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The Year 12 boys competing in their final relay race to end our Interhouse Athletics Carnival!
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,
Our College community continues to thrive through the many events and celebrations that bring us together, and I am pleased to share some of these highlights with you, along with a glimpse of what is still to come this Term.
Community Open Day
Thank you to our wonderful Parents and Friends Association, all our families, and our dedicated staff who supported the College at Open Day. It was incredibly pleasing to have so many community members come along and enjoy the Kennedy experience. Open Day provides an excellent opportunity for the College to showcase the dynamic community we have at Kennedy, and it was great to see everyone sharing their experiences with so many visitors. In particular, we would like to thank our Parents and Friends executive and our staff, who worked tirelessly to coordinate the range of activities available on the day.
Kennedy Day
Congratulations to our Student Executive Leadership team on coordinating a wonderful Kennedy Day. Kennedy has a comprehensive student leadership program designed to help all students grow and develop their leadership skills. Our student leadership team fully manages the day, and it was great to see our students get involved and support them with the wide range of activities developed to promote our College community further.
Father's Day
We are delighted to invite all fathers and father-figures in our Kennedy community to join us for our annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 3 September. This special morning provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role dads play in the lives of our students and in our College community.
The morning will include a delicious breakfast and the chance to connect with other Kennedy families in a relaxed setting. We are also excited to welcome our guest speaker, Anthony Palmieri from Riverview Church. Anthony will be sharing an encouraging message to empower fathers to embrace their influence and make a meaningful difference in their families, workplaces and communities.
We encourage all dads to come along and share in this memorable occasion and we look forward to celebrating with you and honouring the incredible influence of fathers in shaping the lives of our young people.
Mr Mark Ashby
Principal
The time is coming for our Year 12s to finish their High School journey, leaving only five (5) weeks of lessons before they enter the world beyond Kennedy. As the end of the year draws near, many of the graduating students have walked into their Christian Education classes with a mixture of reluctance and discovery. At the end of a 6-year program, we endeavour to give our students the opportunity to ‘choose their ending’ and to finish their Christian Education journey in the way they wish. As the Chaplain, I offer an elective that invites questions and explores the intricate answers to the area of life that is influenced by belief.
This 5-week elective is called ‘Chaplain Chats’. Much like this newsletter article, the title suggests an opportunity for the Chaplain to just have a chat, but the real goal is to foster discovery. On this journey, our Year 12s will discover that there are many layers to each question. We all think and ask questions based on limited or patchy information, but our heart at Kennedy is to be on the journey of discovery together.
Looking beyond the classroom, I wonder how many in our larger Kennedy community have questions about life, faith, ethics and purpose. We have more than 900 households connected to Kennedy, and I would love to engage with any household or family member who has questions about why Kennedy holds firmly to the belief that the Bible is true and that Jesus is real.
So, to conclude this article, I would like to extend an ongoing invitation to ASK. Ask, if you have always wondered: is there evidence why we hold the Bible as true? Or why do we recognise Jesus as a historical figure who was the Son of God? Please ask us anything! It is our belief that these questions matter, and the answers can greatly change the quality of our lives. You can join us at KPOW (Kennedy Prays on Wednesdays) or use SEQTA or email to drop us a question and we will find a way to explore possible answers with you.
Curriculum Report
Thank you to the students who generously volunteered their time to assist with Learning Area displays during the College's Community Open Day. It was wonderful to welcome so many families to the College and showcase the diverse ways our students demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding across the curriculum. The displays highlighted the breadth of learning experiences available at Kennedy Baptist College and provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate student achievement and engagement.
NAPLAN
Individual student NAPLAN reports have been distributed to students and can also be accessed electronically through SEQTA.
NAPLAN reports place students into one of four proficiency levels for each assessment area and year level.
- Exceeding: the student's result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
- Strong: the student's result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
- Developing: the student's result indicates they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
- Needs Additional Support: the student's result indicates they are not yet achieving the expected learning outcomes and are likely to require additional support to make satisfactory progress.
There has been considerable media attention regarding NAPLAN results and student achievement standards across Australia. While national and state data provide a useful benchmark, they do not necessarily reflect the performance of students at Kennedy Baptist College. A significant proportion of our students continue to perform above state and national averages across all assessment areas.
The following tables provide a summary of our Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN results, averaged across all assessment domains.
When interpreting NAPLAN reports, it is important to understand that students may continue to make strong academic progress even if they remain within the same proficiency category from Year 7 to Year 9. As students progress through school, the complexity and difficulty of assessment tasks increase significantly. Consequently, a student who remains within the same proficiency level over time is often demonstrating growth consistent with expected learning progression.
Year 12
Year 12 students are entering the final weeks of their secondary schooling, with all curriculum programs concluding at the end of this term. Apart from final examinations, all assessments must be completed and submitted by the required deadlines.
Students are reminded that, to be awarded a grade, they must complete the full teaching, learning and assessment program for each course. The next three weeks provide an important opportunity for Year 12 students to finish their twelve years of schooling with purpose, commitment and pride. We encourage all students to remain focused on their goals and to make the most of the support available from their teachers, families and the wider College community as they prepare for this significant milestone.
Pastoral Care Report
Kennedy Day
Student leadership is a vital part of the Kennedy culture, with our program offering many opportunities for students to participate in decision-making and contribute to College life.
A great recent example is Kennedy Day, where our students take the opportunity to celebrate the College community. Our Student Executive Leadership team did a fantastic job organising this event, starting with a fun and lively assembly in our Auditorium and continuing the day with live music and ice cream, juice, and bubble tea vans during recess and lunch. I want to thank each of our Kennedy student leaders for their willingness and ability to create such an outstanding day.
2027 Student Executive Team
As our current Year 12 leaders start to wind up their time here at Kennedy, we have completed the selection for the 2027 Student Executive Team. Our rigorous process involved interviewing applicants, followed by a Year 11 student vote and the opportunity for staff to give their input.
Congratulations to our 2027 Student Executive Team, who are as follows:
Head Girl - Zara Ford
Head Boy - Jake Gurney
Deputy Head Girl - Layla Britza
Deputy Head Boy - Alex Shin
Our current team will present these deserving students with their badges at the Year 12 Awards Assembly at the beginning of Term 4.
During Week 7, we will begin appointing our Year 8 to 12 Student Council and House Captains for 2027. We encourage students to consider whether they would like to be part of the Kennedy leadership team and apply for a position.
RUOK? Day
As part of the RUOK? Day initiative in Week 8, different year levels will be split into three groups to hear from three experienced speakers, focusing on mental health. The day will also be focused on strengthening our Kennedy Community, with free pancakes and staff vs student sports games!
Finally, as we approach the end of Term 3, I encourage students to make the most of all the available opportunities. Here at Kennedy Baptist College, we offer a range of engaging activities during Pastoral Care Time, cohort social events and Community Service initiatives.
Kennedy News
2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival
On Friday 14 August, Kennedy Baptist College students gathered at the WA Athletics Stadium for the much-anticipated Interhouse Athletics Carnival. It was a day full of House pride, healthy competition and outstanding athletic performances across both track and field events.
Congratulations to Osprey, who were crowned 2026 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Champions finishing with a huge 1,739 points!
We look forward to seeing our top athletes now move forward to represent the College at the "C" Division Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) Interschool Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 15 September.
Pedal Prix Final Race for 2026!
The 2026 Kennedy Racing Team finished their season off with a trip to Busselton last weekend. Competing in their final race of the Adelaide University Pedal Prix Championship with 4 teams, determination and endurance.
National Science Week
Last week was National Science Week! This year's theme was 'Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all'.
Building on this year's theme, our fantastic Science teachers put on a range of activities during the week for all students to enjoy, including making 'Grass Heads' and a fun Science-themed Kahoot in the RASC. Thank you to those who got involved to enjoy a week of experiments and practical learning.
Year 10 ACC AFL Carnival
The annual Associated & Catholic Colleges (ACC) Year 10 AFL Lightning Carnival was a fantastic day out for our talented Year 10 students, and a few Year 9 students. Under the supervision and coaching of Mrs Williams (girls) and Mr Bolton (boys), the teams competed fiercely in the round robin format against schools from across the metropolitan area, as well as Nagle Catholic College from Geraldton.
The boys' competition was strong, with excellent performances from Saxon Derecourt, Levi Young, Lucas Berden and Tate Jahn, who drove the standards all day. It was also a welcome sight to see Beau Purvis return to football after nearly 12 months out with injury, providing a focal point in the team offence. The team registered strong wins against John XXIII College, La Salle College and Newman College; however, they fell 2 points short against eventual winners Nagle Catholic College.
The girls' team also competed strongly throughout the day, with standout performances from Tori Nathan and Zara Lilly. The girls had a heap of fun, registering multiple wins, but falling to a very strong Emmanuel Catholic College team, who went on to win the division.
The sportsmanship and attitude of our players were highly commended by other schools, as our teams were there to compete strongly but also to help an opponent up after the battle. Sport isn't always about winning, but about the memories you create playing with your friends. Our students had a great day and will undoubtedly move into senior football competitions with some enthusiasm and encouragement.
Mr Chris Bolton and Mrs Natalie Williams
Sport Teachers
College Notices
Now is the time to start considering what summer uniform items your child may need for Term 4.
- Are waists still comfortable?
- Can hems be let down?
- Is there enough room in the shoulders for ease of movement?
Our Uniform Shop Manager is happy to help with queries regarding sizing and uniform requirements.
During September, our summer stock will become available. Quick Cliq will be updated as stock arrives for online purchases.
Lost and Found
There is currently a large number of lost property items in Student Services.
Students are encouraged to check for any missing belongings before school, during recess, at lunch or after school.
We kindly remind all families to ensure students’ belongings are clearly labelled to help us return lost items to their owners.
WA Student Assistance Payment
To help ease cost-of-living pressures on families with school-aged children, a third round of the WA Student Assistance Payment is now available.
This payment is to help you get the things you need for your kids.
From new school shoes, backpacks and sports equipment to uniforms, healthy meals, school excursions and more.
Claim now
Claim through the ServiceWA app or visit here for other claim methods. Claims close on Friday 25 September 2026.
What you need
Each student’s 8-digit WA student number (WASN).
You’ll find it on:
• school reports
• previous NAPLAN results
• student SmartRider cards
Upcoming Events:
Father's Day Breakfast
There are only a few tickets left for our annual Father's Day Breakfast!
Happening on Thursday 3 September 2026, from 7:15am to 8:30am. For catering purposes, we kindly request your RSVP by clicking the link below before tomorrow, Friday 28 August 2026. Please note that this is an adult-only event.
Year 12 Performance Evening
On Monday 7 September, we are delighted to invite the College community to a 2-part performance evening. The night will comprise of a range of performances and projects from Year 12 ATAR and General Music, Drama, Dance and Media students.
This is a free event, but due to the content in the Drama curriculum, we would encourage students from Year 9 and above to attend.
Term 3 Kennedy Insights
Save the date for our next Kennedy Insights event on Thursday 10 September, where we will be hearing from former AFL West Coast Eagles player and Youth Mental Health leader, Brayden Ainsworth, as he discusses resilience and how to build positive mental health in our teenagers.
This is an adult only event.
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 & 3 2026 Opening Hours
During Term 2 and 3 of 2026, the Uniform Shop will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays 8.00am to 4.15pm.
* Closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
* 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 hot food varieties such as beef or chicken burgers, beef nachos and hot chicken rolls. Lunch items are available to order online via Flexischools.
Volunteering Opportunities
We value the support of
our volunteers who contribute to the College community!
Volunteer opportunities are available by using the link below. 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.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge today's First Nations people, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, as the custodians of this land, and as we continue to learn to live together on these ancient lands, we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We pray that God will unite us all in a knowledge of His Son, in whom all things were created, in heaven and on earth, whether visible or invisible – for all things have been created through Him and for Him.
The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 10 September 2026.
