In a year that has been like no other, it has been remarkable to see how the students and staff at Kardinia International College have adapted to make this school year as normal as possible, in the most unusual of times, according to principal Catherine Lockhart.
“During the two periods of remote learning,” she says, “our college community has shown an incredible amount of resilience and innovation, which has made this transition as smooth as possible.
“While it hasn’t been without its challenges, implementing changes based on the input of students, parents and teachers and being able to constantly refine our processes meant that we successfully navigated this unprecedented situation.”
Technological Advancement is one of the four cornerstones upon which life at Kardinia is based. One positive of remote learning has been putting this ideal to real-life practice through the school’s cutting-edge technology and communication resources.
“As well as using technology to deliver remote learning, we have also been able to run events that before COVID-19 we’d not considered could be held online.
“Earlier this year, we were able to hold a live virtual celebration with the staff at Kardinia Sum Pun, our campus located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This was a lovely opportunity to celebrate Kardinia Sum Pun’s 10-year anniversary, while being able to witness the opening of a new building and see the unveiling of nine Geelong-style Bollards on site.
“In a year where overseas travel has not been possible, we’ve also been able to continue our relationship with our sister school, Gotemba Nishi High School in Japan, through an online GoKIC ‘zoom pal’ program.
“Kardinia students have been able to meet weekly online with Gotemba Nishi students to build international connections, develop an understanding of culture and improve their Japanese language skills – all in the digital world while embracing another of the college’s cornerstones, International Mindedness.”
This year marked Kardinia’s 25th anniversary, and while celebrations had to be put on hold, the college made the most of what was possible – in true Kardinia spirit.
“On Founders’ Day in April, our college community took part in virtual celebrations and events, including an online art show. It was a welcome distraction to see the love that our students, staff and alumni have for our school.”
Kardinia is pleased that they will be able to hold its first Virtual Open Day at 5pm on October 28.
“To be able to share Kardinia International College to prospective families is very exciting, and another way that we can continue to utilise technology in this year’s version of normal.
“While 2020 has been a year that I could have never imagined, and despite the challenges and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to celebrate what we have achieved as a college.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised as a finalist in the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, and a true testimony to our wonderful students, staff and wider college community.”
Mrs Lockhart admits that she doesn’t know what other situations may arise in 2020, but believes that if the school can undergo them with the positives attitudes she has witnessed, it will get through.
Kardinia International College, 29-31 Kardinia Drive, Bell Post Hill. Inquiries: 5278 9999 or www.kardinia.vic.edu.au
