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Photo above: Our Music Night was a spectacular gathering of talent.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
As we approach the end of Term 2, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our students for their dedication and hard work. It has been a pleasure to witness the commitment and enthusiasm with which our students have engaged in their academic pursuits, striving to achieve their best possible outcomes.
Our College values, especially those of boldness, growth and integrity, have certainly been evident in our students' approach to their studies and participation in various aspects of College life. Their efforts contribute significantly to the vibrant and supportive community we prize at Kennedy.
Celebrating Academic Achievements
In recognition of our students' academic successes in Semester 1, we are excited to announce two special Academic Award Assemblies next term:
- Year 10 to 12 Academic Awards Assembly: Wednesday 17 July (Week 1)
- Year 7 and 9 Academic Awards Assembly: Wednesday 24 July (Week 2)
These assemblies are an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students, and we look forward to acknowledging their accomplishments.
Important Term Dates
A reminder to all families that Term 2 will conclude on Friday 21 June. We have a three week break between Terms 2 and 3, providing everyone with an extended period to rest and recharge before the new term begins. Term 3 begins for our students on Tuesday 16 July due to a Professional Learning day for our staff on Monday 15 July. The College is privileged to be hosting a range of South Perth schools on this day as part of a shared learning experience.
The Term dates for the remainder of the year are as follows:
- Term 2: Tuesday 16 April – Friday 21 June
- Term 3: Tuesday 16 July – Thursday 19 September
- Term 4: Monday 7 October – Tuesday 3 December
On behalf of the entire Kennedy Staff, I wish everyone in our community a safe and relaxing semester break. We look forward to welcoming students back in Term 3, ready to embark on another successful chapter of their academic journey.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
Many people use this phrase, not always knowing where it comes from, only that the force of these words is worth our attention. It is a call to become seekers of truth in a world where it is hard to find, because not everything that seems true is true. But for those that ‘seek and find’ truth, the rewards are as high as you could ever imagine.
Truth and freedom are wound tightly together. No person lives their life knowingly based on a lie, and if anyone is living for something that is not true, we might say that they are ‘trapped’ in that lie. Jesus was aware of this and his goal was to bring people to discover the Truth so that they were no longer ‘trapped’ or a prisoner.
This is the purpose of my Chaplaincy, even as I am exposed to many facets of life and a wide variety of people’s experiences. I have found that Truth is the answer when difficult things happen, and situations become complicated, or people say and do things that are hurtful and create stress. The discovery of the truth is key to moving through those challenges. If a historical event is causing constant hurt, the truth - although painful - is the only way to heal. If a relationship has broken down, only the truth will allow true restoration.
In all things related to people, the truth is the only thing that will always help. It’s comforting for us all to know that Jesus knew this, lived this, and He is still calling us to find that “the Truth will set you free”.
Curriculum Report
I cannot believe that another busy term is concluding. Flowing on from the Parent-Teacher interviews held earlier in Term 2, I would encourage parents to check SEQTA regularly to review feedback from teachers in the form of marks and/or comments. Further queries can be messaged via SEQTA directly to the teacher.
2025 Course Selections
Students in Years 8 to 11 are now selecting courses for 2025. Selections are made electronically, with the student and parent/guardian signing off on the desired course selections. Please note that selections must be completed by Monday 17 June 2024.
The Executive Team have been busy with Year 10 to 11 interviews. These interviews are an excellent opportunity for students to meet with their parents and a staff member to discuss their post-school ambitions. During these interviews, students' results, achievements, and ambitions are used to assist in the course selection process.
Semester Reports
All student reports will be issued at the end of the term, on Thursday 20 or Friday 21 June. I would like to remind Year 12 students that this is their last report. As they approach the end of their Kennedy Journey, I encourage all Year 12 students to maintain a committed approach to their studies.
Finally, I would like to wish all families a restful semester break. I look forward to another exciting Semester Two.
Pastoral Care Report
Our Pastoral Care goal at Kennedy Baptist College is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging community where students thrive. One of the Four Pillars of Pastoral Care is the Outreach Program, which includes year-group community services and overseas mission tours.
Our Year 7s will participate in their Community Service this term by hosting Lakeside Church Seniors at our College Campus. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students to positively engage with a different generation and converse as they serve morning tea to the seniors. In previous years, feedback from our Year 7s was that they had a great time learning different perspectives and hearing valuable stories. We look forward to our current Year 7s having a similarly positive experience.
On Wednesday, two special guests spoke to our Year 7 and 8 students about their experiences at Transform Cambodia thanks to the support of the College. One is a graduate who has gone on to complete university studies, and the other has been part of the Kennedy-supported centre for the last five years and is still thriving there. Today, students donated money to Transform through our free dress day. Thank you for your support in this area. We encourage our families to contribute to Transform Cambodia through sponsorship opportunities and one-off donations as they can.
During extended form on Wednesday, the entire College experienced a dance performance by the Binar Dance Crew. This group performed both traditional and contemporary dances, honouring their culture, building pride, and inspiring confidence. We hope that this experience inspires our students to share in the significant celebration of NAIDOC week when it takes place during school holidays, from 7 to 14 July.
In a busy week, our student leaders are also working together to show gratitude to all the members of the Kennedy community, including cooking pancakes for students and presenting gifts to the staff of the College.
I hope everyone has a restful, safe and wonderful semester break and we look forward to seeing all our students at the beginning of Term 3.
Kennedy News
Music Night
The annual Kennedy Baptist College Music Night was a great opportunity to shine the light on the wide variety of musical talent at Kennedy. Whether our students were hitting the high notes on their vocals, or plucking at a bass guitar or guzheng, they continuously impressed the strong audience of parents and guardians, families and friends.
Mrs Janelle Anthony has said the following:
A huge thanks needs to go to all the students who performed in the Lower Foyer and on the big stage at our Music Night on Wednesday evening. We are so thankful for your commitment to presenting a huge variety of music of a high standard to our appreciative audience. Thanks also to our wonderful music teacher Mrs Stephanie Manns, and our Music tutors including Ms Fisher (Violin), Mr Sumich (Woodwind), Mr Quartermaine (Drums), Mr Waddell (Trumpet/Guitar/Piano), Mr Keesing (Guitar), Ms Li (Guzheng) and visiting Music teacher Mr Wood.
We, of course, would like to thank Mrs Anthony for her commitment to providing a high standard of education in our Music program, where a love of music prospers in class and through the big and small performance opportunities that are on offer to our students.
To find out more about this great night, check out our latest blog post or click on the below links to see some of the images from the day. Please note that the link to the images will expire at the end of June.
Interschool Cross Country
The ACC Interschool Cross Country was a great day of growth for our students, competing against not only thousands of students but against the conditions. The day was punctuated by the weather, with the rain arriving for a few minutes at a time, muddying the ground and drenching the runners before the sky would turn blue once again.
Despite the challenges, our students were able to get some great results for the College, with Saxon (Year 8) earning eighth in his race and Lilliana (Year 7), Zara (Year 7), and Maddy (Year 8) placing in the Top 25 runners in their categories. This is especially impressive when one considers that most races had around 350 students or more competing!
For full results, see our blog post here.
Back to School Information
Term 2 concludes for students on Friday 21 June 2024. Term 3 will commence on Tuesday 16 July 2024 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full Winter Uniform.
During the holidays, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday 8 July to Wednesday 10 July 8.00am-3.45pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.00pm). The Uniform Shop will be closed on Monday 15 July due to Staff Professional Learning.
The Administration office will re-open on Monday 8 July, during the last week of school holidays, however please note that the office will be closed on Monday 15 July due to a Staff Professional Learning Day. We hope that you have a restful and safe semester break.
College Notices
Somerville Baptist College - 25 Years On
We are inviting our esteemed alumni and former staff to join us on the morning of Saturday 17 August when we celebrate 30 Years since the Kennedy Baptist College community began with the founding of Winthrop Baptist College. This year also marks 25 years since the establishment of Somerville Baptist College in 1999. These two exceptional Secondary Colleges then merged to become Kennedy Baptist College in 2013, forming one of the leading co-educational schools in Perth's south.
As part of our preparations for this event, we have been going through the archives and rediscovering some great moments in our shared history. In our latest Flashback Friday on social media, we posted images of Somerville in 1999, when the school was still operating out the Auditorium and Lower Foyer spaces. Make sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we explore more historic moments!
Dance Showcase - 2 August
Make sure to save the date for the 2024 Dance Showcase! Happening in Week 3 of next term, this event will start at 7pm and will be held at the Kennedy Auditorium.
Along with the theme of "Dance For A Reason", there will be multiple opportunities to support the efforts of Transform Cambodia and their 'Kennedy Kids'.
Pedal Prix Race Weekend
Our Pedal Prix Team are attending their second race for the year, this time heading to the Bunbury City Kart Club from 10am on Saturday 15 June.
We're looking forward to another great turn out of support.and can't wait to see some of our freshly painted trikes in action!
Uniform Matters: Girl's Shorts Samples
The Uniform Shop invites interested parents, students and staff to view a range of sample sports and formal shorts for females. We are currently seeking feedback on these designs as part of a review process.
These samples are available until Wednesday 19 June.
Uniform Update - Blouse Orders
Thank you for your patience with our current order of blouses. Our supplier expects our order to arrive in Perth during the next few weeks. An order has also been placed with a previous supplier to ensure that we have stock during Term 3 for students.
2024 Community Open Day
One of the biggest events on the Kennedy calendar is coming up next term with our popular Community Open Day on Saturday 17 August. The Parents and Friends Association is currently organising a range of exciting opportunities to bring our families together in preparation for the day, including a Jam Making Session to be held on Saturday 3 August and a Silent Auction Wrapping Evening on Thursday 15 August.
The P&F are also looking for donations in preparation for jam making, as well as their cake stall and Silent Auction. Funds raised from these endeavours will go towards P&F initiatives for our community, such as the installation of shade sails near the Murdoch Oval.
Silent Auction donations can be brought into Student Services during Term 3, up until Thursday 15 August. All items are to be new or unused. As a thank you, students will receive a House point for delivering items. Make sure to check the different theme for your student's year group:
- Year 7 - Gourmet Food and Kitchen
- Year 8 - Hair and Hands
- Year 9 - Gardens and Pets
- Year 10 - Sports and Automobiles
- Year 11 & 12 - Chocolate and Confectionery
Join the Open Day Team!
There are a range of ways to help the Parents and Friends Association's preparation for the Community Open Day, including participating in the Open Day Committee. After coming together again this week, the P&F team are now forward to their next meeting on Tuesday 23 July at 5.00pm, which includes a meeting of the committee . For further details about the next meeting, please contact the P&F.
To sign up for volunteering, including helping out on Open Day itself, please go to our SignUp page by clicking the button below.
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 3 2024 Opening Hours
During Term 3 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 Term 3 are plentiful as we prepare for the Kennedy Community Open Day. This includes jam making, cake making, and helping out during 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 18 July 2024.
