Photo above: Beauty and the Beast Production. 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

As we move into the second half of Term 1, it has been pleasing to see our students embrace many opportunities at the College. We hope this continues throughout the year. 

The wonderful production presented by the Arts Learning Area demonstrated the amazing talent of our students and the hard work and commitment of our staff. This was a great College community event and an exceptional effort by all involved. Congratulations to all students and staff who contributed to this excellent production showcasing the community spirit of Kennedy. In particular, thank you to Mrs Anthony, Head of Performing Arts for her fantastic contribution to the project.
 

Strategic Planning

Kennedy has a very clear strategic plan to ensure that the opportunities at the College continue to develop and are maximized. This plan includes four major strategic priorities that have driven our preparations for 2023, as follows:

• To enhance the quality of the teaching and learning agenda through the mechanism of innovation using evidenced-based best practices.
• To invest in the well-being of students and staff through proactive intervention.
• To create a connected community, forging and building upon meaningful relationships within the College and throughout the wider community to further our Christian mission.  
• To ensure sustainability across all aspects of the College such that Kennedy is well positioned for the future.

These strategic priorities will be a focus for the next three years and drive the allocation of physical, human, and financial resources.
 

Easter Services

Kennedy 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 an opportunity for our community to come together and contemplate the Gospel message of Easter. These are compulsory events for all students but more importantly, it is an opportunity for families to engage as a community.

This year our services will be in collaboration with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and we look forward to the wonderful presentations that will be given by our talented students. Supper will be provided after each service and this should be a great time for families and staff to interact in a social setting. We look forward to meeting with you on these special evenings and hope as many parents as possible can join us. Details for these events are: 

• Monday 3 April - Harrier and Falcon Houses 
• Tuesday 4 April - Kestrel and Osprey Houses 

Both services will be at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 497 Marmion St, Booragoon.

Chaplain Chats

Last week I was able to be part of all four performances of Beauty and the Beast. As I watched the cast and crew for several hours before the start through to the end of the show, I was caught up with the energy that every person was bringing so that the ‘show could go on’ (as we say in show biz!!!). There were musicians warming up their instruments and reviewing their individual parts. Someone arranged food for the cast and crew to be fed before the show. The backstage crew was going through all the props and costumes, while sound and lighting technicians were checking equipment. Each night, as I watched this harmony of people all focused on the achievement of one goal, I was moved by a feeling that resonates so warmly in human hearts, but it is often so hard to find and hard to hold onto.

In all my time as a Chaplain, I could summarize most of the struggles and stress of both students and parents into one thing, the search for belonging. From my perspective as a support person in people's lives, I find there is a deep need in all of us to find our individual place. That place that makes sense of our unique personal makeup and gives us that feeling that we fit, somewhere!

The feeling within the cast and crew of the production at the end of the last show is one that is very elusive. It is a feeling that can only come from knowing that you have all been part of a ‘thing’ that has drawn many uniquely designed people together to a place where they have all been vital to something happening. My one take-home message from this little thought is that, although hard, we are all created to ‘fit’ with others. My personal vision for Kennedy is using my own little bit of energy to create a space where every individual ‘fits’. I invite you all to do the same.

Year 7 Report

Term 1 is well underway and I would like to congratulate all Year 7s on how they have transitioned to life at Kennedy. Students now have a level of familiarity with the College and we are beginning to see students flourish socially, academically, and through the many opportunities that we have on offer.

It was pleasing to see so many of our Year 7s competing in the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. We had a number of excellent talents shown in the pool, and the behaviour of those around the event was also at a high standard. Congratulations to these students who swam competitively and those who contributed through the other events to earn points for their respective Houses.  

As we approach the second half of Term 1, the message to students continues to be around respect. Respect for peers, teachers, and property.

I recognise that this time is also one that can prove to be challenging for students and their families. During this time there are changes to friendships and interests as your child develops their identity. Building resilience and maintaining respect for others while embracing these changes is important for this stage of life. If your child needs support, I encourage them to come and see me or the College Counsillor. Thank you for your support and care towards your child through this time and into the future. 

Year 8 Report

A lot is happening in the Year 8 cohort, however the most talked about event is the Year 8 Camp coming up at Forest Edge Recreation Facility in Waroona during Week 9 of this term. The girls will attend from Monday to Wednesday and the boys will stay from Wednesday to Friday.

Students have been very excited with the prospect of staying overnight with friends and participating in some amazing activities, including ski biscuits, raft building, rifle shooting, abseiling, rock climbing, and flying fox. I am in the process of finalising camp dorm and activity groups lists which will soon be visible to students. May I please ask all parents to read through the information pertaining to camp that is distributed via email and direqt message. Parents will be updated with an item checklist, the do's and don'ts of camp, and any medical information pertaining to your child. I recognise that with some excitement there may also be some anxiety from students (and parents), I would like to inform all parents that your child will be well looked after and we have a fantastic Pastoral Care team with us at camp.

For families seeking some insight into the Protective Behaviours program that we run at Kennedy, please keep an eye out for the events advertised on the Kennedy App and College newsletter. Following the parent session at the College this week, Andrea Musulin, a leading expert in child protection and teenager safety will be speaking to the Year 8s to cover the topics of relationships, recognising and reporting abuse, protective strategies, the law, and consent.

Kennedy continues to encourage parents to discuss these topics at home to ensure your child/ren is developing effective strategies and behaviours to better protect themselves.

Year 9 Report

Term 1 is well underway and we are into the first assessment period of the year.

I am hoping that the students are giving their studies the best effort they can. Last week I was able to take some students to our first Year 9 Community Service at St Bart’s women’s residence in the city. St Bartholemew’s House is a charity organisation and residence for homeless men and women where they provide a home while they get back on their feet. They link them with counselling and other support as they try and get their life back together. The thing that I remember most about their talk to us was that there are people from all walks of life. It was a great opportunity for our students to have a chat and have lunch with these residents, hearing their stories and encouraging them by spending time with them.

Our students have again signed up for iYARN, our self-check-in tool, and are currently completing that twice a week as a way to track how we are coping through categories such as physical health, safety, College work, friendships, mental health and resilience. This is a great tool that monitors how they are feeling over the year and there are a range of different resources available through iYARN if they are struggling. With NAPLAN on the way and exams next term, I’m hoping that constant self-reflection and knowing where they can seek help, will support them through this year and beyond.

Year 10 Report

It’s amazing to think that we are already halfway through the first term! The year has commenced smoothly, and a key focus has been preparing our Year 10 students for Work Experience. Mr. Ramirez has been working hard to assist families with this and I thank him for his efforts.

During Extended Form, students have been learning about protective behaviours in the workplace, as well as their rights as an employee. In addition, students have been taught how to read pay slips and understand tax and superannuation. Many of our students are currently working casual jobs. Those who are not working will experience a work environment for the first time when they participate in Work Experience. Our students will be well equipped to take on this challenge and I look forward to hearing about their Work Experience journey.

Recently, I sent out a survey for students to vote for an activity they would like to participate in for a Term 2 social event. More information will come out about this event later in the term. I want to encourage as many students as possible to attend our Term 2 social event, as this is a great opportunity for the group to spend quality time together in a fun environment.

Year 11 Report

As we come out of the long weekend, we mark the halfway point of the term. Recently, the Year 11s have faced their first assessments and begun to understand the study required at this level. I encourage them to make the most of the help available to them.

It was so encouraging to see so many Year 11 parents come along to the Research and Study Centre Study Skills Session in Week 4, looking for guidance on how best to support their child’s study. If you couldn’t make it, the PowerPoint is available on SEQTA Learn; just look for the files titled Top Tips for Year 11 Parents.

We also had the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, which was a great opportunity to see the Year 11s swim, cheer on their Houses, and have fun with the Pool B activities. Our House Captains did an amazing job making sure students were organised, marshalled and supported. Their commitment was on full display and they played their part in fuelling a warm community through inclusion and encouragement.

Fast approaching is the Year 11 Camp. Everyone should now have received an information letter indicating which camp they are on. I ask that every parent/guardian submits their approval for camp by clicking on the link in the letter they received. In the coming weeks, students will receive more detailed information on the activities they are undertaking. I’m excited – I hope the Year 11s are too.

Year 12 Report

We are already into the second half of Term 1. One of the highlights was the Year 12 Ball. It was an exceptional evening and I would like to commend the Year 12s on their manners and behaviour on the night. I received positive feedback about the student's conduct during and after the Ball, well done Year 12s! Photos will be available shortly. 

This week the Year 12s enjoyed a pizza lunch with their mentor teachers and peers. The role of the mentor teacher is to check in with the students either in a small group or individually. The aim is to support students, myself as Head of Year, and the Form teachers regarding any pastoral care that the Year 12s need. I would like to thank the mentor teachers for their participation and time. 

During Extended Form we had two lawyers from Legal Aid, share about the current laws in WA. They discussed the importance of knowing the law, the consequences faced if breaking the law, and where to get support. The content covered was as per the Australian Curriculum and has been learnt in Years 7-10. As our students turn 18, it's important they are privy to the expectations and outcomes they could face as young adults. I would encourage you to have further conversation with your child about the content of this presentation. 

Finally, and on a more serious note, I have thoroughly communicated to Year 12s about their driving and behaviour in the College carpark. Our aim is to promote positive, safe usage and decision-making of this carpark! Please note that any student using the carpark needs to have a College permit displayed at all times. Failure to comply with the policy may result in sanctions such as Major Send Outs for reckless driving. I have tried to reiterate time and time again, that student safety is our priority, as well as those of the wider community. We can all continue to minimise preventable accidents by encouraging safe driving! As a reminder, the College's parking policy and agreement can be found here.

Kennedy News

College Notices
 

Fees - Secondary Assistance Scheme

The State Government, through the Department of Education, provides financial support to eligible parents through the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS). The aim of the scheme is to assist low-income families with secondary school costs.

Eligible parents/guardians with students enrolled in Years 7 to 12, studying a full-time secondary course at a WA private school, will be able to apply for the SAS in 2023. The SAS consists of two allowances:

• $235 Education Program Allowance (payment made to the College, for the student); and
• $115 Clothing Allowance (payment made to the parent/guardian).

For all enquiries regarding the application process/forms visit our Reception or click here to download the form. Applications close on Thursday 6 April 2023.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 23 March 2023.