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Photo above: Our students combined fun with learning during their Sydney and Canberra Tour.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
Welcome to Term 4 at Kennedy Baptist College. I trust everyone has had a restful break and that our students are eager to continue embracing all that is on offer at the College. This Term will continue to provide a wide range of opportunities across all Learning Areas and culminates with examinations for students in Years 9 to 12.
Uniform Standards
Last week, a letter was sent to all families addressing our expected Uniform standards now that we have returned to Summer Uniform. I would like to reinforce this communication by emphasising the importance of our dress standard for the culture of Kennedy.
We have very clear expectations for standards of presentation, including hairstyles. These standards have been explicitly articulated to all members of our community. Extreme hair styles do not have a place in the Kennedy standards and any hair style considered to not fit within our guidelines are expected to be corrected as soon as possible.
Year 12 Last Day: Wednesday 16 October
Next Wednesday, we will honour and farewell our Year 12 students at a special assembly to acknowledge their last official day at Kennedy. We wish them all the very best, including the many that are in their final preparations for the WACE examinations which will be used for University entrance. This assembly will also be used to present Academic and Community Awards to celebrate the achievements of our Year 12 students.
Year 12 Graduation will take place on Friday 15 November after the WACE examinations. I hope all of our Year 12 families can join us for both of these special events.
Year 11 Awards Assembly
On Wednesday 30 October, we will celebrate the achievement of our Year 11 students at their last assembly for the year. This will be a formal service to present a range of awards to our Year 11 students and it would be wonderful to have families of award recipients join us on the morning for this special celebration.
Year 7- 10 Last Day 2024
Tuesday 3 December will be the last day for Lower School students at Kennedy this year. The day will commence with our special Awards Assembly to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of all students through the formal presentation of significant awards. We hope you can join us for this fitting end to the academic year.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
I think we just had two weeks holiday! Now, I’m not sure what your holiday break was like but mine reminded me of when I played blues and jazz music. This style of music requires you to make stuff up as you go, especially when you play alongside someone else. Because you don’t know what notes are coming or where the music is going, you learn to roll with it and fit in with other musicians. My holidays have been a whole two weeks of that type of ‘impromptu’ living.
My family had some news before the holiday that led to a string of decisions each day. Each decision could only be made after we got the results of the previous decision. On each new day, something new would happen and we would turn to each other and say: “Well, this is today’s adventure!”
Saying this reminded us to stay in the moment and helped to keep us above any struggles rather than sinking in them. Taking things day by day is a vital skill and we are encouraged by our Heavenly Father to do no more than today. Emotionally carrying yesterday and reacting to what might happen tomorrow only limits our ability to be fully present in today. Instead, we need to learn to trust Him and roll with what comes.
I could not think of better message to give you as we launch into the final sprint that is Term 4. Our Year 12s need only to do each day, each exam or moment of this final few weeks. Parents and teachers too need to hear the message that our yesterdays and tomorrows only get in the way of doing today well. As Jesus encourages us, "Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today." (Matthew 6:34)
Kennedy News
Celebrating Student Achievements
We are proud of all the efforts of our students and would like to congratulate the following members of our community on their perseverance, sportsmanship and outstanding achievements during Term 3.
- Cara Healy was one of just thirty students in One Big Voice's Studio Choir Program, helping to provide recordings for the organisation's outreach into WA schools, where they promote mental wellbeing through song.
- Cerys So was selected to tour with the Australian Girls Choir and performed in France, Switzerland and Singapore over over a three-week period.
- Heinrich Stander and Emma Kempson were announced as the King and Queen of the Track, as recognition for their great results during our Interhouse Athletics Carnival
- Hannah Hudston represented the State in the Hockey Australia Girls U18 Championships on the Gold Coast, playing as Goal Keeper for the Western Australia Black squad.
- Jesse Hawke toured the USA as a member of the Australian baseball team in the U18s Babe Ruth World Series, coming up against both strong American teams and International groups.
- Kaiyo Tan was part of the School Sport WA Swim Team that travelled to the Gold Coast as part of the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships, representing the state in both individual and relay events.
- Lara Lane travelled to New Zealand as part of Water Polo Australia's National Age Group Program, a national squad designed to identify, support and develop future stars in the sport.
- Oliver Newman received a Certificate of Special Merit from the City of South Perth Historical Society, for his research and writing on the history of Salter Point.
If your child has achieved a significant milestone that you would love to see the school acknowledge, please email their Head of Year with more information about their achievements. Make sure to follow our social media pages for some recent student highlights!
Adam's Tour de Kids Mission
Thank you to all of our community members who supported Adam as he rode 1000 kilometres during September to raise funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Adam takes part in the fundraiser in memory of his best friend Nick Kentish, who was a fellow student with Adam at both primary school and at Kennedy.
With your help, Adam has beaten his target and raised over $1500 for this important cause. There is still time to donate to the Tour de Kids via the link below.
Interschool Athletics
In Week 9 of Term 3, the College proudly participated in the ACC ‘D’ Division Athletics Carnival. Kennedy secured a commendable fourth place with the College winning the overall Girls Aggregate.
Some individual highlights included the results for Emma Kempson (Female U19 Champion) and Jessica Ryan (Female U15 Runner Up Champion). These girls kept up their energy throughout the day even as they moved from one event to the next and joined four other Kennedy students in finishing in the Top 5 of their age groups.
Canberra & Sydney Tour
During the recent school holidays, 35 Year 9 students and five staff members embarked on a wonderful educational tour of our national capital Canberra and the city of Sydney.
Our first stop in Sydney, at the Harbour Youth Hostel near the historical Rocks Markets, gave our tour group a great overview of the famous city. In Canberra, our students participated in educational programs with a focus on our country’s history, culture and democratic tradition. This included visits to the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy and Parliament House.
Read more about our fantastic trip by clicking on the link below.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs in 2024. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
Recent Fundraiser Success!
Thank you to all of our families who continue to support the College's fundraising efforts.
The final weeks of last Term saw significant rewards for the Kennedy Pedal Prix Racing Team and, away from the track, parents, students and staff banded together for a Bunnings' Sausage Sizzle fundraiser. Together, they were able to earn nearly $2500, which will help to set up the team up for an even better 2025 season.
The entire Kennedy community also came together for the Year 8 students' community service, supporting Silly Sock Day with both monetary donations and a great number of warm socks and sleeping bags. Thanks to you, we have raised over $2500 for the St Patrick's Appeal.
These results are thanks to the work of each of our community members and we thank you for your generous support in both time and donations.
College Notices
Updating Your Details Through Parent Lounge
It is important that families keep their contact details up to date within Parent Lounge as this information allows the College to send out important communications through SEQTA, from both administration and teaching staff. When a student is under the care of both of their parents or guardians, each parent/guardian should have their details up to date. Currently, there are a significant number of email addresses that 'bounce back' these communications and so require updating.
Please check that the information for both parents/guardians, including email address and home address, is up to date within Parent Lounge by following this helpful guide.
Enrolment Placements Available for Year 11 Students in 2025
There are limited places available at Kennedy Baptist College for students to enjoy a great end to their Secondary Schooling. These places are subject to course availability with further detail available by contacting the Registrar's office.
Year 11 Drama Night - Next Week!
Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town has long been America’s most performed play. It reminds us to look to the future with hope, to see the beauty in the everyday world and to cherish the people we love.
Join us on Monday 14 October when the Year 11 General and ATAR Drama class present their interpretation of this classic work. No bookings are necessary for this performance, which will start at 6.30pm in the Drama Room (upstairs in the Auditorium complex).
Please contact Mrs Anthony for more information.
Instrumental Music Recitals
We are looking forward to the performance of our students as they demonstrate their skills on their chosen instrument. All music students are encouraged to take part in this recital in front of a small audience.
If a student cannot make the allocated date, please email Mrs Anthony directly to organise an alternative date. Students may remain after school to practice in the Music area prior to their Recital and must meet their tutor at 4.30pm in the allocated room for a briefing prior to the 5.00pm start.
These recitals will take place from 5.00 to 6.00pm 21 to 22 October.
Please see the below link for further details, including dates for each Music Tutor, along with their appropriate instrument and ensemble groups.
KPOW - Every Wednesday
Did you know that students, staff, and community members have the opportunity to gather each Wednesday and pray together?
Staff and students meet at lunch for this important time, while members of our community are welcome to attend a gathering from 2.30pm, which is usually in the Lower Foyer.
Parent Forum in Term 4
Psychologist Luke Spagnolo will be challenging common myths and fears surrounding teenage years when he joins us for our next Parent Forum during Week 8 of this Term.
See the link below for more information and to RSVP to this free, adults-only event.
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 4 2024 Opening Hours
During Term 4 of 2024, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed 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 and 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 2024 will be made available in Term 4, including assisting the P&F Association with their volunteering efforts 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 24 October 2024.
