Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

Kennedy Baptist College is a Christian faith-based College committed to providing the best possible educational services. As Easter quickly approaches, it is appropriate to reflect on the basis of this faith foundation. Our Easter services provide the opportunity for this reflection as a College. These events are an opportunity for our community to come together and contemplate the Gospel message of Easter.

Our Easter services are a compulsory event for all students but more importantly it is an opportunity for families to engage as a community. Come early from 5.00pm to support our P&F by buying a Sausage Sizzle!

This year, our services will be a collaboration with Faith Community Church, and we look forward to the wonderful presentations by our talented students. Students must meet in their Homeroom classes no later than 5.30 pm for our 6.00 pm start in the College Auditorium. The details for the services are:

• Monday 30 March - Harrier and Falcon Houses
• Tuesday 31 March - Kestrel and Osprey Houses

We look forward to meeting with you on these special evenings for Kennedy and hope as many parents as possible can join us.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

I love being the Chaplain at such a large, fast-paced, and complex organisation like Kennedy Baptist College, helping to maintain and grow our community culture. In all the complexity, there are times when tension and disagreement happen in the day-to-day. I find myself drawn to this part of college life, finding ways to mend the fractures that inevitably happen between people. Thankfully, we can turn to the Bible to help us through these difficulties, such as the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7. Hopefully, we can all recognise that Jesus knew what he was talking about in this sermon, and that he was laying out the truth in every sentence. The line that I have been pondering lately has been, 

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God”. (Matthew 5:9)

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? Peace is a highly desired commodity that can be difficult to find and even harder to maintain. Jesus understands that everyone who has heard this sermon, from the moment He delivered it to today, recognises that peace remains in high demand. In our very human pursuit of peace, Jesus points out that some people, somehow, ARE ABLE TO MAKE peace happen. Nothing compares to the feeling I get in my chaplaincy work when a conflict is completely resolved and those involved experience peace. 

So how do we become peacemakers? It begins with finding out that we are 'poor in spirit', without Jesus the King in our lives. In a relationship with Him, He guides us on a personal journey until we understand that we are made for peace and that we can help others find it. Jesus says that if we do this, we will be called the children of God!

My prayer for our community is that we all find this peace with each other and within ourselves, through Jesus.

The Year 7 cohort has had a vibrant and energetic start to the term, with one standout moment being our 2026 Swimming Carnival. It was filled with moments of excitement, a few nerves, plenty of cheering, and a wonderful display of resilience. Many students stepped up to compete in events they had never tried before, showing courage and a willingness to take opportunities as they came. Just as importantly, our students who were not in the water contributed to the day by supporting their House, encouraging one another, and helping to create a positive atmosphere. These qualities—courage, support, enthusiasm—are what make our Year 7 group so special, and I am incredibly proud of each student who participated or supported from the sidelines.

Alongside this, our initial leadership opportunities of the year began, with students preparing and delivering speeches to their homerooms, raising their hands to become Student Leaders, and demonstrating confidence and a desire to contribute positively to their year group. Our new Year 7 Student Leaders have now been officially presented with their badges in front of the cohort, and I would like to acknowledge the confidence and maturity they showed throughout the nomination process. Each student who applied showed admirable courage in putting themselves forward and expressing a desire to serve their peers. Please join me in congratulating our newly appointed leaders and wishing them well as they start their roles. We look forward to seeing the positive contributions they will make to our year group throughout the year.

Year 7 Student Leaders:

Falcon: Mackenzie Maher, Maddison Kretzmann-Faria, Natalie Nguyen and Athalie Neo (absent for photo). Osprey: George Hartshorn, Olivia Faulkner, Kobe Jasper and Zara Khan. Harrier: Olivia Branston, Eliza Coleman, Jaden Chew and Lucy Crossley. Kestrel: Bailey Minchin, Daenerys Sutiyono, Kian Zadeh and Ruby Taylor.

With these achievements in mind, it is also important to reflect on what underpins a positive Year 7 experience. Respect remains the most important value we continue to reinforce as a cohort. Respect for ourselves, for others' learning, for teachers, and for our surroundings all contribute to the environment we want for our students. Belonging cannot be achieved without respect. When students treat one another with kindness, listen to others, and take responsibility for their choices, they help create a year group where everyone feels safe, included, and confident being themselves. I encourage families to continue discussing what respect looks like in daily school life—small actions truly make a big difference.

The long weekend arrived at just the right moment, offering a welcome pause as the pace of school life continues to build. It has been encouraging to see our Year 8 cohort settling more confidently into the rhythms, routines, and expectations of the new school year. Students are growing in their connections with one another, strengthening friendships, and developing a sense of belonging within our Kennedy community.

Our recent Vertical Homeroom session provided a wonderful opportunity for students across all year levels to build relationships and ignite House camaraderie. This sense of community carried through to the Swimming Carnival, where the students participated enthusiastically, supporting their houses with energy, teamwork, and encouragement. A highlight of our Pastoral Care Time was undoubtedly the pancake morning with Peter Chase, an enjoyable, relaxed moment when students could share food, conversation, and laughter.

We are now finalising preparations for the upcoming Year 8 Camp at Forest Edge Recreation Camp in Week 7. This camp promises a rich mix of physical challenges, personal growth opportunities, and memorable experiences. A reminder that pick‑up and drop‑off for camp will take place at Lakeside Recreation Centre.

Looking ahead, our Pastoral Care program for the coming terms will explore a range of challenges that young people may encounter. These topics are intentionally broad and designed to encourage thoughtful discussion, build resilience, and strengthen our capacity to empathise with others—skills that are essential not only for school life, but for life beyond Kennedy.

We are proud of the way Year 8 students have begun the year and look forward to seeing them continue to grow in character, confidence, and connection.

It is encouraging to see our Year 9 students settling into the rhythm of school life. Most students are familiar with the expectations, routines and opportunities that Year 9 brings. This year introduces new challenges as students grow in independence and responsibility, and it has been pleasing to see many students stepping up to these challenges with resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in both their learning and the wider life of the College. 

In my previous newsletter article, I mentioned that our theme for the year is Identity. Throughout the year, we will encourage students to reflect on who they are and who they are becoming. Several goals support this focus. Firstly, students are encouraged to practise self-reflection by identifying their own beliefs, values and personal qualities, while recognising the influence others have in shaping their identity. Secondly, we emphasise inclusivity, where students learn to recognise and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities within our school community, while continuing to serve others with kindness and respect. Finally, we want students to develop their voice - growing in confidence about who they are and learning to share their thoughts, experiences and perspectives in ways that are genuine and marked by integrity. 

During Homeroom and Pastoral Care Time, we intentionally create opportunities for students to develop in these areas. In Week 3, students enjoyed a range of choice activities around the College, including sport, music and mindful colouring, silent reading, board games, and a relaxed “Walk and Talk” on the oval. In Week 5, students completed a personality quiz and the Five Love Languages of Teenagers quiz. This information will be revisited later in the year to support personal growth and strengthen relationships with parents, caregivers and peers. Students also enjoyed “Pancakes with Pete”, hearing from our Chaplain, Peter Chase, whose legendary pancakes and encouragement are a blessing to our community. 

Our hope is that students grow as whole people—body, mind and spirit. As 1 Thessalonians 5:23 reminds us, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Please know that the Homeroom teachers and I are here to support students throughout the year.

It has been encouraging to see our Year 10 students making the most of opportunities to reconnect with each other throughout the term. Many have shown maturity in reconnecting, strengthening existing connections, and stepping outside their usual circles to engage with peers they may not have known well before. Through Homeroom, Pastoral Care Time, and everyday interactions, they have been practising interpersonal skills to build confidence.

Over the coming weeks, students will have more opportunities to build these positive connections and contribute to a culture in which everyone can thrive. I am excited to see where this takes them, as I truly believe this cohort has enormous potential. My hope is that every student feels comfortable being fully themselves while also learning to respect and celebrate others' individuality.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.”, Romans 12:10 (NIV).

Later in the term, our Year 10s will attend a statewide road‑safety initiative. More than 19,000 students from across Western Australia will gather at RAC Arena to learn about what it means to be a responsible road user and how the decisions we make can keep ourselves and others safe. This experience will help students continue to grow in maturity, awareness, and their understanding of what it means to be a safe and responsible member of the community.

Congratulations to our Year 11 students who have recently completed their first round of assessments. This can often feel like a big step as students adjust to the expectations and routines of senior school. We commend all students for their efforts in preparing for and completing these assessments.

For those who achieved strong results, this often reflects consistent study habits, organisation and a strong work ethic. Well done for setting a positive standard and demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication and preparation.

For students who may have been disappointed with some of their results, remember that this is only the beginning of your Year 11 journey. Early assessments provide valuable feedback and an opportunity to reflect on study strategies, time management and preparation. We encourage students to view this as a learning experience and to seek support from their teachers as they continue to build confidence and improve throughout the year.

Life Ready Program

Beginning in Week 3 during Pastoral Care Time, Year 11 students began their Life Ready Program, a four-part series designed to equip students with practical life skills as they move towards greater independence. Students will participate in two sessions during Term 1 and two sessions during Term 2, rotating through the following workshops:

• Vehicle Maintenance – learning essential car safety skills such as how to change a tyre, check oil levels and perform basic safety checks.
• Travel Tips – exploring travel opportunities, the benefits of travel, useful websites for planning and safety, packing essentials and cultural considerations.
• Adolescent Nutrition – understanding how to fuel the body for learning, sport and overall wellbeing.
• Money Matters – developing financial literacy through budgeting, understanding income and introducing basic concepts around saving and investing.

Year 11 Camp

Next week, our Year 11 students are also looking forward to attending the Year 11 Camp, which is always a highlight of the year. Students will enjoy a week in Busselton together and grow as a cohort and community.

Families are invited to keep our students and staff in their prayers for safety, positive attitudes and meaningful experiences throughout the camp!

It has been an exciting and encouraging start to the year for our Year 12s, with so many impactful moments and events already happening, and we are only in Week 6 of Term 1. Students are looking smart in their new leavers jackets and have been wearing them with pride around the College, even in the hot weather. The jackets will come in handy during Terms 2 and 3, when they can replace their blazers. We also had our final swimming carnival with a great turnout from the Year 12s. Students had a great day and performed at their best, ending with a highlight as they all jumped into the pool together.

We had an incredible night at our Year 12 Ball in an idyllic location at Frasers Restaurant in Kings Park. Seeing our Year 12 students looking so grown up was a special moment for me. The photo areas were running hot all night, with constant queues, creating some magnificent memories. After a delicious dinner, the dance floor opened and DJ Stevo cranked it up a notch, finishing off the night with students dancing together to some epic songs.

Now with some big events out of the way, it is time for the Year 12s to knuckle down and focus on their studies. In a year that will have many impactful moments, and with the added stress of being the final year, I know it will be a bit of a pressure cooker. I am reminded of one of my personal favourite bible verses, 1 Peter 5:7, ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’ This is my prayer for the 12s that through this year they can lean on God when they have worries, stressful times and fears about what’s going on and their future.

Kennedy News

Interhouse Swimming Carnival!

Thank you for your support of our 2026 Interhouse Swimming Carnival on Thursday, 26 February. From the first heat to the final relay, it was inspiring to watch students compete with energy, respect and house pride. I was particularly proud of the way our student leaders encouraged younger swimmers and how much the carnival was enjoyed by students and staff alike.

Highlights included a close battle for the Swimming Shield, which will be announced at the Week 8 Assembly, and five new carnival records across the sprint program!

Records

• U16 Boys 50 m Freestyle – Kaiyo Tan (Kestrel) 25.19
• U16 Boys 50 m Breaststroke – Kaiyo Tan (Kestrel) 31.22
• U16 Boys 50 m Butterfly – Christian Watson (Kestrel) 27.45.
• U17 Girls 50 m Freestyle – Lara Lane (Falcon) 28.95, under 29.43 (2020).
• U17 Girls 50 m Breaststroke – Lara Lane (Falcon) 39.01, down from 40.54 (2020).

I hope you enjoy this short wrap‑up, and I look forward to seeing you at our next College sporting events.

Mr Robert Ford
Head of Sport

Who will our Winners be? Find out at the Week 8 Assembly!

College Notices

Attention Year 10 Girls! 

Kennedy Baptist College is excited to announce an opportunity for Year 10 girls to form the inaugural H2GP Hydrogen Powered Racing Team. The College has secured a sponsorship from Chevron Australia allowing us to submit a female racing team into the competition.

H2GP (Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix) is a global STEM competition in which students design, build and race a hydrogen fuel cell-powered 1:10 scale remote-controlled vehicle.

The extracurricular activity at Kennedy Baptist College will be offered to 12 students. From this group of 12, a core race team of 5 students will represent Kennedy Racing at official events. Expressions of interests are to be sent as a direqt message to Mr Austin on or before Tuesday 17 March.

Please look out for more information that will be sent out shortly. 

A Day in the Life at Murdoch University is back for 2026!

Held during the school holidays on 9 and 10 April, this popular hands‑on experience invites Year 9 and 10 students to explore what university is really like.

Students can step into real classes, meet academics and current Murdoch students, and get a feel for the courses and careers that inspire them. With interactive workshops, campus tours, and plenty of time for questions, it’s the perfect way for young people to discover their strengths, interests, and future pathways.

Find out more here or register below to secure your spot.

Upcoming Events

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