Photo above: Our Student Council was invited by the Applecross Branch of the Returned Services League to attend their ANZAC Commemoration Service.

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Term 2 at Kennedy Baptist College. Kennedy prides itself on the outstanding extra-curricular programs on offer and it was wonderful to experience these opportunities first hand. Our recent year camps provided great opportunities for students to be challenged through a range of outsourced activities and also provided great chances to form new friendships along the way. Our international study tour in the United States of America during the holidays was an outstanding opportunity for all involved. I am sure I speak for everyone on tour when I say this was a fantastic experience and a credit to Mr Cricelli who organised the tour. Our tour for next year’s Year 10 & 11 students offers London, Berlin and Rome. I encourage all students to consider this great opportunity.

Semester Examinations

This term promises to be a challenging one for everyone as the end of Semester One approaches quickly and assessments have a major impact on final grades. As examinations approach it is important to review the reason for such assessments at Kennedy. All assessments provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their achievement so that teachers can review academic progress. The use of assessments as a diagnostic tool is vitally important to staff and strategies are then implemented in response to student performance. This may be in the form of support through additional instruction, tutoring or intensive remediation. However, it may also include extension or enrichment if this need has been identified. Examinations provide a great opportunity to review the semester’s achievements and provide this analytic data.

A reminder to our Year 11 and 12 students about the importance of examinations:

• Year 11 examinations greatly impact on semester grades required for WACE graduation.
• Year 12 examinations greatly impact on semester marks and grades that contribute to a student’s ATAR and WACE graduation prospects.

I trust everyone has a fulfilling and rewarding Term 2 at Kennedy.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

This is my ninth year working as a Chaplain within the education system and one of the many realizations I have come across as I watch the students move through different year groups, is that I am getting older. In fact, compared to some amazing teenagers that I am surrounded with, I am old!

For some, denial of this fact lies in their route of choice. Last year I attended a conference and one of the speakers, a male in his early thirties was on the stage. He had a ‘man-bun,’ the white t-shirt that went below the knees and the obligatory denim jeans. I understood the question he was trying to answer behind the means that he had chosen. How do we as adults keep the line of communication open with our teenagers as they become adults themselves, along with all the implications that process brings?

The writers of the New Testament had four Greek words for ‘love” to choose from – and the one they chose for the love between God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and His people, is 'agape' and it describes a love that is unconditional, sacrificial and active. It is also the word chosen by the writers to describe how we are to live within community and as family:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

No man-bun needed.

Welcome back to Term 2. I trust the term break was enjoyable for all families with Easter and ANZAC day in the mix of the holiday period. The sacrifice of Christ for all mankind unites Christians around the globe and serves as a reminder for reflecting God’s love to all.

This term there are many Curriculum events taking place including:

• Year 7 & 9 Parent-Teacher Evening on Tuesday 2 May
• NAPLAN for Year 7 & 9
• Examinations for Year 8 - 12
• Externally Set Tasks for Year 12 General students
• 2018 Course selections for current Year 10 & 11 students

All Year 10 students and parents should attend the Curriculum Information Evening on Wednesday 3 May. Representatives from post-secondary institutions will provide information about qualifications and careers pathways for students after Year 12. I will also be covering information pertinent to making good course selections for Year 11 & 12. Year 10 students will be given a Course Information Booklet which is an excellent reference for the information provided during the evening. I look forward to seeing all Year 10 students and parents at this event.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will now be conducted as a paper test. Information has been distributed to parents and students about the tests. NAPLAN covers a range of concepts and therefore the best preparation for the assessment occurs each day in every class. Please encourage your student to be prepared with the appropriate equipment and give of their best effort. Year 9 students who achieve a result of Band 8 or higher will meet the Literacy and/or Numeracy standard required by the Western Australian Certificate of Education issued after Year 12. Year 9 students who do not achieve Band 8 or higher will be required to complete further tests in Year 10, 11 and/or 12 in order to meet the Literacy and Numeracy standard. Nobody wants to complete more tests therefore I am sure all Year 9 students will be diligent when completing their NAPLAN assessments.

Examination Preparation

Examination preparation should begin now. The best preparation is practice, therefore I would encourage all students to begin summarising curriculum notes and complete questions from textbooks and worksheets. Tutoring is a terrific opportunity to reinforce skills and further develop an understanding of the concepts presented.

At our recent whole College Assembly, we recognised two groups of students who have been setting a high standard in College excellence.

The first group was those students who have achieved the College Colours Excellence Award. This award is one of the highest individual awards at Kennedy Baptist College and recognises student achievement and contribution across many aspects of College life. Students received a certificate and Colours cloth badge to be displayed on their College Blazer above the pocket for the rest of their time at Kennedy. The criteria for the award included the following:

• College Representation: Students were required to demonstrate that they have represented the College in the community. This included sporting representation, drama or dance representation or College Community Outreach Program.
   
• Leadership Roles: Students were required to demonstrate that they have contributed to College leadership in a significant manner. This may include being a Councillor, House Captain, Overseas Leadership Trip member, 11/7s mentor, Red Cross Blood Ambassador, Peer Activity Leader or other significant roles.
   
• Academic Standing: Students were required to 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 were required to demonstrate that they have maintained the attitude and behaviours that characterise a Kennedy student.

This Award can be applied for by students from Year 10 and we hope it is something to which they aspire to achieve.

Our other group recognised was the 11/7s mentors who have assisted greatly in the welcoming and transition of our Year 7s into the College community. Through helping the Year 7s the mentors also had the opportunity to develop their own skills such as communication, decision making, organisation, managing groups and peer support, as well as social skills such as planning, initiative, cooperation and self-esteem, confidence, relationship building and team work. They were involved in a range of events including Orientation Day, Pre-start Day, Day 1 Welcome Ceremony, as well as meeting in their Year 7 Care Groups each week.

Feedback from the Year 7 students was extremely positive and we as a College are very proud of all their efforts.

On 7 April, the last day of Term 1, Students were surprised with a visit from two very fluffy Easter Bunnies. Along with the Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl they handed out Easter eggs. Students swamped the bunnies to get their chocolate eggs and hugs. It was great to have our furry friends join us and they were very popular amongst the Year 7 students.

Every Friday throughout Term 1, sausage sizzles have been a big part of the College lunchtime experience. We are raising money for the Colleges’ mission trip to Cambodia departing in June 2017.

The money will be donated to the Transform Cambodia Centre that some of our students will be working in. Thank you to Mrs Pauline Burgess, the College Chaplain and Mt Pleasant IGA for their continued support of the College's mission. 

Mr Mark Burgess
Cambodia Mission Trip Coordinator

The seed has been sown! The Science and Humanities departments are developing a vegetable garden. We have planted a range of fruit trees and installed raised vegetable beds which students will use to grow different plants throughout the year.

Currently, the Year 12 Integrated Science students are using the beds to grow a range of herbs and vegetables and are learning various horticultural principles. A highlight amongst some of the students was to discover that not only can Aloe Vera be successfully propagated in our Perth soils, but also, one of the soil improvers used on the beds - bentonite clay - is used in many cosmetic products. Needless to say, new interest in the project has been generated amongst some once-reluctant Year 12 gardeners! 

In time, our aim is to grow this venture into one that spills out of its enclosure behind the science block and encompasses many aspects of sustainability, permaculture and biodiversity conservation throughout the College. 

Mr Jon Groom
Science Department

On Sunday 23 April, the Kennedy Baptist College Student Council was invited by the Applecross Branch of the Returned Services League to attend their ANZAC Commemoration Service.

Students and members of the community all met at Wireless Hill Park at 10.00am where our students were involved in the Veterans march which precedes the service. Two of our councillors, Ross Stewart and Catherine Reilly then laid the wreaths during the formal service, which included a minute of silence. Light refreshments were served after this event and it was well attended by young and old. We would like to thank our councillors for taking part and representing Kennedy.

Mr Wendell Pether
Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care

Term 2 at Kennedy Baptist College was off to a flying start on Wednesday with a whole College Assembly. Mr Ashby set the theme for the Assembly by stressing the importance of celebrating past achievements and committing to Kennedy standards and extra-curricular programs. Some of these programs are the camps and overseas tours, and in 2018 Years 10 & 11 students will have the opportunity to visit Rome, Berlin and London. Mr Ashby also reminded students in Years 8 - 10 that exams commence in Week 6 and encouraged students who have not already started their preparation to put a study program in place “Great preparation is the best way to reduce stress during this time” Mr Ashby said.

Students who have excelled in the areas of positive contribution to the Kennedy community, College representation, good academic standing and student leadership, were then awarded their Kennedy Baptist College Colours by Mr Ashby. You can view a list of these students here.

Mr Gunter then conducted the House Points draw, with four students selected to carry out the innovative House challenge, of bursting confetti filled balloons to gain the golden ticket and win the major prize. Congratulations to Sasha Hermens who is now the proud owner of a Stirling Blue Canoe which was partly donated by Perth Canoe Works in Myaree during Term 1.

Mr King introduced the Year 11/7 Mentors who have guided the Year 7 students during their settling-in period at Kennedy and Mr Ashby presented them with a Certificate of Service. The Year 7 Councillors and House Captains for 2017 were also announced. You can view a list of these students here.

Mr Wood congratulated Benjamin Wai and Lachlan Belke on their stellar results at the ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival, contributing to Kennedy winning the shield for Senior Boys. Information was also given regarding the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival to be held on Wednesday 3 May and you can view details here. This year students will be wearing bibs with microchips to assist with quick processing of results. In an exciting advancement, results will be able to be viewed live on the day via this link. Mr Wood encouraged every student to “be the best that you can on the day. Challenge yourself and make the most of your opportunities at Kennedy. The student body will be cheering for you as you finish.”

In a touching tribute to our ANZAC soldiers, students read out poems In Flanders Fields and The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels followed by the ANZAC Requiem written in 1944 by official Australian war historian Charles Bean. Mr Ashby said, "too often the world is divided by war, but Jesus preached Love, Peace and Unity. So much more can be accomplished by unity and common goal sharing so that great goals can be achieved”. This message was reinforced by a short musical video Stand by me sung by a variety of artists from around the world.

The Assembly concluded with a prayer from our College Chaplain Mrs Pauline Burgess, asking Jesus to hold those who stand before him close to his heart.

For photos click here.

Term 2 SAS Junior Competition

Term 2, Kennedy Baptist College will continue their involvement in Southern Associated Schools Junior (SASJ). The competition is directed from Associated and Catholic Colleges of Western Australia (ACC) and aims to provide students an after school interschool sporting competition promoting participation, sportsmanship, leadership and socialisation amongst students.

Kennedy Baptist College representative teams will participate in this competition on Wednesday afternoons from 4.00pm-5.00pm commencing 10 May (Term 2, Week 3). We will play St Norbert’s College, Seton College, Emmanuel College, Ursula Frayne College, John Wollaston ACS, Carey Baptist College and Corpus Christi. On a home and away schedule, students will either play at the College or travel off campus to other Colleges for competition. In Term 2, the sports available include:

• Year 7 Girls Netball
• Year 7 Boys Basketball
• Year 8/9 Girls Netball
• Year 8/9 Girls Soccer
• Year 8/9 Boys Basketball
• Year 8/9 Boys Soccer

If your child would like to represent the College in any of these sports, trials for these teams will occur on Wednesday 3 May (Term 2, Week 2) after school from 3.15pm - 4.15pm. If your child is unable to make this session please forward your interest to jkennedy@kennedy.wa.edu.au

We encourage students to make the most of their opportunities and embrace this sporting opportunity through interschool sporting teams. Please click here for SAS Junior fixtures. (Please note that the home team is mentioned first.)

Miss Jessica Kennedy
Health & Physical Education Teacher/Sports Coordinator
 

Sports Centre Gymnasium

Mr Henry Kay has been appointed the Fitness Supervisor for 2017. Mr Kay will supervise students using the Kennedy Sports Centre Gymnasium during the following times:

• Monday: 7:00am - 8:00am & 3:30pm - 4:30pm
• Wednesday: 7:00am - 8:00am
• Friday: 7:00am - 8:00am & 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Students are required to complete a full induction by Mr Henry Kay which will outline expectations required for the use of the facility.

Mr Jonathon Wood
Head of Health and Physical Education

Year 10 Curriculum Evening

The Year 10 Information Evening explores how to make the best choices of courses for Year 11 and 12. The evening has three elements which combine to provide crucial information for both parents and students.

• When: Wednesday 3 May
• Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
• Where: Kennedy Auditorium & Lower Foyer​

Outline of the evening:

• 6.00pm - 8.00pm: Information Stalls set up in the Lower Foyer.
• 6.05pm - 7.20pm: 15 minute rotation talks in various locations. Presentations from post-secondary institutions explaining entrance requirements and vocational opportunities.​ 
• 7.30pm - 8.30pm: Main College presentation in Auditorium.

Guest attendees:

• Defence Force
• Murdoch Institute of Technology
• Murdoch University
• TAFE
• University of Notre Dame

It is going to be a fun filled morning so please come and join other Kennedy Mums over a cuppa and some tempting treats at our annual Mother's Day morning tea.

We are delighted that Board Member and mother of four, Nina Tassell will be coming to share her illuminating thoughts about motherhood.

Date: Friday 12 May 2017
Venue: Staff Lounge
Time: 9.00am - 10.15am

For catering purposes, we would appreciate your RSVP to Mrs Janet Hair by clicking here before Wednesday 10 May 2017.

Grandmothers are also welcome!

Tyler Lindorff

Congratulations to Tyler Lindorff who started the year competing at the U/19 Track Cycling National Championships held in Brisbane and finished with 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. Tyler has recently been named in the Australian Long Squad for selection in the Australian Team to be announced on 21 June to compete at the 2017 UCI Junior Track World Championships in China in August 2017.

Tyler will be heading to Tasmania in May to compete in the Mersey Valley Road Tour which comprises Time Trials and Road Racing through the hills and plains of Mersey over several days. Kennedy Baptist College wishes Tyler all the best.

Upcoming Meeting Details

Our next meeting will be held on Monday 1 May at 6.30pm in the Staff Lounge. All are welcome.

P&F Fundraising - Entertainment Book

Order an Entertainment™ Membership and support our College. 20% of every membership sold contributes to our fundraising. Help us achieve our goal by sharing the following link with your friends and family. 

TEENS AND SCREENS DIGITAL MEDIA AT SCHOOL

You are invited to be part of a research project that is in partnership with Murdoch University to investigate the impacts of screen use at school. To participate you and your parents need to complete separate online surveys that will take about 10 min each. The link to more information and the surveys are below and displayed in your Form room.

• For Student survey, please click here. 
• For Parent survey, please click here. 

All information collected is anonymous but will be very helpful for this important research!