Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Last week, in my first newsletter article of the year, I noted the newness of the year and how it can quickly fade into feeling drab and common. Now that we are two weeks in, I hope your newness is lingering and that every day of 2026 is still an adventure. I also encouraged us all to regularly read 20 minutes of our Bibles and feed on the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7. In our Homerooms every Monday, we have been looking at the sermon that Jesus spoke on a hillside over 2000 years ago.

Jesus opens His sermon by giving the greatest key to living a flourishing life ever spoken or written. Jesus knows that created life is not a closed or isolated system. Our Year 11 and 12 students learn that closed and isolated systems function with very little interaction with an external supply. Our human bodies, and our whole beings, are not closed but open systems! This means we need supplies from outside ourselves. If we stop all external supply, all air, all food, all water, our lives will not last very long. It is the same with our spirits, and the first point Jesus makes in His sermon focuses directly on this truth.

Jesus makes the point, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…..”. This starting point is the beginning of true living. Poverty is when we don’t have a stockpile to draw on, and our existence depends on the daily supply. Knowing our spirit’s need for daily supply will direct all our energy to seek the supply we need for life. In Matthew 5:3, Jesus also says that He will supply the Kingdom of God to the poor in spirit.

I hope you can keep following our journey through the book of Matthew and let us all endeavour to read 20 minutes each day!

I would like to warmly welcome our Year 7 students and their families as the Class of 2031 begins their journey at Kennedy. The 2026 Commencement Ceremony marked a special milestone after Orientation Day and Pre-Start activities, when students officially began by receiving their commencement certificates and Bibles. This event set a positive tone for the year ahead, fostering a strong sense of belonging from the very first day.

As our newest students begin their high school journey, I encourage them to carry a simple yet powerful guide: “Be curious, not judgmental.” High school is a time of discovery - learning about others and about themselves. Through the many opportunities provided at Kennedy, students are invited to participate, get involved, and find where they belong within our community.

This moment is also a reminder of what lies ahead: a journey that will include both triumphs and challenges, each helping to build resilience and readiness for life beyond high school. Through these experiences, students grow not only in knowledge but as lifelong learners. We are here to support both students and parents as they navigate the opportunities and challenges that shape these important years.

As a College, we hold high standards and expectations for our students, grounded in our values. We encourage every student to strive for excellence, demonstrate integrity, show respect for others, and take responsibility for their learning and actions. By living out these values each day, students contribute to a positive community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and belong.

May this year be filled with growth, friendship, discovery, and success, and may God bless the beginning of this journey for every student and family in our Kennedy community.

As we step into 2026, we’re no longer the new kids on the block. Our Year 8s began the year settling into the much-anticipated new classrooms in Block 3 having the ability to open up two rooms to make one which is spacious enough to fit the entire cohort at once. It’s been exciting watching students explore these new areas and make them their own. 

We were also delighted to welcome three new Homeroom teachers to the team: Mr Bolton, Ms Fryer and Mrs Herbst. And a special congratulations goes to Mrs Loader (formerly Ms Baverstock) on her wedding in December. At the same time, we want to acknowledge and thank Mr New, Ms Frazier and Ms Lai for the care, enthusiasm and commitment they gave to their Year 7 Homeroom classes throughout 2025.

Of course, the year began with the usual burst of forgetfulness, locker numbers and combinations forgotten, but it didn’t take long for students to settle into their normal school routine. 

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be an exciting year. Our Year 8 Camp is fast approaching, running from 16–20 March. The girls will head out from Monday to Wednesday, while the boys will attend from Wednesday to Friday. With a great range of activities planned, the camp is shaping up to be a highlight full of adventure, growth and plenty of memorable moments. 

Our Year 8s participated in their first Pastoral Care Time, focusing on connection, wellbeing, and setting themselves up for success both in and out of the classroom. It has been encouraging to see how positively students have engaged with these sessions. 

We also took part in the Awards Assembly, where students were recognised for their academic achievements from 2025. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their hard work, commitment, and effort shown across the cohort. 

While academic success is important, we want to remind all students and families that at Kennedy we value each person doing their personal best, growing at their own pace, and enjoying all that College life has to offer. Achievement matters, but so does enthusiasm, curiosity, character, and the joy of learning.

After a fabulous and refreshing period of long service leave, I am delighted to be back at the College and excited to continue working alongside our students, staff, and families. 

Year 9 is a significant year in a student’s journey, marked by growth, increasing independence, and the development of character. It has been encouraging to see many students starting to engage positively in their learning, strengthening friendships, and embracing College opportunities. 

Our Year 9 Pastoral Care theme is Identity. Throughout Homeroom and Pastoral Care Time on Wednesday mornings, students will be encouraged to engage in self-reflection, practise inclusivity, and develop their voice. These activities are designed to create meaningful opportunities for students to better understand who they are, how they relate to others, and how they can contribute positively to our community. 

I would like to extend a special welcome to Mr Adam Parora who joins the team as the new Falcon 2 Homeroom teacher. I am grateful for the commitment our Homeroom teachers bring to their roles, their initiative, hard work, and care for every student are noted. 

We continue to hold high expectations regarding positive and respectful behaviour, attendance, participation, and uniform standards. When College staff, parents and carers work together in partnership, students are best supported to flourish. 

We are mindful of the challenges Year 9 students face, including the pull of screens and external influences during a formative time of identity development. I encourage families to remain positively involved, creating opportunities for students to discover their strengths and sense of purpose. In times of struggle, frustration or uncertainty, I find strength in the knowledge that God is sovereign. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans “to give you hope and a future” - a powerful assurance as we guide our students to grow into who they are created to be. 

With warm wishes for a fantastic year!

It is a privilege to take on the role of Head of Year 10 this year, following Mr David Orr, who concluded his time in the role at the end of 2025. I am genuinely thrilled to be working with such a harmonious group of students and am grateful for the strong foundation that has been established.

Our Year 10 students have made a fantastic start to the school year, spending time reconnecting with one another and getting to know their new Homeroom teachers:

• H1 – Mrs Kristen Edward,
• H2 – Mr Chris Yow,
• F1 – Mr Ernie Ramirez,
• F2 – Mr John Asphar,
• K1 – Mrs Caitlin Carey,
• K2 – Mrs Jennifer Groom,
• O1 – Ms Charis Lee, and
• O2 – Mr Matthew Austin.

During our first week of Homeroom and Pastoral Care Time, students participated in relationship-building and “get-to-know-you” activities to further strengthen their bonds with one another and with the cohort.

This year, our Year 10 students will take part in several exciting events, including Bstreetsmart (Term 1), Work Experience (Term 2), and the Twilight Social (Term 4). Through these experiences, students will have the opportunity to explore their interests, reflect on who they aspire to become, and consider possible future career paths.

As they begin their journey through upper school, students have been encouraged by the words of Philippians 4:6–7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Together with the Year 10 Homeroom teachers, I encourage students to remain open to discovering more about God and to explore how the Christian faith can be a positive and guiding influence in their lives. We look forward to a year of growth, connection, and faith-filled learning.

It has been a pleasure to see our Year 11 students settle so confidently into the school year. Beginning each day in Homeroom has been a positive addition to our routine, providing students with the opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and engage in a weekly devotion and Biblical message that helps set a grounded and purposeful tone for the week ahead.

A guiding verse shared with students during Pastoral Care Time this term has been Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse is a powerful reminder for our Year 11s as they navigate academic demands, decision-making, and personal growth that come with senior school. My hope is that students continue to be guided by this message throughout the year, learning to trust God’s direction, especially when things feel challenging or uncertain, and remembering that they are never walking this journey alone.

Students have also enjoyed reconnecting with friends and adjusting to new classes aligned with their subject selections. The transition into senior school can be demanding, however Year 11s have shown an impressive level of focus and dedication across both General and ATAR pathways. I have been particularly impressed by the way students are approaching their learning with maturity, organisation, and a genuine commitment to doing their best.

As the year progresses, I encourage students to continue this focused and balanced approach. Looking after your wellbeing and staying consistent with study habits are tools for success. Remember that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint!

I am very much looking forward to walking alongside this cohort throughout the year and supporting them as they continue to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Save the date!

Year 11 Camp is coming up in Week 7 of Term 1, at the Busselton Baptist Camping Centre.

Camp 1: Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 March

Camp 2: Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 March

It has been an amazing start to the year with the Year 12s enjoying the special vibe of beginning their last year at Kennedy and their High School journey. There has been a freshness about the year with some big changes being implemented in the new 6 Period timetable. While our students are still adjusting to the new daily class schedule, I know they have all been thoroughly enjoying the extra 15 minutes in the morning to prepare for class.

Another big change has been the renaming of ‘Form’ to ‘Homeroom’ and the introduction of intentional programs throughout the week where our students can engage in devotions, discussions, prayer, and opportunities to strengthen relationships with their peers.

The cohort is buzzing with excitement as students prepare for the Year 12 Ball next Friday night, with dresses and suits being finalised for the big night! The DJ from our Year 10 social, DJ Stevo, will be returning for our entertainment, along with photographers and a photo booth, ready to capture the night. Please join me in upholding the night in prayer for the weather, the safety of our students and that a core memory can be made from the night.

Kennedy News

Welcoming our new Year 7s to Kennedy!

A warm welcome to our new Year 7 students joining Kennedy in 2026!

The last two weeks have been jam-packed with activities, assemblies, and new faces for our brand-new students. Their first official day at Kennedy began with a formal Commencement Ceremony welcoming the new cohort and their families to our community. Students received a certificate and a personal Bible during the Ceremony and spent the morning with their 11/7 mentors, discovering the rhythms of secondary school.

We are glad to have each of our new students at Kennedy Baptist College and are excited to see how they strive today so they're ready to conquer tomorrow!

Week 1 Assembly

Our first assembly of the year welcomed our students back to school and celebrated the academic achievements of our current Year 8 to 12 students from 2025.

There was also the chance to present several of our graduates' Outstanding Academic Achievements. This achievement recognises the success of students completing ATAR and General courses and is awarded to graduates who finish with a result that places them among the highest-achieving students in the state. An outstanding 11 students were awarded this in 2025.

Other highlights of this Awards Assembly included the presentation of Leadership Blazers to our Year 12 Student Executive Leaders, the celebration of last year’s YohFest category winners, Bible reading and prayer and an uplifting worship item performed by our staff worship band.

Thank you to those of you who joined us.

2026 Japan Ski Tour Highlights

The latest Kennedy Japan Ski Tour was an incredible time! From Sunday 18 January to Monday 26, 12 students and 3 staff embarked on a snowy adventure, coming back with exciting tales, souvenirs and memories that will last a lifetime!

Hear more about their trip in the link below.

Sports Update📣

We have an exciting Term of sports ahead and we are pleased to share the latest information and opportunities available for our students.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival - Nomination closing soon

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Thursday 26 February at Perth High Performance Centre.
All students have been invited to register and any final nominations or race changes must now be made by contacting the appropriate House Coordinator via SEQTA:

• Falcon House: Mr Macauley
• Kestrel House: Mrs Manns
• Harrier House: Mr McPharlin
• Osprey House: Mr Jordan

Final date for registration: Friday 13 February
We warmly welcome parental support on the day and look forward to a fantastic carnival that helps build our community.

TERM 1 Southern Coastal Associated Sports (SCAS)

Our junior teams begin their SCAS fixtures in Week 3. The SCAS is held after school on a Wednesday. Below is an overview of the sports offered this term.

TERM 2 Southern Coastal Associated Sports (SCAS) 

Trials for Term 2 sports will be held late in Term 1 or early Term 2. More information will be shared closer to the time.

Term 2 fixtures will run Wednesdays afternoons in Weeks 3–8.

Need more information? 
Please feel free to DM Mr Ford via SEQTA.

College Notices

2027 Production Announcement!

We are excited to announce that the Kennedy Baptist College 2027 Arts Production will be 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'! Stay tuned for more information.

Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination."

The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 26 February 2026