Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families, 

Alongside our Be Brio focus, this term we have been walking — perhaps unknowingly — through the powerful words of Matthew 6:25–34. At the heart of this passage is a deeply needed reminder: “Do not worry about tomorrow… focus instead on what God is doing today.”

This theme has quietly shaped the flow of our term. It’s echoed through Kennedy Day devotions, lunchtime Bible studies and conversations with students, particularly Year 12s navigating their final weeks of school. It hasn’t been loud or demanding, but rather a gentle thread pulling us back to spiritual clarity: God is present and working in the now.

In a world increasingly marked by stress and uncertainty, Jesus’ words meet us right where we are. Many of us are stretched thin by deadlines, expectations and unknowns. Even everyday pressures can become overwhelming. Yet Jesus reminds us that we are not asked to carry the future. Instead, we are invited to trust in God’s steady, faithful presence today.

The Message translation of Matthew 6:34 puts it simply: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.”

This is the invitation: to slow down, to breathe, and to trust that God is already ahead of us — and fully present with us right now. As we come to the end of Term 3, and the last couple of weeks for our Year 12s, may we not rush ahead, but rest in the peace that comes from trusting God with today.

As we approach the end of Term 3, it has been wonderful to see two of our community service opportunities take place in close succession. These occasions provided valuable moments for our students to actively engage with and contribute to our wider community. It was encouraging to witness the genuine respect, warmth, and enthusiasm shown by the students as they interacted with our guests. The conversations shared across generations created a lively and welcoming atmosphere, and it was clear that both students and seniors alike enjoyed the experience.

A special thank you to families for their generosity in providing such an abundant and varied morning tea. The spread of food was not only greatly appreciated but also played an important role in creating a sense of hospitality and care that underpinned the whole event. These community service opportunities continue to be a highlight of our school calendar, and we look forward to many more occasions where our students can live out the value of service with such kindness.

In addition to our recent community service experiences, our students also enjoyed participating in the fun and excitement of Kennedy Day. The atmosphere was filled with energy, laughter, and a sense of celebration. One of the highlights was the arrival of the ice cream trucks; despite the cold morning it brought plenty of smiles and a whole heap of ice cream. It was certainly not your everyday school experience.

Alongside these moments of fun, there has also been a strong focus on learning. During a recent extended form, the RASC dedicated time to revising and refining study skills, equipping students with strategies to approach their work with confidence. Whilst for some this may be repetitive, developing effective study habits is an important part of learning, ensuring that each student can achieve their personal best. By balancing celebration and enjoyment with preparation and strategies, our students are continuing to grow not only in knowledge but also as the characters they are meant to be.

It has been a joy to witness the excellent effort of our Year 8 students throughout Term 3. Their commitment to the Community Service initiative with St Patrick’s Community Support Centre has been truly inspiring. Through a wide variety of student-led projects our Year 8s have raised an incredible $3,500 to support those experiencing homelessness. From market stalls featuring a variety of food and carnival-style activities, to generous donations of items in need and the classic sausage sizzle, every effort contributed to this remarkable outcome.

This success reminds us of Paul’s encouragement in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV): “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” The teamwork, generosity and joyful spirit demonstrated by our Year 8 students show what can be achieved when we work together for a common purpose. The Form teachers and I are deeply grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm, and creativity students poured into this project, and for the generous support of families who encouraged them.

As we celebrate this excellent achievement, a final reminder to students: please ensure your individual projects are completed and submitted by tomorrow, Friday 12 September. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference and strengthens the impact of our collective service to the community.

Looking ahead, I would also like to share some personal news. I will be taking long service leave in Term 4. While I am sad not to finish the year with our Year 8 cohort, I know they, and their families, will be in the capable hands of Mr Simon Haydock who will be acting Head of Year 8. He will continue to build on our Year 8 focus of fostering community and strengthening connection. I look forward to returning in 2026 refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to re-join the journey with our students.

Thank you to every family for your ongoing encouragement and support throughout this year. I pray that the final term of 2025 will be filled with growth, joy, and opportunities for our students to shine.

This term, our Year 9 cohort embraced an extensive Community Outreach program, with 216 students stepping beyond the classroom to gain real-world experience by serving others and strengthening connections with the wider community.

Our Basketball Specialist students took on leadership roles, training and running coaching clinics at three local primary schools. Other groups partnered with Murdoch University, focusing on environmental sustainability projects and gaining industry experience with Murdoch Active. Students also contributed through a wide range of service opportunities, including supporting WA Wildlife, preparing meals for those in need with the Food Rescue program, engaging with residents at Murdoch Gardens Aged Care, assisting volunteer firefighters, and carrying out restoration projects with the Spanish Club of WA.

The day was a tremendous success, made possible through the generosity of these organisations who welcomed and partnered with us. Highlights included glowing feedback about our students’ maturity and character, outstanding leadership shown in basketball clinics, dedicated efforts in weeding and tree planting, the preparation and donation of 156 meals, and the hands-on restorative work at the Spanish Club. Club president Tony Carvajal expressed heartfelt gratitude for the students’ contribution, noting the tangible difference they made for both him and the broader community.

We could not be prouder of our Year 9 students—their enthusiasm, service, and attitudes reflected our College values in action. A sincere thank you to all involved for making this outreach such a rewarding and memorable experience.

As we look forward to finishing the term strong, this week also marks the start of our R U OK? Week activities. These initiatives are designed to foster a positive and inclusive culture where students feel they belong, while also encouraging them to check in and support one another. We encourage all students and staff to get involved and embrace these fantastic opportunities.

This term, our Year 10 students have participated in a three-part program designed to unite the cohort and address common concerns around friendships, relationships, and understanding the opposite sex. The initiative aimed to create a safe and supportive space where students could reflect, ask questions, and break down misconceptions.

The series began with split sessions, where the boys attended a presentation with our Chaplain, Peter Chase, on masculinity, peer expectations, and respect, while the girls participated in a We Are Women workshop focusing on respect, consent, and relationships. These sessions set the foundation for open and honest conversations.

In the second session, the boys worked with HASS teacher, Mr Liam Austen, and the girls worked with me, in interactive workshops themed “Ask a Boy Anything” and “Ask a Girl Anything.” These sessions provided an opportunity for students to explore and challenge assumptions around boy–girl friendships, breaking down stereotypes in a safe environment.

The final session brought the whole group together, where I presented the girls’ questions to the boys, and Liam Austen shared the boys’ questions with the girls. This exchange encouraged empathy, perspective-taking, and respectful discussion. An example of the questions that students asked included, ‘Why are girls different when they are with their friends compared to when they are with boys?’ and ‘What makes boys feel confident around girls, how can we genuinely become friends them?’

Throughout the series, students were engaged, insightful, and respectful in their contributions. Their maturity and willingness to participate meaningfully has set the stage for the next phase of the program. At the beginning of Term 4, the cohort will reconvene to hear thoughtful responses to the questions raised, further strengthening their understanding and relationships as they move forward together.

Last week we were blessed with amazing weather for the Year 11 River Cruise. There was excitement in the air as we congregated at Barrack Street jetty in the city and I loved the effort the students put in to get dressed up for the occasion, it was a spectacular evening. After boarding we headed off towards Fremantle, enjoying a beautiful sunset over Perth city and Kings Park on the way. We had a popular photobooth set up and a lively dance floor as the students enjoyed the music and danced all night. Nearly 100 crust pizzas were awaiting us when we reached Fremantle which we then collected turned around at the WA Maritime Museum to start our voyage back to Perth. There were lots of photos, dancing and a great atmosphere on the night and I am very impressed with our students for their behaviour and participation on the night. Click here to see more photos.

As we begin to finish off the term, we have the selection for our House Captains and Student Councillors for next year. As our next Year 12 leaders in the school, they have a great opportunity to set the culture and get involved for their last year of high school. I am excited to work with the students to make 2026 a memorable and exciting year.

Next week, I am taking the Osprey house students for our final community service activity of the year as we clean up Bibra lake. Moving forward to a shorter term for the Year 11s, we will be preparing for exams and final assessments in Term 4. I pray that our students and families have a restful and enjoyable Term 3 holiday break and come back fresh for Term 4.

The Year 12 cohort has recently experienced an eventful period, marked by a range of enriching activities.

On Friday 22 August, the Student Executives attended the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast at Crown, Burswood. Over 1,200 individuals gathered for this inspiring event, where the students had the privilege of hearing from keynote speaker Miriam Gluyas of The Salvation Army Australia. Mrs Gluyas offered a profound analogy, likening life to the "half-time" of a football match. She encouraged reflection on the journey thus far, while also urging everyone to look forward to embracing new challenges with renewed purpose and as faithful servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, the Student Executives had the distinct honour of meeting His Excellency, the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia.

On Friday 5 September, the Year 12 cohort embarked on a delightful Spring Fling River Cruise aboard the Crystal Swan. The event was marked by the students’ enthusiastic participation, with many embracing the theme through creative costumes, including Smurfs, Trolls, Barden Bellas, and Disney Princesses. I was thoroughly impressed by the exemplary conduct of our students and the positive camaraderie that was evident throughout the evening. Our students consistently demonstrate a genuine care for one another, and it has been an absolute privilege to serve as their Head of Year. Click here to see more photos.

Additionally, we recently had the pleasure of hosting Year 12 music performances during Extended Form. It was heartening to witness so many of our students confidently performing before their peers. A special highlight was the performance by one of our Year 12 form teachers, Mr Ramirez. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Anthony for her invaluable support in helping the music students prepare for the event and for assisting on the day.

Kennedy News

Father's Day Breakfast

Last week, Kennedy had the pleasure of hosting around 100 of Kennedy's dads for our annual Father's Day Breakfast!

It was a great morning filled with an energetic atmosphere as the dad's socialised with one another and enjoyed a delicious breakfast catered by the Beedawong Cafeteria. After some fun ice breaker activities from one of our Chaplain's, Peter Chase, we got to hear from our guest speaker, Dan Rodgers, a Pastor from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Dan explored the importance of father's and father figures in our youth and the immense impact they play in raising thriving children.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the morning and a big thank you to the Beedawong staff for putting on an amazing breakfast and all staff and students who helped support in the day. We hope all who attended had a wonderful time!

Year 11 and 12 Performance Nights

What fantastic nights of performances we had at our Year 11 and 12 Performance nights on Monday and Tuesday this week!

Our Year 12 Drama students prepared individual monologues, and it was so wonderful to see the way that these students supported each other by doing introductory speeches, helping with costumes and props.

Thanks to all the talented Dance and Music students who performed to such a high standard earlier this week. The students from the General Music class performed repertoire from Snarky Puppy (Jazz Fusion) and from the musical Sister Act. We wish our Year 12 ATAR Drama, Music and Dance students all the best for their Mock exams next week.

Science Week

Last week was National Science Week! The 2025 school theme was 'Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language'. At Kennedy, in collaboration with the RASC, activities were planned everyday during lunch for students to participate in.

Starting off with a scavenger hunt on Monday, students could then compete in a Spelling Bee challenge on Tuesday, followed by a David Attenborough documentary, a bridge building competition and then ending the week with a challenging and exciting Escape Room! All activities revolved around different aspects of science, such as chemistry, biology and animals. 

Congratulations to those who won the competitions and enjoyed in a great week of science and activities!

Pedal Prix Final Race

The success of the team this year has led to 4 of our top Senior Boys being invited to join with students from Hale School to race at the 24-hour International Pedal Prix Race at Murray Bridge in South Australia from the 19 to 21 of September. This is an amazing opportunity for our students as this race is described as like Bathurst for Pedal Prix. 

Thank you to our amazing parents for your support this year, to our staff who helped at races and training and the amazing students who have made this year our best year ever in Pedal Prix. Look out for updates regarding our team’s success at Murray Bridge and at the Epiroc WA Pedal Prix Series 2025 season awards being held soon.

Mr Bradley Gunter
Pedal Prix Coordinator

College Notices

Term 4 opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 3.45pm (closed 12.30-1.00pm), commencing Monday 13 October.

As a reminder, Term 4 uniform requirements are as follows:

• Boys - College shorts with short sleeved shirt tucked in.
• Girls - Dress (hem length on / just above the knees), OR blouse with shorts.
• All - Hat for sports, during Recess and Lunch if in the sun.

Withdrawing for 2026

Planning on not returning in 2026? Please remember that a minimum of 10 weeks' notice is required. To notify us, email: registrar@kennedy.wa.edu.au.

Student Achievement

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 25 September 2025