Photo above: AFL Boys playing at the Lightning Carnival. 

Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to recently spend time with our Parent and Friends Association Open Day Committee. The P&F team is very enthusiastic about organising an Open Day that will provide great opportunities for all members of our community. The structure of the Open Day will be similar to last year and aims to provide a snapshot of the many facets of Kennedy College life. Often families infer that Open Day is only an occasion to promote the College for prospective families, however our focus will be to make this another chance for current families to experience and view the amazing achievements of our students. We hope everyone can join us on the day. 

2017 Kennedy Community Open Day
Saturday 26 August at 10.00am – 2.00pm

Our Parents and Friends will be asking for volunteers to help both in preparation for the day and on the day itself. We hope you will be able to be involved.

Semester Examinations

Next week examinations will commence for Year 8 to 12 students and correct preparation for these assessments is essential. Everyone needs to have a study program in place and hopefully for most students this has already commenced. If students have not yet started, then it needs to commence immediately. Effective study needs to be active. It is not simply reading over notes, studying needs to include activities such as:

• Making summary notes
• Drawing diagrams
• Making memory cards
• Practicing mathematics problems

Thorough preparation for examinations with a well-structured approach is the best strategy to reduce the stress at this busy time of year.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Psalm 141

GOD, come close. Come quickly!
    Open your ears—it’s my voice you’re hearing!
Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising;
    my raised hands are my evening prayers.
Post a guard at my mouth, GOD,
    set a watch at the door of my lips.
Don’t let me so much as dream of evil
    or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.
And these people who only do wrong -
    don’t let them lure me with their sweet talk!
May the Just One set me straight,
    may the Kind One correct me…

We make plans... Set goals... Dream big dreams. Then ‘stuff’ happens and the plans, goals and dreams are superseded and the control you thought you had over your life, you now realise was delusional.

What we can control though is our response. We can do this by guarding what we say, whether it is verbal or through social media platforms (verses 3,4). Our words are powerful and they can either hurt or they can encourage. They are also the means through which we give ourselves our identity. “I am a Kiwi.” “I have blue eyes.” When bad things happen, what or who, do you want to identify yourself with?

Secondly, guard your thoughts (verses 5,6). Choose very carefully who you listen to and to the same extent that you filter your words so have the courage to filter those who give you their advice. And remember, Google doesn’t know everything! But God does!

When the unplanned happens, a volcano erupts, the relationship fails or an illness causes grief, then fill your heart, your mind and your words with the presence of our Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (our Comforter) and His Word. Allow yourself the time to cry, to question and to get angry, but do so in His presence and in complete surrender to your Heavenly Daddy (verse 1).

The middle of Term 2 brings the examination season for Year 8 through 12.

The senior school examinations begin on 29 May with all Year 11 and 12 students only attending the College for their examinations. Students who do not have examinations often use the coming fortnight for Work Experience which enhances their resume and applications for tertiary study.

Students in Year 8, 9 and 10 complete examinations in English, Humanities, Mathematics and Science in the week beginning Tuesday 6 June. Students will complete examinations between morning form and recess with the College timetable resuming after recess. Each year I receive a few queries about students going home after examinations to study. Students should not be leaving the College to cram in study. Revision just prior to examinations is not an effective technique and in many instances reduces memory. Revision is an ongoing, long term process which all students engage in through the activities set by their teachers and through their own revision routines. Be assured that the College does not endorse or encourage any student to leave the campus during the day.

Teachers are implementing appropriate revision strategies for classes. Revision strategies and material will differ amongst courses and classes. It is never too early or too late to begin studying and doing something is better than nothing. I would encourage all parents to assist their children with study by setting up an appropriate time and location for students to study. I am sure all parents are about to begin a period of negotiation with students. A student request of “Can I have/go…” will no doubt be meet with the parent response of “Yes, when I have seen…”.

I would encourage each student that the key to an anxiety free test or examination is knowing you have given of your best in revision and preparation.

Next week members of the Pastoral Care team including both Heads of Years and Counsellors will be attending the Generation Next Conference at the University of Western Australia. The conference has a number of keynote speakers discussing child and adolescent health issues including:

• Paul Dillon, Director of Drug and Alcohol Research Training Australia (DARTA)​. Presentation: Supporting a Young Person in Their Decision Not to Use Alcohol or Drugs
• Andrew Fuller, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist. Presentation: Preventing Depression in Young People
• Prof Jennie Hudson, Psychologist and Director, Centre for Emotional Health​. Presentation: Anxiety Disorders in Young People
• Greg Gebhart, Senior Education Trainer, Office of the eSafety Commissioner​. Presentation: Changing Environment of eSafety and the Importance of Digital Intelligence
• Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, 2016 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Founder, Top Blokes Foundation​. Presentation: Managing Anger & Aggression: A Practical Approach
• Maggie Hamilton, Author and Researcher​. Presentation: The Dismantling of Girls’ Wellbeing: Issues and Solutions​
• Dr Claire Kelly, Manager, Youth Programs, Mental Health First Aid Australia​. Presentation: Conversations We Should Be Having with Teens about Mental Health

The main theme of the conference is “The mental health and Wellbeing of Young People”. Our Heads of Year and Counsellors will be bringing the information from the Conference, back to present to our year groups in the coming weeks.

Overall, our ongoing goal at Kennedy is to continue to build the mental health capacity of our students through a well developed Pastoral Care program based on current knowledge.

Our annual Mother’s Day morning tea was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Kennedy mums and thank them for their continued love and commitment to their children. This year mums enjoyed a scrumptious morning tea served by the female student councillors and were entertained with some engaging stories from Mrs Nina Tassell, a member of the College Board. Nina’s descriptions of her current experiences as a mum of four young boys kept everyone entertained and triggered much chatter about their own experiences.

If you were unable to attend this year, please make sure you set the morning aside next year as we would love to have the opportunity to spoil you too!

Mrs Janet Hair 
Personal Assistant to Principal 

On Friday 15 May over 80 prospective Kennedy parents visited the College for an information session and tour of the College. Fortunately they managed to miss the showers while walking around the campus. A hot drink and one of our famous Kennedy cupcakes made for a comforting conclusion to the morning.

We are excited that next Term we will be introducing Twilight Tours which will commence at 6:00pm. They will be held on Monday 4 September and Monday 13 November and we hope that this will assist those who cannot attend during the day due to work commitments. You can find all the Tour dates on our website here.

Ms Sandra Doick
Public Relations

On Thursday 18 May, Year 5 and 6 students from Regent College visited the Kennedy Arts Department where they had the opportunity to be musicians, artists and media experts for the day. Students had so much fun!

Mrs Mandy Beaurain
Public Relations Assistant

In the beginning of this term on a mild Sunday morning prior to the rest of the College returning from holidays, a group of adventurous students hit the road for Shark Bay. Seven students embarked on a Seatrek adventure which began in Denham before sailing north around the peninsula to Point Peron and then making their way back to Denham. Students spent five days on boats sailing, camping and experiencing the awesome natural environment of this unique setting. Students also were involved in conducting an ANZAC day ceremony at dawn against a stunning backdrop which was inspirational.

Fortunately, we had glorious sunny weather, sighted numerous dolphins, sharks, turtles and the occasional goat that cemented this camp as one that we will remember for years to come. This experience was a timely reminder of how extraordinary our country and this world really can be. I hope that future students will look to embrace this amazing opportunity when it comes up again in 2019. Well done to all those who came and I am sure you will all visit there again soon. A special mention to Rod from the Marine Education Boatshed. His professionalism, knowledge and passion was incredible. Thanks Rod for all your hard work and providing this opportunity.

Mr David Orr
Health and Physical Education Teacher

This Term a House points draw will be held in Week 9 at our College Assembly. All House points given to any student are placed in the draw to win a major prize. A House point is given to a student for their co-operation and participation in College activities and demonstrating the Kennedy spirit.

The Bicycle Entrepreneur (TBE) at Myaree have partnered with the College to provide a Giant Mountain Bike as the mayor prize for this Term.

For more information about TBE please visit their store Shop 1, 276 Leach Highway, Myaree or visit their website www.tbe.com.au

Mrs Claire Wallace
King House Coordinator

Calling All Squash Players

Are you a squash player wanting to represent Kennedy?

A competition will be on Wednesday Week 10. Find a team of 3 and come sign up outside the Sports Centre. Teams must be Girls Years 10 - 12 or  Boys Years 10 - 12. Signups close tomorrow, Friday 26 May.

Miss Jessica Kennedy
Health & Physical Education Teacher/Sports Coordinator


Lightning Carnival 2017

The Lightning Carnival was a huge success, with some exceptional talent displayed in a variety of sports such as AFL, soccer, touch rugby and netball. The students represented Kennedy to the highest of standards, interacting positively with students from other schools and supporting and cheering on their own teams. Overall Kennedy had strong performances across all sports. Click here for more photos.

Mrs Mandy Beaurain
Public Relations Assistant 

This year the Community Open Day will be held on 26 August.
Open Day is a great way to see the College campus, view student work and meet Kennedy staff. The College will be open from 10.00am - 2.00pm. We hope that you set aside this day to join us for amazing food, free events and great entertainment. 

Tom Cole

Congratulations to Tom Cole who attended training for a number of Premier Grade cricket clubs over the Christmas/New Year break and eventually decided to sign and play for Claremont-Nedlands Cricket Club and commenced playing for their WADCC U/17 Team for the second half of the 2016/2017 season. After a number of strong performances in the WACA junior districts competition with the U/17 team. He was identified by the senior club and made his debut in the 3rd grade team and for the remainder of the season played both junior districts and senior grade cricket.

Tom caught the eye of an Indian cricket management company in Brosid Sports Management Group, and has received a full player sponsorship from the company providing him with playing and training gear and equipment. They have also invited him over to India to train and play in a regional T20 Competition in Bareilly in July and another T20 Competition in Sikkim Provence in the North East of India in late August. Kennedy is proud of his achievements and wish him all the best.
 

Millie Jones

Congratulations to Millie Jones in Year 8 who has been selected for this year's U/15, Female AFL State Team. The competitions will be held in July and Kennedy wishes her all the best. Millie is passionate about her football and is currently also playing in the regular season football for Booragoon Bulldogs.

Volunteer Committee for College Open Day

The Kennedy Baptist College Community Open Day is fast approaching and will be held on Saturday 26 August. The College is open to the community and current families to come and see some of the students work on display in classes and explore the College grounds.

The P&F run various stalls on the day, which is our major fundraising event for the year. It is a wonderful day and an opportunity for families to come together to help promote and support the College. The P&F are looking for people to help in various ways on the day and with the planning in the early stages we are keen to hear if you are able to help in these roles:

• Volunteer Coordinator - someone who is able to collate emails from all the offered help, organise them in to preferred shifts and inform them and the stallholder of the allocated stall and time.
• Devonshire Tea Coordinator
• General Volunteers

Email the P&F on pandfkennedybaptistcollege@gmail.com for expressions of interest or offers of help for these positions. 

Next P&F Meetings

• Open Day Meeting - Will be held on 13 June 2017 at 7:30 for Co-ordinators and Volunteers.  
• Jam Making Session - Like last year we are getting together to make jam for Open Day. This is planned for Saturday 29 July and further details will be announced closer to the time. (Please save your clean glass jars to donate as we will be asking for jars for jam, lemon curd, chutneys etc.)

For more information, email the P&F at pandfkennedybaptistcollege@gmail.com

Year 7 and 8 Parent Social Evening

The P&F invite you to the Year 7 & 8 Parent Social Evening. This is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to mingle among others in a similar year group and grow the Kennedy Baptist College community.

Date: Thursday 8 June 2017
Venue: Windsor Hotel, The Singapore Room
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: $25.00 per head

Price includes platters of food, drinks to be purchased individually at the bar. For booking click here or for more details, contact Helen Nolan at helennolan73@bigpond.com
 

P&F Fundraising - Entertainment Book

The Kennedy P&F do a wonderful job raising money for the College. Please support them by ordering your Entertainment Book here

For those who have already ordered their books, the exciting news is that your books are now ready for collection from Kennedy Reception!