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Photo above: Students ready for the Interhouse Swimming Carnival this morning.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Kennedy continues to build on the wonderful start to the academic year with some very successful events. Our Year 7 Afternoon Tea and Awards Assembly were great opportunities for families to connect with the College as we work together to maximize student outcomes. Throughout the year, we will have many more opportunities for families to actively engage with our community and strengthen our partnership. Opportunities include:
- Our Easter services
- Parent information evenings
- Teacher feedback afternoons
- Parent and Friends Association meetings
- Parent focused social events
- Student performance nights
I encourage everyone to be involved with these opportunities, contributing to our community.
College Ball
It was a pleasure to join our Year 12 students, partners and staff at Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park on Friday 19 February. The Ball was a wonderful event and our students had a fantastic night and enjoyed each other’s company in an amazing setting. The approach of our students was outstanding, and this greatly contributed to the night being a success. Congratulations to all Year 12 students who are to be commended for their exceptional attitude to the night. Congratulations to Mr Batley and the Year 12 Counsellors for their great efforts in organising a wonderful evening.
End of Year Awards Ceremonies
A review of our end-of-year awards ceremonies in 2020 has resulted in some major changes, which we believe will maximize both the significance and effectiveness of these events. Instead of having a Year 10-12 Awards Night early in Term 4, just before the Year 12s last day, and a Year 7-9 Awards Night later in the year, the following awards events will now take place:
- Year 12 students will receive their major curricula awards at the Year 12 Last Day Assembly on Wednesday 20 October.
- Year 11 students will receive their major curricula awards at their last assembly on Wednesday 3 November.
- Year 7,8,9 and 10 students will have a special Awards Assembly on the last day of College, Wednesday 8 December.
High School Musical
It has been wonderful to see our dedicated High School Musical staff and students work so hard to prepare for our inaugural musical. Many months of planning and rehearsals have gone into preparing for the musical and I have no doubt that these performances are going to be wonderful nights for everyone to enjoy. I encourage one and all in our community to come along and support our Arts team. High School Musical will be performing on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 March, and we look forward to seeing you there. Purchase your tickets here.
Easter Services Reminder
Our Easter services are an important part of our College culture. They are also a great opportunity to connect with local churches and reinforce our Christian ethos. Both services will commence at 7.00pm, and I would like to emphasise that this is a compulsory event for all students. Our two Easter services will be held on the following dates:
- Monday 29 March: Eyre and Forrest families.
- Tuesday 30 March: King and Stirling families
We hope families will also attend with your children at these special community events.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Devotion
I mentioned in the last newsletter that my focus this year is to lift the community of Kennedy to look for and see, the Kingdom of God. The benefits of enjoying the reign and rule of a loving Father and King are far beyond all that we could ask or imagine. The Bible describes the Kingdom as something that needs to be actively sought after. Jesus told many stories about the Kingdom and said it was like a treasure in a field that you need to sell everything to buy the field or a lost coin that you need to sweep the whole house to find.
In actively seeking the Kingdom of God we start to find it challenges us to live in ways that are both so hard and so needed at the same time. All of us at some point struggle with some of the things Jesus said about the Kingdom. In God’s kingdom what we do is often of lesser importance to why we do it. In God’s kingdom we could think that praying is good, but Jesus says that if it is not sincere it’s not part of the Kingdom. In God’s kingdom we could think that giving to the poor is good but if it’s done to show off, it’s not part of the Kingdom.
There are so many areas of life that we think are important to God and His kingdom. Really pressing into the place where we allow God to reign and rule freely over our lives we find that He has a view of life that is vastly different to what we think life is.
Seek first the Kingdom of God, Love others above yourself, if someone wrongs you forgive them, if someone asks for help provide it. This quality of life resonates within everyone I have ever met. When we see this kind of true living, we all lean into it. I want to encourage you all in the Kennedy community to actively seek the Kingdom of God, the place where He is allowed to freely reign and rule.
We are organising a focused fundraiser on Friday 5 March. Members of our Kennedy community have had the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours as a real part of their lives. In response to that, we are looking to raise funds for the James Crofts Hope Foundation. Year 12 student, Jordan James has initiated this fundraiser and will be having her long hair cropped during lunchtime. We are also having a sausage sizzle on the same day during lunchtime. All proceeds go to the James Crofts Hope Foundation. Any further donations can be made by giving at the sausage sizzle or by donating through the College Administration Office.
Deputy Principal Curriculum Report
We are now well into Term 1. Students and staff have completed a few week’s rotation of the timetable with every student and teacher attending the correct classes and no timetable clashes.
I would like to commend all students on their excellent behaviour and cooperation in regards to the first week of College. The students were fantastic at maintaining the COVID-19 standards. With excitement, we now look forward to the rest of term.
Off-Campus Learning
The extended Christmas holiday reminded all educators of the possibility that students may be learning off-campus during any part of this year or future years. The College Executive and Heads of Learning utilized student, parent and staff evaluations of the short lockdown last March/April to refine our processes for any future off-campus learning.
The major themes of the feedback we received included:
- Following the timetable was effective and maintained routine.
- Students and teachers were locked into viewing screens for extended periods of time.
- The amount of work required of students was difficult to complete, monitor and provide feedback.
- Students missed live interaction with their teacher and other students.
- Assisting students on campus and off-campus at the same time was not time efficient.
The following adjustments are likely if off-campus learning is required in the future:
- Introduce a 10-minute gap between periods
- For Year 7-10 students, the focus for structured lessons would be English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science.
- Elective classes for Year 7-10 would be provided with activities for their technology and arts electives which would require minimal screen time.
- Elective teachers for Year 7-10 will be available online to assist students with their set activities.
- Physical Education, including electives, would be provided with a video of exercise routines.
- English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science classes would utilise a consolidation lesson approximately once per week, with staff available to answer queries.
- Teachers could move away from prepared videos and utilise Microsoft Teams to hold live classes.
- Students who are required to be on-campus would be supervised and access learning using off-campus platforms.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for the start of Term 3. Until then, teachers will provide feedback on academic progress through SEQTA for all students in Year 11 and 12 courses as well as students completing Year 7-10 English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science. Year 11 and 12 students requiring course changes must complete these changes by 19 March.
Please refer to the curriculum emails sent on Thursday 18 February to be familiar with important dates, homework and assessment information and protocols.
Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Report
An important part of each new year at Kennedy is welcoming our new students.
To achieve this, the College provides a range of events and comprehensive programs to ensure a smooth transition into the College community. There are many elements, each designed to assist the incoming students. These include Year 7 Orientation Day, Pre-start Day, New Student Afternoon Tea, Year 7 Commencement Ceremony, Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea, Year 11/7 Mentoring time in Care Groups, lunchtime activities and a New Student Lunch.
This year's Pre-start Day was held on Friday 29 January and involved both Year 7 students and those new students coming into Years 8 to 12.
Our 11/7 Mentors and Year 7s got to know each other, toured the College, met Mr Ashby and their Head of Year Mr Macauley, as well as their Form teachers. They followed this with a sausage sizzle and some fun activities run by Nations Church who provided bouncy castles and loud music. The 11/7s Program continues throughout Term 1, with the Year 11s mentoring the Year 7s in Care Groups on Wednesday mornings. Our new Year 8-12 students met the Student Councillors as well as their Head of Year. They visited the Research and Study Centre, undertook an Information and Technology Inservice Session and chatted with our College Chaplain and Pastoral Care Team before enjoying an afternoon tea.
Another special event was the Year 7 Commencement Ceremony that was held last Monday in the College Auditorium. Year 7 students received their welcome Bible to signify the start of their Kennedy journey, it was lovely to see so many families join us for the morning, and we look forward to getting to know each of them throughout the year. Please click for Commencement Ceremony Photos.
I would like to thank all parents and guardians that joined us at the Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea last Tuesday. It was a great opportunity for parents to meet the Principal, Deputies, College Counsellor, College Chaplain, Head of Year 7, subject and Form teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment.
All these elements are designed to ensure a smooth, supportive start to the school year. We hope that your child has enjoyed their first few weeks with us, and we look forward to a fantastic year.
Kennedy News
Chung Hwa Lion Dance troupe visit Kennedy
As part of the Chinese Language Curriculum program, Chung Hwa Lion Dance troupe was invited to put on a spectacular lion dance performance during recess on Wednesday 18 February.
The performance was held in the grass area between Blocks 2 and 3. The performers brought the pair of southern lions to life by blinking the eyes, flapping the mouth, moving the ears, changing the angles of the head and moving the waist and feet. The back person occasionally lifted the front person to perform acrobatic tricks and drew spontaneous applause. The highlight was the traditional performance of "cai qing" or "plucking the greens" which symbolises wealth and fortune. Read the full article and see more photos below.
Sneak Peek of High School Musical Production
Yesterday morning during Extended Form, students had the opportunity to see a sneak peek of the High School Musical performance that will be taking place next week. The whole College thoroughly enjoyed the short snippets of singing, dancing and drama.
There are still tickets available, so join us over two nights of drama, dance, music, and laughter on:
- Thursday 4 March 2021 - Opening Night - 7.00pm
- Friday 5 March 2021 - 7.00pm
Please click below to purchase your tickets, scroll to the left or right to see available seats.
Protective Behaviours Presentation – Free Community Event
At Kennedy Baptist College we place a high value on the social and emotional development of all students, and we are constantly seeking opportunities to enhance their safety. We hope that you can partner with us by attending this parent/guardian focused information evening on Wednesday 17 March 2021 at 6:30pm. This night is designed specifically to help you understand the current issues students are facing and what families can do to help their children develop effective protective behaviours.
We are honored to have Andrea Musulin with us for the evening. She is a leading expert in child protection, teenager safety and cyber safety. Please note this will be strictly for parents and guardians only.
Term 1 College Assembly
On Wednesday 17 February, we had such a great time at the whole College Assembly. It was nice to see student’s faces without any masks.
We welcomed back some of the high-achieving graduates from 2020 to present them with Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards. We are very proud of their accomplishments and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.
During the Assembly, we also took the opportunity to award current students for their outstanding final academic achievements for 2020. We look forward to a great year and hope that all students recognise the opportunities offered here at Kennedy. Read the full article below and see more photos here.
College Notices
Christian Schools Australia - Community Profile Survey
We are conducting a survey to better understand the reasons why parents choose to send their children to our College. The survey is offered by Christian Schools Australia. It will be conducted amongst all families with children enrolled in participating Christian schools. It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ choice of school, their satisfaction with their children’s learning, their engagement in the school community and their general background. Kennedy will use the survey results to help gain a better understanding of our community, to inform and
direct future planning and improvement strategies. All families will be invited to participate in the survey. The survey will be conducted online and will only takes 20 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed at any convenient time within the fieldwork period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. All responses to the survey are anonymous. The survey will be conducted from Monday 8 March to Thursday 1 April 2021.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Janet Hair if you have any general queries about the survey.
Ride2School - Friday 19 March
We are excited once again that Kennedy is participating in the Ride2School Day this year. We encourage all students to join with our staff to represent their House on Friday 19 March.
Ride2School Day is a nationwide program delivered by the Bicycle Network, designed to support schools to encourage, empower and enable more students to get physically active on their journey to school. For more information, please click here.
Lost Property Cupboard
Lost Property cupboard is full of unnamed uniform items, please visit the lost property cupboard in Student Services if your child is missing any items. Please ensure that your child's belongings are clearly marked with their name and surname.
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.
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.
Term 1 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
- Interhouse Swimming Carnival
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 11 March 2021.
PO Box 26, Bull Creek, Western Australia 6149
t: 08 9314 7722 | f: 08 9314 7732
e: admin@kennedy.wa.edu.au
