Kardinia eNews - Wednesday 29 July 2026

From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill

Looking ahead in the Senior School:

• Thursday 30 July – Tuesday 4 August – College Photos
• Thursday 30 July – Introducing VCE Outdoor Education (for current Year 9 families – online)
• Thursday 6 August – 2027 Year 9 Experiential Learning Programs Presentation (online)
• Monday 24 August – Book Week Dress Up Day
• Wednesday 26 August – Year 11 Formal

At our first Senior School Assembly for the Semester we recognised a number of students for their achievements in Semester One.

All teachers nominate students in their classes who have applied themselves consistently and conscientiously to their studies across the semester, and students receiving four or more nominations receive awards. Congratulations to the following Application Award recipients:

Sophie, Callum, Emma, Sayuni, Clover, Evelyn, Sam, Sasha, Dhruv, Rose, Chelsea, Markus, Hannah, Fin, Muntaha, Ned, Jack, George, Rupert, Sienna, Freddy, Edie, Vincent, Alex, Hermione, Charlie, Austin, and Bella.

Academic Awards are presented to the top ten students in each year level, based on their academic results for the semester. Congratulations to the following recipients of Academic Awards:

Hriday, Jessica, Maddie, Mia, Jameson, Isabel, Fleure, Georgia, Sean, Sid, Imeth, Fay, Eva, Maddie, Campbell, Charlie, James, Aurelia, Mary, Emma, Neel, Aleka, Vianne, Grace, Lewis, Will, Haolei, Jonathan, Georgia, Esmae, Tarun, Chloe, Elke, Jordan, Madison, Advait, Vini, Zoe, Hannah, Isabella, Azure, Kashvi, Prabh, Kalyani, Abi, Shiloh, Ahaana, Meredith, Zahli, Angus, Amanda, Christine, and Victor.

Finally, there are a small number of students who received both Application and Academic Awards:

Annika, Tess, Molly, Joe, Laila, Alice, Eliza, Clare, Chloe, Lucinda, Bec, and Pat.

We were also thrilled to announce the recipient of the Monash Scholars Program for this year. The Monash Scholars is a prestigious program for high-achieving Year 10 students based in Victoria. The program is offered by Monash University to give high potential students a unique head start into experiencing university life. It provides opportunities to expand their networks of like-minded peers and allows for personal development, as well as, giving students the knowledge, skills and confidence to make the right study choices. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Muntaha.

From the Head of Junior School - Mario Chrisanthou

Student Voice, Student Agency and Student Influence in Action
At Kardinia International College, we believe that students learn best when they have opportunities to contribute, make decisions and create meaningful change. Through student voice, student agency and student influence, our students are encouraged to identify issues that matter to them, share their ideas, and take action to make a positive difference in their community. The initiatives outlined below are wonderful examples of students leading learning beyond the classroom, taking ownership of projects and influencing the environment and experiences of others for the better.

A Seed of an Idea: Student Voice Inspires Sustainability

One of the most exciting aspects of our sustainability initiatives is that they are being driven by student voice, student agency and student influence. Late last term, Sophia N from Year 3 wrote a thoughtful letter expressing her concerns about pollution and suggesting that the College plant trees and establish a vegetable garden on the main campus. Inspired by Sophia’s initiative and desire to make a positive environmental impact, we explored the possibility of revitalising the former Foundation Year garden and are pleased to share that this project is now underway. Sophia’s idea is a wonderful example of how students can influence positive change within our community.

Our student Planeteers are now helping to revitalise the vegetable garden near the Visual Arts Centre, creating a hands-on learning space that promotes sustainability, food production and environmental stewardship. If any families have seedlings, herbs, vegetable plants, gardening tools, compost, mulch, seeds, watering cans, pots or other gardening supplies they would be willing to donate, our Planeteers would be extremely grateful. These donations will help create a productive and engaging garden space for students to learn and make a meaningful contribution to our College environment.

We are also excited to invite parents to join us for our Tree Planting Day on Friday 7 August at The Grove from 12.00pm–2.30pm. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of Mr King, who has sourced more than 200 native plants from a range of providers, students will have the opportunity to help plant trees and shrubs that will enhance local biodiversity and create greener spaces for future generations. This initiative aligns beautifully with our commitment to sustainability and developing environmentally responsible global citizens.

We would love to welcome parents who are available to join us and assist with the planting. Whether you can stay for a short time or the entire session, your support would be greatly appreciated and will help make the day a wonderful community event. Together, these projects demonstrate the incredible things that can happen when students are empowered to share their ideas and take action to make a difference.

Year 6 PYP Exhibition

As we look forward to the PYP Exhibition in Week 7, I have noticed a real buzz around the Junior School, particularly among our Year 6 students. The excitement and sense of purpose are evident as students take increasing ownership of their learning. The Exhibition is a wonderful example of student agency in action, with students pursuing meaningful inquiries and using their voice to explore issues that matter to them. I look forward to seeing their hard work and commitment showcased later this term.

State Cross Country

Congratulations to Emily H and Lily A, who recently represented our school at the State Cross Country Championships. Reaching the state level is a tremendous achievement and reflects the hard work both students have shown throughout their training and competition season. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented the College. Well done, Emily and Lily!

Reminder

A reminder that all students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:50 am so that teachers can accurately mark the roll. As roll marking is a legal requirement and an important part of our duty of care, it is essential that attendance records are accurate and up to date. If your child arrives at school after 9:00 am, they must report to the Junior School Reception to sign in before going to class. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the safety of all students.

Junior School Disco will take place on Friday 7 August from 4pm.

School Photos start this week!

School photos will take place between Thursday 30 July – Tuesday 02 August. Please note that Kinder photos may be scheduled on different dates, and further details have been provided separately for these families.

All families will have received a unique ordering code via email last week. Please refer to this email to register details for notifications and photo order processing. Specific information was also shared regarding uniform requirements.

Family/sibling photos will be taken in sessions determined by family’s surnames. These times have been shared with Junior School Families via email and can also be found in the Senior School student bulletin.

2026 College Production News - Reach for the Stars!

Dear Students and Families,

Only a few more weeks until opening night for our 2026 College Production Reach for the Stars! Performing for three shows on the Katsumata Stage, Junior and Senior school students are ready to showcase their talents as we celebrate 30 years of Kardinia. Featuring a variety of live musicians, dancers, solo performers and entertaining sketches, this revue performance will revisit past Kardinia musicals, embrace moments of nostalgia and celebrate all that it means to be part of the Kardinia community.

Tickets are $25 each, we have a group booking discount of five tickets for the price of four. So, gather your friends and family, and join us as we celebrate 30 wonderful years!

To purchase tickets, click on the following link: College Production Tickets If you have any questions, please email Ms Birley (k.birley@kardinia.vic.edu.au)

Co-curricular News

RoboCup Junior 2026

Kardinia International College was proud to host the RoboCup Junior Regional Competition, welcoming around 140 students from six schools across the Geelong region, plus Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar, who travelled down from Melbourne to join us. From our Junior students right through to our Seniors, 13 Kardinia teams took on the challenge across three events — Rescue, Maze, and Robot Soccer.

A Day of Persistence and Problem-Solving

Opening the event, RoboCup coach and teacher Mr Antony Benson reminded students that the day was about far more than robots on a table. In the weeks leading up to the competition, teams had been building some of the most valuable skills there are: coding and debugging, engineering and design, teamwork, and resilience — the ability to fail, learn, adjust, and try again.

“Today is not really about whether you win or lose,” Mr Benson told the students. “The main event today is your persistence and your perseverance — the way you trial, test, and experiment your way through each challenge, the way you share ideas with your teammates and even your rivals, and the friendships you build along the way. If you leave today having learned something new, helped someone else, and enjoyed the process, then you have already succeeded.”

Results

Maze — A clean sweep of the podium for 'Kardinia': 1st, 'Team Ahh'; 2nd, 'The Guardians of Rosie'; and 3rd, 'TBC2', our Junior team.

Rescue — Strong, hard-fought performances in a competitive field. No placings this time, but plenty of learning and grit on display.

Robot Soccer — Absolute domination! An undefeated run all the way through, with 'Team Bumble Bee' and 'Pinkie Pie' battling it out in the Grand Final.

About RoboCup Junior

RoboCup Junior is a project-based educational initiative that runs local, regional, national and international robotics events for students, with tens of thousands of participants across Australia each year. Competitors design, build and program their own robots to compete in categories including Rescue Line, Rescue Maze, Soccer, OnStage and the LEGO® SPIKE Prime Challenge, developing skills in coding, engineering, design and teamwork along the way. Regional events like ours are the first step on a pathway that leads to state, national and ultimately international competition.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Kardinia International College for its generosity in hosting the event and its ongoing support of STEM education. Thank you also to our mentors and teachers for the time and guidance they have given students in the lead-up to the day, to the families who supported their teams, and to the RoboCup Junior Victoria team and volunteers who made the event possible — not just here in Geelong, but right across the state.

Most of all, congratulations to every Kardinia student who took part. The coding, design, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience on display today will stay with you long after the scores are forgotten. We couldn’t be prouder.

Arts News

The celebrations for Kardinia's milestone 30 Year Anniversary continue with a very special Art Competition coinciding with the annual senior school Art Show!

Open to students, alumni, past and present staff, artworks can be created in response to the theme, 'Honouring the past, creating bridges to the future.' Plenty of prizes to be won! See Ms D'Alessandro for more details. Thank you to Hannah R (Year 12) for the competition flyer artwork!

Welcome, Gotemba Nishi Students - Term 3

Three students from Gotemba Nishi High School—Miyu, Hinata and Ayane—joined us in Term 3. They came to KIC to make new friends, improve their English, and experience life in Australia. Here are some of their first impressions:

“Australians are very friendly. People talk to others they don’t know, which is rare in Japan because many people are shy.”

“I was surprised by the meals. Japanese food usually has rice and fish, but Australian meals have so much variety. Everything has been delicious.”

“My host family is incredibly kind. They always check in with me and even bought chopsticks to understand Japanese culture. I feel very welcomed.”

A big Kardinia welcome to you all!

Sports News

Kardinia's Junior Girls Netball team proudly represented the College at the GISSA Netball Championships last week. The team played seven matches throughout the day, demonstrating excellent teamwork, skill, and determination in every game. Their consistent effort and positive attitude saw them finish in an impressive 3rd place overall.

It was a fantastic day of competition, with the girls supporting one another and sharing their love of netball. Congratulations to Eva, Elsie, Charlotte, Trudy, Iris, Phoebe, Lusi, Emerson, Matilda, Gemma and Lucy on a wonderful achievement and for representing Kardinia with such enthusiasm.

News from the VET and VCE VM Coordinator

Seeking Structured Work Placements - VCE Vocational Major (VM)

Semester 2 has made an exciting start for the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) pathway at Kardinia International College, with many of our students now beginning their Structured Workplace Learning placements.

As part of this program, we are still seeking a few remaining placements to support our VCE VM students this semester. These placements are a vital part of helping students build employability skills, explore career pathways and gain real-world experience.

We are particularly looking for opportunities in the following industries:

• Building and Construction

• Sports and Recreation

• Electrical

• IT and Data

• Hospitality

Students attend one day per week over 10 weeks, or as a block placement, as part of their Structured Workplace Learning program.

If you, your workplace, or someone in your network may be able to offer a placement opportunity in one of these areas, we would greatly appreciate your support.

For further information or to discuss possibilities, please contact Mr Antony Benson, VET and VCE VM Coordinator, at a.benson@kardinia.vic.edu.au

VET Courses 2027 – Applications Opening

Parents, carers and students are advised that applications for 2027 VET courses with other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) open from Tuesday, 14 July.

Please note that Gordon applications open separately, on the following dates:

• 6 August – Applications open for students who will be in Year 11 or Year 12 in 2027.
• 17 August – Applications open for students who will be in Year 10 in 2027.

Be sure to have created your USI and Gordon Student account before applying for the Gordon. Mr Benson will be available from 8:00am on Thursday, 6 August in the Study Hall to support students with their VET applications.

Early application for VET courses is highly recommended.

How to Apply for VET

1. Review the VET course information

Before applying, take time to explore the VET courses and providers that may be of interest to you. You should consider:

• which course best matches your interests and future goals

• which provider offers the course

• the course fees

• any equipment or uniform requirements

• whether the course includes holiday attendance

• whether the course requires Structured Workplace Learning or work placement

Some courses have additional costs, equipment requirements, holiday classes or work placement expectations, so please read the course information carefully before applying.

As part of your application, you may need to write a short paragraph explaining why you are interested in the course and how it supports your future pathway. You may be asked to respond to questions such as:

• What do you know about the VET course you are applying for?

• Why do you believe this VET course fits with your Pathways Plan?

• What experience do you have in this type of work or industry?

2. Create a USI

All students applying for VET need a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not already have one, please create it before applying: Get your USI

3. Complete the correct application form

Non-Gordon VET courses — applications open Tuesday, 14 July and close Friday, 4 September

1. Download the VET Paper Application Form
2. Complete it in full, including the parent/carer section, and sign it.
3. Scan the completed form — see How to Scan your VET application
4. Upload your scan via the VET Application form

Gordon VET courses — applications open 6th August (Year 10 students can apply from 17th August)

1. Set up your Gordon student account now — don't wait until applications open: How to set up your Gordon Student account
2. From 6th August, complete your application through the Gordon's online portal.
3. Once you've submitted to the Gordon, also lodge it with Kardinia via the VET Application form so we have your record.

More information is on the VET information page: KICOnline – VET Information

Any questions, see Mr Benson or email vet@kardinia.vic.edu.au

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

Recent Future Pathways Opportunities and Excursions

Girls in Property Excursion facilitated by Property council of Victoria, hosted at Cotton On Head Office, North Geelong. The program is designed to inspire female students in Years 9 and 10 by showcasing the diverse and exciting career opportunities within the property industry. Over the years, we’ve noticed that perceptions of the industry can be limited, and our goal is for students to leave with a broader understanding of the wide range of roles available under the property umbrella.

The day is highly interactive and engaging. Senior and emerging female property professionals share their personal career journeys, students also get hands-on experience with real-life property developments and work together to solve practical briefs, helping them see career options they may not have previously considered.

Congratulations to the following students who won the design challenge for the day. Eva P, Isla T and Bonnie L.

Student feedback on the excursion:

Eve: "The whole day was so interesting, but the highlight was meeting people, especially women, who actually work in property. They all had varied backgrounds and different experiences that led them there. It was inspiring to learn about different pathways into the industry!"

Ash: "I thought it was an amazing opportunity to hear from so many experienced women in the property industry. It was such a welcoming space, and I felt very privileged to hear about their stories, and what being a woman in property can look like. I loved the variety in the people that were given the opportunity to share- specifically in regard to their age and career choice/ how they got to where they are. Their enthusiasm for their job enforced the importance to choose a career that I love, and it made property as a whole seem less daunting because of how they seemed to encompass a mentor role so comfortably and like they actually wanted us to be a part of the industry, both because it was a positive space to be in and because there are lots of opportunities and potential pathways. I think I speak for all my friends when I say we had no idea the extent cotton on had expanded to, and it seemed like a great place to work at. It's a really good program for teenage girls because it puts property as a possible idea somewhere along the track and I would love to see it continued to help more people. Today's event built on my experience and made me even more eager to explore the industry further."

Year 12 VTAC Briefing – Monday 3 August, Period 1

We will be hosting a VTAC Briefing for all year 12 students on Monday 3 August. Students will either attend the VTAC Briefing in the Katsumata Centre or the Alternate Pathways Workshop in the Learning Commons Landing for students considering apprenticeships, employment, traineeships.

Open Days Guide

Scholarships Guide

List of Open Days

Wellbeing Hub News

Mental health literacy is the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to recognise when a young person may be struggling, understand how to respond and know where to seek support. As rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress continue to rise among children and adolescents, mental health literacy has become increasingly important. The earlier concerns are identified and addressed, the greater the opportunity to provide support before difficulties escalate.

While many adults want to help, they often feel uncertain about what is typical behaviour, what may be a warning sign and how to start conversations about mental health. In a world saturated with information, it can also be difficult to know what advice is trustworthy and evidence based. Building mental health literacy helps adults feel more confident, reduces stigma around mental health and encourages help-seeking when needed.

Read More Here.

Article by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, AO

“One of my favourite books to read to my children when they were little was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. If you've ever had toddlers, chances are you've read it so many times you could recite it from memory also. It has sold more than 60 million copies, been translated into dozens of languages and somehow still manages to delight children who insist on hearing it "just one more time" (usually five times in a row).

Here's a little-known fact: Eric Carle didn't originally write about a caterpillar. His first draft was called A Week with Willi the Worm. Thankfully, his editor, Ann Beach, gently pointed out that worms don't have quite the same career trajectory as caterpillars. It may be one of the greatest editorial interventions in publishing history, because as we all know, worms don't become butterflies.

At this time of year, when I work alongside Year 12 students and their increasingly anxious parents, I'm grateful Anne persuaded him to make the change. I've come to think The Very Hungry Caterpillar isn't just one of the world's greatest children's books. It's one of the best books ever written about adolescence”.

Continue Reading Here.

Community Engagement and Foundation News

Shine On! A Celebration of KIC Music

Join us for Shine On, a great night of live music celebrating the talented musicians of Kardinia International College. Featuring performances from KIC Brass, Square 1, The Brothers, Green Jam, KIC Start and more, the evening will showcase the energy, creativity, and diversity of our contemporary bands program in the fun atmosphere of Beav's Bar.

Shine On is also a chance to celebrate and farewell our Year 12 musicians as they wrap up their time at KIC. Over the years, they have made a huge contribution to our music community through their commitment, leadership, and passion for music. We look forward to recognising their achievements and thanking them for helping make our music program such a vibrant part of school life.

Event Information

• Family-friendly event
• The wider College community is warmly invited to attend
• Food will not be available for purchase at the venue; however guests are welcome to bring their own food

Date: Thursday 17 September
Venue: Beav’s Bar, Little Malop Street, Geelong
Time: 6:00pm – 8.30pm Tickets: $10

https://events.humanitix.com/shine-on-music-festival

Searching for Missing Alumni

As part of our 30th Anniversary, we are reaching out to alumni with whom we may have lost contact over the years. Email addresses change, people move, and sometimes our communications no longer reach their intended destination.

If you are an alumnus and haven’t heard from us recently, please take a moment to register or update your details on The Kardinians: https://kardinians.com

If you are still in contact with other alumni, please share this call‑out so we can reconnect with as many members of our community as possible.

Where Are They Now - Alumnus Max Rogers (Class of 2010)

Max Rogers has built a dynamic career at the intersection of sport, technology and communication. As a Marketing Automation Specialist with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, he plays a key role in shaping the digital experience behind one of Australia’s largest international sporting events.

After graduating from Kardinia International College, Max pursued Public Relations at Deakin University, later completing an Honours degree in Communications. These foundations prepared him for the fast‑paced demands of the sports and motorsport industries, where he has established himself as an accomplished Digital Marketing Executive.

Max’s expertise spans digital content creation, marketing automation, public relations, media and press communications, social media strategy, and website content management. His work supports the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix’s year‑round digital presence, ensuring fans receive timely, personalised and engaging communication.

Known for his adaptability and collaborative approach, Max exemplifies the diverse pathways taken by Kardinia alumni. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, strategic thinking and excellence—qualities first nurtured during his time at the College.

CCC Family Footy Tipping

The climb up the ladder is intensifying, yet a few steadfast contenders continue to hold their ground at the top. After Round 20, the Leaderboard stands as follows:

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

Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator

From the Archives

The 20-Year Production - Onwards

As the 30‑Year Production enters its final rehearsals, the Archives reflects on a milestone from a decade earlier: the Twenty‑Year Production, Onwards, directed by the late Christine Anketell.

The following extract, drawn from P. Dowie and F. Russell, Kardinia International College: Celebrating Twenty Years 1996–2015, highlights the significance of this commemorative work.

Onwards was created for the 20th Year Celebrations of Kardinia International College. Under the directorship of Mrs Christine Anketell, a talented and dedicated group of staff created this amazing show about the beginnings and development of Kardinia. Mr Manfred Pohlenz (Musical Director), Mr Ian Nash-Gilchrist and Mrs Rachel Sheehan (Choreographers) and Mr Ian Campbell (Producer) worked together masterfully to tell our story through a theatrical celebration of powerful images.

Every part of the show had profound connections to the story of Kardinia. For example, the finale, ‘Amigo Pare Sempre’ is not only a fitting celebratory extravaganza but also highlights the central concept of friendship of our motto and also is a tribute to Mr and Mrs Katsumata both of whom had this song as the conclusion to their memorial services.

Reference: P. Dowie and F. Russell. Kardinia International College. Celebrating Twenty Years 1996-2015.

Fiona Russell - College Archivist