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Photo above: On their last day, Year 12 Students prepare for their Guard of Honour.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
It was wonderful to celebrate with our Year 12 students on their last official day, and to honour and reflect on their significant contribution to Kennedy. Individuals students were acknowledged through our Year 12 Awards Assembly, with the recognition of achievements across curricular and co-curricular. It was great to see so many families join us for this celebration and not surprising to see tears from both them and the students – not to mention our staff – as we 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 heart felt messages delivered by Form Teachers to their students. Our final opportunity to farewell the Year 12’s will occur on Friday 17 November at their graduation night. This too promises to be a great occasion.
Year 11 Examinations and 2024 Preparation
As the weeks of Term 4 pass by, examinations for Year 11 students are now approaching rapidly. These students now have only one week of formal classes before the examinations commence. I encourage all of these students 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 be at school for the day immediately after exams. This will provide staff an opportunity to review Semester results and provide students with preparation packages for 2024. Our goal is to prepare all students for Year 12 as best as possible.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
Welcome to part two of my 'Order and Chaos' series. I began touching on this theme in the last newsletter and I hope to run with it through to the end of the year. I love to use my little newsletter space to communicate a sense of hope to our college community of almost three and a half thousand, amongst the chaos of life.
Sometimes, we wrestle with this disorder and breakdown in many facets of life. Health, relationships, possessions, and even nations all tend to break down eventually. This causes anxiety and depression in many people and, as a chaplain, I find myself sitting with those people. What then is the answer to this seeming inevitable decay of everything in life? How do I personally find real hope in the face of chaos, and how do I infuse that hope into others?
In the last few weeks, I have started a vegetable garden at home. I needed to grab a patch of untamed, chaotic ground, and then put in a significant amount of effort to create a place to grow vegetables. I then raised some seeds and with more effort, I dug up some ground to plant out my vegetables. All that was just the start of my garden! Now, every day since then I have needed to tend and care for my seedlings, watering them, shading them, and chasing crows away. All this just keep the chaos at bay.
My vegetable garden speaks to the real hope that I have, even amongst the disorder and the weeds. Growing my vegetables is a glimpse of God’s creative order in this world He made. God has made a place for us with His own creative energy. After His creative work finished the garden, He then has remained faithful to care for it. The seemingly inevitable decay we experience in life is only abated by God holding all things together by His hand. The real answer to the chaos and decay is the creative sustaining by the maker of all things.
Hebrews 1:3 “..He holds everything together by His powerful word.”
Year 7 Report
Our Year 7 students continue to grasp opportunities as we get well underway into Term 4 and near the completion of their first year of secondary school. Students have excelled in academic and sporting pursuits, including state representation. Congratulations to all students who have attained these positive results, we look forward to celebrating you during the Year 7-10 Awards Assembly on Tuesday 5 December.
Our students are excited to continue our community service with Lakeside Baptist Church seniors this Term, with these interactions a highlight for both generations. The time spent with the seniors has shown the excellent interpersonal skills our Year 7 students have developed. There are always smiles and laughter despite the stresses of trying to make the perfect cuppa.
I would like to encourage all students to continue to act respectfully and to keep this attitude as an integral part of who they want to become . Respecting difference and embracing the diversity of others has been a focus this year and, for those who have adopted this message, there have been fantastic results and relationship building. My hope is that as a cohort, students will maintain respect for others, themselves and their environment as they approach the last of assessments and the impending Summer holidays.
As we look towards the holidays, I encourage you to continue to work hard, to give your best and to embrace challenges as they arise.
Year 8 Report
Students brought the sunshine with them when they returned in summer uniform for their final term as Year 8 students. There has been a positive vibe amongst the cohort with individual students achieving success in sport over the holidays; Oscar Read, Bronze Medal in National Jujitsu Competition; Andrew Blair and Liam Atkinson, Gold Medal in U13’s National Hockey Championships; Jorge Martin-Teramoto, Gold Medal in U14’s National Kumite Championships. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the time, dedication, and successes that these students have achieved.
This week, Year 8 students were invited to a morning tea shared with senior residents at Murdoch Gardens Care Community. On arrival, students were welcomed by seniors, shown the grounds and tea rooms, before we enthusiastically served cake and warm drinks to the residents. Opportunities that encourage inter-generational interactions often promote empathy, understanding and a sense of community. Students can connect and learn from the life experiences shared by seniors and offer a sense of companionship to seniors.
In return, seniors can enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of a younger generation and these social interactions can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Although seniors may not have understood the boy’s Edgar Hair Styles or young people’s fascination with TikTok, it was heartwarming to witness the connections between young and old. I look forward to partnering with Murdoch Gardens Community Care in the future and share experiences for the benefit of students and seniors alike.
Deuteronomy 32:7 tells us to, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders and they will explain to you.”
Year 9 Report
The end is in sight for the year as we approach the halfway mark of our Year 9 student's secondary education. Our second set of exams are coming up fast and the feedback from the students after the first round was that they would approach these exams differently. The number one response when I asked them about their exams was, “I will start my study earlier!”. I will be going around and encouraging students to start off with a plan well before the exam period, and get them each to prepare a study plan.
This term we are excited to be helping with the St Bartholomew’s Christmas hamper appeal. Each Year 9 has been asked to bring in an item for a hamper and we will collect them and take them to the Women’s service at the end of November. Please see hamper list below and help your student to collect an item and bring it into school by Tuesday 22 November. This is a great opportunity for our students to get involved in giving to people who have been affected by homelessness in their lives.
This year is flying by so quickly and as end of year fatigue arrives, I’ve been reminding our Year 9s to be kind. In all interactions around the College and in their comments towards each other, I am just asking that they are kind. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I know that with this attitude, we can all finish the year strong.
St Bartholomew's Christmas Wish List:
- Small Pack of coffee sachets
- Fancy ice tea
- Drink bottle
- Packet of fancy biscuits
- Small box or packet of chocolates
- Individual Christmas puddings/cakes/slices
- Packet of nuts or nut mixes
- Keep cup of coffee mug
- Mini calendar with nice pictures
- Fruit mince pies
- Fancy chips, crackers, or pretzels
- Word search/crosswords/puzzle book
- Honey
Year 10 Report
It has been exciting to witness the growth of our Year 10 students over the past 12 months. A year ago, only five candidates applied for the position of Year 10 Student Councillor. Those numbers doubled last Wednesday and I couldn’t be prouder of the ten students who bravely stood in front of their peers and spoke about their desire to represent the college as 2024 Year 11 Student Councillors. I am grateful for the students who applied.
This week, the 11/7 mentors tried on their 11/7 mentor shirts. The students talked about the positive impact student mentors had on them when they were in Year 7 and now look forward to being able to help the incoming group of Year 7 students. The 11/7’s will receive mentor training later this term to further develop their communication and leadership skills.
On Thursday 2 November, 180 students will head to East Fremantle Yacht Club for the Year 10 social event. I’m looking forward to seeing our students dressed up in their ‘spring’ themed attire. The flower wall photo booth will be incredibly popular and the students are in for a treat with DJ Yung Sly at the turntable. It promises to be a great night!
Later in the month, on Wednesday 29 November, the Year 10’s will participate in Transition Day. This event is aimed at preparing students for the transition to upper school. Students will have opportunities to ask questions to a panel of educators, to listen to advice from school chaplain Peter Chase and school counsellor Jess Plenty, as well as gain an insight into the importance of having healthy relationships, as discussed by our guest presenter, Sagency WA’s establishing director, Alison D’Vine.
1 Thessalonians 5:11,“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Year 11 Report
Now that Kennedy has farewelled the Year 12 students, our Year 11 students step up as the oldest cohort. This is always a time of reflection and a chance to recognise how far our students have come. Over the last few weeks, we have formally recognised our 2024 Student Executive and chosen our Year 12 House Captains and Student Counsellors.
It is then a perfect time to say thank you to our student leaders of 2023 and recognise the work that they have put in. A quote I keep coming back to seems appropriate here: “We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking” (Richard Rohr). Our 2023 leaders met the challenges they were set and I hope that, as well as enjoying their experiences, they recognise the personal growth their roles provided. This is also my hope for our 2024 leaders.
This switch of school season brings some exciting firsts. Parking permit applications are open online and students are aware of what needs to be done. Leavers jacket ordering will take place shortly. It is a different process this year, so I ask everyone to please pay close attention to the new information when it is issued. Planning for the 2024 Ball is also underway. Make sure to lock in 9 February 2024 and watch out for information soon.
As we approach Semester 2 exams, I urge students to remember the study techniques they have been taught and proactively seek teacher guidance to help them face exams more confidently and competently. I wish only success for all our students.
Year 12 Report
Last week was a busy but memorable week for the Year 12s, Form teachers, and myself. The week started with Monday’s dress up, where students came dressed in the style of their future careers and group pizza lunches with mentor Teachers. Tuesday was a full day out at Fremantle for an “Amazing Race” style competition. This included blind eating challenges, rolling the dice to see how many biscuits were to be consumed, and a mystery drink station where students tried to tell the difference between Coke, PepsiMax and LA Cola, or Gatorade and Powerade. While racing around Fremantle, students tried to keep their raw egg in one piece, get photos with police and Mr Ashby, drink slushies from 7/11, and get footage of each other rolling down hills and making human pyramids. It was such an enjoyable way to finish up with this very special group.
Finally, Wednesday came and we gathered with a fantastic breakfast in the Lower foyer. Thank you to the Beedawong Cafeteria staff who went over and above with breakfast wraps, burgers, bagels, waffles, ice-cream, fruit... they had it all!
This was followed by the final Awards Assembly where we celebrated the achievements of this cohort, whether they be in the area of academia, community and leadership, or sports. Year 12 Form teachers also gave some heartfelt messages for their own Form as they summarised the past three years spent together before some heartfelt singing and dancing. A huge shout out to the staff who, for the sake of the Year 12s, dressed up, sang, played music, danced to provide some entertainment. We hope that you enjoyed it!
I know many of our Year 12 students are now refocusing and getting back into study mode as they prepare for their WACE examinations. A reminder for any student who missed instructions from Mr Jiow and Ms Lamet (Deputy Principal: Curriculum), Year 12s completing exams need to download their personalised WACE timetable from the SCSA student portal.
It has been an absolute honour journeying with this group of young men and women. As I quoted in the assembly, from the song ‘For Good’ in the musical Wicked, I truly believe that “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”. Thank you, Year 12s. I so look forward to seeing you again on Friday 17 November for your Graduation evening.
Kennedy News
Champions Read
Students had the opportunity at the beginning of this term to read their way to victory with our annual Champions Read event. This year's Champions Read was another great success, beginning with a whole-school reading event in our first Extended Form of the term. Students have been earning House points for every 15 minutes they have spent reading in this friendly competition.
On Tuesday, the competition leapt off the page as students and staff came dressed as their favourite book characters. A range of genres was on display, from picture books about crayons to classics like Old Macdonald's Farm and Alice in Wonderland. A competition was held at Recess with the best of the students being named before the staff took the stage to show off their meticulously crafted costumes - including custom made Cat in the Hat hats and ties!
Well done to everyone who participated! The funds raised from the day will go towards our Transform Cambodia Kennedy School in Phnom Penh and we thank all students and families for their thoughtful donations.
Champions Read also marks the one year anniversary of the official Kennedy RASC Instagram account. This page highlights the frequent activities that our Research and Study Centre organises, plus book recommendations and tips. Make sure to give it a follow!
Chinese Language Awards
Well done to all of our students who took part in the State Chinese Writing and Mandarin Speaking competition. Both competitions were hugely successful events with participants showcasing very high levels of Chinese writing and/or Mandarin speaking skills.
Congratulations to Sonia Ting (Year 8) for achieving second place in writing, Max Bennetts (Year 9) for being awarded fourth place in speaking, Cerys So (Year 10) for receiving recognition of excellence in writing, and Ethan Myers (Year 10) for his own efforts in Chinese writing.
Aimie Hugo: Leadership and Hopes
We have been privileged to see the growth and service of our Year 12 students as they have embraced all that Kennedy Baptist College has to offer.
Departing Head Girl Aimie Hugo recently shared with us her experiences as a student here as well as her top study tips and hopes for the future.
Alliance Française Course
Well done to the following Year 11 students for completing the Alliance Française ATAR reinforcement course: Novin Dickson, Sunni Holyoake, Chloe How, Pierre Mitran, Harriet Morley, and Owen Tan. Emma Barker and Jordan Pescud (both Year 12) also did fantastically well to finish the course.
This course helps to enhance what our students learn at school as they continue to improve on their grammar and vocabulary.
Kennedy Chess Champion
The annual Kennedy Chess Championship tournament held earlier this year saw fierce competition amongst a diverse group of enthusiastic chess players across all year groups. The large field of around 30 players was divided into three pools and the winner of each pool went into a three-way playoff. James Murray (Year 9, last year’s champion), rising star Xavier Clark (Year 7), and Sammuel Chansongo (Year 11) went through to the finals.
The title was decided by some intense and hard fought head-to-head battles. A win to either player in the final game between James and Xavier would have forced a "sudden death" tie-breaker. But their game resulted in an adjudicated draw, allowing Sammuel to keep his slim points lead and clinch the title. Well done to Sammuel Chansongo, Kennedy Chess Champion for 2023!
Mr Steve Dennis
Science Teacher
Guzheng Festival Participation
There have been major performances over the past few weeks as part of the fourth W.A. Chinese Guzheng Festival. We congratulate our Guzheng students for taking part in these performances and thank Teresa Tan and Gabby Li for this wonderful opportunity.
World Teachers' Day Friday 27 October
At Kennedy, we are incredibly proud of all our teachers and of the hard work that they put in to educate and inspire our students. World Teachers' Day tomorrow is a chance to celebrate our Kennedy teachers and thank them for all of the hard work that they do, in and out of the classroom.
Some great ways to let your teacher know how much you appreciate them is to share a "hats off" selfie, make a "hats off to Teachers" selfie GIF on the World Teachers' Day website, or simply by telling your teachers how great they are.
If you're sharing to social media, make sure to use #WorldTeachersDay2023 and tag @kennedy_baptist_college!
Visit the World Teachers' Day website to find out some other great ways to highlight our teachers.
College Notices
TransportmeTM - Affecting All Kennedy Bus Users
In a significant improvement to our bus system, Kennedy will be introducing TransportmeTM from Monday 6 November 2023. This digital system will allow the payment of fares through a phone application rather than at the Beedawong Cafeteria. It will also give families the ability to easily check bus routes and stops, and track buses in real-time.
A letter will be going out to parents who students are currently using the Kennedy bus service with more information about these changes, including 'frequently asked questions' and details about how to download and use the TransportmeTM application.
Year 11 Parking Permit Applications
Year 11 students have been sent a link and instructions for the online application of a parking permit for 2023/2024. All steps must be completed before a permit can be issued.
Once the form has been submitted, parents will receive an email from the Office Manager requesting them to read and accept the student driver guidelines.
Kennedy Insights: The Path to Clean Air and Healthy Lungs
Following on from last year’s Parent Seminar on vaping, Kennedy is holding a second discussion on this important health topic. We are privileged to welcome back speaker and researcher Azalene Williams, with their previous visit helping to open doors around the prevention of vaping.
We hope that you will join us for this event as we provide parents and guardians an overall picture of vaping, what to be aware of, and strategies to manage the issue.
This seminar will take place on Tuesday 28 November 5.30pm to 7.00pm.
Transitioning to Year 7 in 2024
We have a strong program to help students transition into high school and begin their life as part of the Kennedy community. As well as events to take place early next year, uniform fitting has already begun and orientation is coming up.
Orientation Day for Year 7 students beginning in 2024 will take place on Friday 24 November from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
For general information about beginning at Kennedy Baptist College please click here. For information that is specific to Year 7 students who will be starting in 2024, please click the link below.
Employment at Kennedy
There are several opportunities to join the Kennedy team, including full time positions. We are currently seeking a Head of Learning Area - English and Languages, Head of Finance, and a Science Teacher. Each of these applications close on Sunday 29 October.
If you or somebody that you know is interested in working in our supportive and caring environment, please apply via our website.
Photographic Prints (Sports, Music & Academic) Available for Purchase
Printed copies of sports photos are now available to purchase online. To order, navigate to the 'order online' section of the Fotomakers WA website, or click on the button below.
Choose the gallery '2023 Kennedy BC - Sports, Music & Academic Groups' from the drop down menu and login using your email address. The password for the gallery is kATpm7.
From there, find any photos that you would like to purchase (ordered by album), click on 'buy photo', and add it to your cart.
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 Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open in Term 4 from Monday - Thursday from 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed on 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 & 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 are continually available for 2023, please see below for more information.
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 9 November 2023.
