No images? Click here
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Kennedy continues to make a wonderful start to the academic year with some very successful events. These were all great opportunities for families to connect with the College and help maximise student opportunities. Throughout the year, we will have many more opportunities for families to actively engage with our community, including:
- Our Easter Services
- Teacher feedback interviews
- Participation in the Parent and Friends Association
- Kennedy Insights and Parenting information evenings
There will be a great opportunity to contribute to our Parents and Friends Association next week with the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 4 March from 5.00 to 6.30pm. This
important meeting will include the opportunity to provide input on the Association’s roles.
Year 12 College Ball
It was a pleasure to join our Year 12 students, partners and staff at Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park on Friday night. The Ball was a wonderful event to begin the academic year. It was obvious that our students had a fantastic night thanks to their outstanding behaviour and enjoyment of each other’s company. Congratulations to all Year 12 students for their exceptional attitude on the night and thank you to Mr Dunstan and the Year 12 Counsellors for their great efforts in organising a wonderful evening.
Easter Services Reminder
Our Easter services are a great opportunity for the College to connect with our local churches and embrace the Christian faith that underpins everything that we do. This year we will partner with Nations Church. Campus Pastor Shannon Hopper will be our guest speaker. The details for this event are:
- Monday 7 April: Harrier and Falcon Houses
- Tuesday 8 April: Kestrel and Osprey Houses
Both services will commence at 6.00 pm in our College Auditorium.
Exciting Developments: College Building Project Underway
We are pleased to share an update on the progress of the next stage in our Masterplan. To ensure minimal disruption to daily operations, the project will be completed in two stages:
Stage 1 Study Centre (40 weeks): Construction of five new General Learning Areas (GLAs) and landscaping. The new building will be positioned above Block Three, featuring a covered walkway that will connect Blocks Two and Three, enhancing student movement between buildings.
Stage 2 Redevelopment of the car park (12 weeks): Development of a new car park, a maintenance workshop, and additional landscaping.
These improvements will enhance our facilities and provide greater accessibility and functionality for students and staff. We look forward to sharing progress updates as the project unfolds! Please read more here about our upcoming building plan and ways you can contribute to a tax deductible building fund.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
As I am settling into my new role as Chaplain, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible first few weeks of Term 1. It has been a privilege to dive deeper into the Kennedy community, getting to know so many more students around the College, and witnessing the energy and warmth within the college community.
The first week, I was fortunate enough to journey alongside many of the incoming Year 7 students as they, like me, settled in and found their way around, with new friendships, new teachers, and a new school environment. The excitement and the slight nerves of their first few days reminded me of how important it is to feel welcomed and supported, and it was heartwarming to see how the College embraced them (and new staff) with open arms.
As the weeks have gone by, I have been blessed to spend time in classrooms, lunchtime activities, and informal moments where I have been able to hear students share their stories and experiences. Every conversation, every smile, and every shared moment has only deepened my appreciation for the vibrant, welcoming and diverse spirit of this Kennedy community.
Recently, at the school’s special assembly, Mr Chase and I had the opportunity to address the entire College. It was a privilege to introduce myself, share my heart, and present Kennedy Chaplaincy now as a duo. Two completely different people with different likes and dislikes, both with a heart to care for our students. We are committed to working together in supporting and guiding the Kennedy community to be all we can be together.
My heart is full knowing that we are all part of this shared mission, and I am confident that through our collective efforts, we will achieve great things.
Curriculum Report
I would like to welcome all families to Kennedy Baptist College and to the 2025 academic year. Please take note of important curriculum dates, emailed to parents of all students in Years 7-12. Also included in the email was a link to the College Assessment Policy.
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) defines the teaching and learning program for all students in Western Australia from Primary – Year 10. All syllabuses are now part of the mandated curriculum for the planning, assessment and reporting of student progress in Western Australia.
Year 11 & 12 students select and complete up to six courses. All General & ATAR courses offered to students have the teaching, learning, assessment and grading standards defined by SCSA. A student completing a VET qualification, complete a course defined by an industry standard with specific learning and assessment requirements.
To effectively deliver the curriculum, we rely on our families being familiar with policies, procedures and staff/student expectations. Here are some questions parents typically ask and answers that will help you best support your child/ren in their Kennedy journey.
To help new families, we have constructed a list of frequently asked questions, along with some answers on how to best support your child or children on their College journey. Please see the below link for this useful guide and closing dates.
Lastly, please keep an eye out for emails and letters from the Curriculum team as this is how we communicate all essential information. The team consists of myself as the Deputy Principal of Curriculum, as well as the Director of Studies and the Curriculum Administration Assistant.
Pastoral Care Report
We have had an exciting start to 2025. Welcoming our new students is essential to each new year at Kennedy.
It was wonderful to welcome our Year 7s and other new students across all year groups. The College operates a range of events and comprehensive programs to ensure a smooth transition into the College community. Many events are designed to assist our incoming students. These include the Year 7 Orientation Day, Pre-start Day, Year 7 Commencement Ceremony, Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea, Mentoring time in care groups, Extended Form activities, and a new student lunch from Year 8-12.
One of the highlights this term was Pre-start Day, which involved Year 7 students and new students from Years 8-12. Our Year 11 Mentors and Year 7s got to know each other, toured the College and met Mr Ashby, their Head of Year, and their Form teachers. The 11/7 program continues throughout Term 1, with Year 11s doing a fantastic job mentoring the 7s in care groups on Wednesday mornings. Our new Year 8-12 students met the Student Councillors and their Head of Year. They also visited the Research and Study Centre for an information Session and had the opportunity to meet the Pastoral Care Team.
The Year 7 Commencement Ceremony was held on the first day of term. Our Year 7 students walked proudly across the stage to receive their welcome Bible, signifying the start of their Kennedy journey.
Another highlight was the Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea. This was an excellent opportunity for incoming Year 7 parents to meet the Principal, Deputy Principals, Pastoral Care team, core subject teachers, and Form teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment.
I encourage our students to talk to any Pastoral Care team members if they have any concerns or would like extra support. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead.
Kennedy News
Cricket Season in Full Swing
Our Year 7 Specialist Cricket students have kicked off the season with great energy! The photo above showcases a moment from their recent induction session, where they embraced the program with enthusiasm and determination.
As the season unfolds, we’re excited to share updates on our Year 7 to 9 teams, as well as the Kim Hughes Shield and Graeme Wood squad.
We wish all our players a fantastic season ahead, filled with outstanding performances, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for more cricket news throughout the term!
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
The atmosphere was electric this morning as swimmers took their positions, ready to dive into a day of fierce competition and fun at the Annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The cheers of students filled the air, setting the stage for an action-packed day at Perth HPC sports complex. Students impressed us with great results, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. There were a few school records broken and our students had a great time swimming for their Houses.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Congratulations to the winning House Falcon and well done to our Queen and King of the Pool, Lara Lane and Azri Maynard.
College Notices
P&F 2025 AGM & Special Meeting
The AGM is on Tuesday 4 March 2025 at 5.00pm. There will be an opportunity to nominate for this year's roles, including: President and Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Newsletter Coordinator, and Sausage Sizzle Coordinator.
A special meeting is also planned to discuss and vote on amendments to the Terms of Reference. Those amendments relate to the following:
- Having clauses that prohibit the distribution of income and assets to members while operating and winding up in accordance with the ATO requirements. The aim is to have those amendments in place before the Kennedy Baptist College P&F lodges the Not-For-Profit Self-Review Return form with the ATO by 31 March 2025.
- Accommodating AGMs in March.
We encourage new families to consider contributing to our committee.
Annie: The Musical - Last Chance!
Tickets are now available for Kennedy Baptist College’s production of ‘Annie: The Musical’! Tickets are available for 27 February - 1 March! We’re beyond excited to see our students shine when they take to the Kennedy Auditorium early next year, backed by our talented orchestra. Click on the link below to purchase your tickets before it's too late!
Kennedy Insights - Respectful Relationships
We are privileged to have Jade Lewis from Yellow Ribbon Second Chances on Thursday 13 March at 5.30pm. (Doors open from 5pm). Jade will deliver a factual and powerful presentation that educates parents and their child/ren about setting boundaries, consent, harassment and sexting, the law, and what you can do to help your teen build respectful relationships.
2024 Yearbook
The 2024 Yearbook has been sent home with your eldest child. The Graduation class of 2024 will be able to collect their copy from Student Services if they have not done so yet.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement, respected by employers. 14-24 year olds can do a DofE programme.
There are four sections to complete. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming healthier, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, working with a team. Any young person can do their DofE. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. Find out more via their website, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Secondary Assistance Scheme
The WA Government, through the Department of Education, provides financial support to eligible parents through the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS).
The aim of the scheme is to assist low-income families with secondary school costs. Eligible parents/guardians with students enrolled in Years 7 to 12, studying a full-time secondary course at a WA non-government
school, will be able to apply for the SAS in 2025.
The SAS consists of two allowances:
- $235 Education Program Allowance (payment made to the College, for the student); and
- $300 Clothing Allowance (payment made to the parent/guardian).
For all enquiries regarding the application process/forms, please download the form or speak with one of our reception staff.
From the Uniform Shop - Socks shortage
Please note that we are waiting for a March delivery to replenish our sock stock. Sizes currently unavailable are:
- Sport/white 8-11 and 11-14
- College/grey 11-14
During Term 1, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3.45pm and closed for lunch from 12.30pm to 1pm. QuickCliq orders are welcome and will be processed within these opening hours.
Beedawong Cafeteria Lunch Orders
Did you know that the Cafeteria is open for breakfast from 7.15am every day?
They serve bacon and egg muffins, hashbrowns, brekkie wraps, and fresh-baked muffins. The menu is well balanced with a great variety to choose from and the majority of what we offer is freshly baked and prepared every day. Recess items are served over the counter and lunch orders can be placed before 9.00am via Quickcliq website.
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 1 2025 Opening Hours
During Term 1 of 2025, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed on 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 menu.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Volunteer opportunities for 2025 will be made available in Term 1. These opportunities will include assisting at the Swimming Carnival, P&F Assocation and book covering.
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 13 March 2025
