Kardinia International College

Beginnings

Kardinia International College was founded by the late Yoshimaro Katsumata (勝俣義麿) who purchased Morongo's buildings, grounds, facilities and resources in mid-1995. It first opened in 1996 with 31 secondary students and 42 kindergarten children. The International Baccalaureate has been implemented at the primary years level and at the Diploma level.

The word Kardinia is a Tasmanian Aboriginal word which means sunrise or new beginning.

Gotemba Nishi High School, also owned by Katsumata, is a sister school to Kardinia International College.

The construction of a third campus and an Aquatic Centre were announced in 2015 as a part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.

In 2015, it was announced that current principal, Mr John Goodfellow, would be retiring as principal after 20 years in the job. Mr Goodfellow will still be heavily involved with the college as college director and Sum Pun director. Mr David Fitzgerald took up the role of principal at the beginning of 2016.

20th Anniversary Celebrations

2015 marked an important milestone for the college, it was 20 years since the college began in 1996. The college grew from around 50 students to more than 2000 in 2015. Special events occurred to mark the very special occasion. The annual KICFest was turned into a spectacular event for the students and the public, it included a firework spectacular at the closing of the festival. A special stage production, Onwards, was produced to pay tribute to the 20 years of the college. A whole school photo was taken as well as each student receiving a special 20 years commemoration book outlining the important milestones of the college as well as recognising many achievements. Each student also receive a medallion in memory of the late founders, Mr and Mrs Katsumata. The college's new Aquatic Centre and the new Yr 5 Campus in Moorabool were also announced.

Structure

The college is divided into four distinct sections:

Senior School

The Senior School utilises a vertical curriculum for years seven to ten. This system is based upon the individual choices of a student. At the beginning of each semester, students are issued with a unique timetable of seven subjects, based upon their preferences. This allows for students to focus heavily on one particular area, or elect to pursue one or more languages. This system does not allow free rein, however, with a minimum number of subjects which must be undertaken in each learning area.

For years 11 and 12, there are two options to undertake. The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) was first implemented in 2000, and is the main high school certificate for year 11 and 12 students in Victoria. In 2005, Kardinia offered the alternative of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. 33 students completed the International Baccalaureate in 2006. The school also implemented the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program into the junior school. VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses are also available to willing students.

House System

Kardinia International College has four houses to which students are allocated, each having a historical meaning.

Katsumata Centre

In 2011, a gymnasium/weights room/ theatre complex was established in honour of the school's founders, the Katsumatas.

The Learning Commons

In 2014, a multi-purpose facility was built on location of the previous library in the centre of the senior school. The new facility consists of two buildings. The first is the The Learning Commons which includes a library, IT support, offices, student study, photography rooms and classrooms. The second building consisting of classrooms, study rooms and staff offices.

The Goodfellow Aquatic Centre

As a part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, it was announced that an aquatic centre was to be built along Ballarat Rd. The new building includes two separate swimming pools. The construction of the pool commenced in April 2015 and was completed in July 2016. The centre was officially opened by the founding principal and its namesake, John Goodfellow.

Chiang Mai Sum Pun

Students in Year 9 have the opportunity to travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sum Pun Kardinia is the campus located in Chiang Mai. The duration of the trip is eight weeks, where they take part in many cultural activities such as: a cooking class, Buddhism studies, a community service project, attend a novice monk school and much more.

The Grove Campus

In 2015, construction began on a rural campus for year 5 students. The campus would include farm like lifestyle including farm animals and veggie gardens as well as a residence. The campus was completed in mid-2016.

College Song

The College Song 'Bridges To The Future' was composed by Debbie Howard.

Controversy

Several students were involved in the creation and distribution of a controversial DVD first seen in the media in October 2006. According to the college principal one student was expelled, along with a school investigation into two other students who "may have had some involvement". These students have since been expelled .