Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families, 

What an honour it was to send off our Year 12s as they enter the next chapter of their lives. It was one of those bittersweet moments of farewell in one of the College’s annual life cycles. Seeing our students grow from the wide-eyed Year 7s, with help from their Year 11 mentors, in their first year at Kennedy, to emerging adults facing their futures, is one of the joys of serving in a school.

During the Year 12 Last Day Awards Assembly last week, their Form Teachers lined up to share final words of wisdom with their students, whom they have taught and supported for three or more years. What they collectively shared with the graduating students, I felt, was worth reiterating here for us all, as they all focused on the words of 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.

May this remind our Year 12s, and all of us, that throughout life we will find ourselves ill-equipped to handle challenges and obstacles. This portion of the Bible reveals that the guide is God Himself, who will lead us on straight paths that are purposeful and filled with joy.

The greatest challenge will arise from within our own hearts as we surrender to His good leadership throughout our life journey.

As we approach the end of Year 7, it’s remarkable to reflect on the journey our students have taken during their first year of high school. Their growth: academically, physically, and emotionally has been amazing to witness, you only need to look back at our orientation photos to see how far we have come together. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been seeing students actively engage with their learning and college life. The Champions Read celebration lunch was a great moment, with a record number of participants enjoying a well-earned reward—so many, in fact, that the RASC was filled with the buzz of conversation and stacks of pizza boxes! 

Our students have also shone beyond the classroom. Those who represented the school in basketball and cricket were recognised at the end of Term 3 Assembly, not only for their skills, but for their sportsmanship and integrity. Academic excellence was also on display, with students earning accolades in both the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Australian History and Geography Competition—adding yet more feathers to an already impressive cap of achievements. 

This is also a fitting time to revisit the powerful message shared by Marksman Loyd during R U OK Week: “What we put into life is what we get out”. His reminder to invest in meaningful relationships and community continues to resonate, encouraging us all to support one another and grow together, something that this cohort is doing well. 

I encourage all parents to attend our upcoming Kennedy Insight event on 27 November, focused on Empowering Families in the Digital World. 
This is an incredibly relevant and timely topic, and we believe parents can never have too much support or information, especially as the digital landscape continues to evolve. We hope you’ll join us for this valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen your family’s digital wellbeing. 

John Maxwell reminds us that finishing well is not about how we start, but about the consistent effort we put in and the choices we make each day.
As we move through Term 4, let’s encourage one another to be mindful of our behaviours, words, and actions—ensuring they reflect the values we uphold at Kennedy. The way students conduct themselves and approach their learning during this final term reflects those values and the pride they take in being part of our community.

Term 4 is well and truly underway, with our Year 8 students approaching the end of the year with resilience and determination. Many have demonstrated increased focus and respect for one another, making positive choices in their behaviour and embracing the challenges of learning. I encourage all students to maintain their positive attitude as they move towards the end of the College year.

I have greatly appreciated the warm welcome I have received from students and families this term, while Mrs Liezl Breytenbach enjoys her well-earned long service leave. It has been a pleasure getting to know so many new students and parents.

So far this term, students have been engaging with the Champions Read program, dedicating time both in class and at home to reading, continuing to develop a habit that will benefit them well beyond the classroom. Another highlight was the Year 12 Awards Assembly, where the Year 8s played a role in farewelling the Year 12 cohort. Many Year 12 students had served as mentors in 2024 through the 11/7 program, and the Year 8s showed great organisation and energy as they celebrated this important milestone.

The book of Psalms is a great source of wisdom and encouragement through challenging periods. Psalm 46:1 (NKJV) says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." As acting Head of Year 8, it has been pleasing to witness the students demonstrate strength and perseverance, even in the short time I have been in the role. This verse reminds us all that the challenges we face can be met with courage and that students can keep moving forward, supported by the strength of God.

It is encouraging to witness such positive engagement and growth in the Year 8 cohort. The focus remains on supporting one another, showing respect, and making the most of the final weeks of the year. I look forward to celebrating their continued dedication and achievements at the Year 7-10 Awards Assembly at the end of the year.

Year 9 students have made a positive and energetic start to Term 4, returning refreshed after the holiday break. The excitement on campus is evident, and students are engaging well with one another as they settle back into routine. This term holds many significant milestones, including Semester 2 exams, securing work experience placements for 2026, our final social event at Perth Aqua Park, and of course, the growing anticipation as Christmas approaches.

With exams on the horizon, I encourage students to reflect on their study habits from Term 2 and consider how they can approach revision even more effectively this time. Achieving your best requires time, effort, and persistence, and I know every student in this year group is capable of success. Finding strategies that work for you now will set strong foundations for the years ahead.

Our Workplace Learning Coordinator, Mr Ramirez, has provided families with all the information needed for work experience. Securing placements early will make the process much smoother. I would love to see students step outside their comfort zone and explore new industries. New experiences help us grow and broaden our vision for the future.

Finally, I want to express how proud I am of all the Year 9 students. The way you treat others, the way you show up, and the way you continue to grow inspire me daily. You are an incredible group, so keep being exactly who you are.

Last Thursday evening, the East Fremantle Yacht Club played host to a fantastic night for our Year 10 students at the annual Twilight Social. With the sun setting over the water, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection, celebration, and fun. It was wonderful to see the Year 10s enjoying time together outside the classroom. The event gave everyone a chance to relax, share great food, and dance the night away!

Students arrived dressed to impress, radiating confidence and style. It was heartwarming to see them all grown up, enjoying a night that marked a special moment in their high school journey. The evening offered a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with their peers outside the formal school setting, strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories. Their behaviour was exemplary, and it was a pleasure to see them engaging so positively with one another.

A huge thank you to our dedicated Year 10 Form Teachers: Mr Andrew Yong, Mr Milton Forsdike, Ms Joyce Toh, Mr Lester Sims, Ms Liandri Stander, Ms Sarah Paton-Diggins, Mr Aaron Rozells, and Mr Jon Groom. Your support made the evening possible. Special thanks to Mr David Orr, whose dance floor moves brought extra energy and entertainment to the night!

Term 4 is always intense, especially in Year 11, as we approach the end of school, with regular classes finishing at the end of week 4. Last week, as we farewelled the Year 12 students, I think it hit home for many that this time next year, they will be the ones finishing high school, with just the WACE exams and graduation to come. While this is exciting, it can also bring nerves and anxiety amid expectations for next year. The last day of Year 11 is Monday, 24 November, with all students expected to return to finalise grades and receive ATAR exam feedback. To encourage students to return on this last Monday, I will be providing a celebratory sausage sizzle for all Year 11s at lunch.   

This week, we hosted a university and TAFE expo, allowing our students to meet representatives and ask questions about courses and options for 2027 and beyond. It was a great afternoon, and our students made the most of the time to meet with the delegates. Students have also had the chance to provide feedback on how their year has gone and suggest what we will do during our pastoral care time in 2026.

Planning is well underway for our marquee social event next year —the Year 12 ball. Save the date for Friday, 20 February 2026, at Fraser’s State Reception Centre. Invites and information will be coming out later this term, but students are encouraged to use the holidays to prepare for this big event. More information will be provided shortly, relating to bringing external partners, options for suits to be picked up and returned to school, and all other details relevant to the big night. I am so excited for this and can’t wait to see the students making the effort to dress up for the night.

As the students finish up the year and move into the extended summer holiday, I will be praying for safety and wisdom in their choices during this period. I hope all families can take a breather and the students can come back fresh & excited to finish their high school journey to the best of their abilities. May God bless you all. I am very much looking forward to 2026.

We had a truly memorable and heartwarming final week with our Year 12 cohort. The week began with our students clearing out their lockers for the very last time, rehearsing for their final assembly, and sharing a relaxed pizza lunch with their mentors. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the mentor teachers who have so faithfully guided, supported, and encouraged our Year 12 students throughout their final year of schooling.

The following day, we travelled to Fremantle for our much-anticipated Amazing Race Day excursion. It was wonderful to see our students so enthusiastic and engaged as they tackled each challenge with teamwork and determination. Twenty-four groups competed for the major prize, with Group 6 emerging victorious. A particularly special highlight was the excitement of spotting our College Principal, Mr Ashby, and capturing a cherished group photo together.

Last Wednesday, our Year 12 students marked their final day at Kennedy Baptist College — a milestone filled with both joy and reflection. The day commenced with a delightful buffet breakfast, thoughtfully prepared by our dedicated Beedawong staff, providing an opportunity for students to share memories and celebrate their journey together. The day continued with their final assembly — a moving celebration of their years at the College and the friendships, growth, and accomplishments that have shaped them, and ending with a Walk of Honour through the college, celebrating with the various year groups and a celebration of confetti!

As our Year 12s now embark on the next chapter of their lives, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the contributions they have made to our community. We wish each of them every success and blessing for the future, confident that they will continue to uphold the values of Kennedy Baptist College wherever life leads them.

Kennedy News

Champion's Read 2025 - Book An Adventure!

Over the past three weeks, our students and staff have been on a reading journey like no other!

This year’s theme is ‘Book An Adventure!’, inspiring all sorts of reading genres, leading in students to earn points for their houses and participating in a colourful Champion’s Read parade!

YOH Fest Win!

Last week, our two Year 10 Drama classes, along with their teacher Mrs Fiona Elliot, represented Kennedy at the Healthways Youth on Health Drama Festival (YOHfest), creating original plays inspired by this year’s theme, “Colour Your World.”

After the excitement of performing, the students were announced as winning Third Place and First Place Overall! 

College Notices

World Teacher's Day!

Tomorrow, Friday 31 October is World Teacher's Day! 

We want to take this moment to thank all of the incredible teachers we have here at Kennedy!

See below and join our newly appointed Student Executive Team as they journey through the College to share what students have to say about our amazing staff.

Year 11 Awards Assembly - Wednesday 5 November

Instrumental Music Recitals and 2026 Enrolments Open

Our recent Instrumental Music Recital was a wonderful showcase of student talent and dedication, featuring performances across vocals, piano, strings, brass, guitar, and drums.

It was inspiring to see students perform with confidence and joy which is a testament to their hard work and the support of our dedicated music tutors.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 13 November 2025