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The photo above: Our Student Executive Leaders presenting at our ANZAC assembly.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
As partners in your child's education journey, we are grateful for your unwavering support and dedication to their growth and development. Our recent assembly held a special significance as we came together to honour the sacrifices of Australian servicemen and women on ANZAC Day. We also celebrated the importance of student leadership and engagement within our community. The assembly served as a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice demonstrated by our ANZAC heroes. Through thoughtful reflections, readings, and a minute’s silence we paid tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country with unwavering dedication. The respectful participation of students in this solemn occasion underscored the values of service, boldness and integrity that are central to our school community. Thank you to all families who attended.
I also want to extend our appreciation to all parents who attended our recent Parent-Teacher Interviews. Your active involvement is invaluable and deeply appreciated. By engaging in open and constructive dialogue with our teachers you play a crucial role in supporting your child's academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. At Kennedy Baptist College, we recognize that strong partnerships between home and school are essential for the success of our students. By staying informed and involved your commitment enriches the educational experience of your child and strengthens the College community as a whole.
As we continue our journey together, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. By working hand in hand, we can empower every student to reach their full potential and achieve success in all areas of their lives.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we look forward to another highly successful Term.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
Welcome back! I hope we are all prepared for a thrilling Term 2.
I would like to introduce a theme for our newsletter this Term. This theme is inspired by the last article in Term 1, where I discuss the Easter story, Jesus’ service and sacrifice for the sin of humanity. The launching point for our theme this term revolves around the concept that SIN and living for SELF are the same thing.
When we look at the topic of rules and laws, the influence of sin and self can obscure our vision. Many rules are grounded in love and care. In our homes for example, most rules originate from love. Parental guidelines commonly have the motive to keep us safe and protect both us as individuals and the community of our homes. However, sin and self, can turn rules from love, to control. The dilemma begins when a rule can be made to restrict the lives of others. Whether a rule or law is an act of love, or an act of selfish control, it is not uncommon for us to resist rules. The answer is the same to the following two questions. Why does a child resist a rule that was made with love and protection in mind? Or, why did the parent make a rule that was more about control than love? The answer is self.
This perspective explains why many people perceive God and His rules as controlling. Bible verses like John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments” can sound very controlling or it can be interpreted to be such an act of love. Our life experience has exposed us to mostly self-motivated rules so responding to God is very hard for all of us. The Bible tells us that “God is love”, which means the origin and purpose of God’s rules are always love.
Kennedy News
Celebrating Student Achievements
We are proud of all the efforts of our students and would like to congratulate the following members of our community on their perseverance, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievements:
- Lukas Miovski successfully completed a challenging one week promotional course at RAAF Base Pearce, as the youngest to become the highest rank of an Airforce Cadet Officer, also winning the Peer Leader Award.
- Ethan Marshall was selected for the state Flag Football team and the state Tackle Football team, flying to Canberra to compete in the Under 17s Flag Football nationals.
- Tate and Harlan Jahn both competed in the School Sport Australia National Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Rockingham. Tate finished 12th/43 competitors in the Male Junior Triathlon and Harlan finished 11th/35 competitors in the Male Aquathlon.
- Year 7, 8 and 9 Girls Basketball teams all won their respective SASJ competitions this Term.
- Kaiyo Tan represented our Interschool Swimming team and broke an Under 16s 50m Breaststroke record with a time of 31.76.
- Ava Antonio has been selected to represent Team Australia in the All-Girl Premier Division at the International Cheer Union Championships taking place in Florida, USA.
- Vanya Chan has been nominated to represent Singapore in Thailand for the 2025 Thailand Open Figure Skating Trophy.
- Eban and Kyle Raymond have been selected to participate in an international Baseball tournament.
- Ahlia Jones has been selected to represent Australia in the Under 15s Women's Softball Team at the 2025 Women's World Cup in Italy.
If your child has achieved a significant milestone that you would love to see the school acknowledge, please email their Head of Year with more information about their achievements.
ANZAC Assembly
At our ANZAC assembly this week our College community took the opportunity to reflect on those who have served our country and observed a moment of silence to honour the men and women who sacrificed themselves in war. During the formal ceremony, we also acknowledged the achievements of our students from Term 1.
Congratulations on our students who were recognised at this week's assembly for their achievements. To our newly appointed Year 7 Student Councillors, Nathaniel Gregory, Karas Ibrahim, Toby Smith and Indigo Gillam. And to our Year 7 House Captains, Isla Hughes and George Shemeld (Falcon), Elsie Anderson and Daniel Crisp (Harrier), Cooper Kinsella and Milly Triplett (Kestrel) and Isabelle Gerhard and Lucas Tassell (Osprey). We also recognise all of the recipients of Colour Certificates, well done to you all and the contributions you have made and continue to make to reflect our College's values. (Click here for photo gallery).
Our Year 7 Student Leaders
Some of our Colour Certificate recipients
USA Tour
On Saturday 5 April, 24 excited students and 3 staff members embarked on an exciting adventure to the United States of America on a study tour.
They enjoyed taking in the best sites New York City, Washington DC and Orlando had to offer. They even received a special shoutout at an NBA game!
We encourage you to learn more about their travels by clicking below.
WA Student Assistance Payment
Applications for the 2025 WA Student Assistance Payment can be made for all students from kindergarten to year 12 who are enrolled in a WA public or non-government school or registered for home education.
The fastest way to claim is using the ServiceWA app, which will ensure the payment is received in around a week. Alternative claim methods will be available via the Department of Education website.
Eligibility will be validated through the student's unique WA Student Number (WASN), which can be found on a student's SmartRider, school report or NAPLAN results.
WASO Excursion at UWA
Some of our senior music students had the opportunity to attend a wonderful concert performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO), on Friday 11 April at Winthrop Hall. The principal violinist, Satu Vanska, was simultaneously directing the orchestra using body language and performing. The students were inspired as young composers and performers, to witness this remarkable performance.
The ATAR Music students will also be attending another WASO performance Friday afternoon which focusses on their designated works for the ATAR Music course.
Career Expo
With our ethos of ‘strive today, conquer tomorrow’, we are always encouraging our students to look ahead, considering their future pathways and careers.
This week at our Career Expo we brought together tertiary educators and potential employers to provide our students with the information and support that they need so that they can look ahead and 'conquer tomorrow'.
Thank you to the following exhibitors.
- Sheridan College
- Morling College
- Chartered Accountants
- SEDA
- Engineering Institute of Technology
- Duke of Edinburgh
- Mount Pleasant Community College
- Curtin University of Technology
- South Metropolitan TAFE
- Defence Force Recruiting
- University of Western Australia
- Edith Cowan University
- The University of Notre Dame
- Murdoch University
College Notices
P&F Term 2 Meeting & Open Day Committee
The Kennedy Parents & Friends Association will have their Term 2 meeting on Tuesday 6 May at 5.00pm, to be held in the Boardroom.
This Term they will be starting to plan for this year’s Community Open Day. If you would like to find out more or would like to be a part of the committee, please email P&F President Renee at pandfkennedybaptistcollege@gmail.com
Save the Date - P&F Movie Fundraiser!
The Kennedy Parents & Friends Association invites you to a special Movie Fundraiser featuring Inside Out 2 on Thursday 12 June at 7.00pm, located at the Kennedy School Auditorium.
Join us for a relaxed evening with family and friends while supporting the College community. Keep an eye out for ticket information and event updates soon.
We would love to see you there!
Uniform Requirements
We wish to remind all students of the uniform requirements as per the Uniform Policy on the website. Some guidelines are listed below, and further information can be found in the Uniform Policy.
- Students are required to wear Winter uniform during Terms 2 and 3. This includes wearing their blazer to and from school, and during Form.
- Closed in shoes must be worn on campus without exception including ‘free-dress’ days and after or before sports training at the College.
- Please ensure students remove all extra piercings. Students may wear clear plastic studs to keep piercings open.
Uniform Passes for Term 2
A reminder for students that any student who has been granted a uniform pass must carry it with them at all times and be prepared to show it to a staff member on request. Parents please be advised to use SEQTA for any uniform pass requests.
College-wide Survey
At Kennedy Baptist College, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where every individual is appreciated and respected.
Thank you to all who participated in our survey last Term to help achieve this commitment for our school.
Due to the overwhelming response, we now have a waitlist of more than 30 mothers wanting to attend.
Please let us know if you have already submitted an RSVP and can no longer attend the breakfast, so we can allow mothers on our waitlist to join us.
We are privileged to have Rochelle Masters from Masters Psychology joining us for our next parent seminar.
This engaging Wellness Masterclass will focus on tackling the impact of anxiety, providing valuable strategies and tools for managing stress.
Save the date!
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 2 2025 Opening Hours
During Term 2 of 20245, the Uniform Shop will be open Monday to Wednesday 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
* Closed 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information, please email our Uniform Shop Manager.
Beedawong Cafeteria Menu
We have a well-balanced menu for breakfast, recess and lunch. Everything is baked and cooked fresh daily with great options including baguettes, wraps, salads and a hot food varieties such as beef or chicken burgers, beef nachos and hot chicken rolls. Lunch items are available to order online via www.quickcliq.com.au.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Volunteer opportunities for 2025 will be made available in Term 1. These opportunities will include assisting at the Swimming Carnival, P&F Assocation and book covering.
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 15 May 2025
