Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

Let’s begin today by leaning further into our Term 2 focus: that PRAYER is at the centre of our lives with God. Within the whole school community, we will be looking at several Psalms through our Monday Devotions, to encourage one another and focus on the word as a College.

Our hope for this term’s theme, as a community, is that we all come to see Psalms as the centrepiece of God’s heart and message in the Bible. The books and verses in the Psalms are creative expressions of our emotions to God, expressed through prayers, poems, and songs. As the largest book in the Bible, the Psalms reflect every human emotion as a cry or conversation with our Father in Heaven.

When we begin to recognise that prayer is an essential human need, we naturally start to devote time and focus to it. However, our daily experience often leads us to believe that life is too busy and taking time to pray interferes with our obligations. Jesus emphasised the importance of prayer by placing it at the centre of His sermon, highlighting its necessity in our lives.

Whether we realise it or not, prayer is essential and life-giving to our inner person, our spirit. Just as our bodies need food and air to survive, our spirit needs prayer. To illustrate, let’s imagine a man who is starving. He isn’t going to walk past a fully loaded buffet because he is too busy or something else is more important. NOTHING, not busyness, boredom or awkwardness would stop him from RUNNING to what he knows will save his life.

If prayer and feeding on God’s Word are vital but aren’t part of our daily lives, it's not due to a lack of time. Instead, it may be because we have lost our hunger and don't realise how impoverished our spirits become without a connection to God. The good news is that when we connect with God through prayer, He fills us with spiritual richness. 

Year 7 has made a very positive start, and it has been a pleasure to see students settling into life at Kennedy Baptist College with increasing confidence and enthusiasm. Our Easter Service provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection, reminding students of the message of Jesus’ sacrifice and the values of love, service, and compassion that underpin our school community. We would like to sincerely thank all families who were able to attend this service. It is an important event in our school calendar and a valued opportunity to gather together as a community and belong.

As the term progresses, we hope families see their children grow in confidence and begin to feel a strong sense of belonging in Year 7. Building friendships, establishing routines and feeling safe and supported are essential to a successful transition to secondary school and we are encouraged by how students are engaging with school life.

We are also very much looking forward to upcoming events such as House Day and the Colour Run. These events provide a full day of opportunities for students to participate, connect with peers and strengthen their sense of belonging through House solidarity and teamwork.

It has been wonderful to see students wearing their winter uniforms with pride. The boys, in particular, are learning to tie a tie—an important skill that promotes independence and responsibility. Uniform expectations play an important role in preparing students for the real world, while reinforcing what it means to be part of a team.

We look forward to a rewarding and positive term ahead for our Year 7 students.

It has been a wonderful start to Term 2. As students navigate public holidays and day swaps, it is a testament to how well they have settled into the rhythms of Kennedy that they are taking these changes in their stride.

Year 8 Camp

As we begin the term, we also take time to reflect on our Year 8 Camp, which took place right at the end of Term 1 and whilst not that long ago, already feels like a distant memory. First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff who attended the camp and led student groups throughout the week. The way they selflessly served our Year 8 students was exemplary, consistently placing student care and wellbeing at the forefront. Their commitment ensured that every student was well supported and able to fully engage in the experience. We are also incredibly grateful to the outstanding staff at Forest Edge, who looked after us throughout our stay.

I would also like to thank our parents and guardians for entrusting us with your children for three days and allowing us the opportunity to engage in such meaningful experiences. Your ongoing support of the College and your partnership in developing resilience, independence and personal growth in our students are greatly valued.

Finally, I would like to thank our students. They embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, immersing themselves in activities (and sometimes mud), stepping outside their comfort zones, having fun and supporting one another. Their positive attitudes and willingness to engage played a significant role in making the camp a smooth and successful experience for all involved.

Below are some reflections from our students on their favourite camp experiences:

• "The zipline was our favourite activity because of the amazing view, staying in dorms was also a lot of fun, thankfully they had air conditioning" – Josh, Jeremy and Toby
• "We liked how we had a chance to move out of our comfort zone. Also, the daytime activities, especially the pamper pole and kayaking" – 8K2
• "The flying fox was great; it was my first time on anything like that" – Leo

As we move into Term 2, we encourage every student to draw on the energy, enthusiasm and growth shown at camp and apply this momentum to their learning, relationships and daily routines.

Year 9 is often seen as a particularly challenging time for both students and their parents. During this stage of rapid growth and change, your support, guidance and presence are more important than ever. This period can bring about uncertainty, increased independence, and emotional ups and downs. We recognize the vital role you play in supporting your child through this journey.

Research from the University of Western Australia and Flinders University highlights that many adolescents face challenges related to identity, relationships and wellbeing. Year 9 students are developing a stronger sense of who they are, which can sometimes conflict with parental expectations and broader social influences. This natural push for independence can lead to tension with parents and other authority figures, particularly when communication breaks down. Studies also show that when adolescents feel less connected to their parents, their emotional wellbeing can be affected. Maintaining open, supportive communication and staying engaged in your child’s life plays a key role in helping them navigate this important stage of development. 

To support students, our Pastoral Care program runs each Wednesday and during Homeroom at the start of each day. Beginning in Week 5, students will participate in engaging rotations, including sports, art and “minute-to-win-it” activities, alongside important presentations. The topics will cover:

• The 5 Love Languages that will help students understand how people give and receive care, strengthening relationships with parents and peers 
• Identity 
• Navigating online influencers and recognising fake news
• Building mental wellbeing through mindfulness. 

This term includes the students' first exams at Kennedy. To support them at this time, the RASC will deliver a study refresher and an exam preparation session for all students. Following exams, students can look forward to our first Year 9 Social at Bounce! More details to come. 

As partners in your child’s growth, we appreciate collaboration. We encourage you to love fiercely, listen patiently, accept them for who they are and guide them toward who they can become. As it says in Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” 

Best wishes for an important Term 2.

Work Experience

Term 2 commenced somewhat quietly, as our Year 10 students were engaged in their Work Experience placements throughout the community. I had the pleasure of visiting a number of students at their workplaces, ranging from cafés and restaurants to schools and chiropractic clinics. I was genuinely proud of their enthusiasm, maturity, independence and willingness to engage with the “real world”.

Students have shared a wide range of experiences. Some discovered the challenge of working full eight-hour days with limited breaks, while others adjusted to new routines, professional dress expectations and the absence of familiar faces. For many, this opportunity provided valuable insight into potential post-school pathways; for others, it offered a more realistic understanding of industries they had previously thought they might enjoy. Despite these varied challenges, a common theme emerged: students felt valued as young adults, trusted with responsibility and encouraged to explore future career pathways.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Ernesto Ramirez, our VET and Workplace Learning Coordinator, for his commitment and hard work in making this program possible for the Year 10 cohort.

Curriculum Information Evening 

The recent Curriculum Information Evening provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore future study and employment options. Through direct engagement with representatives from universities, workplaces, TAFE institutes, and the Australian Defence Force, students broadened their understanding of potential pathways. Both Work Experience and the Curriculum Information Evening serve as timely preparation for Year 11 subject selections. Before the end of the term, each Year 10 student will also meet with a member of the Kennedy Executive Team to discuss their senior school pathway. This is an exciting stage of the journey, as students continue to develop independence as they transition into senior school.

Looking ahead, this term will again challenge students to step outside their comfort zones, with examinations approaching and opportunities within Pastoral Care Time to connect with peers. I encourage all students to approach these experiences with courage and a growth mindset, as doing so will strengthen their ability to learn, adapt and develop personal skills that will serve them well beyond graduation.

We have begun Term 2 on a positive note. The recent Parent-Teacher Interviews have offered valuable opportunities to discuss academic progress, address any concerns and develop strategies to support our Year 11 students. This stage is crucial for many students as they adapt to the expectations of both ATAR and General pathways. It is equally important for families and the College to collaborate in supporting student learning, organisation, and wellbeing throughout the year.

If students are experiencing challenges in any subject area, I strongly encourage them to communicate proactively with their classroom teachers. Teachers are available to provide clarification, additional support and information regarding tutoring opportunities to assist students throughout the semester.

Please note that Semester One examinations will take place from Monday 25 May to Friday 5 June 2026. This two-week period serves as an exam break, with students studying from home and attending campus for scheduled examinations only. Students are reminded that the full winter uniform is required when attending examinations. Year 11 Exam Timetable.

Students undertaking General pathway courses are also encouraged to begin exploring work experience and external qualifications that may support future employment pathways, apprenticeships, or further training.

Our Year 11 Student Council has also begun the exciting process of designing the 2027 Year 12 Leavers Jackets. The council has established a Leavers Jacket Committee, providing students with an opportunity to contribute ideas and assist with the design process. I have been very proud of the autonomy students have shown in taking ownership of these tasks, as well as the positive and respectful way they continue to interact as a cohort.

Thank you to families for your ongoing support throughout the term.

It's that time of year again! ATAR students have begun preparing for their Semester One examinations, and our general pathway students are about to encounter the ESTs. This time is often filled with worry, stress, and anxiety as the pressure builds up with the addition of many assessments at the same time. Former U.S. Secretary of State and Chief of Staff James Baker is credited with coining the "5 Ps" strategy:  “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” As all subjects are starting revision, the RASC staff organised a study plan reminder during last week's Homeroom for our Year 12s. Students received a package with tips, tricks and strategies to help them prepare for their assessments. I hope that these resources can help equip and encourage our students to prepare to the best of their abilities.

While assessments may be at the forefront at the moment, I am repeatedly reminding the students of the shorter, condensed year ahead and the excitement of upcoming events. I am especially looking forward to our Community Service opportunity we have in Term 3, where we have partnered with ‘Eat Up Australia’. We will be making sandwiches and lunches to distribute to underprivileged students across WA. This Community Service initiative gives us the opportunity to do something very practical that can greatly benefit others.

During what can be a stressful time, I’m reminded of Philippians 4:6-7, which says, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’. I will continue to pray for the Year 12s during this assessment season, and I hope that the students can take solace from this verse and offer up their worries and stresses to God, who promises a peace that surpasses understanding.

Kennedy News

Mother's Day Breakfast

It was incredible to host over 150 of our College mums this morning to celebrate Mother's Day with a delicious breakfast! Thank you to all the Kennedy staff who helped put this morning together, the Year 12 Student Executives for their assistance, and a special thank you to the dedicated Beedawong staff who not only put together the marvellous breakfast, but who made individual coffees all morning for everyone in attendance.

We had the pleasure of hearing from Christie Blaikie, Pastor of Oasis Church and a Kennedy parent herself! Thank you Christie for your impactful talk of the deep love and grief that comes with motherhood and how to open our hearts to trust God with our children's lives.

And a final thank you to all the mothers who joined us to celebrate you and actively grow in our community. We hope you had a wonderful time and left feeling full on food, and on community. 

Year 12 Drama Production, 'COSI'

I would love to congratulate all the students on their hard work and outstanding performance in the recent Year 12 Drama Production of 'Cosi'. It was a very funny and highly entertaining performance that the audience enjoyed. Thanks to everyone who helped move the set and prepare the costumes and performances. Being able to perform at Studio 411 at Murdoch University was a real treat and provided an excellent experience for students and the audience alike.

Ms Amanda Jean
Drama Teacher

College Notices

House Day - Friday 8 May

We are incredibly excited for our upcoming House Day that will take place tomorrow, Friday 8 May. This will be an action-packed day with great opportunities for our students to form bonds between different year groups. 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.

Finally, the Interhouse Cross Country concludes the House Day during Period 4 (approximately 12.30pm) onwards. Please come down and support your child as they compete in either a 4 kilometre race or in an epically colourful Lapathon. Please see the Interhouse Cross Country FAQs for more information. 

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. Students are also reminded to keep themselves hydrated throughout the day. 

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' Audition Update

The audition panel has been both surprised and impressed by the hidden talent discovered within our student body in Years 7 to 12 during the Audition phase of our 2027 Production. The majority of the available audition time slots were filled quickly, with students preparing the lines and songs for their chosen lead or minor role.

The next phase is an audition after school on Thursday 14 May, (3.30pm to 5pm), which is open for those who will progress to the next stage in their lead or minor role audition; as well as for any students interested in the other ensembles, such as specialised dancers, townspeople and Oompa Loompas. No preparation or registration is required, but students must be willing to sing and dance in small groups before a small audition panel of Arts teachers.  

Upcoming Events

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 21 May 2026