next year. There were many excited and slightly nervous students in the Katsumata Centre, ready to take the step into secondary school. These Grade 6s will be supported by Year 10 Peer Support Leaders, who provide peer mentoring for them, as well as by their Heads of House, in their transition to the Senior School at Kardinia.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
Junior School Leaders 2026
Congratulations to the following Year 5 students who have been selected by their peers and teachers for leadership positions in 2025. The investiture ceremony for these students is scheduled for 2.00pm Monday 16 February 2026.
JS Leaders - Elena N and Nathan Y
Cowie - Alexandra K and Ted M
Morongo - Frankie P and Mitchell M
Thomson - Katherine T and Henry C
Gotemba - Mikayla W and Tanush G
Jam Jars - Eva W and Edwin O
Student Action - Hattie S and Sam W
Rage - Lily A and Patrick F
Planeteers - Pearl R and Matilda N
International Mindedness - Ellie G and Estelle R
Performing Arts - Georgie N and Ryan Z
Techsperts - Maki K and Darren C
Hour of code
Next week, Junior School will celebrate the global Hour of Code, a worldwide movement introducing students to the power of computational thinking, artificial intelligence and robotics. Our students will take part in engaging activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and confidence in technology. This year, students will also be exploring ideas related to AI!
Orientation Day
We are excited to remind you that Orientation Day for Junior School students will take place on Wednesday, 3 December, from 9:10 am to 12:00 pm. This event is for all students except our current Year 6 students, who will continue with their usual single-subject classes during this time.
On Orientation Day, students will visit their new classrooms and meet their 2026 learning group teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to become familiar with their new environment and start building connections for the year ahead.
Please note:
- Current Year 4 students moving to the Grove should wear their PE uniform on this day.
- If you have any questions, please contact your child’s current learning group teacher.
We are all looking forward to this special day and the excitement it brings for the year ahead!
Christmas Book Drive
This Christmas we would love your help to support Our Village (formerly Geelong Mums) with a special Christmas Book Drive. This initiative is lovingly organised by Year 1 student Harriet Dyer who wanted to help brighten the season for children in our wider community by collecting new children’s books. If you’re able, please consider donating a book, big or small, picture book or chapter book - every story helps bring a little extra magic to a child’s Christmas. Donations can be dropped into the box at Junior School Reception by 8th December. If you are pressed for time at this busy time of year you could consider making a donation via the link below:
https://our-village-community-fundraising.raiselysite.com/harriet-dyer
Thank you for helping us share the joy of reading this Christmas.
Monday, 1 December – 2:30 PM
Katsumata Centre
Afternoon Melodies
Celebrate the end of our 2025 school year with an afternoon of wonderful performances. You might even hear a few festive Christmas tunes!
Students may wear casual clothes with a festive twist on this day.
The KIC Connect Christmas Picnic follows this event until 5.30 in the upper and lower primary playgrounds. Parents and families are welcome to attend both.
Friday, 5 December – 11:15 AM
Katsumata Centre
Year 6 Graduation
Join us as we honour our graduating Year 6 class of 2025. To include extended family members, the ceremony will be live-streamed. All parents/carers of our Year 6 students have been sent the live-stream link via EdSmart.
(For the best experience, view on a PC or laptop to avoid app downloads and sign-ins. Anyone with the link can watch.)
A recording will also be available one week after the ceremony.
Reminder Upcoming Dress-Up Days:
- 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. The KIC Connect Christmas picnic is directly after school on this day.
- Tuesday 9 December – Casual Clothes Day and bring a gold coin donation to support the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This is the last day of school for our students.
It is wonderful to have so many wonderful people taking action across the school.
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
Sports News
Rowing
A big congratulations to Skye Q and Violet W on their rowing achievements.
Skye has been named Rowing Victoria Schoolgirl Rower of the Year for the 2024/2025 season, with Violet as runner-up—an incredible achievement among 2,500 schoolgirl rowers!
As Year 8s, this dynamic duo dominated the season, winning the Schoolgirl Year 9 Division 1 double scull at both the State Championships and the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta, remaining undefeated all season.
Skye also claimed State Champion titles in the U15 single scull and U15 double scull. A phenomenal effort - congratulations to you both!
AFL
What an incredible milestone for Year 12 student, Hugo, who was selected in last week's AFL Draft. Hugo was selected as pick #48 and is heading to the North Melbourne Football Club for the 2026 season!
Hugo’s journey to this point has been defined by determination and hard work. Balancing school commitments with elite-level football, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and leadership both on and off the field. His dedication to improvement and his team-first attitude have made him a standout member of our College community and fantastic Thomson House Captain in 2025.
Congratulations, Hugo!
Wellbeing Hub News
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign starting yesterday (25 November), the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
This campaign continues to spread the message of ‘Safe. Everywhere. Always’, with the theme 'UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls'.
A reminder of the importance that gender-based violence can happen anywhere and takes many forms. We can all play a role in preventing violence against women and girls.
For more information please see: About the 16 Days of Activism | Respect Victoria
In Victoria, the Walk Against Family Violence is an important event during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
HEADSPACE: The Social Media Ban - Staying Informed
What do we know about the social media ban? Who’s affected, when will it happen and how will it work? Let’s break it down and explore what it means for you.
Social media is always a lively topic of discussion. There’s no doubt that for many of us, social media has become integrated into our daily lives. It provides us with laughs, inspiration, connection, but it also comes with some of the tougher stuff like bullying or content we might not have wanted to see.
The Federal Government’s social media ban may come as a relief for many parents/carers who have been concerned about the impact of social media on their children and young people.
However, as a young person you may be feeling upset, worried, or angry about these changes. You might also have a lot of questions about how it will all work. On this page, we’ve put together everything you need to know and how you can support yourself or your friends if this discussion and issue is having an impact.
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/social-media-ban/
Community Engagement and Foundation News
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT - Broadway & Soundtracks Concert
The fourth and final concert in this year’s series is the ‘Broadway & Soundtracks Concert’, organised by the 2025 Performing Arts Captain - Millie R.
Date: Friday 28 November Venue: College Hall Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/broadway-and-soundtracks-concert
A Gold coin donation to support our Music Program on entry.
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT - The Combined Reunion – Classes of 2020, 2015, 2010 & 2005
Come along to celebrate your 5-, 10-, 15- or 20-Year Reunion this weekend!
Date: Saturday 29 November
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Your ticket is complimentary, but RSVPs are essential for entry.
RSVP: Head to EVENTS on https://kardinians.com/ for your ticket and venue information. We can’t wait to see you!
Celebrating the First Decade Reunion
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 2005 Whole School Photo
Smile! On 17 March 2005, Kardinia International College marked its 10-Year Anniversary with a truly memorable event—the Whole School Photo.
Coordinating this milestone was no small feat. Approximately 1,600 staff and students, from three-year-old Kinder right through to Year 12, were carefully arranged in full uniform to capture the College’s remarkable journey. The final image was not only impressively clear but also a spectacular testament to the growth and spirit of the College in just a decade.
The then Principal, John Goodfellow, addressed the assembled group, reflecting on the achievement and the sense of unity the photo represented. More than a picture, it became a symbol of Kardinia’s progress and the shared pride of its community.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
A message from the TAC
Help your learner get on the road with a free driving lesson!
The myLearners Free Driving Lesson program offers a FREE 60-minute Lesson with a professional driving instructor for learners aged 16–19 who have completed 10–30 hours of driving practice.
The lesson is taken alongside their supervising driver, helping both the learner and supervisor build safer, more confident driving habits together.
This program supports families by making the learning experience more positive and less stressful. It aims to reduce crash risks for young drivers, strengthen supervising skills, and encourage safer driving behaviours early on all at no cost to participants.
Find out more go to - https://mylearnersdrive.com.au/
Community School Holiday Programs
