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Photo above: There was great turn out to our first Pedal Prix race of the year!
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
As partners in your child's educational journey, we are grateful for your unwavering support and dedication to their growth and development. Our recent assembly held a special significance as we came together to honour the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women on ANZAC Day, while also celebrating the importance of student leadership. Through thoughtful reflections led by our Student Executive and a minute’s silence, we paid tribute to those who have served our country and those who continue to serve. The respectful participation of students in this solemn occasion underscored the values of remembrance, gratitude, and unity that are central to the Kennedy community. Thank you to all families who attended.
I also want to extend our appreciation to all who have attended our recent Parent-Teacher Interviews, concluding tonight. Your active involvement in your child's education is invaluable and deeply appreciated. By engaging in open and constructive dialogue with our teachers, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. At Kennedy, we recognise that strong partnerships between home and school are essential for the success of our students. Your commitment to staying informed and involved enriches the educational experience for your child and strengthens our College community as a whole.
Kennedy Baptist College has been built from this willingness and ability for families and staff to come together in order to provide the best education possible for our students. This sentiment is reflected in both the culture that we continue to build at the College, continuing the trend that our forerunner schools in Winthrop Baptist College and Somerville Baptist College set down with their founding in 1994 and 1999, respectively. In 2024, we celebrate 30 years of this combined effort for educational excellence and invite all those who have contributed to Winthrop, Somerville, and Kennedy to a special event on Saturday 17 August. Further details about this commemorative occasion can be found in this edition of our eNewsletter.
As we continue our journey together, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. At Kennedy Baptist College, we will continue to help every student reach their full potential and achieve success in all areas of their lives.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
30 Years of Educational Excellence
At Kennedy Baptist College, we have been able to reap the blessings of being a young school, with a contemporary outlook and the energy to reach our goals, while benefiting from those schools that set the foundations of educational excellence: Winthrop Baptist College and Somerville Baptist College.
Winthrop opened its doors to 53 Year 8 students in 1994 and, after their early success and an increasing demand for great education, was followed by Somerville Baptist College in 1999 with 70 students enrolled under the tutelage of four full-time staff. These outstanding Colleges combined in 2013 to form Kennedy Baptist College, where over 1200 students now seek to achieve their best and to grow.
In 2024, we look back on our humble beginnings and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Winthrop Baptist College and the enduring impact of our founding schools. As part of looking back on this shared history, we are inviting our esteemed alumni and former staff to join us on the morning of Saturday 17 August to mark this significant milestone.
Chaplain Chats
Over the last two weeks, we have run question-and-answer forums for Year 12 Christian Education times. We gathered a panel of community members that have experience living with faith, and have faced challenges and setbacks that are common to everyone in our College community. This is the fourth year that we have held this forum with our Year 12 students and is part of our efforts to help them navigate their journey outside the ‘safe harbour’ that is Kennedy.
When opening the forum, I made the comment that many of the almost fifty questions the students had submitted could be found in the top ten faith questions asked in Google. Common questions we looked at included whether or not the Bible is reliable, why suffering is in the world, and if there is a purpose to life and what this purpose might be. Our very mature Year 12 students asked all these questions and more.
We have received great feedback from students following the open conversation style of these forums but it has made me realise again that there are not many places people can go if they are to ask questions about life, faith, and the Bible. Even in a Christian College or church, there are many questions people have that are sometimes very difficult to ask or are sometimes very sensitive, and so they remain unasked.
My heart for our Kennedy community is that there is no need to hide either our faith or our doubts, our answers or our questions. Motivated by my passion for a healthy community, I would like to offer the opportunity for every member of the community to be able to ask questions about our faith position. Please feel free to send me a message if you ever have a question that you would love to get some help with.
Year 7 Report
The Year 7 students had a wonderful end to Term 1 with our highly anticipated Day Camp, organised in partnership with Scripture Union. Eager students boarded buses with excitement, ready to travel down to Point Walter Reserve. From the outset it was evident that this day would be about more than just adventure; it was about having fun and forging friendships. From thrilling rafting and fox hole digging, to the heights of rock climbing, students worked together to push their limits. It was heartening to see so many students embracing the challenges and stepping out of their comfort zones.
Term 2 kicked off with our students looking excellent in their winter uniform. However, a few unmarked blazers have already made their way to Student Services where they have been collected by very relieved students and parents. Please take time to ensure all valuable belongings, including blazers, are clearly marked with the student’s name.
In Week 1, students enjoyed the opportunity to write letters to their future selves. This was a chance to reflect on their likes, dreams, and goals for their journey through secondary school. These letters will now be kept safe until they reach Year 12, serving as a touching reminder of how much they will have grown and achieved over the years.
This Term holds new challenges. Academic and social demands, continued participation and busy schedules will stretch the students. I encourage all students to maintain their positive attitude and to approach every hurdle with patience and determination. Good routines, proactive communication, and positive support will help them achieve to the best of their ability.
Matthew 19:26: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". Let us carry this faith with us as we navigate the term ahead.
Year 8 Report
Hello to all Year 8 students and guardians. For those of you I have not yet met, I will be covering for Mr David Orr as the Head of Year 8 while he takes a well-deserved break during Term 2.
As we begin the Term, there are three main points that I wish to share with you each. Firstly, please remember that, as we move into the colder months, the Winter Uniform is now a requirement. I ask all guardians to please refer to the Colleges Uniform Policy found on the website via Quick Links – Parents Essentials – Uniform. This link is a valuable resource and, if you haven’t yet looked at it, I recommend that you do so.
The second point is on the issue of lockers. It is important that students demonstrate a level of responsibility for their locker and demonstrate best practice. They can do this by remembering their code, making sure to change more than one number when locking it and not sharing their code with others. Personal lockers are a key responsibility of the student, making them solely responsible for any items found within it.
Looking forward, the third thing that I wish to discuss is our upcoming inclusive workshop with Christina Self on body image on Wednesday 22 May (Week 6). Year 8 students will be joined by the Year 9 cohort as we discuss how to develop a positive body image, that will lead to living a happier and healthier life. This is an important topic and will be followed up with an adult-only Kennedy Insight on Thursday 23 May to help provide parents with guidance in discussing body image issues with their children. Be sure to book your ticket here.
Finally, a reminder that this Friday is House Day. We look forward to students being engaged and having fun with the Arts Showcase events, colour run and Cross Country.
Year 9 Report
Year 9 students have begun Term 2 looking smart and with big smiles as they refamiliarise themselves with the daily school routine and reconnect with friends. The focus of Term Two is to further build on our goals of developing student leadership, teamwork, and personal identity.
Our first Extended Form period involved a range of team games to promote these ambitions, and our students were buzzing as we played ‘electric fence’, ‘blanket flip’, ‘tallest tower’ and movie title quiz based on emojis. Students were able to form groups and unite in their Houses to complete each challenge. It was great to see students embrace the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills in these activities, including showing assertion and confidence, and using communication skills to achieve team success. These Interhouse activities will help student’s recognising their strengths and areas of growth. Our House Day tomorrow will enhance this perspective as students work together with their peers and other year groups.
As we approach the exam period in Week 6 and Week 7, it is natural for students to feel emotional and overwhelmed. The pressure to perform in academic subjects can weigh heavily on students and families can indirectly experience these effects. I encourage carers to be aware of the signs that may indicate your child needs additional support, such as loss of appetite, sleepless nights, mood swings and uncharacteristic displays of emotion. Our Research and Study Centre (RASC) staff have developed a study skills session that will be delivered to students prior to exams commencing. In addition, College staff are available for tutoring for those students that may need additional guidance in MESH subjects.
I wish our Year 9 students all the best with their study and exams and pray that they will celebrate both their efforts and accomplishments. With love, support, and a belief in their abilities, students can navigate through the exam season with grace and determination.
Year 10 Report
It was very odd for me to start Term 2 with none of my Year 10s around the College since our students were literally learning on the job with Work Experience. This initiative was a great success, and it has been awesome to hear about the experiences that our students had out there in the community whether in roles at law firms, animal conservation organisations, childcare facilities, primary schools, retail outlets, automotive workshops, architectural firms and even Adventure World. For some, it was a challenge to work an eight-hour day with only a lunch break and small tea breaks. However, a great positive was that students were treated like adults and had some autonomy to complete tasks throughout the day. A big thank you to Mr Ernesto Ramirez for organising the Work Experience program for our year group and for his time and effort in helping students find placements.
The Careers Expo held during the week was another great chance for our students to understand job opportunities for the future. The Work Experience and Careers Expo is also a great segway into thinking about subject selections for next year. By the end of this Term, each Year 10 student and their families will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Kennedy Executive Team to discuss options for Year 11. This is such an exciting time as the students will have full control over the subjects they study. After the opportunity of Work Experience, the Careers Hub, and the Year 10 to 11 Information Evening held earlier this week, we know that our students will continue to build an idea of what they’d like to do in the next year and beyond.
As our students consider their future, I’m reminded of a favourite Bible verse from Proverbs 3:6: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight". This promise from God to help guide your decisions if you recognise him gives me hope, both for myself and for our students.
Year 11 Report
In the first week of Term 2, our Year 11 students participated in Research and Study Centre workshops, designed to help students improve their study skills and learn to relax and reduce stress. I’d like to thank Mrs Georgiou for organising the workshops, as well as the staff members who gave their time to work alongside our students.
For some students, Term 2 can be a stressful time, particularly in the lead up to exams. Students may feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Make sure to ask for help if you are struggling academically and communicate with your teachers if you are finding lesson content difficult to grasp. In addition to the support students receive from their teachers, our school counsellor Jess Plenty, is also available to chat to students who are feeling worried about school.
Here are some tips that can help students in the lead up to exams and assessments:
- Stay healthy – continue to be active, eat a balanced diet and ensure that you get plenty of sleep.
- Relax – have a positive mindset and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
- Take regular breaks – studying for hours on end without any breaks will leave you fatigued and unable to concentrate. Take time out so that your mind is refreshed.
- Create a study planner – scheduling time to revise content and to work on assessments is important. A study planner will be beneficial to all Year 11 students.
- Ask for help – your teachers are here to support you. Let them know if you are finding any of the content challenging to understand.
I will be praying for our Year 11 students as they prepare for and attempt exams this term. Thank you to our families for supporting your child at home, it is greatly appreciated.
Year 12 Report
Our Year 12 students had a seamless start to Term 2, with Mr Peter Chase’s Pancake cook up offering an excellent way to begin what will be a challenging academic term.
The Externally Set Tasks (ESTs) for General students will be conducted between Monday 6 May and Wednesday 15 May, as per information issued to parents on 19 April. These ESTs are a formal requirement of each General course and so students should already be aware of when and where their specific ESTs are happening. ATAR courses are also moving towards completion of content prior to Semester 1 exams in Week 6 and 7. Ideally, students have already begun revision of coursework to avoid cramming later on in the Term.
We understand the challenges of ESTs and exams and we want to ensure our students feel supported and equipped for success in these assessments. Alongside effective revision techniques, some keys to help during this period are:
- Balance: include breaks, leisure and exercise alongside study.
- Positivity: encourage a focus on strengths and achievements.
- Actively seek support: students are not alone, and there are lots of people waiting to help.
- Self-care: sleep, healthy food and relaxation can contribute to better performance in exams.
A great opportunity to balance study will take place tomorrow with House Day offering a chance for Year 12s to connect with students across different year groups in vertical form activities, participate in our Arts Showcase, and mark their final Interhouse Cross Country with the Year 12 colour dash closing the carnival.
Kennedy News
Pedal Prix - Round 1
Pedal Prix offers an exhilarating fusion of design, engineering, physical prowess, and teamwork, all packaged into an electrifying race experience. Participants take on the challenge aboard recumbent bikes, navigating a closed circuit with the aim of clocking as many laps as possible.
Our teams took part in their first race of the year last weekend at the Wanneroo International Kartway with a thrilling six-hour endurance test. Thrills also came with spills, including some roll overs from our trikes. Protected by the shell of the vehicle, our students were able to keep on going after any of these incidents.
Out of our teams, which for the first time included two all-girl squads, it was the junior girls who saw the most success, securing a commendable second place finish and marking a significant milestone in their journey.
Our students and the College could not have seen this success without the support of families and staff. Thank you for your enthusiasm for this mixture of engineering and sport! We'll see you at the next race 15 June at Bunbury City Kart Club.
ANZAC Day Whole School Assembly
Last week's assembly gave us the opportunity to recognise those in our College community who uphold our values with a presentation of badges to our newly elected Year 7 Student Councillors and House Captains, and the awarding of the College Colour Award.
Kennedy students who received a Colours Certificate went through an application with our Pastoral Care team in a process that shines a light on their leadership at the College, their fantastic behaviour and attitude, good academic standing, and overall representation of Kennedy Baptist College.
During the formal ceremony, we also took the opportunity to reflect on those who have served our country and honoured the sacrifices of our defence force personnel. In a presentation by the Student Executive, we considered the history of ANZAC day and discovered Australia’s role in helping East Timor transition to self-governance.
Parent-Teacher Interviews and Careers Expo
Thank you to all Parents and Guardians who were able to participate in our Parent-Teacher Interviews. The time you have taken to be directly involved in the formal education of your student(s) is not taken for granted.
Some parents and students were also able to visit our Careers Expo on the Wednesday afternoon. This gathering of exhibitors, including tertiary educators and potential employers, was a great opportunity to begin the conversation around your child's future.
For those in Year 10, this expo will help them in their subject selections for senior school, while our Year 11 and 12 students will benefit from understanding the different pathways that they can take to conquer tomorrow.
We encourage families and students to reach out to our Career Development Coordinator, Mrs Mary Minorgan, if they have any questions or would like to know more about the exhibitors.
Launch of Semester Newsletter
Our Kennedy community is always growing, whether families are engaging with the College for the first time or are departing as a member of our valued Alumni. One of our initiatives to keep in touch with these members of our expanded community has been to launch a biannual 'News From Kennedy' eNewsletter, featuring some of our best stories and events.
Make sure to check out our first edition and subscribe if you would like to receive this eNewsletter when it releases twice a year.
College Notices
House Day - Friday 3 May
We are incredibly excited for our upcoming House Day that will take place tomorrow, Friday 3 May. This will be an action-packed day with great opportunities for our students to form bonds between different year groups and the three events that we are most looking forward to are the Vertical Form Activities, Arts Showcase, and the Interhouse Cross Country.
Our Vertical Form Activities will take place throughout the day and are designed to improve interactions between our junior and senior school students, with different ages helping each other in values-based activities. The Arts Showcase during Period 2 is definitely the showpiece of the day and we can't wait to celebrate this broad Learning Area and witness the talents of our students together.
Finally, the Interhouse Cross Country concludes the House Day from Period 5 (approximately 12.15pm) onwards. Please come down and support your child as they compete in either a 3 kilometre race or in an epically colourful Lapathon. Please see the Interhouse Cross Country FAQs for more information. Click here to follow along with live results from the races and Lapathon.
Students are to wear their Sports Uniforms with their House t-shirt for the day. Students can also bring a white t-shirt if they would like to take part in the Colour sections of the Lapathon.
Community Engagement and Family Belief Survey
Thank you to all those in our community who have already contributed to our Community Engagement and Belief survey! Our hope is that the majority of families will be able to complete this anonymous survey. In the less than ten minutes that it takes to answer these questions, you are helping to shape the future of Kennedy Baptist College and allowing us to improve our engagement with our community.
Staff have also been sent versions of this survey to help guide us in future initiatives. To complete the "Family" version of the survey, please click the below link.
Kennedy Insight - 23 May
Kennedy Baptist College continues to find ways to engage students and families on issues of mental and physical health. As part of our community work on this topic, we hold regular parent forums such as our Kennedy Insights.
In this upcoming parent forum, wellness professional Christina Self will outline the importance of having and developing positive body image, including how we can foster this more positive outlook in both ourselves and our young people.
This event is for adults only. Please RSVP using the link below.
Mother's Day Breakfast
Thank you for the overwhelming response to our Mother's Day Breakfast! We have worked to expand this event to help more Kennedy mums attend, and we thank you for your patience as we have done so. We now look forward to welcoming almost 150 Kennedy mothers and grandmothers to our breakfast on Thursday 9 May.
Those who joined the waiting list for this breakfast have already been provided first access to reserve seats for the increased capacity. If you are on the waiting list for this event, please continue to check your emails in case a seat has opened up.
Due to this event, the Lower Foyer will be closed to all students from 1.00pm Wednesday 8 May until 11.00am Thursday 9 May.
On the Thursday 9 May, the Beedawong Cafeteria will be closed for both breakfast and lunch. The Cafeteria will be open for Recess only.
Uniform Shop - Summer Sizes
Our Uniform Shop Manager, Mrs Dixie Markham, is currently preparing Summer Uniform orders with our suppliers. If you believe your child may require sizes outside of our current range, please make a time before Wednesday 9 May to have a conversation with her.
Mrs Markham can be contacted by phoning the College reception, who can forward your call, by email, or by visiting the Uniform Shop during their operating hours.
Performing Arts Events
The Performing Arts learning area is preparing for some great performances this term, including our Music Night happening in Week 9.
Before our massive music night, Year 9 students will be performing 'Snapshots from Home' for community members on Monday 13 May (Week 5). This event is taking place in the Drama Rooms during school hours (1:40pm to 3:00pm) and we encourage parents and grandparents to consider attending. The Drama Rooms are located on the second floor, above the Winthrop entry to the Auditorium. Please email any queries about this free event to Ms Amanda Jean.
Students can make sure to look out for more of our popular lunchtime events this term, including a Comfy Concert scheduled on Thursday 16 May.
Open Day Committee
Thank you to those who were able to attend the Term 2 meeting of our Parents and Friends Association last week. Term 2 is an important time for our P&F team as they help to prepare for the College's Open Day on Saturday 17 August.
As part of this preparation, the P&F is organising an Open Day Committee. This committee helps organise some crucial fundraising elements of the day, including the silent auction, baked goods and jam, as well as volunteering on the day. The Open Day Committee will meet at 5.00pm on Tuesday 14 May in the College Boardroom. Please contact the P&F for more information.
Annie - Production Update
Auditions for the lead roles and orchestra for Annie: The Musical are going extremely well. There is an open audition for those interested in the group singing/dancing roles, of which there are many small roles with lines and singing parts, as well as some specialist dances. This audition will be from 3.30pm to 5.00pm on Wednesday 8 May and no registration or prior preparation is necessary.
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 or by phoning the College absentee line (08 6188 0698). For any other student matters or information, please feel free to email Student Services or stop by to talk to one of our staff.
Uniform Shop – Term 2 2024 Opening Hours
During Term 2 of 2024, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Wednesday 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed Thursdays and Fridays.
* Closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information, please email our Uniform Shop Manager.
Beedawong 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 the menu.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Volunteer opportunities for 2024 will be made available in Term 2. These opportunities will include assisting at the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival, P&F Association and community Open Day.
Student Withdrawal
It is a condition of enrolment that at least 10 school weeks’ notice (not including scheduled school holidays) of a student’s withdrawal is given in writing to the Registrar at registrar@kennedy.wa.edu.au. In the event that such notice is not given, a 10 week withdrawal fee will apply per student.
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 16 May 2024.
