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Photo above: Kennedy Easter Service at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
The first term of 2023 has passed incredibly quickly and it has been rewarding to see our students embrace so many of the opportunities on offer at Kennedy. Highlights of the term include:
- Our Year 7 students settling into Kennedy with the help of their Year 11 Mentors.
- Our Student Councillors have been doing a wonderful job developing and growing as leaders in the College.
- Our Easter Services, were outstanding evenings with excellent performances from our Arts students that reinforced both our College community and Christian ethos.
- Our Interschool Swimming team performed incredibly well in C-Division at the ACC Interschool Carnival against very tough competition.
- It was a pleasure to spend time with our Year 8 and 11 students on camp last week. Our goal has been to challenge students in a different context and it has been great to see our students respond to those challenges in a team environment.
Staff Changes
The end of the term will mark some changes for staffing for Term 2. Mrs Ann Morris will be retiring after 19 years of service as an Assistant Librarian with our Colleges. We wish Ann the very best for her future endeavours and thank her for her committed service to Kennedy.
We will also have several staff commencing extended leave at the end of the term, this includes:
- Mr Michael Hill - Long Service Leave
- Mrs Beth Ward - Long Service Leave
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support this term. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing term break.
Chaplain Chats
I have been so encouraged by the few parents I have chatted with in the last week that have let me know they read my newsletter article… and enjoy it! It gives me the validating feedback that spurs me on to continue writing uplifting and challenging messages every fortnight. This week I have wanted to let both parents and students know about a game changer and the emphasis to 'lift' all our relationships. Chaplaincy provides a very nuanced view of people as I find my self getting a behind the scene view of the way people react and interact. A chaplain's conversations quite often goes deep, and I get to see themes in the way our Kennedy community/individuals operates.
Relationships are the most common conversation and topic in my office on the blue couch. In the many conversations I have had about this topic, I have found a theme. The theme is, most of us would like other people to be and to act or to think differently. If they would only just follow 'my' script this relationship would work. I think you can see the problem here. NO ONE follows another person’s script to make a true relationship work!
In parent/child relationships this is so common. Parents want their child to act, to be, and think ‘differently’ (it’s the same from child to the parent). Can I remind you that our children are not blank canvases. They are characters, in many ways their blue print is fixed. The joy (and challenge) of parenting is to relate to, and nurture the person who is your child.
The ‘game changer’ in relationships is simple. We cannot change another person! We are not able to change the blue print of another person. They are designed to be who they are. Trying to change them to be someone else or to react a different way, uses up so much emotional energy for no gain. Finding ways to actually discover another person’s character and engage with them is the only way to truly have a healthy relationship.
Year 7 Report
As the end of our Year 7s first term at Kennedy approaches, it is important to reflect on how well this transition has been for our families. From the first day nerves to now finding their place in the College community...
It is pleasing to see that students have settled in well. We are only at the start of our journey together, but I can see the true character of each student beginning to shine through. As we continue this journey of discovery and new things, I encourage students to be who they are and who they were designed to be.
Heading into the Easter Holiday, I hope that we can all reflect on the significance of this event. Value the time with our family and friends but most importantly, remember why we have Easter and what Jesus did for us. Let us take time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter and that it can be a positive experience. I wish you a safe and enjoyable, restful break.
Year 8 Report
What a week! Our Year 8 Camp was full of energy, excitement, challenges, and growth. The girls kicked off the week with beaming smiles and non-stop chatter as they boarded the bus with friends. Students quickly adapted to the routine away from home and are commended for their maturity, independence, and willingness to immerse themselves in all aspects of camp. The warm weather and sunshine kept spirits high and the positive culture emanating from female students was amazing. The girls were all-inclusive and I am proud of the way they embraced the opportunity to make new friends and test themselves in the outdoors.
The boys arrived at Forest Edge with energy to burn! Their excitement for each activity never waned as they were challenged physically and socially in all activities, including abseiling, kayaking, rafting, pamper pole, ski biscuiting, target shooting and big fox. The longer the boys spent together, the more evident the growth. I appreciated their positive attitude and endurance to persevere in each activity despite fears. I am pleased by the boys’ progress as a group, and I look forward to the positive culture these students are building at Kennedy.
A big thank you to families for preparing your children prior to attending camp. These are beautiful students that achieved some amazing results away from home. I am proud to represent this cohort as their Head of Year.
Year 9 Report
Term 1 has been a very busy term and I’m sure all the students are looking forward to having a break. There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief from the Year 9s when they walked out of their final NAPLAN test. I want to commend the students for their perseverance during this time on a test that seemed to bring on an extra level of nerves and worry. It is definitely a milestone achievement to tick off on this Kennedy journey, so well done to all students!
Next term we will be starting our rotations, during Extended Form, where we will be looking at a few different topics in a different light to normal classes. Students completed a love languages quiz this term and we will be exploring those results and how that relates to interacting with parents, friends and dealing with conflict resolution amongst peers. Students also completed a personality quiz, and we will explore these results by looking at how it shapes who we are becoming and how having diversity within our community should be celebrated. We will also have a discussion session on ‘issues’ within the year group including the dangers of vaping, poor behaviour and decision making and not being a bystander. These sessions will be spread out over the rest of the year and students will be in smaller groups to try and unpack and learn from stories and current research.
I hope that you and your family can have a relaxing Easter break and I pray that the students can come back refreshed next term and with a fresh mindset and renewed energy for the start of the term.
Year 10 Report
It’s been a great first term for our Year 10 students. The Easter Services held on Monday and Tuesday evening at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church were well attended and it was great to see so many parents there as well. Pastor Dan Rodgers spoke about our value and self-worth. We are reminded that we are all made in God’s image and it is an important message. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13–14
Yesterday our Year 10s visited RAC Arena for the RAC BStreetsmart event, aimed at educating students about road safety and trauma. The event was confronting and demonstrated the devastating impact of distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Next term, the students commence Work Experience. I’m looking forward to hearing about their experiences and the skills they acquire on the job. A special thank you goes to Mr Ramirez for his tireless work helping students organise for this experience.
I want to wish our Year 10s and their families a safe and enjoyable Easter break. I hope this is a time where families can enjoy quality time spent together.
Year 11 Report
The Year 11s have completed an active term with their camp week in Busselton. This year, the camp took a different format, with students choosing activities from a variety of options. These included surfing, high ropes, giants cave tour, stand-up paddle boarding, even a trip to the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory or a golf lesson.
Evenings on camp provided opportunities for students to work cooperatively to attempt various team challenges. In the process, they got to challenge themselves, know themselves and each other better, and develop their resilience.
The students entered into the spirit of camp with energy and the willingness to try something new, face a fear or two and engage positively with each other. It was so rewarding to see the enthusiasm and growth of confidence in them across the week. I would like to thank all the staff who came along to help supervise the students; it is a significant commitment and a testament to their willingness to support the students. We all appreciated the opportunity to get to know students in a new setting, to understand their character and personality beyond the busyness of school.
The Easter services provided an opportunity for the everyone to reflect on God’s unconditional grace and love. As we finish the term and move into the regeneration of the holidays, I hope every student reflects on what they have faced and what they have achieved this term, so they can begin Term 2 with fresh perspective and clear goals.
Year 12 Report
Term 1 has been another busy term for the Year 12s, filled with events, celebrations, tests and assessments.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate the Year 12s involved with the Easter Service, especially the exceptionally talented musicians from our Year 12 General and Year 12 ATAR Music classes. It was so lovely to see them performing and to such an incredible standard.
I also enjoyed watching the Year 12s make Easter egg arrowroots was rather entertaining in Extended Form this this week, it is always fun to see young adults still enjoying activities they used to do from back in Primary school.
As the term comes to an end, and with the holidays upon us can I encourage parents and students to set aside some time to intentionally look at the individual goals and achievements for the Year 12s. Are they achieving academically what they are capable of? Does time priority need to go to studying and assessments as opposed to casual working or socialising.
I would like to remind the students that there is after school tutoring available for them. We all want our students to do the best they can, and we know from experience it is a combined effort of students, parents and teachers to achieve this.
Finally, can I take the opportunity to wish the Year 12s and families a safe and blessed Easter. I addressed the cohort, and encouraged them to stop and take some time to reflect on the meaning, sacrifice and thus importance of this time on the calendar. We look forward to seeing them back refreshed for the start of Term 2.
Kennedy News
Celebrating Student Achievements
Kennedy would like to congratulate the following students on their perseverance, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievement:
- Daniel Eve, Allen Maynard, Anddie Duan and Harry Rosmanis - Congratulations to these students who will be competing in Queensland, Gold Coast for the Australian Age Swimming Championships. Our College community can watch the event on Channel 9Now, Sunday 9 April.
- Aiden McCabe - Congratulations to Aidan who have been selected in the U/18 Boys Softball team to travel to Werribee, Victoria in May 2023. We wish Aidan all the best.
- Cerys Parnell - Cerys has been offered a place on the Development Squad for the Australian Ladies Roller Hockey team to commence training for an international tournament in Italy in 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for her and we wish her all the best for her participation in camps in September this year.
- Callum Alberti - Congratulations to Callum who will be competing in Bowls WA U/18's State Championships this April school holidays. He will then be competing at the Australian Open (Gold Coast) in June, in both the men's open competition and U/18's. We wish him all the best!
- Daniel Stewart - Congratulations to Daniel who will attend the School Sport Australia National Triathlon Championships in April in Tasmania.
- Emma Kempson - Congratulations to Emma who represented Kennedy Baptist College and WA at the All-Schools Nationals event in Adelaide at the start of the Term. She won gold in the Javelin, and she is looking forward to a good rest before her prep for Athletics Australia Nationals in April next year. What a great achievement.
- Lilli Heavens - returned from the Gold Coast in December where she represented WA with her cheerleading team - TNT. They won nationals and also won a special invite-only competition called the Pinnacles - the best of the best in Australia! We are proud of her achievement.
- Lucas Palmer - Congratulations to Lucas who have been selected for the Futures Team with East Fremantle Football Club. He has been training with the club since November last year and throughout the summer holidays. Kennedy is proud of his hard work and wishes him all the best.
Lachlan Frost - Congratulations to Lachlan who participated in the U/12 State School Boys AFL trials.
Nate Scott - Congratulations to Nate who was trialing for the U/15 AFL WA School Sport team in March. We wish him all the best for the rest of the year.
We would love to know if your child has achieved a significant milestone in any area. Please feel free to email the Head of Year a photo and more information about your child.
Easter Services at Kennedy
Kennedy is a Christian faith-based College committed to providing the best possible educational services for families. Easter services looked a bit different this year but were once again a great opportunity to reflect on the truths of Jesus and the Easter story.
Our Easter Services was an enormous success with services held on Monday and Tuesday evenings. We partnered with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church this year and we are so thankful for their assistance with setup and providing such a lovely venue. Part of the service included prerecorded performances by our Arts students, and Pastor Dan Rodgers shared a very special message with our staff and students. He shared on the topic of 'value' and who determines the value of something.
Dan shared a powerful Bible verse from Psalm 139:13-16, he then concluded each service with a beautiful prayer and asked that everyone considers the message of Easter and that the holidays may be an opportunity for connection and community.
Students at Perth Concert Hall
A group of Year 10 to 12 Music students enjoyed the ATAR showcase of music, dance and drama at the Perth Concert Hall on Monday 27 March.
"When I first got invited, I wasn't sure what to expect but kept an open mind. It changed the way that I think about the Performing Arts curriculum. I would say this would be the highest specialisation of arts I have witnessed live. As well as dumbfounding me, these performances have also encouraged me to get practicing so I could perhaps unlock the amount of freedom and fun these performers showcased.
My favourite performance of the night was the Jazz Band performance, it set the mood for what was to be expected, while also featuring one of Kennedy’s previous Music teachers Mr Wills. Overall, I enjoyed the night and would definitely come to watch again in 2024!
The above student comments and feedback were provided from Addi Bass, Max Koch, Tallon Varga, and Greg Wu (Year 10 and Year 11 Music students).
Back to School Information
The Administration Office will be closed for the term break from 4.00pm Friday 6 April 2023 and will re-open on Tuesday 17 April 2023. (Please note the Administration Office will also be closed on Anzac Day, Tuesday 25 April 2023.)
Students commence Term 2 on Wednesday 26 April at 8.15am. Students are to wear full winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3. We hope that you have a restful and safe break during this school holiday period.
College Notices
2023 College-wide Survey
As part of our ongoing commitment to continuously improving the College, we believe it is critical to seek our College community's opinion on a range of issues relating to Kennedy Baptist College. Your feedback is very important to us as we continue to build a successful College and strengthen our reputation as an ‘educator of choice’.
All parents, students, and members of staff are encouraged to complete the survey which will take approximately 10-15 minutes. This survey is confidential and can be completed from now until before Wednesday 26 April. We ask that you respond honestly to each statement.
Survey instructions and a personalised login link have now been emailed to everyone. You will continue to send friendly reminders during the survey period until you have submitted the survey. Please make sure you check your spam and junk email folders if you have not recieved this email. Thank you for helping us ensure that Kennedy Baptist College continues to be a great College.
Uniform Shop Information
Please note that pre-ordered winter uniforms are now ready to be collected. Pre-paid and ordered blazers are also available for pickup. Full payment is required on collection by cash or EFTPOS only.
The Uniform Shop will be open on Monday 17 April, Tuesday 18 April and Thursday 20 April during the second week of the holidays. Please see below for Term 2 opening hours.
Health Centre Notice - Student Hydration
Staying hydrated helps improve sleep quality, mood, and cognition. It also helps to regulate body temperature and keep joints lubricated. We have noticed an increased amount of students visiting the Health Centre due to headaches and dehydration. We encourage students to bring a water bottle that is clearly marked with name and Form class.
Student Achievements
Kennedy celebrates students and their talents and achievements. We would love to know if your child has achieved a significant milestone in any area.
Please complete this form below or email your Head of Year with more information about your child.
Instrumental Music Lessons
There are eight new students joining our Instrumental Music program next term which is fantastic. We will be employing a new guitar tutor to cater for the growth. If your child is interested in starting an instrument, please complete the Enrolment Form. Current students enrolled in the program will continue lessons in Term 2 and will receive their new timetables over the upcoming holidays.
Secondary Assistance Scheme
The State Government, through the Department of Education, provides financial support to eligible parents via the Secondary Assistance Scheme. The scheme is to assist low-income families with secondary school costs. For enquiries please visit Reception. Applications close today, Thursday 6 April 2023.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Our Parent-Teacher Interviews will be an excellent opportunity for parents to meet with our Kennedy teaching staff and discuss their child's progress and concerns. These will take place on Wednesday 3 May and Thursday 4 May. Please make sure you save these dates in your calendar.
Mother's Day Breakfast Invitation
We are delighted to announce that our annual Mother's Day event will be on Thursday 11 May 2023 at 7.30am. This will be a fun-filled morning so come and join other Kennedy mums over a cuppa and a scrumptious breakfast. Grandmothers are also welcome! This is a registered event, so please make sure you RSVP via the link 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 Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open this term on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
*Closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information,
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 2023 will be made available in Term 2.
These opportunities include, assisting at the Interhouse sport carnival, P&F Association and book covering in the RASC.
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 27 April 2023.
