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Photo above: The winners of the 2025 Kennedy Interhouse Athletics Carnival, Osprey!
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
Our College community continues to thrive through the many events and celebrations that bring us together, and I am pleased to share some of these highlights with you, as well as a glimpse of what is still to come this Term.
Community Open Day
Thank you to our wonderful Parents and Friends Association, all our families, and our dedicated staff who supported the College at Open Day. It was incredibly pleasing to have so many community members come along and enjoy the Kennedy experience. Open Day provides an excellent opportunity for the College to showcase the dynamic community we have at Kennedy, and it was great to see everyone sharing their experiences with such a large number of visitors. In particular, we would like to thank our Parents and Friends executive and our staff, who worked tirelessly to coordinate the range of activities available on the day.
Kennedy Day
Congratulations to our Student Executive Leadership team on coordinating a wonderful Kennedy Day. Kennedy has a comprehensive student leadership program designed to help all students grow and develop their leadership skills. Our student leadership team fully manages the day, and it was great to see our students get involved and support them with the wide range of activities developed to promote our College community further.
Community Service
This week, our Year 7 and Year 9 students are taking part in Community Service. These activities provide our students with the opportunity to serve others, acquire new skills, and make a positive impact in the community. We are very proud of the way our students take part and represent Kennedy with kindness and respect.
Father's Day
We are delighted to invite all fathers and father-figures in our Kennedy community to join us for our annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 4 September. This special morning provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital role dads play in the lives of our students and in our College community.
The morning will include a delicious breakfast and the chance to connect with other Kennedy families in a relaxed setting. We are also excited to welcome our guest speaker, Dan Rodgers from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Dan will share an encouraging message to inspire and affirm fathers in their vital roles at home, at work and in the wider community.
We encourage all dads to come along and share this memorable occasion and we look forward to celebrating with you and honouring the incredible influence of fathers in shaping the lives of our young people.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
I love articles that springboard from a famous quote. It brings an extra layer of credibility and support to my words when someone famous started the idea. There is none better to quote than C.S. Lewis, the author of the The Chronicles of Narnia.
“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want Joy, Power, Peace, Eternal Life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them” - C.S. Lewis.
As a Chaplain I get to see how others deal with certain challenges in their lives. This gives me a perspective on what both causes stress and what helps when situations become big issues in everyone’s journey. The one great ingredient in life that I find makes the most difference is related to this C. S. Lewis quote. Having a source or supply of power and peace means that even though the stress and challenges are so great there is an external inflow of what’s needed to carry on.
During many conversations I had with visitors at the recent Kennedy Open Day, I was asked about the college Pastoral Care culture and how faith is applied to our daily school lives. It was my joy to explain to our visitors that at Kennedy we see faith as a personal decision to draw near to the source and supplier of life. Just like getting close to the fire to get warm is a personal decision, getting close to God is the same, and a promised to bring us all we need for life.
In John 6:68, Peter answered Jesus, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life.”
Curriculum Report
Thank you to those students who volunteered their time to assist in different Learning Area displays at the College’s Community Open Day. It was fantastic to have our families attend and visit the various curriculum displays which showcased a variety of ways that students can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of curriculum.
NAPLAN
Individual student NAPLAN reports can be accessed electronically through SEQTA and each student has been given a paper copy. If your child has not yet received their paper copy, please encourage them to come to Student Services.
In 2023, NAPLAN reporting shifted from bands to proficiencies. The NAPLAN proficiency standards include four proficiency levels for each assessment area at each year level:
- Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
There have been numerous articles in the media around NAPLAN and the standards of student performance. The national and state results do not equate to the performance of students at Kennedy Baptist College and our students achieve well above national and state averages. The following is a snapshot of our NAPLAN results, averaging all assessments.
It is important to note that if a student remains in a particular proficiency from Year 7 to Year 9, they are likely to be progressing. The level of difficulty of the question prompts increases from year to year, therefore a student who remains in ‘developing’ from Year 7 to Year 9 is still progressing.
Year 12
Year 12 students are in the final weeks of schooling with all curriculum programs being completed at the end of this term. Apart from examinations, all assessments require completion and must be submitted. Students are reminded that they must complete the whole teaching, learning and assessment program to be awarded a grade. The next three weeks are an opportunity for Year 12 students to finish twelve years of schooling to the best of their ability.
Pastoral Care Report
Student leadership is a vital part of the Kennedy culture, and our program provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in decision-making processes and contribute actively to College life.
A great recent example of this is Kennedy Day, where our students take the chance to celebrate the College community. Our Student Executive Leadership team did a fantastic job organising this event, starting with a fun and lively assembly in our Auditorium and continuing the day with food vans of ice cream, juices, bubble tea and live music during recess and lunch. I want to thank each of our Kennedy student leaders for their willingness and ability to create such an outstanding day.
As our current Year 12 leaders finish their time here at Kennedy, we have completed the selection for the 2026 Student Executive Team. Our rigorous process involved interviewing applicants followed by a Year 11 student vote, and the opportunity for staff to give their input.
Congratulations to our 2026 Student Executive Team, who are as follows:
- Head Girl - Robyn Stander
- Head Boy - Winston Chandra
- Deputy Head Boy - Michael Mchechesi
- Deputy Head Girl - Isabella Vanderwal
Our current team will present these deserving students with their badges at the Year 12 assembly at the beginning of Term 4.
During Week 7, we will begin the process of appointing our Year 8 to 12 Student Council and House Captains. We encourage students to consider whether they would like to be part of the Kennedy leadership team and apply for a position.
As part of the RUOK Day initiative in Week 8, year levels will be split into three groups to hear from three qualified speakers, focusing on the topic of mental health. The day will also be focused on strengthening our Kennedy Community, with pancakes and staff / student sports games!
Finally, as we approach the end of Term 3, I would like to encourage students to make the most of all the available opportunities. Here at Kennedy Baptist College, we offer a range of engaging activities during Extended Form, cohort social events and Community Service initiatives.
Kennedy News
2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival
On Friday 15 August, Kennedy Baptist College students gathered at the WA Athletics Stadium for the much-anticipated Interhouse Athletics Carnival. It was a day full of school spirit, healthy competition, and outstanding athletic performances across both track and field events.
Congratulations to Osprey, who were crowned 2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Champions finishing with a huge 1,711 points!
We look forward to seeing our top athletes now move forward to represent the college at the Interschool Athletics Carnival on Friday 19 September.
Creative Writing Competition
In March this year, students in the Year 9 Creative Writing class were given a specific writing task where they used the prompt ‘The Call’ to create a suspenseful short story for the Katherine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre Spooky Story Competition for 2025.
Students needed to produce an original, unpublished piece of writing with engaging characters and a compelling narrative, including an excellent beginning, middle and end. Students were encouraged to add a twist to allow for even more spooktactular storytelling!
What a joy it was to have two of our students shortlisted. Even more exciting, was to hear the announcement on August 23 that Rafael Widjaja won the Teen 13-17 division with his story Birdsong, and Michelle Ho was awarded the Shire of Mundaring Encouragement Award in the same division for her entry Disconnected.
They are now 'published authors' and their work can be read in this year's KSP Spooky Story Anthology The Call. You can email the KSP to purchase your copy here!
Mrs Sarah Paton-Diggins
English Teacher
Specialist Indoor Cricket Camp
After three days of competition, the Year 7 Specialist Cricket team have emerged as champions, taking out the Grand Final against a spirited Belridge Secondary College. After 10 regular season games (8 wins) and 3 high-stakes finals, the Kennedy team held their nerve and delivered a great performance in the final.
The Grand Final, played in front of a lively crowd at Seamers Indoor Cricket Centre, saw our students display not just talent, but genuine pride and passion for their college. From calm, composed batting to some truly sharp in close catching and fielding, the team showcased both skill and teamwork. It was a pleasure to witness their commitment to each other both on and off the court, and most pleasingly the sportsmanship and spirit shown throughout the camp.
Mr Nathan Kime
Sports Coordinator - Cricket
Dance Showcase
The crowds were massive at this year’s Kennedy Dance Showcase, ‘Places to Go, People to Meet’. The audience enjoyed some incredible performances from a range of styles and students.
The dedication, teamwork and celebration of individuality were clear and inspired everyone who attended. Well done to all those who contributed to an amazing show!
Be BRIO Week
Kennedy Baptist College lit up with Be Brio week this week- a student led celebration of fire, zest, light, energy and life!
We had dodgeball, door decorating and chalk art competitions, a prayer wall and daily photobooth, ending with an all in session of fun! The week had joy and connection filling our campus. Let's keep Being Brio all term!
College Notices
Term 4 Uniform Shop Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop Term 4 opening hours will be Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 3.45pm, closed from 12.30-1.00pm.
September / October School holidays:
- Open to all families Tuesday 7 October 8.00am - 3.45pm, closed from 12.30-1.00pm.
- Fitting appointments for incoming Year 7s and collection of Quick Cliq uniform orders will be from Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 October 8.00am - 3.45pm, closed from 12.30-1.00pm.
- Fully Reopen for Term 4 on Monday 13 October
Social Media Minimum Age Act
From 10 December 2025, social media age-restriction laws will come into effect in Australia. The Social Media Minimum Age Act has been put in place to restrict under 16s in having social media accounts, in order to protect young people and support parents in overseeing their children's health and wellbeing.
Learn more here.
Tickets are now available our annual Father's Day Breakfast!
Happening on Thursday 4 September 2025, from 7:15 AM to 9:00 AM. Please note that this is an adult-only event. For catering purposes, we kindly request your RSVP by clicking the link below before Monday 1 September 2025.
Term 3 Kennedy Insights
We will be hosting the Term 3 Kennedy Insights event on Wednesday 17 September from 5.30pm to 7.00pm in the Kennedy Staff lounge. Guest speakers and topics will include:
- Peter Chase – Home, Coping and Resilience: Three Vital Ingredients to Raise Great Adults
- Karyn Avalos – Teenage Nutrition Made Simple
- Tristan Ward – Cyber Concerns Review
Year 12 Performance Night
Our 12 students are preparing for exceptional performances at the upcoming Drama Night and Music and Dance Night, which will also feature some of our Year 11 Dance and Music students.
Please consider attending these free events to support our students in their artistic pursuits. There is no need to RSVP for these events.
We ask that audience members for the Drama are over 16 years old as the night may contain mature themes.
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 2025 Opening Hours
During Term 3 of 2025, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Wednesday 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed on Thursdays and Fridays
* Closed 12.30 to 1.00pm
For more information, please email our Uniform Shop Manager.
Beedawong Cafeteria Menu
We have a well-balanced menu for breakfast, recess and lunch. Everything is baked and cooked fresh daily with great options including baguettes, wraps, salads and hot food varieties such as beef or chicken burgers, beef nachos and hot chicken rolls. Lunch items are available to order online via Flexischools.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Volunteer opportunities are available by using the link below. 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 11 September 2025.
