No images? Click here
Photo above: ACC Senior Boys Basketball team with Mr Andy Stewart.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Thank you to everyone who completed our biennial survey, your feedback regarding the College is always greatly appreciated. This data is now being reviewed and will be presented to a range of College community groups for discussion in our efforts to maintain a culture of ongoing reflection and improvement. Summary reviews of the feedback will be presented in future newsletters.
As examinations approach for Year 9 to 12 students, I would like to highlight the importance of this testing process and the appropriate preparation required for these assessments. Everyone needs to have a study program in place. I am going to assume that for most students this has already commenced. However, if it hasn’t started
students need to commence as soon as possible. How students study is the important question. Effective study needs to be active. It is not simply reading class notes and if students are not sure how to make their study more effective, please seek out our Research and Study Centre staff for support. I encourage everyone to view these examinations as opportunities to demonstrate their achievement and therefore make the most of these opportunities.
Community Open Day Planning
Our Parents and Friends Association has now formed an Open Day Parent Committee to commence planning for this year’s Community Open Day. The structure of Open Day will be similar to last year and aims to provide a snapshot of the many facets of College life. Our focus will be to make this a chance for current families to experience and view the great achievements of our students and also to welcome prospective families to come and see what the Kennedy community can offer to their child/ren. A range of presentations from Visual Art, Drama, Dance and Music will be showcased and all Learning Areas will have great displays of their current curricula.
2021 Community Open Day, Saturday 21 August at 11.00am – 3.00pm.
Our Parents and Friends are currently asking for volunteers to contribute to planning for the day. We hope your family can help in some way and join us on the day. Please contact the P&F via email if you would like to get involved.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Devotion
My goal with my newsletter articles is to generate thought and to motivate a personal mission statement that involves seeking, and a sense of the ‘quest’ in life. I spend lots of time with children at the College, and the one quality that I long for every child to get is that of their personal quest in life. My background in nursing, being a pastor, and generally living with people has exposed me to many lives that are in crisis. I have found that those who know that life was and always is an adventure seem to have a resilience and energy that others are missing.
The grand sweep of the biblical story captures this life quality. Many of the pages in the Bible narrate individual lives that journey through a myriad of twists and turns, challenges, confrontations, disasters, and complexities. Through all the things thrown at any single life, the idea that ‘the journey is the reward’ is one that makes the greatest difference.
The Bible makes a call to every reader, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and everything else will be given as well” Matthew 6:33. The person that puts on the attribute of a ‘seeker’ has begun to unlock a power that, from my experience, seems to make a significant difference in the way life is lived. There are many things we can seek with our one life, sadly, many things that lives are spent on are not truly worth directing a whole life. When that ‘seeking’ is focused on the Kingdom of God, as Jesus presents it, I have seen lives begin to flow with a quality that no culture on earth would fail to honour. The Kingdom of God is seen in forgiveness, the costly care of others, humility, generosity, private kindness that is not showy, a joy that overflows, and selfless extravagant irrepressible love. If you want to find that power that makes all of life an adventure, ask God to make you a seeker of His Kingdom, and then give everything you have to make all of life flow with that quest.
Deputy Principal Curriculum Report
There is a lot of curriculum activity in Term 2 which means a lot of communication between the College and families. The events will require some good planning from students, and I am sure that most will rise to the challenge of being prepared and organized. In this term students will participate in:
- Year 10 Work Experience
- Year 10 to 11 Curriculum Information Evening
- Year 12 Extended Set Tasks
- Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN
- Year 11 and 12 ATAR Examinations
- Year 9 and 10 Examinations
- Year 10 to 11 Course Selection Interviews
- 2022 Course selections for all students currently in Year 7 to 11
For Year 7 2022 enrolled students we also have:
- KEEP testing
- Specialist Basketball and Cricket try-outs
Reports & Parent-Teacher Interviews
Reports will be available at the end of term. As a follow-up to reports, Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on campus from 2.00pm Tuesday 27 July and on Wednesday 28 July (early Term 3). The interviews have been scheduled close to the release of reports to provide an opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to discuss achievement and improvement strategies/intervention.
Study Planning
The last newsletter had some simple tips about planning a study program. The information in the article could spark a productive discussion with your child on starting their study and revision now. Please read the full article here.
Year 11 Course Changes
Some Year 11 students may be considering a change of course. Students should contact Mr Jiow to organize a meeting and parents are welcome to attend. Typically, students who are achieving less than a C grade change their course choices at this time of the year. Course changes must be completed prior to 22 June.
Year 9-12 Examination Rules and Timetables
Please see examination timetables and rules for Year 8 to 12 below.
Lower School Examination Rules here
Senior School Examination Rules here
Year 9 Examination Timetable here
Year 10 Examination Timetable here
Year 11 Examination Timetable here
Year 12 Examination Timetable here
Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Report
At our most recent College Assemblies, we recognised two groups of students who have been setting a high standard in College excellence.
The first group of students was those who achieved College Colours Excellence Award. This award is one of the highest individual awards at Kennedy and recognises student’s achievements and contributions across many aspects of college life. Students received a certificate and the Colours trim to be displayed on their blazer pocket for the rest of their time at Kennedy. The criteria for the award includes the following:
- College Representation: Students who demonstrate that they have represented the College in the community. This includes being part of Sport, Drama, Dance, or College Community Outreach Program.
- Leadership Roles: Students who demonstrate that they have contributed to College leadership in a significant manner. This includes being a Councillor, House Captain, 11/7s Mentor, Peer Support Leader, or other important roles.
- Academic Standing: Students who demonstrate that they have maintained good academic standing in their studies with a minimum of a C grade across their subjects.
- Attitude and Behaviour: Students who demonstrate that they have maintained the attitude and behaviours that characterise a Kennedy student.
The College Colours Excellence Award is awarded to students in Year 10 and Year 11. We hope it is something all our students would aspire to.
The second group of students who were recognised was our 11/7s Mentors. These students have greatly assisted our Year 7 students, welcoming and supporting them throughout their transition into Kennedy. This opportunity also develops their own skills such as communication, decision making, organisation, managing groups, social skills, planning, cooperation, confidence, relationship building, and teamwork. Thank you to those students who were involved in a range of events, including Orientation Day, Prestart and meeting with their Year 7 Care Groups each week. Feedback from the Year 7 students was extremely positive and we are proud of all their efforts. I would encourage our Year 10 students to consider applying to become a 11/7 Mentor for 2022 when applications open later in the year.
Another exciting and fun group I would like to recognise is our Kennedy Dads Group. This is a fantastic addition to our College Community. It is a group for all our College dads or father figures who want to get to know each other better and inspire each other to be the best dad that they can be. The group runs social events for dads and group activities for both dads and their children. In Term 1 a group of dads and their children enjoyed indoor rock climbing, and next week we look forward to a dad’s only game of 10 Pin Bowling. Please click here for more information.
Kennedy News
Australian Education Awards 2021 Excellence Awardees
We are honoured to announce that Kennedy has been selected as an Excellence Awardee for Secondary School of the Year - Non-Government in the Australian Education Awards 2021.
The selection is based on the following achievements in 2020:
- Consistently high standards of teaching and learning
- Academic and other achievements during the 2020 school year
- Rigorous professional learning to improve teaching and curriculum delivery
- Strong communication links with students, parents, teachers and the wider community
- Effective management of facilities, finances and human resources
- Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Transform Cambodia Centre Update
Our staff and kids at Centre 32 are doing well despite the long-running restrictions imposed by the Cambodian Government due to Covid-19. They have had a comparatively good run with Covid until a couple of months ago when outbreaks led to strict lockdowns – especially in areas where most of our kids live. This resulted in our Centres closing on 21 February. Fortunately, we’ve done this before and our teams quickly pivoted to our lockdown processes. Our staff remain working from home and their focus on pastoral care has not diminished. They are an incredible team!
Click here to see a short video message to you from our senior leadership team in Cambodia, who continue to inspire with their perseverance and faith.
At the time of writing, we are pleased to update that lockdown rules are relaxing in some areas, which means our staff can return to their Centres, and hopefully, our kids very soon will join them. We will keep you updated! Until then we covet your prayers for our team, kids, and families in Phnom Penh. - Transform Team
Join the Pedal Prix Team
Kennedy is proud to announce that we are starting up a Pedal Prix team to race against other schools in the WA Pedal Prix Association.
This requires the students to the power and race - a specially designed, recumbent trike around a closed track to travel as many kilometers as possible within a set period of time. The team will be made up of 10-15 students, with each student fulfilling roles such as drivers, pit crew, support crew, sponsorship coordinator, promotions coordinator etc. This will be a co-curricular, after-school activity that will be managed by the Technologies Learning Area. The three-race days for 2021 will be on 27 June at Curtin University, 15 August in Busselton and date to be confirmed for the final at Driving Training Centre.
The College is now looking for parent helpers, sponsors and a team made up of mainly Year 7 students. We are currently accepting expressions of interest from Year 7 students and will provide more information soon. If you or your child is interested in participating or supporting this team, please contact Mr Ian Wilmot or Mr Bradley Gunter.
ACC Basketball Update
Kennedy is proud to say that three of our four Interschool teams have progressed to the finals stage of the ACC Champions Schools Competition. The Junior Boys and Senior Girls were successful in their finals games against John XXIII and Mercedes College and have progressed to the next round. Unfortunately, the Senior Boys went down to a tight clash against St Norbet College. Stay tuned for more updates later in the term, as the Senior Girls and Senior Boys begin the Champion Schools phase of the School Sport WA competition.
Winter SAS Competition Update
After a delayed start to the season and finally kicking off, having to play our first round of games with masks on, our Year 11s and 12s have represented the College well in a variety of sports.
Please click here to see a list of where we stand on the ladder for our respective teams. With a few games remaining in the season most of our teams are in a great position as we head into three weeks of general BYEs to cover exam weeks.
Follow your child’s team on the ACCWA app free to download on App Store or Google Play. Select the team you want to follow and track where they stand on the ladder! Click here for more photos.
Waste Wise School for 2021
Kennedy Baptist College understands the importance of integrating cross-curriculum learning as we appreciate and respect the values that drive sustainable living. At Bio Club, students participate and act creatively to determine more sustainable ways in creating a happy, clean and safe College environment. As Kennedy continues to plan, progress, implement and manage waste avoidance; we have once again successfully met the requirements to become an Accredited Waste Wise school for 2021.
- Ms Tan and Ms Lourenz
Year 10 Photography Walk
Photo above taken by: Ryan Wiesner
Our Year 10 Photography students recently went on a mini excursion, by walking across to Murdoch University to photograph a different environment. Their aim was to capture landscape photos with foreground, mid-ground and background, using the various gardens and open spaces. One great landscape was the Peace Pavilion, a mini rain-forest with tall trees and green undergrowth, with massive seat swings that students found difficult to resist. Another great space to photograph is the Chinese Garden, with a water feature, pagoda, bridge and circular doorway. Students had a great time photographing something new, exploring a different space and produced some outstanding photos.
College Notices
Silly Sock Day - Wednesday 26 May
On Wednesday 26 May we will be holding the Kennedy Silly Sock Initiative Day in partnership with the not-for-profit organization “One Voice” to raise awareness for homelessness and poverty in Australia. We ask students to donate a pair of brand-new socks on the day to contribute to this worthy cause. Participating students may wear the College Sports Uniform for the entire day along with their own favourite silly socks. College uniform policy applies as per normal except for the socks. Students who participate in this initiative must bring a suitable pair of socks (new) to their Form class as a donation.
Kennedy Dads Group Event - Friday 28 May
The Fathering Project - Kennedy Dads Group is hosting another fun event on Friday 28 May from 7.00pm at Super Bowl Melville. This will be a dad’s only event with a 'loud' shirt theme for something a little different. Our last Dads and kids' rock climbing event was very well received and we are hoping this event will be the same! Price is $22 per person, includes show hire, pay on the night. Please make sure you RSVP to Glenn via email or by mobile on 0411 116 966. Our next Kennedy Dads and Children group event will be later in Term 3.
Year 7 2022 Specialist Program Interest
Kennedy Enrichment and Extension Program for Year 7 2022
We have had an overwhelming interest in our Kennedy Enrichment and Extension Program (KEEP) and parents who signed up should have been provided with details about the timing of the assessment morning.
Specialist Basketball and Cricket - Expressions of Interest
We would like to invite all new interested 2022 students to try out for our Specialist Sports Programs. Trials for Basketball and Cricket will take place late Term 2. You may view the information and discuss it with your child ahead of time to ascertain whether he/she would like to be involved in any of the trials and register online by Friday 28 May 2021.
Kennedy Community Open Day
Community Open Day will be held on Saturday 21 August from 11.00am - 3.00 pm.
Please look out for the next P&F Connect newsletter for more details regarding Open Day and how your child can get involved. If you would like any more information, please contact the P&F via email here.
Join the Open Day Team!
Be part of the P&F Open Day subcommittee team this year - our Parents and Friends Association is currently looking for coordinators to assist with the planning, preparation, and overseeing of a stall on the day. The next Open Day meeting will be on Wednesday 23 June at 5.00pm in the College Boardroom.
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.
Uniform Shop – Term 2 Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.00am to 3.45pm. * Please note that the Uniform Shop is closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information, please email the Uniform Shop Manager via the link below.
Term 2 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
- Beedawong Cafeteria
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 3 June 2021.
