Photo above: Intershool Athletics Carnival.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

It has been wonderful to see our Student Council leadership team grow and develop throughout the year. The Student Council Executive implemented their 'Kennedy Day' initiative which involved a whole College Assembly run by students and fun lunchtime festival activities totally organised by the outstanding student councillors. It was great to see our student leadership team have a strong presence in the College. Both events were very well organised and extremely well supported by the student body. Congratulations to everyone involved.

We are currently in the process of selecting our 2022 Student Executive team and it has been a pleasure to meet so many committed students with a strong passion to lead the student body. The new Student Executive will be announced next week. 2022 Student Council and House Captain nominations open next week and are due at the end of Week 1 next term.

It has also been wonderful to see so many Year 10 students nominate to be mentors for our incoming Year 7 students in 2022. The student response to these programs reinforces the strength of our ever-growing Pastoral Care program.
 

Interschool Athletics

It was fantastic to spend some time with our Track and Field team on Monday as they competed against very strong competition and supported each other along the way. Kennedy produced a strong result, finishing third on the day, which was particularly pleasing considering the size of other schools in the Division D. There were also some outstanding results including Kye Brindle’s equalling of the 1958 Open Male long-jump record of 7.04 metres. More results can be found in Miss Podmore’s report later in this newsletter. 

As this is our last newsletter for the term, I trust everyone has a wonderful, safe, and restful holiday and we wish our Year 12 ATAR students the very best for their examinations in the second week of the holidays. 

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Devotion

Welcome to the end of Term 3. You may have heard about a part in the Bible called the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus gives a ‘how-to’ pray in a few verses of the Bible. One part of the prayer that Jesus tells us is this line, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. If we are to pray this, what are we praying for? We are calling for the nature and character of God’s kingdom to be present in our world, unhindered, just as it is in heaven.

This week I want to focus on what I personally feel is the greatest and most challenging feature of God's wonderful kingdom here in our world. That feature of the kingdom of God is unity. Unity, relationship, harmony, togetherness are all words that have so much longing, and pain, attached. My experiences in this world have shown me that unity is what we strive for with all our being. However broken or elusive, unity shapes us all in so many ways.

The challenge of how much should I commit to gaining full unity with others, all while knowing that this costly investment of myself is quite likely to end in brokenness and scars. A student recently shared with me about their loss of a long-time beloved pet. The pain they were feeling was strong and hard. The truth of that pain was grounded in the 11 years of love and relationship they had enjoyed. The unity they had experienced was gone.  

One of the attributes of God is Unity. God can be described as a unified relationship. Therefore, God’s creation design of us has blueprinted in us an unrelenting drive to relate, connect, and be unified with others. We are directed to pray the Lord’s Prayer and call for God’s unity to be present in our world just as it is in heaven. Jesus gives us the power to forgive, show grace, restore and repair broken relationships because He is the King of this wonderful kingdom.

Matthew 6:10 “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Year 7 Report

We have had a few exciting weeks in Year 7 recently and students are getting close to finishing off another term. Reflecting back on the term, our Year 7 students had their first experience of Kennedy Day in Week 6. Kennedy Day is a day to celebrate who we are as a College and community, organised by the student leadership team with the intention to create an upbeat, fun and positive atmosphere for all to enjoy. It was great to see the students embrace the day and get involved with everything on offer.

Last week we participated in RUOK? week here at Kennedy, students had a blast on the College oval during Extended Form participating in some old school tabloid games. It was a great morning and if you can imagine seeing 200 students doing leader ball, pass ball, tunnel ball, and sack races at the same time, it really was a sight to see. I love the Year 7s energy and the mateship that was shown by our students, I particularly noticed that the physical activities encouraged them and brightened up their faces. Throughout the week they were encouraged to ask each other RUOK? and spark a conversation of care. 

Next week we look forward to our Year 7 Social at Bounce and as we draw closer to the final day of Term 3, I would like to remind our students to maintain our high standards of work and compassion. I hope they can enjoy the upcoming holidays with a chance to rest so that they come back refreshed for the final term. Students and their families are always in my prayers. 

Year 8 Report

As we come to the end of another term I encourage the students to look back only to look forward. I encourage them to look back at what we have done during Extended Form over the year. From inspiring devotions that they have had from their Form teachers to the positive education topics and study skills sessions. Now is the time to start creating a revision timetable to supplement your class learning and set homework. 

Last week Kennedy had its own RUOK? Week. I would like to encourage students and parents to be there for each other and ask the question “RUOK?”. It was a great week here at Kennedy, with the aim to increase awareness of this significant and important issue. Below are tips on how to ask your child the question “RUOK?” with more information available online.  

• Ask “RUOK?” – Be relaxed, friendly, and concerned.
• Listen with an open mind – Don’t judge, take them seriously, and do not interrupt.
• Encourage Action – Be positive about professional help and encourage them to seek help from a health professional.
• Check-in – Stay in touch and follow up.

Please remember that we have a huge support network with the Pastoral Care team here at Kennedy. Please feel free to come and see one of our great College Counsellors or me who will be available to help through any tough times. 

Finally, we have had a lovely time at our Community Service events at Opal Care in Murdoch this term. I have been very impressed by the students being willing to interact with the residents and to learn from their stories. Well done Eyre and King. Next term Forrest and Stirling will get their chance - I am sure they will excel also.  

I hope everyone has a restful and safe holiday break and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 4. 

Year 9 Report

It has been another busy yet productive term for our wonderful Year 9 students. Kennedy Day in Week 7 was one of the highlights, with a student-led Assembly in the morning, food trucks and a petting zoo during our extended lunchtime.  

Last week was ‘RUOK?’ week, which featured several student versus staff sporting games and a barbecue on Friday. Of note was the guest speaker we were privileged to hear from on Wednesday during Extended Form. Hayden Glass, General Manager of Red Frogs Western Australia spoke to us about looking out for our friends and having the courage to let the people around you know when you are struggling.  

This afternoon, we are heading to Super Bowl in Melville for our Term 3 social activity. I am looking forward to seeing which student will knock down the most pins! Students will be able to show their skills off over two games, and we will refuel in between with food and drinks from the café. 

Over the last few weeks, we have seen an increase in positive behaviour being displayed by our Year 9 students. I have been impressed by the increased level of respect students are showing towards one another, and I hope that this will only continue to improve.  

Next term, the three Form classes who have not yet taken part in our Community Service Program will have the opportunity to do so with another three visits to St Bartholomew’s House. Year 9 students will complete examinations for their MESH subjects in Week 6 and 7, so I encourage everyone to establish a revision program early in the term. Term 4 can be a stressful time for some students, so before it commences, I encourage all families to spend some time over the holidays enjoying one another’s company. Be sure to relax and re-energise in preparation for another term of engaged learning!

Year 10 Report

Over the past weeks students have had some visiting speakers and events focussing on some of life’s ‘bigger topics’. RUOK? day in Week 8 saw Amy Coombe, a renowned mental health speaker and advocate, come to talk to the Year 10 to 12 students about mental health and Kennedy’s focus on ‘what comes next, how do I help someone. I have discussed with the cohort the choices and consequences that come with their actions. We talked about common issues faced by teenagers including technology use and screen time, building positive relationships, and alcohol and drug use, all topics which are part of the Health Curriculum.

As always students are reminded of what potential they have and how they can make wise choices for a positive future. The Form teachers are a wonderful pastoral support group for our 10s. I encourage you to keep communicating with us if you have any queries or concerns with your child. 

I know the Year 10s are looking forward to some exciting events and opportunities for Term 4 including their first formal social, the Year 10 Dinner Dance on Thursday 4 November. We look forward to Community Service, Student Counsellor and House Captain nominations, and, 11/7 Peer Support Program. Something exciting on the calendar will be our Extended Form in Week 9 that will include social dancing lessons in preparation for the dinner dance - if the smiles on their faces and sounds of laughter were anything to go off, it proved a successful time!

I hope the holidays are a time the Year 10s can rest and revive for a while and have a well-deserved break before gearing up for a busy Term 4. I encourage all parents to take the time to have some conversations with your children about how they are going mentally, talking about relationships with friends and opportunities for independence, but also reminding them of your expectations and boundaries to help them as they mature. Proverbs 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Year 11 Report

The end of Term 3 is fast approaching and it has been a fantastic term for our Year 11 cohort.

On Tuesday, students including the Student Council members and House Captains, participated in Community Service. The students attended a lady’s home, where they assisted with gardening duties. It was great to see them working as a team and making a positive impact on our local community.

Yesterday, former Olympic basketballer Natalie Burton, spoke to the cohort about self-worth and resilience. Natalie participated in the Rio Olympics and discussed her basketball journey and the experiences she has grown from over her career. She discussed how being vulnerable is not a weakness, but a strength, and that making mistakes is how we learn to get better. 

Tomorrow, the Year 11 River Cruise will take place. It promises to be an exciting event and a highlight on the calendar. There will be a DJ, a Photo Booth as well as three $50 gift prizes, including a door prize, Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Female. This is a great opportunity for the group to come together and enjoy spending time in a social setting outside the classroom. I’m sure it will be a fun night!

Finally, we have 13 Year 11 students who will be attending the Newman Indigenous Tour, which departs on Wednesday 6 October and returns on Friday 15 October. This will be an incredible cultural experience for the group, who will visit the mining town of Newman, Karijini National Park and Nullagine, where they will visit a remote indigenous school.

I wish you all a restful and safe holiday break. 

Year 12 Report

As Term 3 draws to a close, Senior School is almost over for our Year 12 students. We are definitely on the final climb!

On Friday 3 September, we had our final social activity – the Spring Fling. Students had such a great time with excellent food, good music, amazing company, and awesome costumes. We travelled on the Swan River in the Crystal Swan while dancing, eating, and having our photographs taken. Congratulations to” Mario Kart” who won the prize for best group with strong competition from “The Expendable”, “Grease” and others. The best-dressed male was won by Richard Zang and Emma Manning won best-dressed female. The best pair was won by Carie Breytenbach and Lana Van Wyk. I was very impressed with the amount of effort put into costumes by everyone on the night.

I do recognise that there are only a few days left for our Year 12s and that there is some pressure. However, during the term we have had a number of information sessions on preparation for next year with guest speakers from TAFE, TISC and the universities. If you or your child have any queries about the respective options please let them stop by the Careers Hub for assistance and information.

As communicated via email, ATAR students will return to College on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October to attend timetabled classes and review their examination results. All students to return to College on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 October to attend timetabled classes and receive final marks and grades. On the Tuesday students have the opportunity to come dressed for the career they see themselves in, in 10 years’ time, with a final mentor pizza lunch and activities on the oval. The Year 12 Last Day and Awards Assembly is on Wednesday 20 October 2021 where the morning will start off with a buffet breakfast at Beedawong Cafeteria, followed by Assembly, the Walk of Honour and Morning Tea for Parents and Year 12 Students at the Terraced courtyard outside Beedawong Cafeteria. The most memorable and final event on our calendar will be Graduation on Friday evening 19 November in the College Auditorium.

There is so much to look forward to! I would like to wish all students the very best as they prepare and sit for their final examinations and I encourage all General students to make sure they have completed all parts of their courses.

Kennedy News

Celebrating Student Achievements

Kennedy would like to congratulate the following students on their perseverance, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievements: 

• Ruby Caiulo and Isabella Reddan competed in the Mandurah Festival of Dance. 
   

• Kate Wallington was selected to represent WA as a member of the School Sport WA Swimming Team. 

• Keegan Davies has been exceptionally successful on the AFL field and was awarded Melville Year 10s: "Best and Fairest" and won the region award "South Metro Junior District Year 10s A Division: "Best & Fairest"

• Daniel Stewart attended an Awards Breakfast at the City of Melville and was offered a Youth Sport Scholarship award.

• Tom Murray was selected into the WACA Cricket Youth Academy.

• Ruby Caiulo (MVP Grand Final and MVP end of season), Summer Young (MVP end of season), and Abby Fisher achieved great success in their grand final Netball games. 

• Khalil Ghannoum participated in a professional fight with Seconds Out Boxing & Fitness. 

• Coby Logan, Daniel Martin, Sterling Collins and Braydon Blight played Division Green, Football Grand Final for Jandakot Jets, Year 8 blue team against Melville and won their game.

We would love to know if your child has achieved a significant milestone in any area. Please feel free to email their Head of Year a photo and more information about their achievements. 

Back to School Information
 

Term 3 concludes for students on Thursday 23 September 2021. The College will finish classes for all students at 3.15pm. Students may use the Research and Study Centre for quiet study and reading until 4.15pm.

Term 4 will commence on Monday 11 October 2021 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full Summer Uniform. 

The Administration office will re-open on Monday 4 October 2021. We hope that you have a restful and safe holiday break. 

WITHDRAWING OR THINKING OF WITHDRAWING AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR?

In line with the College fee policy, it is a condition of enrolment at least 10 school weeks’ notice (not including scheduled school holidays) of withdrawal of a student is given in writing. So if you are withdrawing or contemplating withdrawing your child, please contact our Registrar registrar@kennedy.wa.edu.au and keep us informed of your intentions.

College Notices

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 16 September 2021.