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Photo above: Students at the Interschool Swimming Carnival.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Kennedy endeavours to develop and foster strong relationships with our community members. To reinforce this process our biennial community survey will shortly be released for community feedback. I would urge all parents, students, and staff to complete our survey and provide useful information to be utilised in future strategic planning.
Our planning for Term 2 is now complete and one focus will be preparing Year 10 families for the selection of courses and units for 2022. Throughout Term 2 a comprehensive program of parent evenings and individual counselling is planned to help families make the best-informed decisions. This is particularly important as the structure for Year 11 and the WACE is very different from
the Lower School curriculum. I encourage all Year 10 families to attend all information nights and be proactive during this important phase of schooling for students.
Swimming Success
Congratulations to our Interschool Swimming team who performed wonderfully as a team to provide worthy competition in the ACC Division C swimming carnival earlier this week. It was fantastic to see Kennedy students support each other so well and produce outstanding results. Please click here to see more photos.
Year 11 / 7 Mentor Program
As our mentor program starts to wind down, we will be honouring our Year 11 students who participated in the 11/7 Mentor Program with certificates to acknowledge their great work supporting our Year 7 students. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Year 11 Mentors who worked wonderfully to support our Year 7 students with their transition program. Thank you to all these students for their great service to our community.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Devotion
I hope you are enjoying these short articles looking at the Kingdom of God as much as I am enjoying writing them. As we head toward Easter, I want to help us all see God’s Kingdom more clearly. The idea of the Kingdom of God is such a hard thing to get our very limited intellect to understand. I would love to be able to say the right phrase, or deliver the exact message that unlocks a vision of why the Bible says the Kingdom of God is so important it is to be sought above all other things. Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. Matthew 6:33.
When looking for a way to highlight the idea of God’s Kingdom, it’s good to remember what Timothy writes in Timothy 6:7 “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either”
I have mentioned before that in my days as a nurse, I often noticed people would begin to value things differently when the idea of life being temporary begins to loom larger. We see more clearly that life is not stuff, achievements, self-centeredness and holding onto grudges. Things that relate to the Kingdom of God start to be more tangible. Relationships and unity, forgiveness, finding joy in the face of difficulty, sacrifice and giving to others, loving people, and showing kindness are what Jesus came to show. Jesus is the King, it is His kingdom, and He so loves His kingdom that he would do anything to rescue it.
Easter is the greatest visual of the King in action, showing what the Kingdom looks like on this earth. Easter shows the Jesus the King laying down His life for the good of every other person. I agree, the Kingdom of God is hard to see, but when you look at any image this Easter of Jesus on a cross, I hope you can find a renewed motivation to seek His Kingdom first in your life. Have a great Easter and holiday break and see you next term.
Deputy Principal Curriculum Report
As we come to the end of a shortened but exceptionally productive first term, I would encourage parents to read the feedback of student progress placed on SEQTA. Feedback is found in the assessment section of SEQTA Engage. If a student is in Year 7-10 feedback should be available for at least English, Mathematics, Humanities and Science. If a student is in Year 11 or 12 feedback should be visible in all courses. If you have any concerns about the feedback or it is not visible to you, please contact the teacher concerned.
Course Changes
All students from Year 8-12 have now had opportunities to change either their electives (Year 8-10) or their courses (Year 11 and 12). Student courses remain as selected for the remainder of the year except for Year 11 students who can review their courses immediately after the Semester One examinations. Please contact Mr Jiow if a circumstance arises that may require a review of your child’s elective.
Transition From Year 10 to Year 11
Year 10 students take the next step on their journey towards selecting courses for Year 11 and 12 by completing Work Experience in the first week of Term 2. Work Experience provides a window into the world of work and many students learn about their future career through the work placement. The Year 10 to 11 Information Night will be held on Tuesday 27 April 2021. It provides essential information regarding choosing Year 11 courses. I look forward to seeing all parents and students at the event.
Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Report
Coming together and building community is a critical part of the Kennedy student experience. Last week the students enjoyed Harmony Day, which involved a visit from a member of the Bollywood Dance Studio who engaged the Year 7 and 8 students. Andrew Beck, the Indigenous Program Coordinator from St Catherine’s College, spoke to the Year 9 and 10 students about Aboriginal culture.
During Harmony Day, our Senior School students attended a talk by Amit Khaira, who experimented by living for a year with a full beard, shaven head, and loose tunic. His experiences emphasised how superficial appearance can impact how we are treated and how people who are seen as different experience daily life. His talk also covered building resilience and character through experiencing and overcoming difficulties and not “tapping out” or giving up when things do not go our way.
The Student Executive used Harmony Week as an opportunity to achieve one of the goals they made at the beginning of the year, to increase the Kennedy Centre's profile in Cambodia. They wrote:
Harmony Week 2021 provided a great opportunity to work together as an executive leadership team. Harmony Week aims to acknowledge the contribution of multicultural communities to Australian society and this year we focused our efforts towards highlighting our relationship with Transform Cambodia. With the help of Mr Austen, the executive team employed the skill of video communication to inform students of ways to get involved throughout the week. Through videos and live Zoom chats, Transform Staff and graduates could give insight into how things are going in Cambodia. Other activities included letter writing to the children attending the Kennedy Centre, displaying photo boards and participating in a free dress day. We saw an outpouring of love from the students throughout the week and amazing generosity was shown through the abundant donation of funds on Harmony Day. Every opportunity was met with enthusiasm and it was wonderful to see our College coming together as we strengthened our bond with Centre 32.
Our College camps are another wonderful community-building space where students bond together and spend time with teachers in a different environment. Camps are an essential and significant part of Kennedy culture and our College Pastoral Care Program. This week the Year 8 Adventure Camp is at Forrest Edge near Waroona and the Year 11 Transition Camp is being held at Rottnest Island, both of which will provide wonderful and fun opportunities for students to connect. Many students see the camps as one of the highlights of their time at Kennedy, and we look forward to continued success in this area as we build the Kennedy community.
Kennedy News
Celebrating Student Achievements
Kennedy would like to congratulate the following students on their perseverance, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievement:
- Daniel Stewart was selected to be part of the School Sport State Triathlon Team.
- Emma Kempson competed over the weekend at the WA State Championships
Little Athletics. She achieved gold in the Javelin and Discus and bronze in the Shot-put.
- Jack Caiulo raced in Bunbury and qualified 2nd in KA2 series. He is on his way to Albany to race in the Southern Sprint Round 1 of the WA KA2 Kart series.
- Kye Brindle competed in the State Athletics Championships. He achieved gold in the Triple Jump, silver in 110m Hurdles and bronze in the 400m.
- Nami Dickson completed the 19.7km solo swim at the 2021 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island.
We would love to know if your child has achieved a significant milestone in any area. Please feel free to email the Head of Year a photo and more information about your child.
Year 10 Photography excursion
Last week the Year 10 Photography students attended the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition at Cottesloe Beach - an exhibition of thirty large outdoor sculptures, made by Australian and international artists. Their task was to take a well-composed photo of one of the sculptures, using all their composition and technical skills. This was a challenging task for the students, as they had to consider lighting, colour and shape, plus minimising the other students, visitors and bathers in the background. The students really enjoyed this excursion, as it was a great way for them to explore a new landscape and try out the photography techniques they have been looking at this year. Check out the top three (3) photos now on our social media!
Veta Morphus Retreat
Veta Morphus is a Nationally Accredited Certificate III in Christian Ministry and Theology which is offered to Senior Students through Veta Youth. Vetamorphus involves six key areas of learning and engagement. Students discuss and reflect on various topics as they work through exercises. Throughout the year they also complete required Bible readings and journalling, engage in a mentoring relationship, contribute through completing ministry practice, reflect on a Christian community and attend three retreats with students from other WA schools completing Vetamorphus.
This year, Chloe von Kaschke in Year 12, (2nd from the left) with students from Fremantle Christian College attended a Veta Morphus retreat this past weekend. The retreat, the first of three planned for the year, provided students with the opportunity to engage with each other as they delved deeper into the Word of God together. It is a joy to see the maturity and the curiosity with which the students approach the course. We look forward to the next retreat in June.
Kennedy Mock Trials
A mock trial is a simulated court case in which teams contest a legal matter presented in the Western Australia Supreme Court. The cases are presented by two teams – a prosecution/plaintiff team and a defence/defendant team – made up of students playing the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses and court officials.
Politics and Law students from both Year 11 and 12 have formed two legal teams to compete in the Mock Trial Competition. With the help of Mr Ilchuk, students had been meeting each week to prepare for their first case. The case was a criminal case involving the charge of ‘criminal damage.’ Both Kennedy teams took on the role of the defence. On the night of Monday 22 March, both teams competed at the Supreme Court of Western Australia, against Christchurch. As well as judges judging the case. Judges award points based on the understanding of the case, performance in roles, knowledge of court procedure, and presentation. Well done to both teams and congratulations to both Kennedy who won a round each.
Year 11 Snorkelling Camp
From Wednesday 10 March to Friday 12 March, Year 11 Outdoor Education and Certificate II Outdoor Recreation students attended the annual Rottnest Island Snorkelling Camp. The camp provides students with opportunities to make the most of the skills they have practiced in-class. Favorable conditions for most of the camp allowed students to observe a variety of wildlife not seen on the mainland, and experience unique marine environments that cannot be accessed in regular classes.
Basic navigation skills were tested as classes cycled around various beach locations and competed in The Amazing Race on the final morning.
Some wet weather on the final night did not have a big impact on activities and students adjusted well. The camp finished on a fun note with students able to use the Rottnest Aquaplay equipment in Thomson Bay.
Student highlights included “the incredible wildlife and swim-throughs,” “seeing quokkas” and “The Amazing Race”.
ACC Junior Basketball Champion Schools “South Zone” Carnival
On Tuesday 2 March, the Year 7 to 9 Specialist Basketball students attended the ACC Junior Basketball Champion Schools South Zone Carnival held at the Willetton Basketball stadium - competing against other local schools in the area. Students participated well throughout the day demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and their incredible basketball skills. The boy’s team finished top of the ladder at the end of the tournament and will progress to the knockout phase of the competition which will be held in Term 2. The girl’s team finished equal top and after the consideration of percentage, finished the day in second place. Well done to the fantastic students from Kennedy for their effort participation and encouragement of each other.
Specialist Cricket Update
During Term 1, the Specialist Cricket students have been involved in a variety of matches. Kennedy’s 1st XI team which competes in the Kim Hughes Shield narrowly missed out on the finals this year however there were several outstanding moments throughout the season!
We would like to recognise the achievements of Keegan Davies, 5/32 including a hattrick against Kent Street Senior High School Round 1 and Douwtjie Hoogenboezem, 105 not out against Kent Street Senior High School Round 4. Students to make their debut for the Kennedy Baptist 1st Xi included: Oscar Anderson, Kian Doyle, Lachlan English, Jamie Richardson, Bailey Coles, Daniel Doss, Chanula Nanayakkara, Joshua Nathan, Ansh Singh.
Through the Year 7 to 10 matches which have taken place, all students have demonstrated great skills and excellent sportsmanship and have also resulted in some fantastic results. Thank you to all involved!
Summer SAS 2021
It has been wonderful to see our Year 11 and 12 students dig into this short season of Interschool sport with gusto despite the weeks of extreme heat and high humidity. Being apart of the summer Southern Associated Schools (SAS) competition has enabled our students to compete in a range of sports. Below you will find our current placings for each sport as they head into finals:
- Girls Basketball A - 1st place
- Girls Basketball B - 1st place
- Boys Basketball A - 2nd place
- Boys Basketball B - 2nd place
- Mixed Ultimate Frisbee A - 1st place
- Mixed Ultimate Frisbee B - 1st place
- Girls Softball - 1st place
- Girls Tennis - 2nd place
- Boys Tennis - 4th place
- Girls Touch Rugby - 3rd place
- Boys Touch Rugby - 3rd place
- Boys Cricket - 2nd place
- Girls Beach Volleyball A - 2nd place
- Girls Beach Volleyball B - 1st place
- Boys Beach Volleyball A - 1st place
- Boys Beach Volleyball B - 2nd place
All the best to all of our representing students in their last week of games.
Kennedy Student Art Displayed at Goolugatup Heathcote
Two of our former 2020 Year 12 students, Zevanya Sumodisatro and Lynn Lim, had the opportunity to display their artwork at the recent Southern Perspectives 2021 Exhibition at Goolugatup Heathcote.
The Exhibition was held to celebrate the talent and ideas of some of the State’s most promising young artists! The Exhibition is a thought-provoking artwork from Year 12 Visual Arts students. All exhibiting students graduated in 2020 from selected High Schools South of the River. The exhibition was open for viewing from 19 February - 21 March 2021. Zevanya Sumodisatro's
artwork showcased, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Lynn Lim’s artwork represented the feeling of being conditioned to perform well and act under the harsh spotlight that is the constant pressure to succeed... Congratulations to both these students! Read more here.
Back to School Information
Please be advised that the Administration Office will be closed for the term break on Thursday 1 April 2021 and will re-open on Monday 12 April 2021. (The Administration Office will also be closed on Anzac Day, Monday 26 April 2021.)
Students commence Term 2 on Monday 19 April at 8.15am. Students are to wear full winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3. We hope that you have a restful and safe break during this school holiday period.
College Notices
Community Profile Survey
We are conducting a survey to better understand the reasons why parents choose to send their children to our College.
The survey is offered by Christian Schools Australia. It will be conducted amongst all families with children enrolled in participating Christian schools. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ choice of school, their satisfaction with their children’s learning, their engagement in the school community and their general background. Kennedy will use the survey results to help gain a better understanding of our community, to inform and direct future planning and improvement strategies. All families have been invited to participate in the survey.
The survey is being conducted online and will only take 20 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed at any convenient time within the fieldwork period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.
All responses to the survey are anonymous. The survey was sent via email on Monday 8 March and is open until Thursday 1 April 2021.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Janet Hair if you have any general queries about the survey.
Annual Kennedy Easter Services
Kennedy Baptist College is a Christian faith-based College committed to providing the best possible educational services. Our Easter services provide us with the opportunity for this reflection as a College. These events are an opportunity for our community to come together and contemplate the Gospel message of Easter.
Our Easter services are compulsory events for all students, and more importantly, it is an opportunity for families to engage as a community. Both services will commence at 7.00pm. Our two Easter services will be held on the following dates:
- Monday 29 March: Eyre and Forrest families.
- Tuesday 30 March: King and Stirling families
This year our services will be a collaboration with Lakeside Baptist Church, and we look forward to the wonderful presentations that our talented students will give. Supper will be provided after each service, and this should be a great time for families and staff to interact in a social setting. We look forward to meeting with you on these special evenings for Kennedy and hope as many parents as possible can join us.
Music Update and Info
Easter Service Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble and Year 12 ATAR Band: Students are reminded of the rehearsal in Periods 6 and 7 leading into after school next Monday 29 March. All students involved in music on stage will be required to wear Winter uniform including blazers. A big thank you to these students for all their hard work into making the Easter services special this year.
Instrumental Music Program: Music lessons for Term 2 will be finalised next week - new enrolments must be received by Monday 29 March. If you are interested in your son or daughter starting instrumental music lessons next term, you can find more information and the online enrolment form through the link here.
Term 1 Major House Point Prize
We are excited to announce that the Major House point prize for Term 1 is four vouchers to Matagarup Bridge Climb or Zipline.
On Monday we drew four names, one from each house. Those four students will compete in a challenge on stage during next week's Assembly to determine the winner. For more information about the prize click here.
Uniform Shop Information
The Uniform Shop will be open during the 2nd week of the school holidays from Monday 12 April from 8.30am to 3.30pm. *Closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm. Pre-ordered Winter Uniforms are now ready for collection. If you have not yet ordered your uniform, please contact the Uniform Shop for a uniform fitting and ensure that your child is ready to start Term 2 in full Winter Uniform.
Fees - Secondary Assistance Scheme
The State Government, through the Department of Education, provides financial support to eligible parents through the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS). The aim of the scheme is to assist low-income families with secondary school costs. For all enquiries regarding the application process/forms please visit Reception or click here. Applications close on Thursday 1 April 2021.
Invitation to Mother's Day Breakfast - Thursday 6 May 2021
In response to requests from our mums, we have changed our annual Mother's Day event to the earlier time of 7.30am. We will share breakfast together and hear from Danielle Jeyaratnam from Hillsong Church (Perth Campus). Grandmothers are also welcome to join us.
Due to COVID restrictions, it will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be available via Trybooking at the beginning of Term 2.
Absentees
Parents and guardians are asked to notify the College before 9.00am on the morning of absence via the absentee form on the Kennedy App under Parent Lounge, by phoning the College absentee line (08 6188 0698), or via email. For any other student matters or information, please feel free to email Student Services or stop by to talk to one of our staff.
Term 1 Cafeteria Menu
There are delicious items available in the Cafeteria such as fruit salad, sushi and freshly baked muffins and chocolate croissants each day! There are also some great online lunch options such as Butter Chicken & Rice, baguettes & wraps to order via our online ordering system at www.quickcliq.com.au.
See the link for menu.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Our current volunteer opportunities are:
- Book Covering
Student Withdrawal
One term (10 school weeks) notification in writing is required if a student is being withdrawn from the College. Failure to give 10 school weeks’ written notice will attract a fee of 25% of the total annual fee. Please address a written notice to Mr Mark Ashby via the Registrar.
We are always looking to improve our College and take care of our community. Will you please tell us how we are doing and review us on Google? Submit your review here.
The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 22 April 2021.
PO Box 26, Bull Creek, Western Australia 6149
t: 08 9314 7722 | f: 08 9314 7732
e: admin@kennedy.wa.edu.au
