Photo above: Interhouse Athletics Carnival 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families, 

Kennedy has numerous events during the year which are great opportunities to come together as a community. Last Friday's Interhouse Athletics Carnival was a great success and a wonderful opportunity for the College to work together and reinforce the collaborative spirit at Kennedy. I would like to congratulate our students on a fantastic day, for the way they approached this event and enthusiastically represented their Houses throughout the competition. Final results and awards will be presented at our final assembly for Term 3 on Wednesday 21 September.

Community Open Day: Saturday 20 August

A reminder that our Community Open Day is this Saturday from 11.00am - 3.00pm. We hope you can join us during the day to experience the Kennedy culture. I would like to thank all our families who have made generous donations to our Parents and Friends Association, your contributions are greatly appreciated. We also have an opportunity for current students to visit the Career Expo on the day in Room 3.5 from 11.00am - 1.00pm. Click here to see the program of events.
 

Curriculum Achievement Feedback

It is our intention that ongoing regular curriculum feedback is provided to parents through SEQTA. This strategy is designed to provide parents with the latest updates regarding student achievement. We hope that parents will access SEQTA on a regular basis, engage with their child’s academic journey and encourage them in their efforts whilst also being aware of any issues that may arise. Should you have difficulty with gaining access to this data, please contact our Curriculum team who will be happy to help solve any issues.
 

Staff Professional Learning Day: Monday 22 August

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Chats

Every morning of a standard Kennedy school day, our 900+ households and families deliver almost 1200 students to school. Each student arrives healthy, cared for, and most of the time, in a clean full Kennedy school uniform!

Every household of every student is a unique place for them to grow. It truly is an amazing event to be part of. Every Kennedy home is a patch of ground where each student grows up to become adults, the next generation. One of my greatest joys over many years as a chaplain has been watching young people grow. I often remember the first day I individually met many of our students. I often find myself thinking, on that first meeting, about the journey we will enjoy for the time we get to do a season of life together. Their growth, like young trees, is fully dependent on the ground in which they are planted. I see pastoral care as the care of the pasture in which people grow. Pastoral care is creating great ground, that helps future adults become great people, like great trees, full of life, producing fruit, casting their shade for the good of others.

I heard from a few parents after my last newsletter who were saddened that some students at Kennedy are growing up through struggles. The great and hopeful message I wanted to bring this week is that the power of growth in each student is very strong. I’m always amazed that any seed has the power within it to grow regardless of the ground or the care. Good ground can really help the future tree just as a great homes can greatly help the future adult. My prayer for Kennedy homes is that we enjoy being the best ground to grow the next generation, and we love watching the power of growth placed within each of us.

Year 7 Report

The beginning of Term 3 has been a busy and vibrant time and I would like to congratulate all Year 7 students who were awarded certificates at their first Awards Assembly. 

Earlier this term a select group of Year 7’s took part in Community Service program at Kennedy. Students brought a selection of morning tea food items to Lakeside Seniors, compared family photos and shared life’s stories. Zara Ford baked an amazing lemon slice, Hayden Groves brewed a perfect cup of tea, while Alice Cosmelli provided engaging conversation, her partnered senior did not want the session to end! The value of these intergenerational interactions highlights seniors as role models to students and provides wisdom and perspective through conversation. It was a pleasure to witness the smiles, laughter, and flowing conversation. Year 7 students can look forward to more opportunities to be involved in the wider community at through subsequent visits.

The Interhouse Athletics Carnival event was held last Friday, with our main focus being participation. This was certainly the case with our Year 7s heading off to the WA Athletics Stadium in their House colours and much enthusiasm. Thank you to all students who participated.

Year 8 Report

I know there is so much happening for our Year 8s. I would like to congratulate all Year 8 students who were awarded certificates at their first Awards Assembly and also thank all students who participated in the recent Interhouse Athletics Carnival. 

One of the exciting things on the calendar for me is the planning and preparation for the Year 8 Adventure Camp! Next week I have the opportunity of taking 210 students to Forest Edge Adventure Camp in Waroona. Amongst the students, there is excitement in the air and the weather is looking good. We are all thrilled that we have the opportunity to attend the camp after it was postponed in Term 1. Our goals on camp are to build and strengthen friendships, be inclusive, challenge ourselves and be bold while stepping out of our comfort zones. This may be the 20m abseil tower, 150m flying fox, climbing wall, water activities on the dam, or for some just being away from home for two nights. Please pray for safety and that the time away will be spent well. 

Lastly, I would also like to encourage the Year 8 cohort to continue to maintain the high standards of behaviour, look after one another and continue to seize life’s opportunities.

Year 9 Report

Last Friday, Kennedy held its annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival at the WA Athletics Stadium. I was so proud of the athletes I watched participating in the main stadium; it was fantastic to see our Year 9 students competing to the best of their ability. It was also pleasing to hear that the students who participated in the tabloid events on the Rugby WA field had a great time as well.

We have had some other exciting things happen in our cohort. During Extended Form VET/Workplace Learning Coordinator Mr Ramirez spoke to the Year 9 students about Work Experience. In April 2023, students will have the opportunity to participate in work experience, where they will learn about workplace behaviours, networking and will also learn to improve their communication skills. Now is a good time for students to start thinking about the types of careers they may be interested in, and where they would like to do work experience next year.

On Friday 2 September a group of 20 Year 9 students will be participating in Community Service here at the College. The students will be working alongside Keep Australia Beautiful WA to conduct a College litter audit. The purpose of the audit is to determine the types of litter found on our College grounds and to discuss ways to ensure that our campus are kept clean and tidy.

Year 10 Report

Despite some gloomy weather, it has been an enjoyable start to Term 3 for our Year 10 cohort. It was fantastic to kick things off with an Academic Awards Assembly in Week 1, where we celebrated the achievements of our students. Congratulations to the subject award winners, the recipients of the Certificates of Excellence, and those who received Academic House Awards.

Recently, I have provided Year 10s with information about the application processes for both College Colours and the 11/7s Mentoring Program. College Colours are awarded to Year 10-12 students to recognise their positive standing and contribution to the College community in the areas of leadership, academic standing, attitude and behaviour and College representation. The 11/7s Mentoring Program provides an opportunity for Year 11 students to support Year 7 students as they commence their Kennedy journey. I encourage any students contemplating applying for Colours or 11/7s to be bold and put their names forward!

Many students are starting to look forward to the Year 10 Dinner Dance which will be held at the East Fremantle Yacht Club on Thursday 3 November. The event is always the highlight of the social calendar for Year 10 students and is enjoyed by all who attend. I encourage all parents to keep an eye out for further information which will be coming soon.

Year 11 Report

The start of Semester 2 has been fast-paced. We have had many events and experiences provided at the College. During Extended Form on Wednesday mornings, I have spoken to the Year 11s about three topics we will be focusing on for the remainder of the year; relationships, responsibility, and resilience. 

With just over one year of schooling left at Kennedy, I want to encourage and remind the students of the opportunity they have to build friendships within our cohort. With an underlying focus on boldness, students have been presented with social opportunities to step outside their comfort zone. They’ve spent time getting to meet students, not in their usual friendship groups. We’ve played Uno, participated in get-to-know-you games and questions, and competed in our inaugural “Form Cup”. This included working as a Form in games of academics, physical and eating challenges. Congratulations to Forrest 1 on claiming the trophy and a huge well done to all who competed. 

The Year 11 social river cruise is coming up on Wednesday 14 September. Information will be sent to parents shortly. I would love for the cohort to all get involved and attend, enjoy the company of our cohort while we eat pizza, and cruise the beautiful Swan River.

Year 12 Report

I cannot believe that we are at the halfway mark of Term 3 already. We sure have had some amazing moments so far.

One highlight, in particular, was the recent Interhouse Athletics Carnival. A spectacular day with perfect weather was the backdrop of a fun and competitive day. The Year 12 students gave their all and thoroughly enjoyed their last carnival.

I want to encourage students to continue to give their best and finish the year strong. "Fortune favours the bold". I want students to embrace this saying as they move through this stage of life and onto the next. The saying refers to those who take risks and who are courageous in life. The time is now to step out of their comfort zone and be bold in all that they do. Nothing in this world will change or improve without those who are bold. 

I would also like to encourage the Year 12 cohort to continue to maintain the high standards of behaviour that we expect from our senior students. Set the standard for uniform, be on time and take pride in your behaviour as this is all part of who you are and what you represent. I continue to pray for peace and focus over each student as they approach their remaining assessments and exams. 

Kennedy News

College Notices

2022 Kennedy Community Open Day

You are invited to our Community Open Day on Saturday 20 August 2022 from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

This is a great opportunity to tour the College as a family and enjoy the Kennedy culture. There will be live music, dance and drama performances along with students’ work which will be on display in each Learning Area! You can be sure to enjoy some delicious gourmet treats from various food and drink stalls and our Beedwong Cafeteria. Remember to stop by the P&F stall and support our Parents and Friends Association. Click here to see this year's program!

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 1 September 2022.