Photo above: Annual Kennedy Day 2022.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families, 

Last week the College had a number of events organised by both staff and students to support RUOK? Day and the mental health and wellbeing of all. A range of activities were organised and their were plenty of opportunities for members of our community to consider both their own and others’ mental health.

Whilst it was great for us to be part of this promotion, the wellbeing of our community members is a priority for the entire year. Evidence indicates that the number one factor impacting the wellbeing of students, is the interaction and relationship between students. Kennedy has a comprehensive Pastoral Care program to encourage and develop positive relationships and we continue to make this a priority. In order for this to be successful, students must take an active role in supporting each other and making a stand if they are aware of negative student interaction.

Our discipline policy deals with situations that involve negative interactions, including bullying and harassment by students. I trust parents will support us with the application of this policy and notify us should these situations arise.
 

National Day of Mourning

As announced by the Prime Minister, a National Day of Mourning will be held on Thursday 22 September to remember Queen Elizabeth II. The College will be closed on that day so students will break for the holidays on Wednesday 21 September at 3.15pm.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Chats

Welcome to the final Term 3 newsletter. It has been a very full term with many moving parts to each College day creating a sense of rushing or busyness that many staff and students are feeling tired. Kennedy is such a dynamic community with so many programs, so many areas of learning, so many opportunities, so many people, it can leave one’s head spinning. At times this term I have felt like I have been running from one thing to the next, never really feeling sure that I have finished one task before I have had to move onto the next. If you are reading this it means you are a part of the Kennedy community, and I feel quite sure you understand that feeling of being in the storm of life at this time.

I find that when I’m buffeted by many challenges on my time, energy and emotions, the difference between ENJOYING or ENDURING is dependent on my perspective! There is a wonderful story from  Bible about perspective in the middle of a storm. Jesus took his disciples on a field trip to teach them about fear, so he told them to get in a boat because they were going to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a large lake. Halfway across the lake a very large storm began to swamp the boat they were in. The disciples, experienced fishermen, had seen storms before, and their perspective was that this storm could sink them. The perspective of Jesus was He knew they would reach the other side and so He had taken a nap in the back of the boat. Everyone in the boat was going through the same storm, but not everyone had the same perspective. The disciples were gripped by fear and Jesus was so at rest he was asleep!

Imagine there is a way to live that views every challenge in life as a part of the whole journey. It would remove the fear of the outcome of each challenge. Jesus wants to do life in our boat, with Him we can enjoy and not endure the storms.

Year 7 students have been embracing the many College events on offer in Term 3. The specialist Music students performed instrumental pieces for Lakeside Seniors as part of Community Service. Budding musicians showcased their talent with drums, trumpet, piano, violin, classical and bass guitar. Lakeside Seniors commended them on their skills and enjoyed interacting with the young performers over morning tea.

Wellness Week at Kennedy was a great opportunity for students to check in on one another with ‘RUOK? Day’ featuring midway through Week 8. Year 7 students were involved in a variety of activities to promote mindfulness and wellbeing, such as colouring, boardgames, movies and physical activity. As a year group, it was a great chance to get together and revisit our theme for the year, ‘choose kindness’. Year 7s have forged their place in the College and begun to move beyond the ‘Year 7 area’, they are interacting with new people and perhaps moving away from former friendship circles. Mrs Golda Newland, our College Counsellor, discussed strategies students can apply in these situations so they may feel safe and respected. All students were encouraged to communicate in a positive manner and seek help from parents, staff and myself should they need guidance when navigating the social dynamics of adolescence. To conclude Wellness Week, two students were presented with yellow hooded jumpers as a thank you for their positivity, dedicated approach, and respect they demonstrate to staff and peers daily. Well done, Claira Lim and Liam Atkinson!

I encourage students to focus on learning and assessment as we near the end of Term 3. As this is a busy term of the year with many events filling our calendars, I trust that the Year 7s will implement what they have learned about mindfulness and wellbeing, to better cope with any pressures they feel. 

Term 3 has been a blast. The highlight was definitely the Year 8 adventure camp. The students were encouraged to ‘expand their paradigm’ and this meant different things for every student who stepped out of their comfort zone in one way or another. I loved the excitement and energy on camp (or was if just the amount of sugar consumed) and the positivity that students exhibited throughout. A highlight for me was the students getting involved in our messy games night which involved eating raw onions, sardines with chocolate and other crazy games where they had to compete against other teams. They also heard a message from Nations Youth group with a large number of students responding to a call from the team to devote their lives to God. We are continuing to follow up on these students with support from our Chaplain and Nations Youth.

Last week we also had the opportunity to go to Kulungah Myah Community Centre where our Year 8 students were involved in Community Service. We cleared, prepared and planted a new community garden and then cleaned the surrounding area. We are hoping to partner with Kulungah Myah in the future and continue with our gardening project, provide artwork and get involved with activities that they run at the community centre. Our students were amazing and helpful and I loved their enthusiasm in helping out with whatever was needed.

It has been inspiring to see the growth of the students in our Year 9 cohort. Our students are becoming more responsible, respectful, and learning to support one another. Through care and encouragement, they are becoming a closer group.

Galatians 6:2 reads: “Carry each other’s burdens and you will fulfil the law of Christ.” Last week was Wellbeing Week and RUOK? Day and was a meaningful time to reflect on the importance of checking in on your friends. Often students bottle up their emotions and find it difficult to talk to someone about the burdens they are carrying. However, if we support one another and carry each other’s burdens, we can, through the power of Christ, lessen the load and get the help we need.

On Friday 2 September a group of 20 students participated in Year 9 Community Service. The students conducted a litter audit at the College, to determine the amount and types of rubbish littered around the school premises. I was grateful for the students who helped at Community Service, and I have no doubt it was an eye-opener for them to see how much litter was left around the area where the Year 9s spend recess and lunchtime.

Last Friday, four of our Year 9 students, Beau Wilson, Ciaran Fraser, Sienna Lilly and MJ Palmieri teamed up with students from Years 7 and 8 to play in the Kennedy Baptist College vs Binar basketball fundraiser match. Kennedy Baptist College won by three points in an entertaining contest, with both teams displaying great skill and sportsmanship. Most importantly, our College raised much needed funds for Binar Futures, which helps Aboriginal students with homework tuition, as well as enabling students to participate in sporting competitions and to represent Binar in national indigenous sporting competitions. We thank Binar for visiting our College

As Term 3 draws to a close, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on all the positive moments we have enjoyed over the last few weeks. We recently celebrated “Be Brio” week, which was a reminder for all of us to share love, joy and enthusiasm with others. Last week was Wellbeing Week, where students enjoyed social, mindful and relaxation activities during Extended Form and messages of positivity were spread across the campus. Yesterday we celebrated who we are as a College with Kennedy Day – it was a great chance to grab an ice-cream and pat a goat!

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all families to model kindness, empathy and care as you go about your daily lives. Every day, all of us must decide how we will treat others. In the Bible, Jesus tells us to “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). I encourage all students to look out for one another around the College, and when required, boldly advise staff so they can intervene if anyone is being mistreated.

Parents, please ask your child whether they would like to attend the Year 10 Dinner Dance in Week 4 of next term. If they are keen to attend, please register them without delay!

It is fair to say it has been a very busy couple of weeks for the Year 11 students.  We have enjoyed the opportunity to spend time together in Extended Form led by the Student Councillors, the Form Cup is currently with the winners from 11E2!

Last week as a College we had a week dedicated to wellness, which also included RUOK? day. The Year 11s used this time to unwind by either playing sport (spikeball, finska, 4 square), mindful colouring in, reading, studying or playing cards and board games in the Research and Study Centre. I would like to acknowledge Amie Hugo for all her work in developing this initiative for the College. 

This week we celebrated Kennedy Day with an interactive and fun Assembly, ice-cream trucks galore, and the highly anticipated Year 11 River Cruise social! It was a night on the Swan River, dancing, eating a lot of pizza, and creating some amazing memories! Thank you to the Student Counsillors for their efforts in assisting and the Form teachers for their time supervising.  Congratulations to our prize winners!  

As we finish off the term, it’s inevitable that tests and assessments will occur, it is now that we see the value in time management and organisation. For the students who might be struggling with this can I really encourage them to visit the Research and Study Centre or speak with their Form teacher about how they can improve study skills before Term 4 and the Semester 2 exams. 

It has been great to see our Year 12 students committing to working hard in all their classes this term. With only a few weeks remaining, I encourage them all to continue to apply themselves and aim to produce the best that you can.

It has been especially pleasing to hear about many students securing apprenticeships or early University offers for next year. This is a great reflection of the work they have already put in.

Our Spring Fling was an opportunity to have some fun and enjoy one final social as a cohort. Students were creative and came up with some fantastic costumes for the event and many students and staff had a great time dancing the night away. We also recently hosted a series of events that marked RUOK? Day and Wellbeing Week. Another highlight was to see the Year 12 Physical Education students playing netball against the staff. The staff took the win but there was a great display of skill and sportsmanship.

Lastly, I wish our Year 12s all the best for their upcoming exams, and I am confident that the hard work you put in will continue to be rewarded.  

Kennedy News

Celebrating Student Achievements

Kennedy would like to congratulate the following students on their perseverance, sportsmanship, and outstanding achievements: 

• Renee Morgan was selected in the School Sport WA AFL U/15 Girls Team to compete in Albury, NSW.
   
• Jasper Smith is representing Australia at a 15/U Baseball Tournament in Miami, Florida in October 2022. We wish him all the best.
   
• Josh Nathan is one of 12 boys selected by the WACA for the WA Cricket Youth Academy which started in August and continues to October.
   
• Zander Greyling competed in the Sydney Tange National Ice Hockey Tournement. He is also the WA Ice Hockey Goal Keeper for this year. Zander was awarded the U/18 Best Goalie National Award - chosen by the team coaches (WA, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and ACT) and based on stats.
   
• Lara Lane has been selected for the U/15 State Waterpolo Team competing at the Gold Coast in late September.
   
• Kaitlyn James competed in the State Swimming Long Course winning a bronze medal in the 200 backstroke, and qualifying for the Age Swimming National Championships. She also recently competed in the Short Course State Championships winning a gold in the 200 backstroke and silver in the 100 backstroke.
   
• Liam Atkinson selected to compete in the U/12 State Hockey Tournament in Canberra and was awarded a bronze medallion.
   
• Jesse Hawkes represented WA Baseball in the West Coast Rays team.
   
• Kaiyo Tan qualified for the Swimming WA Short Course State Championships and recently competed.
   
• Matilda Musto selected to be part of U/14 Southern Cross Basketball Championships State team earlier this year. Unfortunately, the team did not travel due to covid.
   
• Johnson Tailor selected for the U/12 State Cricket Team that will travel to Shepparton in November.

We would love to know if your child has achieved a significant milestone in any area. Please email their Head of Year a photo and more information about their achievements. 

Back to School Information

Term 3 concludes for students on Wednesday 21 September 2022. The College will finish classes for all students at 3.15pm. Students may use the Research and Study Centre for quiet study and reading until 4.15pm.

Term 4 will commence on Monday 10 October 2022 at 8.15am. Students are to wear their full Summer Uniform. Please note that the Administration office will re-open on Monday 3 October.

We hope that you have a restful and safe holiday break. 

WITHDRAWING OR THINKING OF WITHDRAWING AT THE END OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR?

In line with the College fee policy, it is a condition of enrolment at least 10 school weeks’ notice (not including scheduled school holidays) of withdrawal of a student is given in writing. So if you are withdrawing or contemplating withdrawing your child, please contact our Registrar registrar@kennedy.wa.edu.au and keep us informed of your intentions.

College Notices

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 13 October 2022.