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Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Happy New Year to all of our families and welcome to Kennedy Baptist College for 2022. In particular, welcome to all of our new families who are joining us for the first time this year. We trust that everyone has had a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday and are now excited and ready to commence the new academic year.
Throughout the holidays, work has continued at the College to complete some major projects, upgrading our facilities for students. This has included the replacement of Block 3 and 5 air coolers with reverse cycle air conditioning. This replacement program has been an ongoing project across the campus and will be completed at the end of 2022. Work has also continued over the past weeks in preparing and planning great opportunities for all students and we look forward to sharing these throughout the year. Our goal at Kennedy is to equip students to seize these opportunities and strive for greatness in all that they do. After reviewing all events that took place throughout a very busy 2021, we are extremely confident of continuing to provide opportunities for excellence this year and look forward to students embracing all that is on offer in another exciting year.
However, despite our planning we know the current COVID-19 situation will impact on our operations and contingencies are being made to address restrictions and associated issues as they arise. We will continue to update families through our special COVID-19 Update emails as changes occur and new information comes to light. Our priority will always be the safety of our
students whilst minimising the disruption to our great opportunities.
Leadership Change
We would like to wish Mr Alex King all the best as he has been appointed Deputy Principal at South Coast Baptist College. We now congratulate and welcome Miss Melissa Beale to the Executive Leadership team. Melissa has been appointed Acting Director of Students for Term 1 and 2. Consequently, Mrs Judith Russell is now Acting Head of Year 11 for Term 1 and 2.
Mr Ben Pether is on leave for 2022 and Mrs Stephanie Manns has been appointed as King House Coordinator. In her new role as Head of Sport, Mrs Karina Podmore will be overseeing the Specialist Basketball and Cricket Programs.
Year 12 Results
We are proud of our Year 12 students who produced very pleasing WACE results at the end of last year. Our highest ATAR score was 98.9 with our students producing a median ATAR of 84.75 compared to the WA state median of 81.75. Kennedy Baptist College also had 15 students achieve an ATAR score greater than 95.0 and over 30% of our students achieving an ATAR of 90.0 or more. This was an excellent effort.
Congratulations also to Emma Manning who achieved a Subject Exhibition Award for the top examination mark in the state for Business Management and Enterprise. An outstanding effort.
Kennedy was also identified as a School with the highest performing students in the courses of:
- Business Management and Enterprise
- Health Studies
- Psychology
We also had students achieving Subject Certificates of Excellence for being in the top 0.5% in the state for:
- Biology
- Human Biology
- Business Management and Enterprise
- English
- Psychology
The class of 2021 produced some pleasing results due to their hard work and the support provided by College staff to ensure students achieve their goals. However, these results also reinforce the fact that we need our students and parents to be realistic when selecting student academic pathways. Our 2021 results support the College Administration view that some students are still attempting an ATAR pathway when they may have achieved better results in a more suitable alternative course completing the General course pathway.
Mr
Mark Ashby
Principal
New Student Pre-Start Day
Pre-start Day is designed to help new students familiarise themselves with the College, get to know other new students, and meet the staff. Students will discover where their classes will be held, how the College day operates, meet their Form teacher and peer support students.
Pre-start Day for Year 7 Students
The pre-start day will be on Friday 28 January 2022 at 10.00am - 2.00pm in the Lower Foyer. Our incoming Year 7 students are to bring their own snacks, a water bottle, sausage sizzle will be provided for lunch. The dress code is casual modest dress. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, bathers and a towel for outside/water activities.
Pre-start Day for Year 8 to 12 Students
New Year 8 to 12 studnets will meet at 1.30pm in the Staff Lounge. Dress code is free dress (not your school uniform). Please bring your laptop/device if you have not already attended one of the Device Induction sessions. Parents/Guardians of new Year 8-12 students commencing at Kennedy are welcome to join them and the staff in the Staff Lounge for afternoon tea at 3.30pm.
Back to School Information
Term 1 will commence on Monday 31 January 2022 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full summer uniform. The Administration office is now open for any inquiries or information. We hope that you had a restful and safe holiday break.
Term 1 Day 1 Arrangements
To alleviate traffic congestion, Year 8-12 students commence Day 1 Form class at 8.15am and Year 7 students commence at 8.45am. This arrangement is for Day 1 only.
Please be aware of traffic congestion around the College at drop-off and pick-up times. We ask for your support in the following ways:
- Refrain from coming early and parking within the College. Classes do not finish until 3.15pm
- Review the timing of your pick-up. Pick-up areas are supervised by staff until 3.45pm. The Research and Study Centre is open until 4.15pm.
- There are two drop-off/pick-up points (see map) at the College. Using the Auditorium drop-off/pick-up point helps alleviate possible congestion along Farrington Road and reduces the frustration for users of this 70km/h public road. When accessing Farrington Road, please turn left rather than blocking all the traffic behind you by attempting to turn right.
Term 1 Uniform Requirements
We wish to remind all students of the uniform requirements for Term 1 as per the Uniform Policy on the website.
- Students are to wear full summer uniform including College hats or caps, to be worn at recess and lunch (when in the sun). They must also be worn during sport lessons in the sun. The College jumper is to be worn if weather is cool, not the sports jacket.
- Students are expected to keep their hair neat and tidy. All hair is to be cut no shorter than a number 2 and hair that is collar length or longer must all be tied back and away from the face with the tie pointing towards the back of the head. Hair should be tied back with hair coloured elastic and hair accessories should be navy blue. Hair clips if used should match hair colour. Extremes of hair colouring or hair styles including long fringes, shaven sides, dreadlocks or shaven heads are not permitted.
- Boys must always have their face clean shaven. Sideburns should be no longer than the middle of the ears.
- For girls, the College dress is to be worn at knee length or below. They also have the option to wear College formal shorts with grey socks.
- Students are to follow government requirements regarding the wearing of masks.
College Notices
Fees - Secondary Assistance Scheme
The State 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 private school, will be able to apply for the SAS in 2022.
The SAS consists of two allowances:
- $235 Education Program Allowance (payment made to the College, for the student); and
- $115 Clothing Allowance (payment made to the parent/guardian).
For all enquiries regarding the application process/forms please visit our Parent Reception. Applications close on Friday 8 April 2022.
Instrumental Music Program
There are now almost 150 Enrolments for Instrumental Music lessons this year which is a wonderful start to the weekly music lesson program. At the end of Week 1, students taking lessons should receive their timetables from their form teachers, and by the start of Week 2, families of enrolled students should receive invoices via email, which is the week that music lessons will commence.
We are delighted to introduce the following new tutors to our Instrumental Music staff: Ben Caulfield (Violin/Piano), Nathan Nee (Cello) and Indigo Tickle (Voice). If you wish for your child to learn a musical instrument at Kennedy but have missed the deadline, please complete an Enrolment Form so that you can go on the waiting list for a Term 2 start.
The Ensemble Program also continues to expand and these will commence in Week 3 of Term 1. The Music staff at Kennedy will be offering the following ensembles in 2022 (subject to minor changes).
New Website for Kennedy!
We are excited to announce that we now have a brand new Kennedy website! Now easier to navigate and find information and a great landing page for our prospective families.
Download the Kennedy App
The Kennedy App has been designed to further enhance College communication to our community and to provide easy access to important information about College events and daily activities at the College.
The Kennedy app is now used as the main College communication channel to provide instant access to real-time information and correspondence. Please download here.
Lunch Orders
Kennedy's cafeteria has chosen to use Our Online Canteen system to provide an easy and convenient way of ordering your child's meals. Students may purchase breakfast, recess and lunch. (Gluten-free options are now available) Parents/students can purchase via online canteen or cash over the counter. No lunch orders will be taken after 9.00am and ordered lunches will be served first. Click here for Menu and our Canteen Online website.
SmartRider
New students will receive their Smartrider around the third week of Term 1. They will still be able to use their Smartrider from their previous school, provided there is sufficient credit on the card.
2021 Yearbook
We anticipate that the 2021 Yearbook will be available by the end of February 2022. Please note that the Yearbook will be sent home with your eldest child. The Graduation class of 2021 will be able to collect their copy at the Alumni afternoon tea on Friday 25 February 2022 from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Kennedy Handbook
The Kennedy Handbook is designed to be a useful resource for both students and parents. The handbook provides an overview of Kennedy values, facilities, staff, learning, guidelines and policies, procedures and much more. Read more here.
P&F 2022 AGM Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting will be on Wednesday 2 March 2022 in the Staff Lounge followed by our 1st General Meeting for 2022. For more information, please email the P&F.
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, by phoning the College absentee line (08 6188 0698), or via email. 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 Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open this term on a Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday from 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Please note that the Uniform Shop is closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information,
email our Uniform Shop Manager, Mrs Quita Strachan.
Term 1 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 2022 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 10 February 2022.
