Photo above: Students during lunchtime. 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

Kennedy has had a wonderful, smooth start to the year, despite the COVID-19 restrictions being in place. Thank you to all families for such a great start. It has been very pleasing to see our students immediately embrace Kennedy's challenges and opportunities, and some great outcomes have already been achieved. We look forward to an exciting and productive year of working with our students and their families.

It was fantastic to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families to the College on Monday. Kennedy is a community that has been built on the partnership between College staff and families. There is no doubt that maximising this partnership is a benefit to all our community members. Educational research indicates that higher parent engagement with the College, links to higher outcomes achieved by students. I encourage all families to connect with as many College community members as possible throughout the year.
 

Parents and Friends Association

The P&F held the Annual General Meeting last night and appointed the following parents to the important office bearer positions of:

• President: Mrs Renee Puizina
• Vice President: Mrs Michelle Marshall
• Treasurer: Mrs Marie Spires
• Secretary: Mr Peter Gough

Congratulations on these appointments. We thank you for volunteering to be involved in the leadership of the Association. It is great to have them all continuing in their positions for a second year.
 

Easter Services

A reminder that our College will hold two Easter services this year.

• Monday 29 March: Eyre and Forrest families.
• Tuesday 30 March: King and Stirling families.

Both services will commence at 7.00pm and I would like to emphasise that this is a compulsory event for all students.

Each year we endeavour to make our services engaging for families with a focus on the Christian Easter message: the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year we have the pleasure of partnering with Lakeside Baptist Church who will be working with our Arts team to present a combined service. The services will be a time of both reflection and celebration of the true significance of Easter.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Devotion

Hi from your Chaplain. I would like to add my welcome to the new year, and I really don’t want to make any mention of last week, as it has all been said, and we are all looking forward to moving forward into the year. I would like to open the year by sharing a few thoughts.

My character is always looking for ways to help people to look at the challenging and confronting things that take the joy out of life. This last week, and last year, have had me looking for ways to encourage others to look for the hope that is above our circumstances.

For me, over the course of my personal life and during all of my years of involvement with people in some form of struggle or crisis, I am always drawn to look for the purpose and design stamped on all of us. I believe we are all made by a creative God that has left His personal character traits within every part of His creation. When we, as people with God's design within, are moving through the uncertainty of the last year and week, I look for the things that are part of God’s kingdom. I find that if I look for the things of life that we are designed to live in, I start to see the hope that gives life an overcoming quality. 

The Kingdom of God is a phrase that refers to the place where God is at ease reigning overall. When our created design finds the Kingdom of God we can be at total rest in the middle of every crisis. This week I would like to encourage you to look for the Kingdom of God that is far above the struggles of pandemics, threats of wars, personal health issues, relationship breakdown, and every other thing that leaves us feeling that there is no hope. My focus for this year is in line with the Bible verse at the bottom. I want to always point to the Kingdom of God, for it is there that we will all find the strength to do each day well.

Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Year 7 Report

To say the beginning of this school year has been extraordinary would be quite an understatement. Although the Pre-start Day for Year 7s on Friday January 29 may seem like such a long time ago with what has transpired since - my hope is that the week at home has given the students an opportunity to take a breath and allow the new information to start to sink in. I know information overload can take its toll.

My observations during Pre-Start Day filled me with great confidence that students are looking forward to beginning their Secondary journey, and I know there will be plenty of fun along the way. Although I am acting in the Head of Year 7 position until Mr Scott Britza returns next term, I feel privileged to be able to share this experience with all students and am confident that we will learn an awful lot together.

In the coming weeks, there are several College events that look to assist students transitioning into Kennedy Baptist College.

The Year 7 Commencement Ceremony will now be held on Monday 15 February 2021. Following this event, we will have the “Meet the Teacher Evening” on Tuesday 16 February 2021. Both these events will be subject to State Government restrictions so please keep an eye out for further communication regarding both.  

I am looking forward to a term where we all experience some smoother sailing in the coming weeks and where we will see the Year 7s’ start settling into daily routine at the College. I would also like to encourage all students to control the things within their control. Forming good habits now will set a strong foundation for the rest of their journey.

Please click here for Year 7 Pre-start Day photos. 

May God bless us all for the year ahead.

Year 8 Report

Once again the amazing adaptability of our Year 8 students have come to the fore this week. It has been great to see how students have embraced the start of the year.

The goal for our Year 8s this year, is for the students to find and embrace their place in the community. As they become young adults we aim to foster their resilience, sense of responsibility, and respect for themselves and others.

As we continue our journey of discovering God and His plan for our lives, students are taking part in regular devotions in Form. This, coupled with regular prayer means that all students have the opportunity to explore their faith and learn more about the God who loves us all.

In the coming weeks, there are several College events coming up. - Our Year 8 Camp will be held at Forrest Edge at the end of the term. The girls will attend first from Monday 22 March until Wednesday 24 March while the boys remain at the College and continue with lessons on Monday and Tuesday. The boys will start camp on Wednesday 24 March until Friday 26 March while the girls return to the College for lessons on Thursday and Friday. More information will be sent out about the camp shortly.

It is my vision and prayer for our students that this year, they will come to understand that they are valued by God, and all members of the Kennedy community. I have asked that all students look out for one another and encourage one another as we continue our Kennedy journey.

Year 9 Report

Welcome back to Kennedy, albeit a week late. As the saying goes, ‘all good things come to those that wait.’  I cannot believe Term 1 is finally here, and despite continuing changes due to COVID-19, students are back, and Term 1 is in full swing.  Can I start by saying how privileged and blessed I am to start the year as the Acting Head of Year 9. I look forward to getting to know all the students and families during this semester. 

I would love to introduce myself and give you a little insight into who I am, I am first and foremost a follower of God, then my wife, three kids, and family, followed by the West-Coast Eagles, Perth Wildcats, Perth Scorchers, Perth Glory, Swan Districts, Paramatta Eels, Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, all things Mtn Biking, Kite Surfing, Sailing and Snow Skiing. I pretty much love the outdoors and always find some way to challenge myself and the students I teach. In saying all of this, I look forward to seeing the Year 9 students grow and grab hold of all the opportunities Kennedy offers.

The focus for the Year 9 cohort this year is “Who am I.”  Who are they now, and who do they want to become? In a few years, each student will need to choose subjects based on who and what they want to be in the future. This year we want to encourage each student to find out who they truly are to make the right choices in the future. We encourage each student to ask and seek out the answer to this one very important question. “What is and what will be my purpose in life?”. T.D. Jakes, a well-known American author, and filmmaker once said, “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” So, together, let’s find our passions this year, and we will find our purpose.

I pray that 2021 will be a great year for everyone and know that whoever you are, is enough in God’s eyes. 

Year 10 Report

I would like to welcome back our Year 10s and give a warm welcome to Kennedy for our many incoming students and families, I feel very privileged to be the Year 10 Head of Year at Kennedy. 

While reading over the holidays, I came across the term ‘tabula rasa’ in a book, intrigued, I found that this Latin term, translated means a clean slate, or scraped clean. When addressing the Year 10 cohort, I reminded them they have a new start, in addition to the New Year, they have physically moved to the senior quad as part of their Forms, have new Form teachers, a new Head of Year, and subsequentially a clean slate. This is a fresh start with the opportunity to continue to positively grow and mature both individually and as a cohort.

Year 10 is a pivotal year when considering options for subjects and courses, I have encouraged and challenged students to consider the direction they want to take.  What they may be required to change or focus on in order to achieve that direction, thinking not only about their academics, but also their behaviours. Year 10 is a year with increased responsibility, and I encourage students to ensure they give themselves the best chance for opportunities in the future years.  This can be applied by ensuring they stay on task in class, applying their knowledge with homework, continuing to ask for assistance from staff, and prioritising their College work and wellbeing. 

I know the Form teachers and I are looking forward to the next three years of working alongside your child, to encourage and challenge them, and see them reach their potential and hopefully exceed their expectations.  I wish all the Year 10 students the best for this year.

Year 11 Report

Welcome parents, guardians, and students to Year 11 and welcome to another year filled with opportunities for students to fulfill their potential.

The focus for Year 11 is ‘How do I get there?’ An important goal for students is to carefully consider pathways for the future. I would encourage parents to talk to your children about career aspirations and to map out a plan to get there. Our career development officer Mrs Mary Minorgan, has plenty of resources available for students. You can check out the Careers Hub on our website. 

Another goal is for students to be aware of their gifts and talents and to shine in those areas. Every student has God-given talent and is encouraged to showcase this talent – whether it be in the classroom, on the sporting field, on stage or through leadership. Kennedy prides itself on excellence and there are so many ways that students can excel and build confidence.

The third goal is for students to use positive speech, both internally through positive self-talk and externally, by speaking kindly and showing encouragement to others and ensuring that everyone feels safe at school. We have an opportunity to be a team and to work together to ensure that every student has a positive school experience.

There is no doubt that 2020 and the beginning of 2021 have been challenging for all of us. Romans 10:17 states that ‘faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.’ Students at Kennedy are blessed with the opportunity to hear the Gospel and to learn that they can do all things through Christ.

I wish all students and families the best for 2021 and look forward to sharing in this year’s successes.

Year 12 Report

I am sure we were all ready for the start of Term 1, but life truly is full of surprises, and our current challenges, are mostly first world problems. When listening to the news, we can be grateful that we have only had one week of mask-wearing.

I am so glad that the Year 12 Ball was not planned for this week. The students are all so excited for this event and the preparation is in full swing. We are looking forward to a fantastic night on Friday 19 February at Fraser's Restaurant.

Our Year 12 students have a lot of work to get through within a short amount of time, and I am aware that this can be overwhelming for some. I also know these students are no longer the timid, shy Year 8s I began with four years ago. I have seen them mature over the years and I believe these students will take responsibility for their last year here at Kennedy. I would love to encourage the Year 12s to plan their study schedules; it is crucial. There will often be several assessments close together, so studying will need to occur well before-hand. I encourage all students to utilize the tutoring and curriculum opportunities Kennedy offers.

One big focus for our Year 12 students this year is to prepare them for the transition to life after Secondary school. I look forward to working alongside them and pray for protection, wisdom and peace as we navigate this year together.

Let’s be intentional in taking good care of ourselves this year with good sleep routines, regular exercise, healthy diets, consistently studying and making the most of every opportunity this year.

Carpe Diem, Seize the day!

Kennedy News

College Notices

Fees - Secondary Assistance Scheme

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.

Eligible parents/guardians with students enrolled in Years 7 to 12, studying a full-time secondary course at a WA private school, will be able to apply for the SAS in 2021.

The SAS consists of two allowances:

• $235 Education Program Allowance (payment made to the College, for the student); and
• $115 Clothing Allowance (payment made to the parent/guardian).

For all enquiries regarding the application process/forms please visit Reception. Applications close on Thursday 1 April 2021.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 25 February 2021.