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Photo above: Students and staff competed against each other in a range of sports during Recess and Lunch this week.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents,
The College had a number of events this week organised to support “R U OK? Day” and the emotional well-being of all staff and students. While it was great for us to be part of this annual promotion, the Pastoral Care of our community members is a core focus of Kennedy Baptist College for the entire year. Evidence indicates that the number one factor impacting the mental health of students are their interactions and relationship with their peers. Kennedy has a comprehensive Pastoral Care program to encourage and develop positive relationships between students and we will always make this support network a priority. However, students must take an active role in supporting each other and making a stand if they are aware of negative student interactions.
The College has a policy to deal with situations that involve negative interactions, including bullying and harassment by students. I trust that parents will support us with the application of this policy and notify us should these situations arise. Together, we can improve the mental well-being of our students and community.
NAPLAN
In the past weeks, NAPLAN data has been released to schools. It is incredibly pleasing to see how our students performed in their cohorts in comparison to the state and national data. Once again, our students have produced year group results far beyond the state and national means. It was also very pleasing to see students make measurable improvements from Year 7 to Year 9. This data indicates that our students are attaining gains in numeracy and language the longer that they study at Kennedy, achieving results higher than the national means, with the greatest advances in reading and maths.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
During our whole school Extended Form on Wednesday, we were blessed with the positive influence of Matthew Caruna. Matthew is a 23 year old who survived an attempt at suicide as a teenager. The event left Matt with a severed spinal cord, and he is now restricted to a wheelchair. Yet Matthew has never been more full of life and hearing this fit, articulate and engaging young man speak about his journey had a real impact on all staff and students.
I would encourage parents to start a discussion on mental health and find out more about the key takeaways from Matt’s talk: look out for one another and seek support when times are tough. Please know as well that the College’s Pastoral Care team is always on hand if you need someone to listen and to lean on.
I spoke with Matt after Extended Form and he confirmed an amazing detail about his life, similar to stories that I have personally witnessed many times before in my previous role as a cancer nurse. Matt was talking about the quality of life he is now living, not from a physical point of view, but from an inner personal point of view. While his physical impairment brings challenges to daily living, his inner life is strong. From this point of view, he said a line that will always stay with me: “if the only way to become the person I am today was through the same challenging journey, then I will continue to be grateful for these challenges.”
What Matt is saying is that he has begun to find, at 23 years of age, that life is not measured with physical comfort and temporary pleasures. Instead, Matt has found that the closer relationship he has with his family, the greater sense of peace and strength, and an internal purpose is of vastly more value than many of the things we can focus our lives on.
On a personal note, I am determined to not miss the lessons from nursing and am resolved to always live for things that truly matter. In my experience, everyone that found out that they had cancer changed their life focus and poured more into people and purpose more than anything else. Let us all learn to ‘live on purpose’ for others without needing to go through a major challenge or wake up call.
Year 7 Report
As another term comes to a close, let's take a moment to catch up on some of the exciting things happening around campus and what lies ahead.
One of the highlights from Extended Form was the delightful Pancake Breakfast with Mr Peter Chase, our beloved College Chaplain. It was a wonderful morning of connection, laughter, and, of course, delicious pancakes. Mr Chase’s warm spirit and inspirational words around all things BRIO have helped to set the tone for the rest of the year.
Our commitment to giving back to the community continues to shine through our partnership with the Lakeside Seniors Group. Our students have been engaging in meaningful community service activities by building bridges between generations and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Our recent theme included students looking into all sorts of things that have changed with new technology. Students were most captivated with type writers and the first printed Australian Dollar notes.
The anticipation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup Tournament is palpable! As with the FIFA World Cup, each Form class has been buzzing with excitement as students select countries to support, fostering a sense of unity and friendly competition.
As we head into the final holidays before the year’s end, I encourage students to keep on building relationships and to explore new opportunities to be friends with others. Maintaining respect as well as openness will help to build friendships and solidarity within the peer group. Have a safe and relaxing holiday.
Year 8 Report
Extended Form is an important time in the school week for students to engage in meaningful activities that unite their year group. Spending time together and building relationships as a Year 8 cohort is indeed crucial for several reasons. These relationships can positively impact students' personal development, academic performance, and overall well-being. Recently, students engaged in a variety of activities including cooking healthy snacks, basketball, chess, interactive movies and reading.
Staying focused and managing assessments can be challenging but with the right strategies, Year 8 students can improve their productivity and maintain their concentration as we near the end of term 3. Here are some tips to help them stay focused with mounting assessments:
- Create a study schedule that allocates revision time for all subjects and assessments.
- Set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
- Practice healthy living with adequate sleep, hydration, nutritious foods, and exercise.
- Seek help when needed – ask family for support or approach teachers for specific academic assistance.
I am pleased with the progress made with our Year 8 students at Kennedy. I pray that all students will finish Term 3 strong, with the focus and determination needed to achieve their best!
Year 9 Report
I am so thankful for the warmer weather returning as this Term winds down. Recently, our Year 9 students heard from Mr Ramirez about the work experience program that they will complete at the start of Term 2 next year. This is a great opportunity for our students to have a look at a career they may be interested in pursuing and to get some experience with what it is like in the workforce. This is an exciting stage of high school and is quite significant as a rite of passage in moving into upper school. If you or your child have any questions about the work experience program happening next year, please contact Mr Ernesto Ramirez at the college.
This Term we have started our inaugural FIFA tournament on Playstation. Students have nominated with a partner and have been battling it out for the trophy (and chocolate prizes). There have been some close and intense matches played during Form time and at lunch, and we have made it to the quarter-final stage with the final to be played on the last day of school this Term. This has been a great way to see the students come together and get to do something most of them enjoy doing. To keep up this momentum of community-building, we will run our first ever NBA 2K24 tournament next term.
With the fatigue and tiredness that we are feeling at this stage of the year, I am reminded of a Bible verse about finishing things to the best of our ability. Timothy 2:4 says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This is my prayer for the Year 9s, to keep the faith and “finish the race” as we close out the Term.
Year 10 Report
I would like to thank our Year 10 students and families for participating in our Community Service ‘Backpack Project’. Anglicare WA Community Engagement Manager Kelly Keall and Community Education Officer Tegan O’Rafferty launched the project on 30 August with a presentation to our students. They explained that many children in WA come from families that cannot afford to purchase everyday school supplies and that these students often go without necessary school equipment, impacting on their learning outcomes. Thank you to those who were able to donate supplies and have made a positive impact on poverty-stricken families.
Proverbs 19:17 reads, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done".
This week, students who applied for House Captain positions spoke to the students in their House, discussing why they wish to be a House Captain and why they would make a strong candidate. Voting will take place next week. Being a House Captain is a great opportunity for students to engage in student leadership and be actively involved in the planning and running of school events. Next term, students will also be able to apply for Student Council positions. Please encourage your child to take this opportunity and apply.
On Thursday 2 November, Year 10 students will be celebrating at East Fremantle Yacht Club. The theme for this evening is ‘Spring’ and students will be encouraged to wear either Spring colour palettes or clothing that represents Spring, such as floral prints. The dress code is smart casual, with no midriff clothing or strapless dresses. If students are unsure whether their dress is suitable, please encourage them to speak to myself or their form teacher. Further information will be provided about this highlight on the social calendar in the coming days.
Year 11 Report
Cruising on the Swan River last Friday night was an excellent way to end the week. With calm water and balmy weather, the Year 11s were ready to have some fun. The warmth of the Year 11 community radiated; the dance floor never empty, the conversations flowing freely, and so many special moments captured in photos. Students and staff had a very special evening together, celebrating each other as we approach the holidays.
There’s been a lot going on recently, including interviews and voting for the 2024 Student Executive. It takes real courage to be vulnerable when the outcome is uncertain, so I applaud every student who put themselves forward for a position.
Extended form in Week 8 was a celebration of the Arts with competitions between Houses. The House Coordinators and House Captains did an amazing job generating activities that engaged and inspired the students. Our Year 11 students and Form Teachers really got involved and had a go. They even let me have a go at the charades in a couple of Forms!
This week we recognised R U OK Day, acknowledging the many who struggle with their mental health, thinking that they have no one to turn to. We can often feel ill-equipped to help others but knowing that just asking “R U OK?” is a place to start and an opening to help can empower us. This connects with God’s message in Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
I encourage you to take these opportunities for connection and community.
Year 12 Report
We are officially down to single digits for the number of school days left for the Class of 2023! Parents, please be aware that a letter regarding Graduation Events was sent out last week, pertaining to information for the Year 12 students, and parents and guardians. Monday 16 October is the last day for students in classrooms as they finish up on their learning journey, while students will come to school on Tuesday 17 October to spend the day together as a cohort before their final day at school on Wednesday 18 October.
The Year 12 Spring Fling on Friday 1 September was a night of dress ups, fun and a ridiculously long conga line! A huge thank you to all those who got involved, dressed up, and kept the dance floor busy. Deciding who was best dressed was an impossible task as so much creativity was displayed. Thank you to the students for the way that they conducted themselves. As their Head of Year, I was so proud of them all.
While the days at school for the Year 12 students are limited, for many there are still hours of work to be done in preparing for their exams. Congratulations to those students who have already completed some of their practical exams this week. We wish all the Year 12s sitting their theory exams in the second week of the holidays and Term 4 all the best. Can I ask that, as a community, we also encourage the students and keep them in our prayers over these coming weeks.
I shared a Bible verse with some of the Year 12s this week, Isaiah 41:13 (NIV): For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
May this be a reminder to all as they finish of their year and schooling education.
Kennedy News
VET Voice
In the latest look at Vocational Education and Training (VET) with Mr Ernesto Ramirez, we talk to Grace about her aim to become an Occupational Therapist through completing her Certificate IV in Allied Health.
Grace talks about the opportunities that she has had through her VET course and the hard work that she has put in to complete both the course and Year 12.
Make sure to read about Grace's experience if you are interested in enrolling in the 'VET delivered to Secondary Students' program.
Year 12 Performing Arts Night
Our Year 12 Performing Arts students and their audience enjoyed a night of talent and entertainment in the College Auditorium last Monday 4 September. ATAR students showed off their skills in a range of musical styles alongside professional music accompanists, while Year 11 and 12 Dance students performed solo and ensemble dances, and Year 11 and 12 Drama students performed a self-devised play from their recent YOHFest performance.
Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work this year and for capping it off with a stunning night of performances. Thank you also to those members of our community who attended and showed support to the Year 12 Performing Arts students in their endeavours. We wish the ATAR students well as they prepare for their final WACE performance exams in the next few weeks.
Click here for photos.
Transform Cambodia Update
The Transform Cambodia Kennedy Centre has had a busy year, with highlights including a visit from our students in early July and the introduction of 14 new kids into this life changing program.
At this stage, there are 20 children in need of sponsorship. Please consider this opportunity to help these children in their crucial years of early development.
Write a Book in a Day
We are thrilled with the response by both our students and the community to our 'Write a Book in a Day' event. Participating students and library staff worked all day inside of our Research and Study Centre to co-author seven different books and raise over $2000 for The Kids' Cancer Project.
If you are interested in supporting our students and this cause, simply search for 'Kennedy Baptist College' on The Kids' Cancer Project's 'Sponsor a Student' page.
Back to School Information
Term 3 concludes for students on Thursday 21 September 2023. The College will be following a Friday timetable and classes for all students will conclude at 3.15pm.
Term 4 will commence on Monday 9 October 2023 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full Summer Uniform. Please note that the Administration office will re-open on Monday 2 October.
We hope that you have a restful and safe holiday break.
WITHDRAWING OR THINKING OF WITHDRAWING AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR?
In line with the College fee policy, it is a condition of enrolment that at least 10 school weeks of notice (not including scheduled school holidays) of a student's withdrawal is given in writing. If you are withdrawing or contemplating withdrawing your child, please contact our Registrar registrar@kennedy.wa.edu.au to keep us informed of your intentions.
College Notices
Now Taking Registrations from 2027 Onwards
Kennedy Baptist College continues to be the first school of choice for many families with full enrolment for Year 7 in 2025 and 2026, with registrations now closed. In order to help prospective families better prepare for their child's future at Kennedy, we are now taking registrations for 2027 onwards.
Please contact our Enrolment Team for more information.
Instrumental Music Recitals
A great performance opportunity will be held in Week 3 of Term 4, with all music students encouraged to perform a solo piece to a small audience. This will take place from 5.00 to 6.00pm, 24 to 26 October. More details will be released closer to the time.
Instrumental Music Tuition Fees 2024
The College continues to encourage students in their musical education with regular tutoring opportunities throughout the school week. While we are privileged to have tutors come to our school for our students, increasing costs means that we will need to align our hourly rate with the recommended rates for peripatetic music teachers. This necessary rise in cost will be effective from Term 1, 2024.
If you are interested in taking the opportunity to enrol your student in this extra tutoring, please email instrumentalmusic@kennedy.wa.edu.au.
LESSON FEES FOR INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS IN 2024:
- Private (one-on-one) lesson for 30 minutes - $38.50 per lesson
- Shared (with one other student) for 30 minutes - $25 per lesson
- Shared (individual shorter lesson if no one to share, 20 minutes) - $25 per lesson
- ATAR Music Student recommended length (45 minute lessons) - $64 per lesson
CSA 2023 Survey
Kennedy Baptist College is excited to be a part of Christian Schools Australia's '2023 Christian Schools Community Profile: Parent Survey'. This is the only national survey of its kind and is an opportunity to give feedback on the College and our community.
The survey can be completed online and will only take 15-20 minutes to complete. All responses to the survey are anonymous and submissions close Friday 22 September. We thank all parents who are able to complete this important survey.
Loan Uniforms
Please make sure that any uniform requests comply with the uniform policy or it may be rejected. Student Services have items available for students to loan, instead of a uniform pass being issued. Parents can contact Student Services via email or students can come directly to Student Services to organise this.
We kindly ask that they are returned to Student Services cleaned and in a reasonable time period.
Uniform Shop Holiday Hours
As the weather begins to change, it is time to consider any summer uniform requirements for Term 4. Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed the first week of the school holidays and will be open for existing families on Friday 6 October 8.00am - 3.45pm. The Uniform Shop will be open by appointment, for new 2024 families fittings from Monday 2 October to Thursday 5 October. The shop is closed for lunch each of these days from 12.30-1.00pm.
Lost Property
Unclaimed lost property items will be placed outside Student Services during Tuesday and Wednesday in Week 10. If your child has lost an item this term, please ask them to come and have a look during recess, lunch and after school.
Parents and Friends Association General Meeting
The P&F Association is involved in important work for the College, especially in the recent success of our Community Open Day. We are holding a General Meeting on 17 October 2023 at 5.00pm in the College Boardroom. This meeting is open to all parents and friends of the school who would like to be involved. If you are interested in attending this meeting and joining in on the discussion, please RSVP via the P&F email.
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 12 October 2023.
