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Photo above: Students at the Year 12 Ball.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
Kennedy continues to build on the wonderful start to the academic year with some very successful events. It was a pleasure to meet so many Year 7 parents at our special afternoon tea last week. Our Year 7 students have settled into Kennedy life extremely well and this was a great way for our staff to connect with parents.
Year 12 Ball
It was a pleasure to join our Year 12 students, partners, and staff at Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park on Friday night. The Year 12 Ball was a wonderful event, it was obvious that our students had a fantastic night and enjoyed each other’s company in an amazing setting. The approach of our students was outstanding and this greatly contributed to the night being a success.
Congratulations to all Year 12 students who are to be commended for their exceptional attitude to the night. Congratulations to Ms Beale and the Year 12 Councillors for their great efforts in organising a
wonderful evening.
Easter Services Reminder
Our Easter Services are an important part of our College culture and values. They are also a great opportunity for us to connect with local churches and reinforce our Christian ethos. Due to our current building program this year our Easter Services will be held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Booragoon. The services will partner with the Mount Pleasant team and the Youth Pastor, Mr Dan Rodgers will be our guest speaker. Details for these events are:
- Monday 3 April - Harrier and Falcon Houses
- Tuesday 4 April - Kestrel and Osprey Houses
Both services will commence at 6.00pm at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 497 Marmion St, Booragoon. Please note that this is a compulsory event for all students.
Chaplain Chats
Just be in the moment!! I have heard this said so many times, but what does it really mean? I am discovering as I grow, that a wonderful secret to a life of joy is to be fully IN each day of life, rather than having your daily focus distracted by your history or future. What exactly do I mean when I say this? It relates to where our vision is focused. To focus on the day you are in, and do it well, has such a great influence on personal joy. To be focusing on the hurts of the past, or the worries of the future, steal joy more than anything I know.
As I have journeyed with people through large and confronting challenges, I often struggle to know how to help when things get hard. I sometimes reach into my own story and ask myself how I got through!! I pray for wisdom, and I open my Bible to find how God helps us in times of need. Over many years and many life challenges the greatest thing that I have found to help is to focus on the day you are in, TODAY.
The Bible has themes. The theme of ‘TODAY’ is present through so many of the stories and lessons. Here are a few Bible quotes, “take no thought for tomorrow for TODAY has enough of its own”. “TODAY if you hear His voice don’t harden your heart”. “Encourage each other while it is called TODAY”. “Give us TODAY our daily food”.
When God supplies, He supplies enough for TODAY. He often does this so that we can enjoy being deep in His care as He supplies our daily needs. I have found such peace and joy personally, and I have seen others respond to the encouragement of just do today and we can manage tomorrow when we get there. When we get too far ahead, or we dig up the past, our TODAY can get spoilt. May TODAY be great for you.
Deputy Principal Curriculum Report
I would like to formally welcome all students and families to the 2023 academic year. Teachers, students, and families have quickly settled back into College routine. Heads of Year and Learning Areas are reviewing events and a full calendar of opportunities will be provided for students. I look forward to seeing students experience some exciting off-campus excursions, camps, and Work Experience.
Course Changes
At the start of each year, there are opportunities for students to adjust their courses, subject to availability. The following dates are important for all students/families:
- Year 12 – course changes are currently open and close on Friday 17 March
- Year 11 – course changes are currently open and close on Friday 3 March
- Year 10, 9 & 8
– course changes will open this week – please check SEQTA daily notices for details. These will close on Friday 3 March.
The AI Discussion
There have been many comments about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on schooling, in particular assessments in schools. Validation of an assessment has always been a key element of assessing student work. Teachers have always been required to ensure that the student work they are using for formal assessment is the student’s work. Before computers, issues of students sharing/copying each other’s work or tutors and parents completing work meant that a teacher employed strategies to validate the work. Small refinements to the methods teachers use to validate students’ ownwork will be required with the introduction of AI such as ChatGTP. Stepping away from assessments, used well, AI can enhance student learning. Teachers encourage the use of computers in research activities and students are taught critical online reasoning skills, academic honesty, and plagiarism. I am confident that just as the introduction of the internet did not harm student learning, in the right circumstances, AI can impact positively on learning.
Student Data
The College utilizes a number of computerized education applications e.g. Education Perfect, Maths Space; Microsoft Teams, Revise Online; Renaissance Learning. To operate effectively these applications require a certain amount of student data to be provided to the application provider. The data shared includes a student’s first name, last name, date of birth, school, school email address, and some class details. The providers often store this information in the cloud. The College carefully reviews carefully the reputation of the provider, the methods of storage of the student’s data, and the type of data we as a College share. Minimal data is shared, and sensitive data is not shared.
I look forward to a successful academic year for all students and families.
Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Report
We have had an exciting start to 2023. An important part of each new year at Kennedy is welcoming our new students.
It was wonderful to welcome our Year 7s as well as other new students across all year groups. The College operates a range of events and comprehensive programs to ensure a smooth transition into the College community. There are many events, each designed to assist our incoming students. These include the Year 7 Orientation Day, Pre-start Day, Year 7 Commencement Ceremony, Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea, Mentoring time in care groups, Extended Form activities, and a new student lunch from Year 8-12.
One of the highlights this term was Pre-start Day which involved both Year 7 students and new students from Year 8-12. Our Year 11 Mentors and Year 7s got to know each other, toured the College, and met Mr Ashby, their Head of Year, and their Form teachers. The 11/7s program continues throughout Term 1 with the Year 11s doing an amazing job mentoring the 7s in care groups on Wednesday mornings. Our new Year 8-12 students met the Student Councillors as well as their Head of Year. They visited the Research and Study Centre for an information session and had the opportunity to meet the Pastoral Care team.
The Year 7 Commencement Ceremony was held on the first day of term. Our Year 7 students walked proudly across the stage to receive their welcome Bible, a significant milestone in the Kennedy journey.
Another highlight was the Year 7 Family Afternoon Tea. This was a great opportunity for incoming Year 7 parents to meet the Principal, Deputies, Pastoral Care team, subject teachers and the Form teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment.
I would like to encourage our students to talk to any members of our Pastoral Care team if they have any concerns or would like extra support. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead.
College Notices
P&F Executive Roles - 2023 AGM Meeting
We are now seeking expressions of interest for the P&F Executive roles, including President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and General Committee members. For more information and responsibilities of each role, please click here.
Our Annual General Meeting will be on Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 6.30pm in the College Boardroom, followed by our 1st General Meeting for 2023. If you are keen to be nominated for any positions please indicate this when you RSVP. Please RSVP your intention to attend here.
Wednesdays 'KPOW'
To help us all in this weighty daily life, Kennedy calls our Wednesdays 'KPOW'.
It's short for Kennedy Prays On Wednesdays. Staff, students, and parents are invited to gather and collectively hand up the weighty things to God. Staff prayer is at Recess, Student prayer is at Lunchtime and all parents/grandparents can pray with us prior to pick up in the Staff Lounge at 2:30pm.
Parents are also welcome to email our Chaplain and ask us to pray for anything that is weighing you or your family down, we would love to pray for you.
Kennedy Insights: Protective Behaviours Presentation
We would like to formally invite you to attend our free Protective Behaviours Presentation Evening. We are honored to have Andrea Musulin with us. She is a leading expert in child protection, teenager safety and cyber safety. Join us in the College Auditorium on Tuesday 7 March 2023 from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Register your attendance here. *Strictly for parents and guardians only.
Understanding Kennedy Communication Channels
Regular communication is an essential part of working positively with our community. To maintain an ongoing and genuine dialogue with our College, we have established a number of ways to share information and provide opportunities for families to partner with us in their child’s learning.
We encourage you to read through page 14 in the Kennedy Handbook and make sure you understand the Kennedy Communication Channels. These Communication Channels can easily be found and accessed through our Kennedy App.
Softshell Jacket Preorder
New option of a lightweight softshell sports jacket added to the sports uniform combinations. This jacket is weather resistant, water repellent, and wind resistant with a polar fleece inner lining. Pre-order by 2 March 2023. (Sample sizes to try on are available in the Uniform Shop). $100 per jacket and payment to be made via Quickclick. Jackets will arrive in early May.
Upcoming Trips & Tours
To help plan for your child/ren to take part in one of the many optional trips and tours offered through Kennedy, please see here for information and dates.
Please note that details are subject to change and more information will be advertised closer to the date of the individual trip or tour.
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.
Final Call - Kennedy 'Beauty and the Beast' Production
Kennedy Baptist College is delighted to perform the Disney Beauty and the Beast Production. With only a few days to go, we encourage you to purchase your tickets. Limited spots are now available! Join us for one of the following performances by purchasing your tickets via the link below.
- Thursday 2 March 2023: 7.00pm - 9.30pm (Opening Night)
- Friday 3 March 2023: 7.00pm - 9.30pm
- Saturday 4 March 2023: 2.30pm - 5.00pm & 7.00pm - 9.30pm
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 Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open this term on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.00am to 3.45pm.
* Please note that the Uniform Shop is closed for lunch 12.30 to 1.00pm.
For more information,
email our Uniform Shop Manager, Mrs Quita Strachan.
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 for 2023 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 9 March 2023.
