Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

Words are like fire. Fire can destroy or create, burn down or refine and purify. Words used the right way, like harnessed fire, can lift and inspire all those who hear them. 

Every year at Kennedy, we pick up a particular word, BRIO, and give it a whole week to be heard.  

Brio means life, energy, zest, fire and light. To Be BRIO is to be the embodiment of all those things. In a world where words can be like a fire that can break down relationships, people and even a community, WE want to speak words of life and lift others up in our school. 

The story of Be BRIO week is an illustration of BRIO in action. In 2021, with COVID still influencing daily school life, two Year 8 students ran a class project to engage the school community. They grabbed the word BRIO and made a weeklong focus on being a difference maker. It was student run, student focused and lots of fun. The school felt different and the intent of generating BRIO in others became a culture point. Six years later, Be BRIO week is still bringing life and energy to our school.

This week, the encouragement has been to Be BRIO to such an extent that your light, life and energy continue to leave their mark on others.

At Kennedy, we believe that every member of our community has a purpose and is designed to connect with others. That connection is for the purpose of lifting others up and adding life. Having a week dedicated to BRIO, we are seeking to lift our college culture to be the true and joyful community we all know we are designed for. 

I would love to encourage every home to lean into the culture of Being BRIO. Write it on the fridge door and be the person who brings LIFE, LIGHT, FIRE, ENERGY and ZEST to all those around you. 

As we continue through a busy and rewarding year, I am incredibly proud of the way our Year 7 students have embraced opportunities to participate in College life. Our focus has been to provide every student with opportunities to connect, contribute and develop a genuine sense of belonging within our community.

A special congratulations to all Semester One award recipients for their outstanding academic efforts. These students have demonstrated resilience, dedication and a commitment to continuous improvement throughout the semester. Their achievements are a testament to the value of hard work and we celebrate the positive example they set for their peers.

One of the highlights of the year has been our ongoing partnership with the Lakeside Seniors Community. Through visits, activities and shared morning teas, our students have demonstrated kindness, respect and a willingness to serve others. These experiences help build meaningful connections between generations and reinforce the importance of community service.

Our students have also represented the College with pride across a variety of co-curricular activities. We congratulate our talented cricket team on their recent competition success and look forward to seeing strong participation in the upcoming Athletics Carnival, where students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves, support one another, and display House pride.

Looking ahead, the rescheduled Year 7 Camp, on Monday 21 September, will provide another valuable opportunity for students to continue building their connections in the College. Combined with our ongoing service opportunities at Lakeside Seniors Community, these experiences help ensure every student has a place to belong.

A reminder to families that a full formal uniform is required throughout Term 3. Thank you for your support in ensuring students arrive at school on time, well-presented and ready to learn.

With seasonal illness continuing to affect many families, please remember to communicate any absences promptly with our wonderful Attendance team. Your partnership helps us provide the best possible support for your child’s learning and wellbeing.

Finally, as we move through the remainder of the year, I encourage all students to be mindful of one another. As Christ teaches us, we should strive to show kindness, compassion and understanding to all. By looking after each other and choosing kindness in our daily actions, we can continue to build a Year 7 community where every student feels valued, connected and able to belong.

Term 3 is an incredibly busy time for everyone, but especially for our Year 8 students, who have a number of exciting opportunities ahead of them. 

One of these opportunities is to meaningfully support St Patrick's Community Support Centre, an organisation that assists people experiencing homelessness and significant disadvantage. It was wonderful to see so many Year 8 students participate in Silly Sock Day in Week 2 by both wearing colourful socks and donating a pair to those in need. 

Our major opportunity to support St Pat's will be through our Market Day in Week 7 on Wednesday 2 September. Students have begun planning service initiatives and fundraising projects, either individually or in small groups, which will culminate in our Market Day event. All profits raised will be donated directly to St Pat's. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm, creativity and generosity students are already demonstrating as they seek to make a positive impact on our wider community. 

We also have our Community Open Day on Saturday 22 August. Thank you to those students and families who have already donated, volunteered or are planning to attend. Open Day is an important opportunity to showcase the welcoming and vibrant community that makes Kennedy such a special place and to support prospective families as they explore joining our College community. 

Looking ahead to Week 8, students will have the opportunity to work together towards the common goal of completing an escape room challenge. Thank you to those who have already indicated their interest in attending. It promises to be a lot of fun and provides a chance for students to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills in a setting quite different from the normal school day, where we typically try to limit the amount of escaping that takes place! 

Finally, there are a wide variety of opportunities for students to participate in activities beyond the classroom. While not every activity will appeal to every student, I encourage all students to find their "thing" and pursue it with enthusiasm, commitment and passion. Whether it be sport, music, service, academic extension or another area of interest, some of the most rewarding school experiences come from being actively involved in the life of the College. 

Term 3 is well underway. Our recent Award Assembly provided an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements of students. We are proud of all students who continue to strive for excellence and seek to do their best. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Dance Showcase which highlighted the talent, creativity and dedication of many students. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was a fabulous event. 

Earlier this year our Year 9 students completed their first formal examination experience at Kennedy. While exams can be challenging, they provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning. One of our key Year 9 goals this year is self-reflection. We encourage students to thoughtfully reflect on their exam experience. What study habits worked well? How engaged were they during lessons? Did they keep up with notetaking and homework throughout the term? Did they follow a study plan in the lead-up to exams? Honest reflection allows students to identify both strengths and areas for improvement, helping them make positive adjustments for future assessments and exams. 

Term 3 is packed with exciting events and opportunities for students to get involved in. We encourage every Year 9 student to participate wherever possible and make the most of these opportunities. Upcoming events include: 

• Interhouse Athletics Carnival (tomorrow) 
• Kennedy Community Open Day, 22 August 
• Kennedy Day, 26 August
• Public Speaking Competition, 27 August 
• RUOK? Day 
• Leadership Elections

If you would like further information about any of these activities, please feel free to contact me or your child's Homeroom teacher. 

A reminder that wearing the correct uniform is more than simply following school rules. Uniform standards help cultivate a sense of pride in our College community and encourage students to present themselves with respect and professionalism. Adhering to uniform requirements promotes self-respect, responsibility, and belonging. We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing these expectations. 

As we continue through the term, we are reminded of God's encouragement in Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse reminds our students that they do not face challenges, setbacks, or new experiences alone. They can move forward with confidence, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.  

Every student's wellbeing is important to us, and we are committed to creating an environment where students feel known, supported and encouraged to grow. 

Thank you for your partnership. Together, we can support our Year 9 students. 

Congratulations to all students who were recognised at the recent Academic Awards Assembly. It was fantastic to celebrate the effort, commitment and achievement of so many students across the year group. Success looks different for everyone, but it is always worth celebrating when students put in the work and strive to be their best.

Special congratulations also go to the Year 10 girls who participated in the recent Dance Showcase. Their performances highlighted not only their talent and dedication, but also the courage it takes to step onto a stage and perform in front of a crowd. I was genuinely blown away by the standard they produced and reminded once again just how many talented young people we have in this cohort.

This term, a major focus for our Year 10 cohort will be on connection, belonging and strengthening relationships with each another. Life at Kennedy is about more than just academic success, and this term provides students with plenty of opportunities to learn how to support one another, build positive friendships and contribute to a cohort culture that people want to be part of.

In Week 5, students will take part in Good Vibes Week, an opportunity to focus on kindness, gratitude and building positive connections across the year group. Along with lots of activities throughout the week, I have challenged students to hand out as many genuine compliments as they can throughout the week. It sounds simple, but a kind word can have a bigger impact than we often realise. My hope is that students use the week to continue building a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Later this term, Ms Caitlin Carey and I will be facilitating separate sessions with the Year 10 boys and girls. These sessions will provide students with the opportunity to ask honest questions and learn more about building respectful friendships and relationships with the opposite sex. These conversations are designed to help students better understand one another, develop empathy and navigate social relationships with confidence and respect.

Finally, I would like to thank all Year 10 students and parents for the support, trust and encouragement you have shown throughout the year so far. I’m very proud of the growth and character that the students have displayed in the first 2 terms and can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the year.

The beginning of Term 3 has been another busy and rewarding few weeks for our Year 11 students as they continue to make the most of the many opportunities available at Kennedy Baptist College.

Students have been busy preparing for multiple events and opportunities during the term, including applying for Student Leadership positions, performing in the Dance Showcase, training for the Athletics Carnival during SAS Sport, designing the 2027 Leavers' Jackets and finalising their Year 12 subject selections. These important milestones reflect both their commitment to College life and their preparation for the year ahead.

Our Year 11 Community Service volunteers also led the College's St Pat's Community Service Fundraiser, encouraging students and staff to wear their silliest socks with free dress while donating a new pair of socks to support people experiencing homelessness. The day was a wonderful display of generosity and community spirit, with a popular sausage sizzle adding to the fundraising efforts. Together, the Kennedy community donated an incredible 835 pairs of socks and raised $2,243.30 for St Pat's. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make such a meaningful difference.

As the year continues to fly by, I have been pleased with how settled and engaged our Year 11 cohort has been. Students are embracing their learning, forming new friendships, developing valuable life skills through TAFE and workplace learning, and continuing to grow into confident young adults.

We are also looking forward to our annual River Cruise on Wednesday 9 September. Invitations and event details will be distributed to families via Parent Lounge on the Kennedy App in the coming weeks.

Thank you to our Year 11 families for your continued support throughout the year.

The end is in sight for the Year 12 cohort, as we are on the home stretch of their Kennedy journey. There are still a lot of events, fun times and work to do between now and the end of the term. I have been making sure to remind all students of the College expectations to finish the year well. This includes our uniform standards, specifically jewellery, boys’ facial hair and girls' skirt length. Also, lateness to class and classroom behavioural standards will continue to be upheld until their last day. As the Year 12 cohort, we have a responsibility to be looked up to by the younger Kennedy students as role models of the College. I am hoping we can finish the year strong and lead by example by upholding the College values and standards.

The final events for Year 12 are ticking over, including tomorrow’s Athletics Carnival, as the final one for the cohort. I am looking forward to a great day and specifically the Year 12 100m dash at the end of the day, a special event to farewell the class of 2026 from their competitive time at Kennedy. In a few weeks, we also have the Spring Fling, which will no doubt be an incredible event. We will spend the night on the Crystal Swan, the glass cube boat that sits at Elizabeth Quay, enjoying the night dressing up, dancing to a DJ and using the photo booth. Staff are excited to join in by dressing as characters from their favourite movies. We are looking forward to seeing the creativity and enthusiasm across the year group, whether students choose to dress individually or come together in groups around a shared theme. Check Parent Lounge for the invite.

A timely Bible verse that came to mind, as the athletics carnival approaches, is 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” In this metaphor, Paul likens racing to living out your Christian faith by training with discipline and focus, having a goal in mind, and giving it your all to achieve your best. I hope this verse can inspire the students to give these last weeks their best effort and leave nothing in the tank as they finish this final chapter of their high school journey.

Kennedy News

2026 Kennedy Dance Showcase

What a night! Our Kennedy Baptist College Dance Showcase - ELEVATE was a wonderful celebration of the talent, creativity and dedication of our Years 7–12 dancers. With a massive crowd cheering them on, our students delivered an outstanding performance and should be incredibly proud of themselves.

Congratulations to all our dancers on a fantastic Dance Showcase, and a special mention to all the dedicated staff and volunteers involved who made it possible!

Term 3 Award Assemblies

Congratulations to all of the students who received awards at our previous Awards Assemblies. Both assemblies were fantastic mornings filled with celebration and pride as our students were recognised for their outstanding efforts from Semester One. Thank you to all the parents and family members for joining this celebration. 

Click below to view more photos from the assemblies. Please be aware that these links expire on 10 November 2026.

Year 7 Science KEEP

This semester, the Year 7 Science KEEP class has enjoyed the privilege of growing vegetables and herbs in the College’s Environmental Centre gardens, using this space regularly to conduct various horticulture projects.

As part of our Science curriculum, students have been gaining practical knowledge by exploring different approaches to hydroponics, composting, worm farming and soil chemistry. Enthusiastic growing and harvesting of produce will continue into the warmer months.

We look forward to the end of the term when the students conclude their projects with class presentations.

Mr Steve Dennis
Science Teacher

Indoor Cricket Success!

Following last year's success, I am once again delighted to share that after three days of competition at Seamers Indoor Cricket Centre, the Year 7 Specialist Cricket team have emerged as champions.

Finishing on top of the ladder following the regular season fixtures (10 wins, 1 loss), Kennedy played two finals and pleasingly held their nerve and delivered a great performance, defeating a spirited Kent Street Senior High School in a low scoring game, 23 to 13. The Grand Final was then played in front of an animated apposing student crowd, where our students demonstrated composed batting, highlighted with an outstanding catching and fielding display. Most importantly, the team consistently displayed excellent sportsmanship whilst representing the school with pride and demonstrating a positive team spirit throughout all days of camp.

Thank you to all staff and parents for your ongoing support, and congratulations again to the Year 7 Specialist Cricket students on your success.

Mr Nathan Kime
Specialist Program Coordinator – Cricket 

ACC Year 10 AFL Carnival

Yesterday at the Associated and Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) Year 10 AFL Carnival, our boys' and girls' teams had a fantastic time, playing in the sunshine and displaying dedication and fantastic teamwork! 

Well done to all students involved, including a few Year 9 girls who came along to help on the day. Also thank you to the staff for building up the student's sportsmanship and resilience. 

Phosphorus Awareness Project Native Plant Giveaway

Our Year 11 Science in Practice students recently rolled up their sleeves to help enhance the College grounds by planting a range of native species. The plants were generously provided by the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) through the Phosphorus Awareness Project (PAP), funded by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Before planting, students learned about the environmental benefits of native plants, including their role in supporting local wildlife, improving biodiversity, and reducing the impacts of excess nutrients entering our waterways. Students then planted the seedlings near the Year 7 quad in an effort to boost the natural environment for our school community.

We thank SERCUL for providing these plants as part of the PAP program, which aims to educate the community about the environmental impacts excess nutrients entering our waterways. This hands-on experience was a valuable opportunity for students to make a positive contribution to the environment.

Mr Jonathan Groom
Science Teacher

College Notices

Interhouse Athletics Carnival

Get excited for the 2026 Kennedy Interhouse Athletics Carnival happening tomorrow! 

During Pastoral Care Time this week, the college came together in their House Groups to hear all about the program for our Athletics Carnival and get excited for the day!

We encourage parents to come along and support the students as they compete with pride. Please check your emails for more information about the day.

Thank you so much to those who have already contributed towards making this year’s Open Day the best yet. The recent Jamming Session was a huge success; we couldn’t have done it without the ingredients donated by our families and the help of our wonderful parents on the day.

Community Open Day Volunteering

A variety of stalls still need your help and we appreciate any time you can give and look forward to an exceptional Open Day this year.

Where it is needed:

• Help set up
• Pack down
• P&F Stall
• Beedawong Cafe
• Sausage sizzle
• Silent Auction Wrapping
• Secondhand Uniform 

Silent Auction Donations

Thank you to all parents and students who have already brought in donations for our Silent Auction! If you are still looking to donate, you have until Thursday 19 August, to deliver items to Student Services.

Upcoming Events

Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday 3 September

Please save the date for our Father's Day Breakfast on Thursday 3 September 2026, from 7:15am to 8:30am. Please note that this is an adult-only event. For catering purposes, we kindly request your RSVP by clicking the link below before Friday 28 August 2026. 

Keep an eye out for an email with more details and ticket information.

Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge today's First Nations people, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, as the custodians of this land, and as we continue to learn to live together on these ancient lands, we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We pray that God will unite us all in a knowledge of His Son, in whom all things were created, in heaven and on earth, whether visible or invisible – for all things have been created through Him and for Him.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 27 August 2026