Photos above: Snapshots of our recent Easter Services.

Dear Parents and Families,

Kennedy endeavours to develop and foster strong relationships with our community members and two highly successful events have recently reinforced this. Firstly, our Easter Services were great events highlighting the Arts talents of our students and reinforcing two of our College values that underpin the strategic work at Kennedy. These being Faith and Service. It was great to have Pastor Ken Lee present an Easter message linked to our service work in Cambodia. It was also wonderful to see so many families support this project through the sponsorship of children in Cambodia. On the evenings I announced that we plan to have our own Transform Centre in Cambodia. This will be totally dependent on the ability of the Kennedy Community to sponsor the 100 children in the Centre. No funding from College income acquired through tuition fees or government grants would be used for this project. 

Secondly, our parent afternoons were a great opportunity for parents to discuss student progress with our staff. These were extremely well attended and hopefully useful in providing feedback to families.

Our planning for Term 2 is now complete and one focus will be preparing Year 10 families for the selection of courses and units for 2019. Throughout Term 2 a comprehensive program of parent evenings and individual counselling is planned to help families make the best informed decisions. This is particularly important as the structure for Year 11 and the WACE is very different to the Lower School curriculum. I encourage all Year 10 families to attend all information nights and be proactive during this important phase of schooling for students.

Swimming Success

Congratulations to our Interschool Swimming team who performed wonderfully as a team to provide worthy competition in the A.C.C. Division C Swimming Carnival last week. It was fantastic to see Kennedy students support each other so well and produce outstanding results.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

The true story of Easter just does not fit within our cultural mindset, as it gives an account of betrayal, brutality, death, and political scandal. It’s about the darkness of the human heart and the bad news that we are all implicated in that darkness. So, let us replace it with those things we can handle, such as bunnies, hot cross buns, and chocolate eggs. While I enjoy those things as much as the next person, any initial relevance they had to the true story of Easter has been lost in commercialism and advertising.

“The Christian view of human nature,” writes theologian David Bentley Hart, “is wise precisely because it is so very extreme: it sees humanity, at once, as an image of the divine, fashioned for infinite love and imperishable glory, and as an almost inexhaustible wellspring of vindictiveness, cupidity, and brutality.”

According to Christian teaching, we are all alienated; from ourselves, from each other, from creation and, ultimately, from God.  But the central event of Christianity – the cross and resurrection – brings together in perfect unity the tragedy of that brokenness with the infinite love of God. Jesus’ death represents the most emphatic measure of the value of each person, because it implies that despite our frailties and brokenness, we are worth the huge lengths to which God goes in finding a solution.

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

The Year 7s have settled in well and it is great to go around the Form classes in the morning and see the way the students are interacting with each other and their Form teachers.

Year 7 Camp, which will be held at Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra, from Monday 9 April until Wednesday 11 April is the topic of many excited conversations. The students will be accommodated in houses on the property with a Staff member allocated to each house. We have planned 10 different adventure activities for the students which will help them grow in their own self-confidence as well as learn how to work cooperatively in groups. The activity groups will have a trained leader from Fairbridge with them as well as a teacher from Kennedy. The Year 7 Foundation Camp is the first of three camps that students will experience during their time at Kennedy Baptist College. As the students embark on their Kennedy journey together they are encouraged to build strong relationships with both their peers and their Form Teachers. This camp will provide the foundation for such opportunities. We will resend the original documentation this week that includes the Packing List. We look forward to an enjoyable time and the opportunity for the students to get to know each other and the teachers better.

We have also started Community Service with the Year 7s. This involves a group of 11 students from each form throughout the year going over to Lakeside Baptist Church and interacting with a group of Seniors over morning tea. This has proven very popular with the two forms that have gone so far as they have shared stories of what life was like fifty or sixty years ago when the Seniors were growing up. I have been very impressed by how well-behaved and well-mannered our students have been on these outings.

Term 1 has been a busy time and the Year 7 students have been on a steep learning curve as they have settled into High School. I would like to wish you all a restful and refreshing Easter break and a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Recently the Year 8 leadership team comprising the Councilors and House captains were able to attend the GRIP Leadership conference at the Perth Convention Centre where leaders from over 70 schools in Perth come together to learn new things, discuss ideas and work out how to better run their tasks or area of activities within the College. This was an excellent opportunity for students and not only allowed them to meet with like-minded students but also is a great example of the opportunities afforded to students within Kennedy Baptist College.

The Year 8 social is only a week away and there are just a few more spaces available for students to attend. The social is at Bounce in Cannington and is on Friday 6 April from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. Socials are a great way for students to interact with each other in a non-structured atmosphere and allows for deeper engagement with friends. Our student council has committed to running at least three socials this year and we would encourage maximum participation from all students.

With Term 2 rapidly approaching the prospect of exams looms large in the minds of numerous students. Correct preparation for exams is vital to guarantee that students reach their potential and are as successful as they can be. Part of this is preparation done here at the College by the teachers and the pastoral staff, however steps taken by students now will also allow them to be as prepared as possible. Steps include having a set study routine with at least one and a half hours each week night for homework, getting a good night’s sleep free from distractions of mobile phones or electronic devices, good communication with your teachers - asking them questions if they don’t know something and attending tutoring whenever possible. Correct preparation now will pay huge dividends later when it comes time for exams.

Last week we celebrated Harmony Day and the Year 9s were treated to a wonderful demonstration of the Chinese Lion Dance with an explanation of the cultural and spiritual beliefs associated with this tradition. It was a wonderful opportunity to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

This week our Easter services were very well attended by parents and students. Thank you to those who supported the College and hope they found the experience enlightening and positive. We had the opportunity to meet two members of Transform Cambodia who currently work at the new Kennedy Transform Cambodia Centre. They shared about the amazing work they do and the enormous changes that have been brought, thanks to many people’s generous support. Pastor Ken Lee provided an inspirational and informative talk about sacrifice and transformation which encouraged many to support this worthy cause.

Students are now looking forward to taking a break from the books when we head off on our Year 9 Adventure Camp in Week 11. The camp at Forest Edge, Waroona will be a time of reflection, challenge and stepping out of their comfort zones. A range of activities such as 20m Abseil tower, Target Shooting, Big fox (Flying fox) and Ski Biscuiting will provide students with plenty of opportunities for adventure and encourage teamwork to achieve goals. Just a reminder that the drop off and pick up for camp is at Lakeside Baptist Church, cnr Farrington and Bibra Drive, Bibra Lake. Please remember that students are not permitted to bring phones to camp.

I am looking forward to our students making the most of the Adventure activities and returning with a greater understanding of themselves. After the term break students will wear full winter uniform when they return for Term 2.

As a busy term comes to an end there is still so much that the Year 10 students have to look forward to before the holiday break. On Thursday 5 April all Year 10s will be going to Perth Arena in the city for the RAC Bstreetsmart event which is a very informative day on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving, speeding and drink and drug driving. The focus is on informing our students and giving them practical options to reduce risk taking behaviours. It is a great precursor to our Keys For Life program that we run through our Health Studies course in Term 2.

In Week 11 our Year 10s will be off on their work placements for the week as part of our work experience program. What a great opportunity for our students to have a look at what it is like to be in the workforce. Our goal for the experience is that students will come back with a renewed focus of what they like to do in the future what career path they would like to follow. It will then help when considering what subjects are on offer for Senior School and they can start thinking about those subject selections, which take place at the end of Term 2.

I wish all our students the best and I look forward to being able to visit some of them at their work placement. I also hope they have a great Easter break and come back refreshed to finish off the term.

Term 1 is almost over and it is great to see how the Year 11 students are settling into life as Senior School students. Now that interim reports and parent teacher interviews are over I would like to remind you that our wonderful staff and myself are always happy to answer any queries you may have regarding your student's ongoing education. We have other facilities at the College such as Study Skills tutoring at the Research and Study Centre and tutoring by Learning Area which I have also been encouraging the students to take advantage of.

With all that in mind I would strongly encourage the Year 11s to start their cyclic exam revision now. It is an excellent practice as part of your revision programe to be looking at what you did last week, three weeks ago, five weeks ago etc. This will stand you in good stead for exams in Weeks 5 & 6 of Term 2.

Week 11 and hence Year 11 Transition Camp is also fast approaching. This year it will be held for the first time at Rottnest Island with less adventure and more of a wellness, personal growth focus. If you have any questions in regards to camp or for any other reason please do not hesitate to contact me at the College, by direct message or email gtyrie@kennedy.wa.edu.au.

Our Year 12 students participated in the Interhouse Swimming Carnival on Monday of Week 4 with such enthusiasm and skill, setting a fine example for the younger students in their willingness to be involved and cheer on their House. I hope that all future whole College events continue to be met with this same level of energy and presence from our wonderful College leaders.

As assessments are now underway, and homework increases, I would like to remind our Year 12 students and their families of the importance of balance. Students are encouraged to maintain consistent revision whilst ensuring they have a nutritious diet and adequate sleep. Establishing these aspects this early in the year will help with staying focused and productive in their classes. Students can register with http://www.studentbox.com.au, an online community of Year 10-12 students which contains study tips, past WACE papers and health advice. Otherwise we have a wonderful support network with our Pastoral Care team who are readily accessible. The opportunity to make course changes are now closed and all information has now been passed on to SCSA. Continue to read the notices or look at the notice board in the Common Room for information regarding external tutoring programs, University and TAFE information evenings.

Term 1 has also been a time where our teacher mentoring program has been in full swing. For many Year 12 students this is the time to get serious about their studies and future careers, however, this can often be a period of pressure and confusion. Therefore, our College has a support network of teachers who can offer our students guidance and support to help them achieve their best results. The program runs over the course of the year with a small group of students and their selected mentor meeting regularly to act as a sounding board as well as provide structure for time management skills and ongoing encouragement to stay motivated. It is wonderful to see the difference this program makes in the  lives of students as they know there is always another point of contact and how important their final year is to our school community.

May the upcoming Easter break be a special time for our Year 12s to relax, enjoy special family time and re-energise for the final weeks of Term 1.

Kennedy recently received an exclusive invitation to attend the Westfield Matildas’ first training session in Perth. This private training session was held on 22 March in the lead up to their farewell friendly match against Thailand on Monday 26 March 2018. 

Students had the chance to meet a former ex-student of the College (Somerville) and Young Australian of the Year, Samantha Kerr. Alexis Townsend, a current state reserve player commented, ‘It’s a privilege to be here to witness the training and meet them in person.’

Students at Kennedy have the opportunity to play soccer as part of the Physical Education program. Year 7-9 boys and girls can also try out for the College teams that play in the winter SASJ program on Wednesday afternoons in Term 2. Featured in The Western Australian on 23 March. Click here to read more about it.

Mrs Linda Ang
Public Relations 

Is your child interested in learning the Violin or Trombone?

If you are interested in enrolling your child in these particular instruments, please notify Mrs Anthony of your interest through the email address below. New enrolments for Term 2 Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone), Voice, Guitar/Bass, Piano/Keyboard, Drums/ Percussion and Trumpet are also now open and need to be received by Friday 6 April to make the necessary timetable changes. For all enquiries regarding instrumental lessons, please email Janelle Anthony on janthony@kennedy.wa.edu.au

Teams Win First Round of Mock Trials

Run by the Law Society of Western Australia, ‘A mock trial is a simulated court case in which teams contest a fictitious legal matter presented in the Western Australia court system. The cases are presented by two teams, a prosecution/plaintiff team and a defence/defendant team, made up of students playing the roles of barristers, solicitors, witnesses and court officials.’

Since the beginning of the year, a selection of Politics and Law students in both year 11 and 12, were assembled into two legal teams, to compete in Mock Trials. With the help of Mr Ilchuk and Simon Steenhof (Partner at Steenhof Brothers Barrister & Solicitors), Students had been meeting every week preparing for their case. The case was a criminal case involving stealing. Both Kennedy teams took on the role of the Prosecution.

On the night of Wednesday 21 March, both teams competed at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. As well as judging the case, Judges award points based on: understanding of the case, knowledge of court procedure and presentation. Both teams performed exceptionally well and won both their court case and their round. These students will be working hard in preparation for their next trial date on 14 May. Congratulations to the following students:

Kennedy 1 Team: Gage Gibbens, Xavier So, Jerrica Chiam, Joseph Gan, Jacqueline Gray, Benjamin Moore, Naomi Perera, John Porretta.

Kennedy 2 Team: Will Anthony, Jennifer Jones, Lilly McDonald, Monika Silich, Zandre Smith, Cassidy Thomas-Batten, Brendon Watson, Taehwan Youm, Amber Ferris.

Mr Manuel Ilchuk 
Humanities Teacher

Interschool Swimming Carnival

Last Monday, 66 Kennedy Baptist College students travelled to HBF Stadium to compete in the 2018 ACC ‘C’ Division Interschool Swimming Carnival. 

Throughout the day there were many highlights, including the final events for the day, the open 4x50m Freestyle relay. Our team of Ethan Tan, Alexander Zottl, Rhys Holmes and Lachlan Belke swam brilliantly to win by a narrow 0.03 seconds. Kennedy was awarded Overall Boys Aggregate and Senior Boys Champions. Congratulations to Benjamin Wai who was champion U/16 Boy and all other swimmers who contributed on the day. 

For further information on individual and team results please go to www.accsport.asn.au.

We would like to thank all parents who supported the early morning swim trainings, all competitors for their exceptional effort in representing Kennedy Baptist College and finally Mr Ray Utting for his continuous support of the Kennedy Baptist College swimming program.

Miss Jessica Kennedy 
Health and Physical Education Teacher

Baptist Church Services in our Community for Easter

• MOUNT PLESANT BAPTIST CHURCH
  Easter Services on Friday 30 March. Booragoon Campus at 8.45am & 10.30am. Click here for more information. Coolbellup Campus at 9.00am. Click here for more information.
   
• COMO BAPTIST CHURCH
  Easter Sunday Service on Friday 30 March at 9.30am. For more information please click here. 
   
• LAKESIDE BAPTIST CHURCH
  Easter Service Friday at Friday 30 March 9.00am. Please click here for more information.
   
• RIVERTON BAPTIST COMMUNITY CHURCH
  Easter Service Friday at Friday 30 March 9.15am. Please click here for more information.