From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
A very brief eNews from me today.
While there is a lot happening, and much we can celebrate, today I would just like to take the time to say how appreciative I am to be part of our College community and how grateful I am for our wonderful students, staff and extended community members.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
Dear families, Student Action continues to dominate JS eNews. It is very inspiring to work alongside students that are so keen to take action with their learning.
Grove Market
Our year 5 students have been developing small businesses and experiencing life as an entrepreneur. They are very excited to open their market to the public. We look forward to seeing you at the market.
'Touch of Blue' for International Mindedness
'Dear families,
The International Mindedness Committee would like to invite students to come dressed in casual clothes with a touch of blue on Week 7, Friday 5 September. We would also like to invite students to donate a gold coin to support UNICEF.
Who is UNICEF and why have we chosen to support them?
WHO are they?
UNICEF stands for, United Nations Children’s Fund. They work across the world to make sure children who are affected by emergencies like floods, earthquakes and war have access to clean water, food and education.
WHY UNICEF?
We believe that our school values of Respect and Friendship are linked to what UNICEF does for children. UNICEF cares about children everywhere, no matter where they are from.
Thank you on behalf of the International Mindedness Committee'
Final chance to contribute to the PYP Exhibition Surveys
The PYP Exhibition is an opportunity for students to inquire into relevant, engaging and significant issues, events, concepts and ideas. As part of this inquiry, students are encouraged to research information from multiple sources to acquire new knowledge relating to their PYP Exhibition focus.
The current Data Unit in Math has led students to design and create surveys in small groups. Students are hoping to gather information from the KIC Community to analyse and inform their inquiry research.
It would be really helpful for us if you could please scroll through these surveys and respond to the ones you feel most connected to or passionate about. Each survey is brief, but the impact you will have by participating is significant. You are welcome to respond to as many as you like. Responding will also give you a valuable insight into the PYP Exhibition and the sorts of inquiries students have engaged in so far.
We kindly ask for surveys to be completed at a convenient time by Friday, 29 August 2025.
Survey link: https://kic.padlet.org/mgoldsworthy2/y6-2025-pyp-exhibition-surveys-eyr5y0bb7p9lnpgd
We really appreciate the support.
Tournament of the Minds
This year the Junior School entered two teams into the Tournament of Minds. This was held at Deakin University on Sunday 24 August. The teams had to work collaboratively on a long-term challenge over several weeks. They had to present their solution in a creative way before three judges and an audience. One of the main rules in Tournament of Minds is that no adult outside assistance may be given so the teams had to be very organised and self-sufficient, we were there just to facilitate! The teams also had to complete a spontaneous challenge to a judging panel, with just 4 minutes to come up with a solution and 1 minute to present.
Both teams worked diligently on their solutions and did well on the competition day. They both received compliments on their teamwork and their creativity. Mrs. Woods and I are extremely proud of how the teams worked during the Tournament and how they represented the College on Sunday. We did not make the finals this year, but many students have said how fun they found the process, and several students have expressed an interest in applying again next year.
Student Sporting Achievement
Congratulations to Year 3 student Harry who has been riding in Victorian Schools Mountain Bike Series.
Last weekend Harry placed 3rd, in the round 5 event held at Mt Clear College! It was a very tight race with only seconds between the top riders. Well done Harry!
Donuts for Dad - Next Week!
Student Achievement
Congratulations to year 6 student Novalie, who has been awarded the 2025 Order of Australia Barwon Regional Group – Primary School Citizenship Award.
Novalie captivated the audience with a heartfelt five-minute speech exploring the meaning of Australian citizenship. Drawing on her own life experiences, she spoke with sincerity and conviction about the values of respect, kindness, and pride in being Australian. She expressed deep appreciation for her identity as a Kardinian, highlighting the important influence of her friends, family, staff and the entire KIC community in shaping her understanding of what it means to contribute positively to society.
Novalie's award includes the honour of hosting the replica ‘Spirit of the ANZAC’ statue at the College for a year, generously donated by the Geelong RSL.
We commend Novalie for this exceptional achievement and for exemplifying the qualities of citizenship that this prestigious award seeks to recognise.
VCE Music Showcase - Next Week!
Join us for an evening of live music as our Unit 4 VCE Music students take the stage at Piano Bar Geelong to present highlights from their final performance exam repertoire.
Expect incredible talent, a vibrant atmosphere, and a chance to support our emerging musicians as they share the work they’ve been preparing for their VCE exams.
Date: Tuesday 2 September
Venue: The Piano Bar – Little Malop Street, Geelong
Time: Show starts at 6:30pm
Please note: This is a family-friendly Kardinia Community event. All ages welcome but under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Limited seating – book your tickets now and support our VCE performers!
Tickets: $15 https://events.humanitix.com/2025-piano-bar Meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
Wellbeing Hub News
Did you miss the Happy Families ‘Anxious’ webinar last week?
You can still watch it: https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.ac-page.com/answers-with-dr-justin-anxious-watch
Schooltv - Anxiety and Young People
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.
Click here for more: https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/anxiety-young-people-au
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Host Family Afternoon Tea
Several of our wonderful Host Family Parents joined us for the Term 3 Host Family Afternoon Tea this week. These gatherings are a special opportunity for our host families to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their important role. It’s also a chance to relax and enjoy some well-deserved social time together.
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Unearthing the Past: Two Remarkable Treasures
As Kardinia International College approaches its 30-year milestone in 2026, a recent renovation of part of the old stables has unearthed two extraordinary relics that offer a tangible link to the site’s rich history before the College’s founding.
During restoration works, maintenance staff discovered a Morongo plaque, believed to have once adorned the gates or administration building of the former Morongo Girls’ College. The plaque still bears the dignified emblem and lettering that once welcomed generations of students to the historic campus.
Alongside the plaque, a small school bag was found tucked away in a forgotten cupboard in the stables. Though modest in size, the bag speaks volumes: its worn leather and faded logo hint at the everyday life of a student who once walked these grounds. Whether left behind in haste or tucked away for safekeeping, the bag now serves as a silent witness to the educational journey that began long before Kardinia’s inception.
These finds are more than just objects; they are treasures of memory, connecting the present to the past and enriching the story of the site as Kardinia International College prepares to celebrate three decades of innovation, growth, and global education.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
Community
Bluebird Foundation Holiday Workshops
