College News
Principal's Update
Welcome to Term 3. Watch the video below for an update from our Principal who is currently in the US, and from our Acting Principal, Michael Tucker.
College Renovations
Over the holidays, we started work on another section of the School in the courtyard between the Library and the Junior School. Last year, we removed an old tree in this area that was becoming too much of an OH&S hazard. One of these hazards was the tree roots lifting all the bitumen up. The area has now been concreted and includes a stage area which in time will have a pagola-like structure built over the top of it. While in the area, we also replaced three old air-con units in the Year 2, 3 and Chinese classrooms. We will soon be planting garden beds in this area as well, so there will be further updates to follow.
James Haworth
Groundskeeper
Japanese Homestay Program 2024
Our Japanese Homestay Program is returning in March 2024. Read below for more information about this program:
My name is Les Gardiner and I have been the coordinator and ESL teacher for our Japanese Homestay Program program since 2006. We have a strong relationship with Shibuya Junior High School in Tokyo, Japan. Shibuya school is a private school with 1200 students.
King’s College is one of the 10 Australian schools who host Shibuya students. There are about 200 Japanese students who come to Australia, with King’s College usually hosting around 10 to 15 of them, both Girls and Boys. The Japanese students are aged 14 to 15 years old and have basic English skills. They are here to experience Australian culture and the everyday lives of Australian families. They will stay with their Australian host family for 12 days.
If you chose to take part in this program, the Japanese students will attend school at King's College each day, travelling to and from your home with your children. The weekends are free for families to spend time with their Japanese student. As a host family, you don’t need to know how to speak Japanese and you don’t have to cook anything different as this is part of the experience for the Japanese student.
You will be given an allowance to cover food expenses, with most activities and sightseeing a part of the school program. The Japanese students are happy either having their own bedroom or sharing with your children. The Japanese students also adapt easily to younger or older siblings in your family. My experience is that they bonded very quickly with younger children. This program is a very rewarding and memorable experience for your whole family.
My own family has traveled to Japan three times and stayed with the Japanese students families. I personally have been to Japan nine times, catching up with schools and most of the Japanese families. I will be travelling back to Japan in September this year to visit Shibuya school and catch up with the hundreds of people I now know.
So I encourage your family to become a host family for our 2024 Japanese Homestay Program. I am happy to discuss further details either at school or at your home. You will have my 100% support throughout the whole program and I will be available 24/7 for any questions. If you are interested, please contact me on 0418 519 833 or email lgardiner@kings.vic.edu.au
Les Gardiner
Japanese Homestay Coordinator
Winter Scarves Available
We have received a new supply of Winter Scarves in the Uniform Shop. They are plain navy with a cashmere feel - very soft and warm. $15 each.
For any Uniform enquiries, please contact Maria Sully in the Uniform Shop at uniforms@kings.vic.edu.au