From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
On Monday we held a Sorry Day Assembly which also commenced our Reconciliation Week activities. The Assembly was a poignant reminder of the importance of reconciliation and helping our students to understand what has happened in the past and why and how we should move forward with reconciliation.
Our Deputy Principal, Mr Paul Dowie, who is leading our Reconciliation Action Plan committee, shared stories of some of the historical Indigenous figures from the Geelong region with our students. The details of these stories can be confronting but they are important stories to tell, and they were told in an incredibly respectful and meaningful way.
A beautiful welcome to country from Kristi Watts, a proud Wadawurrung woman, set the scene at the start of the Assembly and there were also two powerful musical performances from our students. Seventeen students from Junior and Senior School joined together to form a Voices for Reconciliation Choir following a call out to choirs from across Australia by Reconciliation Australia. They sang the iconic musical anthem Solid Rock by Shane Howard and the Goanna Band. We also had a gifted group of musicians sing From Little Things Big Things Grow which tells the story of the Wave Hill Walk Off.
Various activities are planned throughout this week for Reconciliation Week, culminating in an art installation which will involve student and staff input from across the school.
A cornerstone of our College is Intercultural Understanding and it is important that we recognise that this does not just mean understanding cultures outside of Australia, but that we also work together to develop better understanding and appreciation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture that has been part of our country for over 65,000 years.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
On Sunday some enthusiastic students participated in the Monash Asian Studies Debating Competition. This is the second year that our students have been involved in the program, and I’ve again been so impressed by the students’ engagement, curiosity and the depth of their understanding of these issues.
This year’s topics were:
- That it should be compulsory for Australian school students to study an Asian language.
- That Modi’s rule over India has done more harm than good.
- That we should regret the dominance of China in innovating sustainable technology (for example, electric vehicles and solar energy).
Congratulations to Dhriti, Xavier, Swasthika, Billy, Fin, Alex, Aarya, Aanya, Zara, Grace and Swetha for their efforts in preparing for these debates over the past few weeks. I’d like to make particular mention of Dhriti, who was a ‘Commended Speaker’ for her consistently strong performance across multiple debates.
A group of Year 11 IB Students, Billy, Kiyan, Hannah and Jacinta, are working on a project called ‘The Backpack Project’ to support students in Viqueque, Timor-Leste. They are asking each Tutor Group to put together a backpack containing items to support primary school students in Viqueque. This drive will finish on Friday 6 June.
My name is Billy, a Year 11 student, and I am reaching out on behalf of a small group of Kardinia students in charge of organising ‘the Backpack Project’. In July, a group of us will be going to Timor-Leste. We are launching an initiative to provide essential school resources to the local children of Timor, and we need your support. Nearly 70% of schools in Timor-Leste have limited school resources like stationery and backpacks. Without these, getting a quality education becomes very challenging. We’re asking each tutor group to donate at least one backpack (second-hand is fine), ideally filled with some basic school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). We would also appreciate a message in the backpack or notebooks to personalise them for the Timorese students (this is optional but appreciated). Every single contribution has the ability to change a child's life, giving them the dignity and opportunity they deserve - something you, as parents and students, can understand the significance of. We understand there are dozens of fundraisers every year, each of course important. However, this is a real opportunity to make a direct impact on underprivileged children. Kardinia’s relationship with Timor-Leste is long-standing and deeply meaningful and we hope to continue supporting our friends. If possible, please leave all donations in the designated drop-off area by Friday June 6th. Thank you so much for your support - these things are never possible without your passion to make a change.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Nikki Petyanszki
Celebrating International Families Week in the Junior School
Last week in the Junior School, we proudly celebrated International Families Week, a special time to recognise and honour the rich diversity of families in our community.
Throughout the week, students engaged in meaningful discussions and took part in activities. Please see photos below of our Year 6 students working with the Kinder children.
Barwon Region Debating Competition
Last Wednesday afternoon several of our Year 6 students represented Kardinia International College in the Barwon Region Debating Competition. They hosted Bellbrae Primary School, with 2 teams of 3 participating in two debates. It is the first time in many years that the College has participated in such an event. Debating offers Year 6 students a powerful platform to develop critical thinking, confidence, and communication skills. Through structured argument and respectful discussion, students learn to research, reason, and express their ideas clearly. It aligns perfectly with the PYP’s emphasis on inquiry, collaboration, and global citizenship—preparing students to become thoughtful, articulate, and open-minded learners ready to engage with the world around them. Kardinia won their first debate and lost their second by 1 point. Round 2 will take place in Week 9 and another 2 rounds will be held in Terms 3 - Glenn Evans (Head of Learning Diversity and Inclusion in the Junior School).
A friendly reminder: Please be reminded to drop off your children in the Junior School Carpark. It has come to our attention that some young students have recently been dropped off at the Senior School Staff Carpark, which is designated exclusively for Senior School Staff. Thank you.
Japan Festival 2025 in Box Hill
On Sunday, May 25, the Japanese Department took several Kardinia International College students to the Japan Festival 2025 in Box Hill. Students and accompanying teachers enjoyed a wide variety of Japanese food, crafts, snacks, live performances, cosplay, traditional cultural displays, and more.
Update to Our Child Safe Concern Procedure
As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and wellbeing, we have recently updated our Child Safe Concern Procedure to include two important resources:
These links help explain how and why schools and other professionals might share information to keep children safe and well. We’ve added them to our Child Safe Concern Procedure so that families have access to the information and feel confident about the process. It’s part of our ongoing effort to be open and respectful, and to follow the best approaches to child safety in Victoria.
Child Safe Standards
We are now in Week 6 of our series unpacking the Child Safe Standards that underpin our College’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all students. These Standards, developed under Ministerial Order No. 1359, help ensure that child safety is embedded in every aspect of school life. This week, our focus is on Child Safe Standard 6 – suitable staff and volunteers.
People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
At Kardinia, we are committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers working with children are not only appropriately skilled but also supported to uphold the values of child safety and wellbeing. This includes a robust recruitment process, thorough inductions, and ongoing professional development to ensure our staff are equipped to keep children safe and respond effectively to any concerns.
To meet Child Safe Standard 6, the College focuses on:
- Rigorous recruitment processes that prioritise child safety, including comprehensive background checks and reference reviews
- Induction and ongoing training to ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities and have the necessary tools to maintain a safe environment
- Continuous supervision and support to help staff remain vigilant and accountable in promoting child safety and wellbeing
We are committed to ensuring that all staff are well-prepared, supported, and equipped to create a safe environment for all students. If you have any suggestions or would like further information about our staff training and child safety practices, please contact your child’s Head of School or speak to a member of our Leadership Team.
Sports News
Kardinia International College Girls Fire Up at Division AFL 9v9 Championships!
Eleven excited and determined Year 5 and 6 girls laced up their boots and took to the field at South Barwon Reserve for the Geelong North Division Girls SSV 9v9 AFL Championships in the final week of term 1 on March 31 — and what a day of footy it was!
From the very first bounce, the Kardinia girls showed they were ready to play. Throughout the pool stage, they threw themselves into every contest, laying some fantastic 'wrap' tackles that had the opposition thinking twice before grabbing the footy. With strong teamwork and great forward pressure, the girls created plenty of chances in front of goal, keeping every game close and competitive.
Despite some brilliant patches of play, the girls finished fourth in their pool, with three extremely tight games that could’ve gone either way. But the fun wasn’t over yet!
After lunch, Kardinia faced off against Fyans Park Primary School in the playoff for 13th and 14th place — and that’s when the magic really happened. Everything clicked. The passes were sharp, the defence was rock-solid, and the scoreboard lit up as the group stormed home to a huge win by more than 6 goals!
The team’s spirit never wavered, and they finished the day with smiles, pride, and one well-earned victory.
Congratulations to everyone involved! You represented the College with pride, teamwork, and a never-give-up attitude. The future of girls’ footy at the College is looking bright!
Girls Football Team: Katherine T, Estelle R, Ruby S, Tilly D, Isabel C, Willow L, Milla W, Ella S, Alexandra B, Abbey C, Lucy I
Wellbeing Hub News
This week’s Happy Families Webinar … Tricky Friendship Days
Relatively small issues, like not being invited to a party, can arouse big, intense feelings in our kids. Because belonging is at stake, friendship challenges will always feel like a life-threatening experience – so be assured that most parents find themselves dealing with powerful tears and shattering disappointments after tricky friendship days.
Happy Families Live webinar: Wednesday 18 June, 7pm
To access the Webinar on the night: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/kic Password: happykic
* We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the site will remember you.
School TV: Understanding Adolescence
Adolescence is a significant developmental stage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is characterised by an emerging sense of self-identity, exploration of personal interests, beliefs, values and goals, increased independence and autonomy beyond the family, growing responsibility, increased engagement in risk behaviours, emerging sexuality, amplified significance of peers, intensification of gender stereotypes, and shifting relationships with parents and caregivers. Adolescents seek increased independence and autonomy, which requires ongoing negotiation and compromise within the parent-child relationship.
Click here to watch this episode:
https://kardinia.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/understanding-adolescence
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Alumni Book Launch - Dominic Amerena (Class of 2006)
Alumnus Dom Amerena's (Class of 2006) debut novel, 'I Want Everything', was recently launched at Readings Carlton. Dominic will be in conversation with local author, Mark Smith at The Geelong Library on Wednesday 4 June. Members of our college community are warmly invited to attend this event.
"Dominic Amerena is an Australian writer whose work has been widely published and anthologised. He has won numerous prizes, scholarships, fellowships, and grants, including the Vil La Joana Residency, the Hawthornden Fellowship, the inaugural Speculate Prize, an Australia Council New Work Grant and the Alan Marshall Short Story Award. He has a PhD from the University of RMIT and he lives between Melbourne and Athens, Greece. I Want Everything is his debut novel."
This is a free event but bookings are required. https://lnkd.in/gR7xsVeX
Jazz & Blues Concert
Alumni, current families and friends of Kardinia - Join us for a fabulous night of Jazz and Blues!
Date: Friday 20 June 2025
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)
Venue: College Hall
Tickets: Essential (General seating) https://events.humanitix.com/jazz-and-blues
Donations at the door will support our music program and the purchase of new instruments.
The Final Biggest Morning Tea event for May
The Social Justice Committee, led by Sara Kristiansen, is holding a BAKE SALE this Friday 30 May at lunchtime, to raise funds for the Cancer Council, as part of the college's Biggest Morning Tea project for May. We aim to raise more than $1,000 for the Cancer Council.
The First Ten Years Reunion
As Kardinia International College approaches its 30th Anniversary in 2026, we’re reaching out to reconnect with our incredible alumni from the first ten years.
Were you part of the Kardinia journey between 1996 and 2006 or are you in contact with those who were?
Update your contact details or register now: https://kardinians.com
The First 10 Years Reunion is on Friday 21 November. Save the Date!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement & Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
The First 10 Years
Did you know that alongside the Senior School, our beloved Kindergarten also opened its doors in 1996? The inaugural team including Ruth Schofield-Smith, Liz Goodfellow, and Anne Lambert, welcomed 45 bright-eyed children and a delightful menagerie that included birds, tadpoles, bantams, guinea pigs, four ducks, Megs the rabbit, and Pippi the poodle. Princess Pig joined the fun in 1997!
Now, we’re reaching out to reconnect with all the amazing individuals who were part of Kardinia’s journey during those formative years.
Were you part of the Kardinia community between 1996 and 2006? Mark your calendar for The First 10 Years Reunion on Friday, 21 November.
Update your contact details or register now at: https://kardinians.com Let’s celebrate the memories, the friendships, and the magic of those first ten years together.
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
