Photo above: Community Open Day 2020. 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

Thank you to our wonderful Parents and Friends Association and all our families who supported the College at Community Open Day. It was extremely pleasing to have so many community members come along and enjoy the Kennedy experience. Community Open Day provides a great opportunity for the College to show what a dynamic community we have at Kennedy and it was so pleasing to see everyone sharing their experiences with such a large number of visitors. In particular, thank you to our Parents and Friends Association who worked so hard to co-ordinate the range of activities available on the day. 

There is no doubt that the issue of student wellness and mental health is a growing concern for schools to address. In response to this issue, the Kennedy Pastoral team has been implementing a Positive Education program throughout the year. This program brings together the science of Positive Psychology with best-practice teaching to encourage and support individuals, schools and communities to flourish. Flourishing is a combination of ‘feeling good and doing good’. Positive Education focuses on specific skills that assist students to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Through teaching these valuable life skills, Kennedy Baptist College provides its students with an increased capacity to learn effectively, as well as offering them a strong foundation on which they can build a successful life. The development of the student-organised Kennedy Day and a whole school approach to “R U Okay” day have been pivotal to the promotion of student wellbeing and positive education.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Devotion

A group of students asked me to start a weekly Tuesday Recess bible study. In summary, we have looked at the design God has woven into people. We have confirmed, from the Bible, that the greatest human quality is sacrificial love. Love that is truly focused on the wellbeing of another, sometimes at the expense of our own wellbeing. In reality, sacrificial love is always FOR our own wellbeing, regardless of cost, as it is there that people are displaying the best version of themselves. The continual sacrifice of a parent for the wellbeing of their child is where we see this most often. Other times, we hear of a person literally giving their lives so others can live. In all cultures, throughout the world, throughout all history this kind of love stands out as the pinnacle of human attributes.

Our Tuesday bible study has identified that the grand story of the Bible is about the battle for this sacrificial love, the pinnacle human attribute, to be restored in people. The Bible tells us that there is an opposing force that seems to drive people to be resisting love that seeks for the ultimate wellbeing of the other person rather than ourselves.

The Bible tells us that a relationship with God is displayed by our love for one another. God promises to supply the will and power to continually lay down our lives for one another. The challenge comes when other people refuse, or forget, to lay their lives for us!!! What do we do then…the old biblical ‘Golden Rule’ comes to mind, “Do for others as you would have them do for you”. My wife read the following bit of the Bible to me this morning, and again I was convinced that humans are made to live like this.

“Now you do not need anyone to tell you to show each other love, since you have been taught by God to love each other” 1 Thessalonians 4:9.

If any reader ever feels like they have no more love to give, please ask God to teach you to continue living your design. As your chaplain, I am always here for our Kennedy community, please ask if you need help to find your purpose and live it out.  

Year 7 Report

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been very blessed to see the excellent leadership of our Year 7 student leaders. With Kennedy Day, organised by the whole Student Council, and a very fun set of Extended Form activities arranged by our Year 7 Councillors this week, I have been impressed by the boldness and leadership shown. Student leadership nominations for 2021 are due by the end of this week and I encourage all students with aspirations of leadership to put their 'hat in the ring'.

On Wednesday Week 5 we had a Study Skills session with Mrs Yurisich and the Research and Study Centre staff. It was very informative and I am positive that your child learned something new that will help them in the future. If you, as a parent, would like any information on what was covered, or how to help your student study, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Research and Study Centre staff.

Next week we have R U OK Day. This is a very important concept for young people today. As well as asking the question ‘R U OK’, we will be discussing with the students their rights and responsibilities as well as the importance of keeping themselves safe both physically and emotionally. 

Year 8 Report

As the mid-term bump passes, my message to all Year 8 students is to be bold, be brave and do not be afraid to explore their gifts, talents and educational potential. We are so blessed to be here at Kennedy with a variety of opportunities and support. If students are struggling academically or feel they are not being challenged or supported enough, I encourage them to attend the after school tutoring sessions and use SEQTA to communicate this with their teachers. Please know I am always here to support and help as well.

Next week hosts R U OK Day, I would like to encourage students and parents to be there for each other and ask the question “R U OK?”. Collectively on Wednesday, we will increase the awareness of this significant and important day here at Kennedy. 

Below are tips on how to ask your child the question “R U OK?” with more information available online at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask.

1. Ask “R U OK?” – Be relaxed, friendly and concerned
2. Listen with an open mind – Don’t judge, take them seriously and do not interrupt
3. Encourage Action – Be positive about professional help and encourage them to seek help from a health professional
4. 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. 

Year 9 Report

It is great to be back at the College after successful surgery. Thank you to those who sent messages and support. A lot happened at Kennedy during my two-week absence. Open Day was a great event and I heard that the Year 9 Councillors did a great job on the day, welcoming people, directing traffic and chatting to visitors in the Pastoral Care Room. We have our 2021 Student Leadership elections coming up in Week 9 and I would encourage as many as possible to stand for either a Councillor position or a House Captain position. These are great ways to develop leadership abilities and if any student would like to be part of the College Student Executive Team in Year 12 they need to have had some prior experience in one of these roles.

The OLNA testing seemed to go well and many students found it easier than the NAPLAN testing. We are hoping that most will have passed that. Next term the students will have some exams after having missed them in Semester One due to Covid-19. I hope they have set their minds to do the best they can for the rest of the year.

One of the values at the College is boldness and we hope that our Kennedy students will take the opportunities that come their way to step out of their comfort zones and stretch their wings in new areas. Stepping up to apply for a leadership position, making a commitment to get involved in a College club, making a study timetable and sticking to it, setting goals to improve marks by a certain percentage, making new friends or including other students in their friendship groups and sharing your faith all require boldness and courage. There are so many ways to be bold. Let’s encourage each other to step out on new adventures and continue to grow.

The following verse from the Old Testament has always been an encouragement: Joshua 1:9 ‘Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ In the New Testament, we read in Romans 8:31 ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ Our job here at Kennedy is to bring out the best in your children. Let’s be bold in overcoming any obstacles. If there is any way that we can help to do this, please let us know.

Year 10 Report

As we move towards the end of the term it is always good to examine the progress of the cohort and discuss some of the forthcoming events.

An opportunity for students to display their boldness has been exhibited by over 120 Year 10 students applying for the 11/7s Mentor Program. Many of the current Year 10 students remember the help the 11/7s brought for them during their first few weeks all the way back in Year 7 and so it is amazing to see so many of them wanting to give back to the College.  Well done Year 10 students!

Many students have also applied for College Colours award, exhibiting their desire to be recognised for their contributions to the College along with their academic standing, leadership and positive behaviour. Well done to students for being bold and forthright, for wishing to have a visual representation of the importance they place on being good students and good citizens.

We have our first major social event coming up for Year 10 students in Term 4. The Dinner Dance is an opportunity for students to dress up and socialise with each other outside of the College in a safe and monitored environment. Tickets are being finalised, however we expect the dance to occur on Thursday 29 October at East Fremantle Yacht Club from 6:30pm to 10.00pm and tickets are $57 per person. I would encourage all students to attend as this is an excellent opportunity for them to not only strut their stuff on the dance floor but also practice for their Leavers Ball.

Year 11 Report

“Freedom lies in being bold.” - Robert Frost

Boldness is a common idea but can be an uncommon action. Often spoken of but seldom seen. Most of us, when we have been bold, have seen positive outcomes and realised the wonderful positive consequences of our actions.

The world is a scary place with frequent big decisions to be made, what subjects to choose, what career to follow, who to marry, where to live, where to buy a house etc. For the Year 11s these decisions are becoming real as they choose subjects and possible careers. Some lack boldness and choose the easiest, safest path now which might not lead to the most satisfying life later.

Others aim high and fail but grow through the experience, maturing and learning. Our children are faced with many challenges and cannot always succeed, but we need to build their confidence each time and encourage them to keep taking risks as success and the future is theirs to learn from if they don’t give up. Their lives are a precious gift but they are feeling a lot of strain at present, some focussing on difficulties and not seeing opportunities. Let’s teach them that boldness is their friend. 

“Whatever you dream of, be bold and pursue it.” - Lailah Gifty Akita

Year 12 Report

As the warmth starts to return we are definitely sensing that the Year 12s time at the College is coming to an end. We had a lovely Student Executive breakfast the other day and we now look forward to celebrating spring this Friday evening at our Spring Fling River Cruise which is bound to be a blast and it also serves as our last official social event for their time here at Kennedy.

It is the final stretch and I know there are some weary bodies and so I’ve been encouraging the Year 12s to finish the race strong. It is really important at this time for them to look after themselves and look out for others. All those years studying and preparing for the end of Year 12 is upon us and I am confident that this group of students will achieve as best they can. I am praying that our Year 12s are bold as they finish at Kennedy and can pursue whatever they would like to achieve next year and beyond with great confidence.

Kennedy News

Year 8 Indonesian Incursion

Currently, the Year 8 students are learning more about Indonesia's traditional special food. Students had a fun incursion by 'Totally Rendang', an Indonesian Restaurant specialising in West Sumatran food. 

Students had the opportunity to make their own version of 'Nasi Tumpeng'- a rice dish that is served for a special celebrations. They were also given famous Indonesian side dishes such as Rendang (spicy stew beef), Tempe (fermented soybean) and Ikan Teri (Anchoves). Our Head of English and Languages, Miss. Dalziell and our Head of Year 8, Miss. Jessica Kennedy also came to visit our class. The students were very busy creating their dish and got to eat their food while watching Gordon Ramsay make perfect Rendang in West Sumatra. Ibu Fina from Totally Rendang said that she very much enjoyed her visit to Kennedy.

College Notices

Fathering Project Dads Group - Thursday 10 September 

You are invited to a fantastic opportunity for dads and father figures from our College to meet up, chat and hear about the benefits of starting a Fathering Project Dads’ Group.

Date: Thursday 10 September 2020
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Kennedy Staff Lounge

It will be an informal yet informative event for dads, father figures and school leaders. It will provide you with info about the important role of dads, what The Fathering Project is and how they can help us in starting a group at Kennedy. Please RSVP by Friday 4 September for catering purposes. 

Lost Property Cupbord

The lost property cupboard is full of unnamed uniform items in particular, sports jackets. Please visit the lost property cupboard in Student Services if your child is missing any items.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 3 September 2020.