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Photo above: Year 9-10 Drama Night students.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
It has been wonderful for our college to experience a range of music and drama performances during the term. Our Arts Learning Area continues to grow in both student participation and the quality of great performances. Congratulations to all students who have been performing over the past weeks, it has been a privilege for everyone to attend such high-quality performances. Congratulations also, to our wonderful Arts staff who work tirelessly to support student performances.
Kennedy Master Plan
Since Kennedy commenced in 2013, a master plan for continuous improvement of the College campus has been implemented resulting in the development of outstanding facilities for our students. The College Board has ratified the tender for the next stage and works will commence with the redevelopment of the Auditorium and its associated spaces in December. This includes the construction of a new external alfresco area outside the foyer entrance and a refurbished foyer incorporating a café and ticket office. Some changes to our event locations may be necessary in the new year. Work inside the Auditorium will not commence until
mid-March 2023.
Year 12 Graduation
Friday 18 November will be a special evening for our Year 12 families. Our formal proceedings for graduation commence at 7.00pm - 9.30pm in the College Auditorium. Canapes will be served on the Terrace from 6.00pm. We look forward to a great night of celebration as these students graduate from Kennedy Baptist College.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
Chaplain Chats
It feels like, as the Chaplain, I am perceived to have special access to God, and I am often the nominated prayer at the end of assemblies, before a College meal and many other occasions. Firstly, I don’t have special access to God, He listens to everyone, (actually, I’m quite amazed that He personally listens to me!). Secondly, it leads me to ask what is this praying thing, and why do we do it?
Living is often challenging. Spending my years as a Nurse and Chaplain, I have seen deep life issues. At times, there is no clear solution to the challenges people face. My understanding of faith and my view of the world has led me to understand that we all hope for a mostly problem-free life. The fact is there are more problems in life than we would like, and we strive to be free of those overwhelming things. Failing health, loss, grief, broken relationships, and destructive selfishness impact us all.
This leads me to prayer! Not just in this writing this article, but in the everyday maelstrom of life, it leads me to call out for help. Praying is that dynamic of hoping and reaching for big answers to big problems. Knowing that there is no quick solution to the confronting things we face, the reflex is to pray. This is why at Kennedy we have nominated every Wednesday to be a day to pray, KPOW (Kennedy Prays On Wednesdays). On KPOW we decide to call out for help in times of need. My vision for KPOW is that every member of Kennedy is free ask for prayer for anything that comes into our lives. Sometimes, by calling out for help, there might be an unexpected answer.
If you have a need, please let us know, message me, your chaplain, and we will pray for and with you. Also, you are always welcome to join our KPOW prayer time, staff and students pray together at recess and lunch respectively. For parents and others, every Wednesday there is a time to pray at 2:30 pm for 30 mins in the Staff Lounge. This allows parents to come early to pick up students and to pray with others before heading home. We look forward to hearing from you with your prayer needs or to seeing you come and pray with us.
Deputy Principal: Curriculum
It is now mid-term and we are in the examination season for Year 11 & 12 students. In order to complete courses and for a course to be included in the calculation of the Western Australian Certificate of Education, students enrolled in ATAR courses must complete examinations. I wish all the Year 11 & 12 students well in their final examinations for 2022. The time that the College has invested in developing study skills and habits combined with each student’s application to revision, will provide each student with reduced anxiety during this intense period of time.
Students in Years 9 & 10 will commence examinations in the coming weeks. Preparation for examinations will be completed both in class and through the homework that teachers set. Students throughout the College are regularly taught how to revise and prepare for assessments. A good study plan and regular revision are more effective than last-minute cramming. Students could allocate 20-30 minutes of study time for a subject each day (e.g. Monday = Maths; Tuesday = English) and set goals for each revision session to ensure they can effectively review the content presented during the past semester. Please note that Year 9 & 10 students must remain in classes during examination periods and may not “go home to study”. I would also encourage parents to monitor the time their child spends on homework in the coming weeks, it is important that students do not spend 3-4 hours per night preparing for the exams.
I would like to mention that curriculum material is being presented right up to and including the last day of College. Students are continually assessed which means that even if formal testing concludes, teachers are still observing student understanding of the concepts presented and this information is key to determining final grades. Reports are expected to be available through SEQTA on Tuesday 6 December.
Courses for 2023
Courses for 2023 are expected to be finalised by Tuesday December 6 and will be available through SEQTA. To provide a small window for class changes, some information regarding Year 11 & 12 courses and Year 8, 9 & 10 electives may be released soon. Please note that the Booklists will be available on the Kennedy website at the end of the term.
Deputy Principal: Pastoral Care
It is a busy term in the Pastoral Care space, with a wide range of activities and events occurring.
Tomorrow we will hold our annual Remembrance Day service in the area around our College Flagpoles. Student Councillors will host the event with our College Principal, Mr Mark Ashby. Year 10 Councillors will share about one of the Australian Battles of World War 1, the Battle of El Alamein. James Murray will represent the Scouts and lay a wreath. Our Year 8 Councillors will perform flag duties as we remember and thank God for His gift of life to us and the sacrifice made by those who were killed in service.
We also look forward to the presentations by YSafe for our Year 7 students and parents. YSafe believes that cyber safety education needs to be proactive, rather than reactive. Their approach is designed to provide support to the whole community. The free parent event will be on Friday 18 November, please make sure you register here.
Our Year 9 & 10 students will be given a presentation by the Perennial Health Institute in regard to ‘Secondary School VAPING ‘Clearing the AIR”. The aim of the presentation is to bring awareness to students on the latest research and information regarding the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping.
We understand that it is a busy time of the year, and we know there can be some anxiety and stress around examination time. I would like to remind our parents and students that the Pastoral Care team is available to provide support and guidance. Our amazing Concillors, Chaplain and Heads of Year can be contacted if you have any concerns.
2023 Year 7 Orientation Day
In two weeks' time, our current Year 10 student mentors (next year’s Year 11 Mentors) will be involved in welcoming our 2023 Year 7s for Orientation Day. Each year the College undertakes a comprehensive support program to ensure the incoming Year 7 students enjoy a smooth transition into secondary school. On Tuesday, 31 January the mentors will host a Pre-Start Day for the Year 7s. Overall the 11/7s Mentor Program is designed to support our incoming 7s and ensure they feel safe and welcomed as valued members of our College community.
We look forward to all that the rest of the term holds, and we aim to finish the year with excellence and strength.
Kennedy News
Year 11 Awards Assembly
Last week we celebrated the academic achievements and success of our Year 11 students at their Awards Assembly. Students were acknowledged for their hard work and commitment to their studies and the College. We enjoyed a recap video and a lovely music performance by our students, and we congratulated King House who was declared the winner of the Champions Read Shield! Well done to all award recipients and the best for your upcoming exams. Please click here for photos.
Teacher Leader Award for Excellence
Congratulations to our Director of Students Mrs Christine Crump for receiving a Teacher Leader Award for Excellence
Mrs Christine Crump has more than three decades of experience in teaching, leading, learning, and caring. She is an exceptional practitioner, instructional leader, and strategist who has built staff efficacy through a range of approaches. Christine has a whole-hearted dedication to continuing professional learning for herself and others.
2022 Cricket Corner - Update 02
On Wednesday 26 October Our Year 7 team played against Kent Street Senior High. They played well overall with batting, bowling and fielding. The first wicket was a run out nicely thrown by Mahesh and Ryan took the bails off. Jack finished the game with 3 sweeps in the over, all going past the fielder for 2 runs.
Our Year 8 Specialist Cricket students played against Kent Street Senior High on Wednesday 19 October. Kent Street won the toss and elected to bat first, Austin and Emma opened the bowling. We ended up beating Kent Street in the 33rd over and won by 4 wickets.
The Year 9 match was played against John Forrest on Monday 7 November. Despite putting up a low total in the batting Innings, we hit a few boundaries, and saw a good amount of runs scored. Everyone fielded well and we took most of our catches which probably won us the game. The full Specialist Cricket report from the team captains can be read via the link below!
2023 Production - Update 02
Our Beauty and the Beast Production for 2023 is well underway and our Arts Learning Area is in full swing sorting out costumes and getting everything organised.
Gabby Anthony said that the production so far has been such an enjoyable experience. "I've already made so many new friendships and it's so much fun coming to rehearsal where we get to work on different scenes and songs with different people."
When the costumes arrived the other week, everyone was excited because they could visual what they will be wearing in each scene. Students said that they are encouraged to be creative and innovative with the scripts, the props, and the costumes. Having access to so many industry experts also ensures we have a lot of fun, whilst learning about all parts of musical theatre.
Read the full report written by the Kennedy Production cast members below!
College Notices
Cyber Safety Session - Friday 18 November
Protecting children in their digital worlds is an ever-evolving task for Australian families. We are pleased to help our parent community by offering a crucial and engaging education session with YSafe on Friday 18 November at 8.30am. If you’ve ever struggled with getting your children off their games and into bed, worried about the content of the games that they are playing, or felt concerned that your child was spending too much time in the digital world, this workshop is for you! Please register below. This event is for all current Year 7 Families and prospective 2023 Year 7 Families.
Kennedy Insights: Pornography & Sexual Health
We place high value on the social and emotional development of the students in our care. The Year 7 & 8 students will be attending child protection workshops. The aim is to address, educate and increase awareness around; sexualisation in the media, sexual expectations, issues with pornography, critical thinking skills and how to seek help.
We invite all parents to attend a parent evening on sexual health and pornography in the College Auditorium on Wednesday 23 November at 6:30pm. If you wish to attend, please register your attendance below.
2023 Year 7 Orientation Day
The Year 7 Transition Program begins with Orientation Day on Friday, 25 November 2022. We are excited to welcome our new Year 7s. They will meet their Year 11 Mentors and Head of Year, who will be supporting them as they transition into Kennedy. As parents are a vital part of the vibrant Kennedy community, we invite you to an informal morning tea and information session on the same day. Please remember to register both your child's and your attendance via the link below.
Parent Volunteer Afternoon Tea
More than 100 parents have volunteered at the College this year across a variety of activities. Our volunteer community is a vibrant group of individuals that have contributed to Kennedy in many ways this year, and we would like to honour and thank you at a special afternoon tea on the final day of the term, Tuesday 6 December 2022 at 2.00pm - 3.00pm in the Kennedy Baptist College, Staff Lounge. We Please RSVP by Tuesday 29 November to Mrs Janet Hair by return email or call 93147722.
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), or via email. 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 – Opening Hours
The Uniform Shop will be open during Term 4 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.00am - 3.45pm.
* Please note, closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1.00pm and also closed on Fridays. 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, 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! Please keep an eye on the signup link for regular updates on volunteering opportunities.
These opportunities include assisting at Beedawong and the uniform shop, P&F and book covering.
Student Withdrawal
It is a condition of enrolment that at least ten (10) school weeks’ notice (not including scheduled school holidays) of a student’s withdrawal is given in writing to the Registrar via email. 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 24 November 2022.
