From the Principal - Catherine Lockhart
Yesterday morning there was a buzz around the Katsumata Centre and Hall as our Year 12 VCE (mixed with a few Year 11s) and IB DP students were gathering for their first exams, English for VCE and Biology for IB.
As I was waiting with the students before they entered the rooms, there were some nerves, but also a really good sense that they were ready and well prepared for what was to come. The many smiles I saw after the exams were also a great indicator that, all things considered, the students were feeling pretty good and were not only relieved to have the first ones out of the way but felt comfortable with how they went.
It is a long few weeks for our Year 12s, with some still having exams on the last day of the exam period, while others finishing much earlier. It is also a long wait for their teachers as they wait to see what the questions were and how the students felt they handled them. So much effort and time is invested in preparing for these two weeks by our teachers and our students.
What we hope is that in the end the results reflect the efforts and hard work that has taken place over the final years of their secondary education. What I also hope is that regardless of the final result, each and every one of our students remembers that they are so much more than their ATAR score and they are loved and valued for who they are as a human being above everything else.
From the Head of Senior School - Kath O'Neill
Our annual Waste Audit occurred on Thursday last week, with students from across the Senior School, as well as representatives from the Junior School, analysing the composition in all our bins. This audit looks at how our College community manages waste and allows our students to be part of solutions to improve our waste management practices and move towards a more sustainable future.
On Monday this week we again hosted our Year 10 Leadership Program, with all Year 10 students participating in activities to support them to have a greater understanding of leadership and to provide them with tools to build their leadership confidence and competence. Feedback from the students was really positive, and we have the largest number of Year 10s yet who have volunteered to step up and become Peer Support leaders to work with our 2026 Year 7s next year and support their transition to the Senior School.
Finally, our Year 12 VCE and IB Exams commenced yesterday. This is an intense period for Year 12s and their families, Year 11 students who are accelerating into a Year 12 subject, and Year 12 teachers. We are really proud of our students and their own personal efforts and achievements. We’re also grateful to so many others in our College Community who are supportive in small ways, such as being quiet around exam venues, checking in with students, and offering encouragement in myriad ways.
From the Acting Head of Junior School - Geoff Geddes
Dear families,
I would like to start with a quick check-in. How did your reading routine go last week? In my own family, we managed four out of five days, but thanks to a wild-weather Sunday we spent time reading together, I’m happily counting it as a perfect five! I hope your family has also found a strong start.
If you’ve managed to keep up a five out of five reading routine all year without missing a beat, congratulations! Please keep up the fantastic work.
Congratulations to our Year 3 students.
Last week our year 3 students tackled their overnight camp experience. The students' teamwork, courage, and positive attitude made the experience unforgettable. All students should be proud of the way they embraced every challenge and showed true resilience throughout the adventure.
A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff for supporting, encouraging, and inspiring our students every step of the way. Your commitment made this camp a wonderful success!
Lower Primary Athletics Day Fun
On Friday 24th October, we held our Lower Primary Athletics Day — and what a fantastic day it was! Foundation to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled day of events, showing great enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We were lucky to have perfect weather after the wild conditions earlier in the week — thank you to everyone for your flexibility with the date change! A massive thank you also to our amazing Junior School Leaders for their help throughout the day, and to Mr Hough for preparing everyone so well. Congratulations to Cowie, our winning house!
Icy Pole Fridays are back for November!
Every Friday in November students can bring $1 to buy an icy pole at lunchtime if they would like. These are lemonade icy poles.
Sports News
Junior School
Athletics
There were perfect conditions for a wonderful day of athletics Tuesday, 21/10/25 at Keilor Park athletics track, host of the Western Metropolitan Regional Athletics Championships. A small cohort of Kardinian athletes competed in the sunshine with some fantastic results.
Mikayla W, competing in 11-year-old girls, achieved 1st place in triple jump and long jump earning her the right to defend her state champion title from last year and to make her mark in the triple jump at state level representing Kardinia.
Rocco T, competing in 11-year-old boys, achieved 3rd in the long jump and an impressive 2nd in the 80m hurdles finishing only metres behind the hurdles state record holder. Rocco has also secured his place to compete in the SSV state championships next week.
Lily A narrowly missed 2nd place by 0.19 sec in a thrilling finish in the 11-year-old girls 1500m, coming 3rd place with a personal best time of 5.22.39.
Sailor R, the only representative student in the 9/10 age group, performed strongly in the girls 1500m coming a solid 9th place.
Alex B, in the 12/13-year-old girls, achieved an impressive 4th place in the 200m dash.
Jamieson M, in the 12/13-year-old boys, represented Kardinia in the 100m dash and came 12th in a highly competitive field.
Zac G, in 12/13-year-old boys, achieved 11th place in a very strong field in the 80m hurdles.
We congratulate all the athletes for representing Kardinia at Regional Championships and wish Mikayla and Rocco all the very best of luck for the State Championships next Thursday (6 November) at Lakeside Athletics Stadium, Albert Park.
Swimming
Congratulations to Elsie (year 4), Penny (year 2) and Mackenzie (year 2) on being selected into the Barwon Southwest District team to compete at MSAC last weekend at the Victorian Country Junior District Championships.
Elsie had a fabulous competition placing 1st in the 9-year girls 50m Backstroke, 3rd in 50m Breaststroke and named as a finalist being top 10 for freestyle.
Penny and Mackenzie also had an amazing day out. Penny finishing top 10 in the 8 years age group for all 4 strokes, Freestyle, Backstroke Breaststroke and Freestyle, with Mackenzie finishing top 10 in 8 years Butterfly.
The girls all participated in relays for the district at the championships too with Elsie and Mackenzie placing 3rd in the freestyle relay and Elsie and Penny placing 3rd in the medley relay.
Congratulations!
Senior School Art Show 2025
Come along and support our Senior School Art Students, the first to be held in the new School of Visual Arts!
Save the date for awards night - Wednesday 5 November 6-9pm. All welcome.
The exhibition will be open from Thursday 6 to Thursday 13 November, 9am-5pm. All visitors during these times must visit Main Reception to sign in, where directions to the School of Visual Arts will be provided.
Learning Commons News
English Department News
KIC Reads: Fostering a Whole-School Culture of Reading - Winners!
Following our introduction of the KIC Reads program in last week's eNews, we are excited to share that Kardinia has been announced as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge! Winners were determined based on overall participation, total minutes and books logged, as well as library engagement.
A big thank you to our level A and B English students who took part in the challenge. We're very excited to hear their suggestions for some titles that can be added to the Learning Commons catalog with the prize money!
Congratulations Charlton and Daniel - Performing with Opera Australia
We’re thrilled to share that Charlton (Year 7) and Daniel (Year 8) will be performing with Opera Australia in their upcoming production of Carmen at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre!
This world-famous opera will be performed in French, and rehearsals are already underway.
Catch Charlton and Daniel performing together on the following dates:
Monday 17 November
Wednesday 19 November
Friday 21 November
Monday 24 November
Carmen runs from 15–25 November — a huge congratulations to both students on this outstanding achievement!
Link to tickets: Carmen at Regent Theatre Melbourne tickets | Opera Australia
A note from the Social Justice Committee
Last Friday, the winning team of the Timor Soccer Tournament received their certificates, beautifully made by Jacinta M. The Social Justice Committee has been working hard to reflect on player feedback and is already planning an even bigger and better tournament for next year!
We’re incredibly grateful to all the referees who volunteered their time and helped make the event such a success.
Congratulations to our individual award winners, Xavier G and Harrison B, for their outstanding skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
See you all on the field next year! - Sara K (year 11)
Wellbeing Hub News
Weekly Insights Article: Supporting Autonomy Without Losing Authority
Parenting involves a delicate balancing act: we want our children to grow into capable, independent decision-makers, but we also need to guide them with clarity, confidence, and care. That’s where the great parenting challenge lies—supporting autonomy without losing authority.
Click here for the 5 practical, evidence-based principles that can help.
Wednesday 5 November 2025, 7pm AEST | 8pm AEDT, Click here to register
Experimentation with substances such as alcohol, vaping or drugs can be a common part of adolescence, but for some young people, occasional use can quickly develop into risky or harmful patterns. Curiosity, peer influence and stress are often contributing factors, while today's easy access and social normalisation make early exposure more likely. Substance use can affect a young person's mood, judgement, learning and relationships and may signal deeper issues such as anxiety, trauma or low self-esteem. Adult carers play a vital role in prevention by staying connected, recognising early warning signs and keeping conversations calm, honest and supportive. With awareness, guidance and care, families can help young people make safer choices and develop healthy coping skills that protect their wellbeing into adulthood.
Reach Out Schools: Practical Strategies for Managing Exam Stress
Community Engagement and Foundation News
Invitation to the AGM – College Community Council
We warmly invite all parents to support the Kardinia community by attending the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the College Community Council - CCC. This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Become a member
- Run for office
- Or simply come and listen in
📍 Location: Kardinia International College – Morongo House - Board Room
📅 Wednesday, 19 November 2025
🕡 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Your presence and participation help shape the future of our school community. Whether you're ready to take on a leadership role or just want to stay informed, your involvement matters. RSVP to: f.russell@kardinia.vic.edu.au
Let’s work together to make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there!
Reconnect, Reminisce, Reunite: Kardinia Alumni Reunions This November!
It’s time to come back to Kardinia!
Whether you graduated last year or were part of our pioneering decade, we’re inviting you to reconnect with old friends and favourite teachers. This November, The Kardinians are hosting a series of special reunion events—and we’d love to see you there.
📅 Upcoming Reunions:
✨ Class of 2024 – 1 Year Reunion
Date: Thursday 7 November
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Celebrate your first year beyond Kardinia with your classmates and teachers. Share stories, laughs, and memories from your first steps into the world beyond school.
🎓 1996–2006 Reunion – Celebrating the First Decade
Date: Thursday 21 November
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
Were you a student or staff member during Kardinia’s formative years? Join us for a special reunion to celebrate the College’s first decade. Reconnect with familiar faces and reminisce on the early days that helped shape who we are today.
🎉 Milestone Reunion – Classes of 2020, 2015, 2010 & 2005
Date: Friday 29 November
Time: 7:30pm – 10:30pm
This is your moment to celebrate 5, 10, 15 or 20 years since graduation! Whether you’re from the Class of 2020, 2015, 2010 or 2005, we’re bringing you together for a night of memories, laughter, and reconnection.
🎟️ RSVP Details:
All reunion events are complimentary, but RSVPs are essential for entry.
Please book your place via The Kardinians alumni platform. Head to EVENTS
Let’s celebrate the friendships, the milestones, and the memories that make Kardinia International College such a special place. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
Fiona Russell - Community Engagement and Foundation Coordinator
From the Archives
Celebration Day: A Joyful Tradition Honouring Year 12 Students
Once known as Muck-Up Day, the tradition now fondly referred to as Celebration Day has evolved into a spirited and respectful send-off for our Year 12 students. This cherished event marks the end of their school journey with laughter, creativity, and camaraderie.
Over the years, Celebration Day has become a highlight of the school calendar. Students arrive in imaginative costumes, armed with water guns and wide smiles, ready to enjoy one last day of fun with their peers and teachers. The shift in terminology—from “muck-up” to “celebration”—reflects a deeper cultural change, one that emphasizes joy, respect, and community spirit.
While it’s undeniably playful, it’s also grounded in mutual respect—for the school environment, for staff, and for fellow students. It’s a day where memories are made, friendships are honoured, and the school community comes together to celebrate the achievements and growth of our graduating class.
This year’s newsletter features a selection of early images from past Celebration Days, capturing the vibrant energy and heartfelt moments that have defined this tradition. From superhero costumes, pirates, camouflage, childhood characters and alien creatures to water fights on the oval, these snapshots remind us of the enduring spirit of fun and unity that Celebration Day brings.
As we look forward to future celebrations, we honour the legacy of those who’ve come before—and the joy they’ve left behind.
2003
2006
2010
Fiona Russell - College Archivist
