Photo above: Year 12 Last Day.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,
 

Mandatory Vaccination Announcement 

The State Government recently announced an overarching mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy with a phased approach to the workforce and certain occupations within Western Australia. Kennedy Baptist College, therefore, needs to implement the mandate that all College staff and regular volunteers will be required to have their first dose by 31 December 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 31 January 2022. Staff who need to attend College before the start of Term 1, 2022 must be fully vaccinated before returning to the College. We are currently developing appropriate processes to ensure we adhere to these new requirements.
 

End of Year Celebrations

It was wonderful to celebrate an annual milestone at Kennedy last week. This being our Year 12 Awards Assembly and the farewelling of our Year 12 students on their last official day. The Assembly provided a great opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of students and a wide range of awards were presented across all curricular and co-curricular aspects of achievement. It was fantastic to see so many families join us for this celebration.

The last day plans for our Year 12s provided a great opportunity to honour these students and reflect on their significant contribution to Kennedy. It was not surprising to see tears from students, parents and staff as the entire College farewelled this special group of students. Kennedy prides itself on the care and support it provides for students and this was certainly reinforced by the heartfelt messages delivered by Form Teachers to their students. Our final opportunity to farewell the Year 12’s will occur on Friday 19 November at their graduation night. This too, promises to be a great occasion.
 

Year 11 Examinations and 2022 Preparation

We now look forward to our next Awards Assembly on Wednesday 3 November where we will honour our Year 11 students.

Our Year 11s have only one week of formal classes before their examinations commence. I encourage them to have a well-organised study program in place as they prepare for these important assessments. Achieving the best possible grades now will certainly help to ease any pressure next year.

All Year 11 students have been informed that they will be expected to attend classes for the day immediately after exams on Monday 22 November. This will provide staff an opportunity to review semester results and provide students with preparation packages for 2022. Our goal is to prepare all students for Year 12 as best as possible.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Devotion

Welcome to the first of my final term devotions. We have been spending the whole year in this newsletter space looking at the major theme in all the Bible, the Kingdom of God. I have been trying to open up the concept, and view, of God’s Kingdom as we all journey through our years. I never know how effective I am in these newsletter articles in prompting you to ponder the wonder of life from the vantage point of God’s Kingdom. Please let me know if you have been helped by these devotions this year.

From this week, we have only three more newsletters going out this year and I want to plainly summarise what I feel is the most important detail in living a dynamic life. I have discovered a view of the Kingdom over the last 35 years of my involvement with people. Many of whom have been in what we all generally call crisis, or challenging situations. I have been with many young people emotionally, mentally and physically stretched. I have cared for many people with cancer and major medical issues. I have been in the middle of families and relationships that are breaking or fully broken. All of these moments, all of this turmoil, all of this brokenness has convinced me that to see the Kingdom of God is the only view that solves the equation of life.

God’s Kingdom is described as the place where all the plans and character of God are freely expressed without challenge or resistance. We see it dimly when our daily lives flow with the qualities of God’s Kingdom. When the goodness of God is expressed without any resistance, we begin to see life as it is purposed to be. Cancer, failing health, broken relationships, abuse, depression are not in God’s plan, or part of His character, but we all commonly see this on a daily basis. My hope is to finish this year’s newsletters and leave us all longing and seeking, for God’s Kingdom to be expressed in and through each and every one of us.

Year 7 Report

As the year flies by we are coming up to some exciting times in the Year 7 cohort.

In the last week of the last term, we had several events where we celebrated reading. Our Year 7 students had the '11 in 7' events in the Research and Study Centre where over 80 students in Year 7 who have read 11 books this year enjoyed a pizza lunch. See some photos below.

We have our House Captain and Councillor Elections for 2022 student leaders coming up. This year’s student leaders have been amazing and so helpful and I would like to thank them for all they did over the year. I am impressed with the number of students who have put up their hand to be leaders at Kennedy next year. As I have been talking to the students about what we are looking for in a student leader, I was reminded of this Bible verse from Philippians 2:3-4 ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others’. I look forward to hearing their speeches and seeing who their peers vote for.  

In Week 7 we will be having our Year 7 Social at Lazer Blaze in Willetton. This was the second most popular vote from the students for a social activity and students will have the option of coming on either the Tuesday or Thursday. This will be a great social event to finish off such a big challenging year in the transition to high school. I am hopeful that the Year 7s can finish off the year strong with continued good behaviour and keep working to the best of their ability until the last day this year.

Year 8 Report

In a year that is whizzing past we have another busy term. On Wednesday we had our third group undertake Community Service with the final group that went yesterday. It has been great to see the positive interactions between the students and residents, confirming to me the amazing group of young people this group is. Coming up next week we have our social event, I am looking forward to having a lot of fun with the group and seeing their elite bowling skills.

Throughout the year I have encouraged the students to think about ‘what type of person do you want to be?’ I encourage them to continue to reference this in the decisions they make. This covers all aspects of their lives, not just learning but helping students to potentially achieve their goals. Being more proactive in how students approach life allows them to keep moving forward and continually learn in the process, a key tenet of Kennedy values. This also includes students recognising their unique virtues - the things that make them who they are - ensuring they use these positively throughout their lives.

I would like to take a moment to thank our outgoing student leaders for 2021. Student Councillors: Jared, Jada, Cerys and Owen and House Captains: Sienna, Josh, Cooper and Rachel. You have all done a fantastic job. Thank you! Congratulations to the incoming student leaders for 2022. They will be formally announced later in the year.

Year 9 Report

"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." Proverbs 4:25-26.

I have loved watching our Year 9s grow this year. In addition to physically growing taller, I have also observed a noticeable increase in maturity within our cohort. Students have generally learnt to respect one another, and we have all come a long way in celebrating differences rather than condemning them.

The above Bible verse tells us to look forward and focus on what is ahead of us. In Term 4, many of us need this encouragement as distractions swirl around us. With less than six weeks to go until the end of the year, I encourage everyone to keep their gaze straight and eyes fixed on finishing well.

Semester Two examinations will be upon us before we know it, so all students should set up a study schedule to ensure they are prepared well before exams commence in Week 6.

This term we have had another two Community Service events to St Bartholomew’s House, with 9K2 and 9S1 having had the opportunity to show off their barbecuing skills and engage in some meaningful, and at times confronting, conversations with the St Bart’s residents. Thank you to all students who put their hand up to be a blessing to others.

This term’s Extended Form schedule is packed full of important events and activities. In Week 1 of this term, we took part in the Champions Read, where we enjoyed a full period of uninterrupted silent reading. The rest of this term will bring House, Year Group and Awards Assemblies, World Mental Health Day celebrations and student leadership elections. We look forward to welcoming our new student leaders for 2022.

Year 10 Report

I am amazed after each holiday break the difference in height of many of the Year 10s, I am sure most gain a couple of centimeters, however, it feels like they are growing 10cm per break. Growth is a funny thing, often we do not notice growth until we take a step back to see where we began or came from. As the Year 10s continue to grow and mature, I am proud of how they have conducted themselves so far this term in College and externally, on excursions and carnivals representing the College. I have received a great deal of positive feedback on their behaviour at the HASS excursions, cricket tournaments and sports excursions, something the students and parents should be proud of. 

Yesterday concluded the House Captain and Student Councillor nominations, speeches and voting for 2022 leadership.  I would like to congratulate all the students who applied for these roles. The remainder of the term is filled with multiple events and opportunities, some for celebrating and enjoying others for focusing and working hard.  

The Year 10 social evening is next Thursday 4 November at East Fremantle Yacht Club, a night for the Year 10s to practice some of the dances they have learned and enjoy some quality time with peers. Following that, exams in Week 6 – 7 (exam timetables have been sent out to both students and parents). Positive mental health days, training of 11/7 peer support and Year 11 Transition Day are all coming up at the end of Term 4. 

2 Peter 3:18 provides an important reminder for each of us; But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Year 11 Report

With the Year 12s saying farewell last week, our Year 11s are now the eldest cohort here at the College. It has been a pleasure to see the growth of this group over the course of the year. I am incredibly proud of our Year 11s and am sure they will continue to be great role models for the younger students.

For many of our Year 11 students, exams are fast approaching and this can be a challenging time. I have noticed that some students have become anxious and keep their anxiety a secret for fear of appearing weak or being a burden. Can I encourage families to talk to your child and let them know that if they are feeling anxious, ‘name it to tame it'. There are plenty of people who can help support students who are struggling with anxiety and talking about it is helpful. I also encourage students to develop good study habits and a healthy lifestyle which will assist when preparing for exams.

The weather will begin heating up soon and too much caffeine or energy drinks can dehydrate you. Students should drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods and ensure that they get a good nights sleep. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day is also essential. Sticking to a routine by eating and sleeping around the same time each day will be beneficial too. Another key to success is to reduce screen time and social media usage and focus on study, rather than getting caught up in friendship dramas.  

I recently returned from the Newman Indigenous Tour and it was fantastic to see the students serve others. At Martu Farm, one of the volunteers, Janice, said that the group did the equivalent of ‘five days of volunteer work in one day’ and for that she was very grateful. At Nullagine Primary School, it was heart-warming to see the close interactions between our students and the Nullagine students. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Olivia Rees and Mr. Alvin New for giving up part of their holidays and 10 days away from family to assist with the tour.

Year 12 Report

We had a fantastic final week with the Year 12s, celebrating their six years of schooling. I was so proud of them all, they were amazing and displayed excellent behaviour throughout their time with me.

The last week was a busy yet exciting few days. The dress-up day on Tuesday was wonderful with all students taking a great deal of effort to present themselves in interesting outfits. We met in the Lower Foyer to reward their efforts, I personally think all should have received a prize. Students then had the opportunity to meet with their mentors and enjoyed a scrumptious pizza lunch. Time was spent reflecting on the year, giving encouragement, and talking about what the next season would look like. 

On Wednesday we met in Beedawong at 7.15am for a beautiful buffet breakfast provided by our Cafeteria staff. It was such a lovely morning with barista coffee, great food, and time for students to socialise. This was followed by a very special final Awards Assembly where some of us were a bit emotional! I was especially excited about our Year 12 Form teachers’ performance. Some demonstrated why we chose teaching - not dancing, whilst others display great hidden talent. Special thanks go to Miss Sarah Harris whose incredible production skills were put to wonderful use making us look good. What a great feat!

After the Awards Assembly, we showed our appreciation with a walk of honour, with students cheering on the Year 12 students as they made their way to the Sports Centre. The Year 7 students awaited their arrival in the Sports Centre and we all got to participate in a count down for a great cloud of confetti being released over our 12s. With tears, hugs, and smiles, students finally realised that this is their last day at Kennedy Baptist College. We enjoyed a lovely morning tea in the Lower Foyer with parents and siblings. Nobody seemed in a hurry to leave, and students stayed to get photographs signed.

Thank you to all parents who joined us for this special occasion. What an amazing day and one I won’t forget. We now look forward to Graduation evening which I know will be another memorable event. > Please click here for the dress-up day and last day photos. 

Kennedy News

‘Fading Numbers’ by Former Kennedy Student

Former Kennedy Student, Aron Attiwell’s short film, Fading Numbers, brings Holocaust stories to the surface. 

Fading Numbers is a short film portraying stories of survival from one of history’s darkest chapters, this film is designed to educate more than entertain. The short film features eight real-life recollections of the Holocaust, with characters based on those that have shared their personal experiences. 

Aron has been working on the project for two years. He said the inspiration for the film came from a visit to the Holocaust Institute of WA during his final year of high school. After approaching the Institute, Aron began getting in touch with survivors, some of whom he discovered through online testimonies. The film was produced by Aron and Hereen Kumar, with Jordan Prince-Wright onboard as executive producer. A crowd-funding campaign for the film has also raised more than $10,000.

The final version of Fading Numbers was shown a few days ago and will be shown at the Holocaust Institute of WA as well as the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Melbourne. We were also pleased to hear that the Minister of Education endorsed the film being available to all secondary schools. Kennedy is extremely proud of Aron’s achievements and continues to support him on this journey.

College Notices
 

Purchase Sport Photos

Those who wish to purchase 8x10 of the sport group photos taken earlier this year can follow instructions here. Please go to www. fotomakerswa.com.au and use the password: kNJ8xA.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 11 November 2021.