Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families, 

BRIO is LIFE, ENERGY, FIRE, LIGHT and ZEST.

Many people see themselves as not very influential.

What if a change in perspective enabled us to see ourselves with absolute clarity? We would see that our thoughts, words and actions have a significant effect on others. If we saw the influence we do have, and could have on others what would that do to the way we approach our lives? I want to tell everyone in our community that you are far more important than you know.

We each have a power, a force, an influence on others’ lives. I have found that no one is ever a neutral influence; we are either a positive or negative influence and most of us are unaware. If we are angry, our anger has a gravity that pulls on the lives of those close to us. If we are withdrawn, others who need us are influenced by our absence. From a different perspective, we have all felt the pain caused by the treatment of others. In the same measure, maybe not as often, many of us have felt the positive lift of another person bringing light and life to our lives.

Understanding our personal influence, leads us at Kennedy, to the phrase Be BRIO. To be BRIO, is to firstly know about our individual influential power, and then to choose to be a positive force actively. To Be BRIO is to be a person who chooses to bring life, energy, fire, light and zest. So much can happen in life that sometimes we don’t have enough of our own BRIO to share. That’s why we need to bring BRIO qualities to others, so we can supply them to the community of those around us.

If you want to be part of something great, Be BRIO.

I hope that everyone managed to enjoy a break over the school holidays and parents had a chance to help your child to reset for Semester Two activities.  

Term 3 began with a chance to recognise those who have achieved academically, and whilst we know that success comes in many different forms, it was nice to take time to honour those ‘torchbearers’ - those who had either topped their course or had achieved 8 or more ‘A’ grades. Their effort was commendable and a strong example of displaying the Kennedy values of Integrity, Boldness and Growth. As Mr Ashby reminded us, “let these values be your guiding principles in the complex and dynamic world ahead. Walk on as torchbearers of these values”. 

I would like to also extend my thanks to the Year 7 cohort who presented themselves very well during their opportunity for school photos. Whilst the process has many moving parts, they were able to listen and responded quickly and efficiently to the process. This was also highlighted in their engagement with our vaccination day, where they listened and followed the instructions calmly and efficiently, which can be an uncomfortable experience for some. 

We have also enjoyed some finer weather for extended form activities, a chance to get out and about and participate in a range of activities. This is also an excellent opportunity for our student councillors to lead in a structured and supported environment. 

Looking ahead, selected classes will be hosting our following two community service opportunities with Lakeside Seniors, on Tuesday 26 August and Tuesday 2 September. These exercises, and the upcoming Kennedy Open Day are great opportunities for students to get behind the value of Service and contribute in different capacities. 

Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting term for our Year 8 students, with many opportunities to connect, participate, and grow. The recent Dance Showcase was a wonderful celebration of talent and community spirit. Tomorrow’s Interhouse Athletics Carnival promises to be another chance to cheer on fellow students and enjoy being part of the Kennedy community. Our Community Open Day is fast approaching, and students’ and families’ attendance and volunteering will help make it a wonderful event. 

A deliberate Pastoral Care focus this term is community building through serving others. As 1 Peter 4:10 (CEV) reminds us: “Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” Through our Community Service Program, students develop compassion, responsibility, and a deeper awareness of the needs of the broader community. Serving others not only benefits those in need, but also shapes students’ character, grows leadership skills, and puts faith into action in a tangible way. 

This term, our Year 8 students are teaming up with St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in Fremantle, bringing fresh ideas and energy to support the homeless in creative, student-led ways. Students have been informed about the work St Patrick’s does and challenged to think of ways they can offer support. Projects may include fundraising through extra chores, sponsored challenges, baking or making goods for sale at ‘Market Day’ during Extended Form in Week 7, donating goods in demand, or visiting the St Pat’s Op Shop. Importantly, this initiative is student-driven—we ask that parents and guardians encourage and enable their child to take ownership, rather than taking the easy option of doing it for them. Your support in guiding and inspiring them will make their service more meaningful and rewarding. 

We are excited to see the creativity, dedication, and compassion our students bring to this community service project. Thank you for partnering with us as we help them discover the joy and purpose found in serving others. 

At the end of Term 2, our Year 9 students had a fantastic time at their social event at Bounce! It was a resounding success as those who attended had a fantastic time, and it was wonderful to see the students enjoying themselves.

Term 3 has commenced with great enthusiasm, celebrating our students at our academic achievement assembly in Week 2. Our students have continued to showcase their talent and skills as our Year 9 girls delivered outstanding performances at the Dance Showcase last week. The Year 9 girls' netball and boys' football teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork in their recent games. We eagerly anticipate their continued success at the upcoming Athletics Carnival.

A testament to our strong Year 9 community is the warm welcome extended to new students this term. Their seamless integration reflects the inclusive spirit of our cohort.

Looking ahead, we are excited about our Community Outreach Program. This initiative offers students valuable opportunities to serve the community and gain experience across various industries.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a productive and enriching term ahead.

It was fantastic to kick off Term 3 with our Academic Awards Assembly in Week 1. Congratulations to all recipients for your outstanding Semester One efforts!

Term 3 is racing ahead, with the upcoming Week 5 looking like a standout. Our ‘Man Up’ and ‘We are Women’ workshops are happening on Tuesday 19 August for the Year 9 and 10 students. Delivered by the Man Up WA organisation, students will be challenged on their assumptions about masculinity, mental health and peer support. The equally powerful talk, run by We Are WM, focuses on inspiring identity, confidence and community among our female students.

On the sporting front, our Year 10s have been shining this term. We had impressive participation in the recent AFL carnivals, and special congratulations to those contributing to the senior girls’ soccer team, who have now made it through to the ACC semi-finals!

The buzz is building for the Athletics Carnival, and we can’t wait to see our students unleash their energy, chase personal bests, and show who we are as a community—spirited, resilient, and supportive.

Looking ahead, I am excited for many more brilliant achievements and memorable moments this term. Let’s keep the momentum, the pride, and the belief in what Year 10 can achieve!

Term 3 always feels like you’re in the thick of it (as everybody knows) and this term is no different as we have so many things happening. Our students have had the chance to nominate for next year’s Head boy and girl and deputy positions as the process for staff and student voting has begun. Next up they will have their interviews with the Executive Leadership Team and Head of Year to determine who the best fit is for our Student Executive team. I wish the applicants all the best as I know they would all do a fantastic job.

Next year’s leavers jackets are working towards being finalised as students have voted for their favourite design. Also, early planning for the 2026 Year 12 ball is underway with discussions on decorations and themes. Next year’s ball will be at Fraser’s restaurant in Kings Park, an iconic Perth location, so don’t forget to save the date, Friday 20 February 2026.

We have our Year 11 river cruise happening on Thursday 4 September which is bound to be an amazing night of fun and dancing down the Swan River. Information is available through parent lounge. Harrier and Falcon students have already had the opportunity to do our community service, by partnering with Clean Up Australia and picking up rubbish in our community. So far, we have cleaned Piney Lakes in Murdoch and Manning Park in Hamilton Hill, both locations frequented by Kennedy students for Outdoor Education and other classes. It has been great seeing the attitude of our students who are all willing to get involved and tidy up, if only their rooms were that clean.

In all the busyness of the term, I am reminded to stay calm and focus on the present. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” I hope that you too can take comfort in this verse at this time.

The Year 12 cohort has commenced Term 3 with energy and focus. In Week 1, the College hosted its annual Awards Assembly for Years 10–12. It was a pleasure to witness many of our Year 12 students being recognised for their dedication and academic achievements. As students continue to prepare for upcoming examinations and finalise assessments, we encourage them to remain committed, aim high, and finish the year with determination and purpose.

In Week 3, we welcomed guest speaker Siska Sands, a Youth Pastor from Faith Community Church, who delivered a powerful and thought-provoking message about being bold in one's faith. She reminded students that “true joy is found in celebrating who we are, rather than what we do”. Siska also shared a meaningful quote from Pastor Dan (a pastor also from Faith Community Church) : “If you entrust your future to God, it will turn out immeasurably more joyful and fulfilling than you would ever imagine it to be.” We trust that this message will resonate with our students and encourage them in their personal journeys.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome motivational speaker Kate De Jong in Week 5. Kate is an accomplished author, Business and Marketing Coach, and an inspiring leader. She will be presenting on the topic ‘Following Your Passion’, encouraging students to pursue careers that align with their interests and provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment. We are confident her presentation will be both motivating and meaningful.

Finally, a reminder that Spring Fling will take place on Friday 5 September. This highly anticipated event is a highlight of the social calendar and promises a memorable evening. Tickets are currently on sale for $90, which includes a river cruise, food and drinks, a DJ, and a photo booth. This year’s theme is fancy dress, and students are reminded to ensure their costumes are appropriate for the occasion. We look forward to celebrating with our Year 12 students in style.

Kennedy News

Dance Showcase

The 2025 Kennedy Dance Showcase last week was an incredible event.

It was wonderful to see such a huge community come together to watch and celebrate the dancers here at Kennedy and the amazing staff that contributed to the event. A big thank you and congratulations go to our Dance teachers, Mrs Del Basso and Mrs Mayne for their efforts in putting the show together, and to the talented dancers who performed with energy and passion.

Look out for upcoming photos and reflections from the night in our socials!

Bible Society Masterclass

On Tuesday 5 August, a group of Kennedy students attended a Masterclass run by The Bible Society held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

Bible Society’s Masterclass events are for students in school years 9 to 11 to explore contemporary issues from a biblical perspective, with a day of worship, speakers and a Q&A session with a panel of speakers. It also helps young Christians to grow in their confidence and withstand the pressures of living in a post-Christian society.

Australian Mathematics Competition

Also on Tuesday 5 August, Kennedy hosted the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), with 163 students participating across the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions. The competition was held online on campus, challenging students with a variety of problem-solving questions that tested logical thinking, creativity, and mathematical reasoning.

The AMC is Australia’s longest-running, largest, and most well-known mathematics competition for school students. Our students embraced the opportunity to extend themselves beyond the classroom and engage with complex, non-routine problems.

Kennedy v Darling Range Basketball Game

On Friday 1 August, Kennedy Baptist College hosted Darling Range Sports College in a friendly basketball double-header, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams showcasing teamwork and talent. Thank you to the home crowd who came to watch and support an exciting afternoon of basketball, with Kennedy Baptist College emerging victorious in both games.

Congratulations to both teams for their efforts and sportsmanship. Special thanks to Darling Range Sports College for travelling and competing in great spirit.

2025 CBUS Super, Skill Hire & NextGen Skills Construction Industry Training Awards Night

Last Friday, Mr Adam Handley and Mr Ernesto Ramirez were invited to attend the 2025 CBUS Super, Skill Hire & NextGen Skills Construction Industry Training Awards Night at Burswood on Swan.

Hosted by Seven News Sports Presenter, Adrian Barich, and featuring guest speaker, the Hon. Ms Jodie Hanns, Kennedy Baptist College were one of the three finalists for the 2025 Secondary School Construction Engagement Award. The award recognizes schools that have been striving for excellence in student engagement with the construction sector.

College Notices

Thank you so much to those who have already contributed towards making this year’s Open Day the best yet. The recent Jamming Session was a huge success; we couldn’t have done it without the ingredients donated by our families and the help of our wonderful parents on the day.

Open Day Volunteering

A variety of stalls still need your help and we appreciate any time you can give and look forward to an exceptional Open Day this year.

Where it is needed:

• Help set up
• Pack down
• P&F Stall
• Beedawong Cafe
• Sausage sizzle
• Cake stall
• Silent Auction Wrapping
• Secondhand Uniform 

Silent Auction Donations

Thank you to all parents and students who have already brought in donations for our Silent Auction! If you are still looking to donated, you have until tomorrow, Thursday 15 August, to deliver items to Student Services. 

 As a thank you, students will receive a House point for delivering items. Make sure to check the different theme for your student's year group:

Save the Date!

Please save the date for our Father's Day Breakfast on Thursday 4 September 2025, from 7:15 AM to 9:30 AM. Please note that this is an adult-only event. For catering purposes, we kindly request your RSVP by clicking the link below before Monday 1 September 2025. 

Keep an eye out for an email with more details and ticket information.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 28 August 2025