Photo above: Year 12 students donating food to the Homeless. 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

As we approach the end of Term 2, I would like to congratulate all students on their hard work and thank them for contributing to the many aspects of life at the College. While some of our opportunities for students have recently been cancelled or postponed, it has been wonderful to see everyone focus on academic life and continue to strive for the best possible achievements. As we continue to juggle the ongoing COVID situation, we look forward to the rest of the year, providing quality opportunities for our students. 

Please note the following important dates at the start of next term:

• Monday 19 July: Staff Professional Learning Day (Students do not attend) 
• Wednesday 21 July: Year 10-12 Awards Assembly
• Tuesday 27 July and Wednesday 28 July: Parent-Teacher Interviews
   

Staff Changes

At the end of this term, the following staff changes will take place. The following staff will be on Long Service Leave:

• Mrs Anna-Marie Smith (Science)
• Mrs Meredith Lorraine (Food Technology)

We wish them a very relaxing extended holiday. 
The following staff members will finish short-term contracts:

• Mr Yoon Pin Wong
• Mr Ian Loughton
• Mr Philip Morris

We appreciate their contribution to the College in the short time they have been with us. 
The following staff members are retiring from teaching at Kennedy:

• Mr Don Barendrecht (English)
• Mr Richard Main (Health and Physical Education)

We thank them both for their wonderful contribution to Kennedy Baptist College and our mission and we wish them the very best for the next phases of their lives. 

On behalf of the Kennedy staff, I wish everyone in our community a safe and relaxing semester break.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Whole College Survey 2021 Feedback

Thank you for your ongoing support. Your co-operation and supportive feedback have been greatly appreciated. Click here to read through the responses and feedback. 

Chaplain Devotion

I want to finish the term with a slightly different article. My motive for these articles has been to help us all see the Kingdom of God. I enjoy looking for the personality of Jesus to shine out of people and the things that people make. The Bible's viewpoint is, humanity was made in the image of God. We should be able to see the image even though the Bible also tells us the image is marred and needs renewing in each of us. 

Because movies are made by people and people are made for the Kingdom of God, I often see the attributes of the Kingdom in nearly everything I watch. One movie I watched with my family recently that totally blew me away was the new Disney movie, Raya and The Last Dragon. From the opening scenes, I heard the hope and honour for the character of God. Attributes that we find in God our maker were on display for the whole movie. The themes of unity, sacrifice, love, faith and honour are central throughout the story. I find when I’m watching these stories that come from the imagination of people, the universal cry for humans to be filled with these qualities completely lines up with God’s Kingdom. The story of Raya, like most movies, is a story of conflict between brokenness, decay and self-centeredness at war with humility, kindness, joy and love.   

With the school holidays before us, I would encourage you to enjoy some movie time. It’s not my intention to make it hard work, but I would love for you to look for the great story that is always before us, playing out in those movies. God’s Kingdom, humanity’s ‘home’, is often written into nearly every story or movie I have ever watched. Drop me a message and let me know if you see a movie that shows you something of the Kingdom of God over the next couple of weeks. Stay safe and enjoy the break.

Year 7 Report

It has been a long term, and I am sure the students are ready for a well-earned rest. I mentioned to some students that they are now 1/12th of their way through high school, and it feels like it has gone by in a blur.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have had a couple of foci with the Year 7s, such as addressing language in the Year 7 Area, being kind, thoughtful, and helpful to one another. It has been great to see the response from the Year 7 students - actively trying to look for opportunities to be helpful around the College. 

I am excited about next term! We will have some significant events such as Kennedy Day, Community Open Day and our Interhouse  Athletics Carnival. There will be an opportunity for all Year 7s to be involved in these fun events. We will also have our social at BOUNCEinc in Cannington and Community Service events with the seniors at Lakeside Baptist Church. A jam-packed Pastoral Care program with various activities, events and speakers for our Wednesday Extended Form is also in the works. It will be a full and exciting term!

My prayer for Year 7 students is to have a good rest over the holiday break and enjoy time away from their studies. In addition, I will be praying for students, their safety and that they will come back next term with renewed strength and a fresh, focused attitude. 

Year 8 Report

As Term 2 comes to a close, I would encourage students to use this time to reflect on a successful first half of the year and look forward with excitement for the rest of the year and beyond. We move forward to consolidate our learning, build study skills and a work ethic that will enable us to work smarter and achieve our goals for the future. For those students who did not do as well as they hoped, I would like you to ponder the following quote. "We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do." - Samuel Smiles.

In Extended Form last week, we split into two groups. The girls continued with the theme from their night session at camp with Ineke and Friends, speaking with them about mental health and how their faith helps them in stressful times. The boys did the same but with our chaplain Peter Chase. We finished off the term yesterday with a social morning and a pancake breakfast. Students had a great time. 

Next term, we hope to restart our Community Service partnership at the Opal Centre at St Ives across the Murdoch Oval. I and many of the cohort are looking forward to interacting with the residents and generally having a good time. This year we will be taking 15 students from each house (each house on a separate date). Nominations will come out early next term.

I recognise that we continue to live in tumultuous times, and I know that this can bring uncertainty. I trust that we will find comfort in knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who cares for us and is there in times of need. I pray that everyone enjoys a safe and rejuvenating break and look forward to seeing all the happy, revived faces again next term.

Year 9 Report

I cannot believe that Semester One is coming to a close. Even though we ended the semester with some COVID restrictions, it is with great optimism that I conclude my time as Head of Year 9. 

It has been amazing to see the students prepare for, sit, and review their first Secondary School exams. They realized that they could experience success and thrive under stress and pressure with practice and study. I recognise that each student is like a diamond, and as we know, diamonds are formed under pressure. However, let us never forget that they are not formed overnight. Most students have come away from the exams with a positive outlook and renewed confidence to succeed. When talking with students about the exams, the best comment I heard was, “It went well, sir; It was just like a really long test.” 

Our Year 9 students also had the opportunity to consider their well-being and practice their interpersonal skills through the extended form activities. As part of our Pastoral Care program, they learned about integrity and to think more of others - all in a safe and caring environment. I enjoyed watching them interact, laugh, and be teenagers whilst they learn these valuable life skills. 

As we go into the holidays, I encourage you to spend time with your child. Reflect on the year so far, talk about their plans and desires, such as what they are looking forward to about their subject selections for next year. Listen to them and even try and learn something from them. Although they may be rough-cut diamonds at the moment, they all have the potential to make a difference in this world, and one day, shine more than we could possibly ever imagine.

Year 10 Report

If we stop to reflect on all that the Year 10s achieved this Semester, it really is quite a feat. Carnivals, performances, extracurricular events, assessments, work experience, exams and meetings with Executive staff members for subject selections and future pathways. 

Students have had open conversations during Extended Form, discussing mental health, communication, and developing relationships, as well as a quiz morning. I am proud of the maturity I have seen developing in the Year 10 cohort, how they have supported one another in times of trial and celebrated together during positive times. I speak on behalf of the Year 10 Form teachers and say we genuinely feel honoured to have them in our care. 

I am looking forward to some exciting events coming up in Term 3. We will acknowledge award recipients at our Awards Assemblies, the commencement of our Year 11/7 Mentor program, celebrating Kennedy Day, contribute to Community Open Day and continuing the learning and growing of students in a day-to-day capacity. 

With the holidays coming up, may you have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy time together with your family. God bless. 

Year 11 Report

We have reached the end of Term 2, and our Year 11 students will be looking forward to a much-deserved two-week break. 

For some of our students, this term has been challenging, particularly with exams and the increased expectations that come with being a Senior School student. It has been pleasing to see students thinking carefully about course selections and career pathways and for some, it has been an important time to reflect on ways that they can improve their results.

I have been impressed with the behaviour and level of engagement the Year 11 students have shown when I have invited guest speakers to the College. It is fantastic to witness students thanking our guest speakers and showing appreciation towards them. 

In Term 3, I will be inviting up to nine students to participate in Year 11 Community Service, where students will work alongside volunteers from Chorus and assist with gardening and general duties. This is a great opportunity for all students to help others and make their lives a little easier. 

On Wednesday 6 October, a group of Year 11 students will fly to Newman to participate in the 2021 Newman Indigenous Tour. Students will visit Newman, Nullagine and Karijini and will engage with indigenous students at Nullagine Primary School, a remote indigenous school located 192km north of Newman. The purpose of this tour is to provide students with a unique experience aimed at developing a deeper understanding of indigenous issues whilst also building cross-cultural relationships with the Martu people.

I would like to wish you all an enjoyable break over the winter holidays and look forward to seeing the students on their return to College in Term 3. 

Year 12 Report

I recently returned from an exciting seven-day camp with the Year 12 Outdoor Education students. Upon my return, I have a fresh appreciation of our 12s. Knowing them since Year 7, they have grown and developed maturity during their Senior School years. I was amazed by the growth, responsibility and capability they carry. We know that life after College will hold massive challenges, but I believe they are up to the task. They will be excited by new opportunities. The world is an exciting place and options have never been greater for young, enthusiastic, and hardworking people. 

Through our Pastoral Care program, Kennedy is preparing them as best we can by developing their skills, knowledge and strengthening their resilience. I believe that resilience is crucial in a world which is so rapidly changing and a positive attitude is highly sought after in the workplace. With these two attributes, I know our Year 12 students will have a full-filling life and contribute wonderfully to their world. 

Our Year 12 Student Executive Team recently had an exciting morning packing up all the food that Year 12 Form classes donated to Aaron Price, One Voice Australia. We filled many boxes of canned foods, soups and other items. Thank you to all the Year 12 students who contributed. 

With only 11 weeks left of College life, I would encourage them to seize every opportunity they get, to maximise their development and ensure they learn from the challenges life throws at them. I pray that you will have a safe and relaxing time over the holiday break. 

Kennedy News

Celebrating Student Achievements

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

• Rosin Oeij participated in the WA Speech and Drama Festival and came first for the Monologue Year 8 Category. 
   
• Jordan Pescud made a beautiful crochet dress, she won two awards at the 18th Annual Atwell Gallery Youth Art Awards. 
   

• Lara Lane, Summer Hueber, Lily Keinick, Amelia Gilmore, Brianna King and Honey Sing represented Fremantle Netball Association. 

• Zavier Dunsire and Joshua Coyne played State League Charter Baseball , Intermediate League for Western Tigers and Carine Cats.

• Tate Varga played for Little League State Charter for Central Firebirds. 

• Jesse Hawke and Jasper Smith competed in the Baseball WA State Championships. They represented Central Firebirds Charter (Willetton and South Perth Baseball Clubs) and represent Western Australia in the Australian Junior League Championships. 

• Kyrah Daniels represented WA at the 2021 U18 Australian National Junior Championships Basketball Championships in Melbourne. 

• Ben Broers competed in the WA State Athletic championships U/14 Boys and received a silver medal for the 1500m and a bronze medal for 800m. 

• Lauren Blair and Mia Watkinson participated in the World's Greatest Shave this year. 

• Callum Alberti competed in the U/18 State Lawn Bowls Championships. 

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 2 concluded for students today on Thursday 1 July 2020. Term 3 will commence on Tuesday 20 July 2020 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full Winter Uniform. 

The Administration office will re-open on Monday 12 July. We hope that you have a restful and safe semester break. The Uniform Shop will be closed the first week of the school holidays and will also re-open on Monday 12 July. Closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm. 

College Notices

2021 Kennedy Community Open Day

Please look out for the next College newsletter with more details regarding Community Open Day, Silent Auction items and how you and your child can get involved. 
 

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. If you would like any more information, please contact the P&F via email here.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 1 July 2021.