Photo above: Students at the Interhouse Cross Country. 

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

I am excited to share the latest update on the current building program for the College. As you know, our College is dedicated to providing the best possible learning environment for our students, and our Master Plan is a significant step towards ensuring that goal.

The new building program includes a comprehensive refurbishment of our Auditorium, which will provide students with a state-of-the-art facility for performances, presentations, and assemblies. With upgraded sound and lighting systems and modern design features, the Auditorium will now be an impressive venue that will inspire our students to excel. In addition, the Lower Foyer will include a ticket box and café to add value to our College functions. It is expected that this project will be completed early Term 3.

The next stage of the building program will involve constructing a new level of flexible classroom spaces above the English block. The new level of classes will be accessed via a new staircase and a bridge from the Science classes. It is expected that this project will commence at the end of this year.

We are aware that this construction can cause some disruption to daily routines, and we will be working hard to minimize any inconvenience. Our team is committed to ensuring that the construction process is managed efficiently and with minimal impact on the day-to-day running of the College.

This stage will also create additional parking spaces for staff and visitors in the future. We understand that parking has been a significant issue for our College staff and community, and we are delighted to be able to address this problem through this new development. We have carefully considered the design of the new parking area, and it will be created to ensure the safety and convenience of everyone using it.

We believe that the new building program will significantly enhance the learning environment at Kennedy Baptist College and enable us to continue to provide outstanding education to our students. I would like to thank you for your continued support, we look forward to sharing further updates with you.
 

Community Survey

Thank you once again to all of parents who completed the biennial community survey. Please click here for the report and summary of responses. These responses are currently being reviewed in detail to allow us to continually improve the services provided by the College.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Chaplain Chats

With the seventh Mission Impossible movie coming out soon, I want to talk about the power of living life on a mission. (Cue the Mission Impossible theme music... dun dun da DA). If I were to ask you, “What is your life’s mission?” how would you answer? I have observed people in many challenging situations over the years, major health issues, devastating loss and suffering, heartbreak, and sadness or worry. Whether sitting ‘ring side’ watching, or personally participating in all these challenges in human life, I have seen a power source that carries people through these times... I believe that the idea that our life has a mission brings resilience, perseverance, and determination.

What does it mean to have a mission? Like in the Mission Impossible stories, the characters caught up in the story have an overarching focus on what their daily life direction is about. Emotions are engaged, physical strength is pushed to the limit as new limits are found, and imagination works overtime solving problems, finding a way around, through, or over the challenge at hand. The whole being is aligned to the mission and, until the mission is complete, there is no other use of our human resources.

To have a life mission means to have an internal purpose. To be focusing on completing your life mission helps give direction to every decision, every effort, and every minute. As a parent, what is your life mission? Do your children see you modelling your mission and making intentional decisions that help you fulfill that life mission?

For students, I believe finding their mission early in life will make their future an adventure. I encourage you to ask your child how they continue to fulfill their mission when unexpected challenges arise. I know our energy will feel spent at times, the mission will call you to go further than you thought you could. But I would like to encourage every individual in our community to find and refine their personal life mission, once found, all of life can then flow in its service and completion. The following is a great place to start looking, so here is your mission… “if you choose to accept it”! (cue music)…

The Lord has told you what is good. He has told you what he wants from you: Do what is right to one another, love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting your God. Micah 6:8.

Curriculum Report

We are well into Term 2! The inclusion of examinations for students in Years 9 -12 makes Term 2 a busy academic term. Exams are designed to test students’ study techniques and time management skills. Teacher feedback helps to provide valuable information about the curriculum areas that may need to be addressed, but student self-evaluation of time management and study is also crucial.

I would encourage parents to ask reflective questions of their child in the coming week. When asking questions, it is important to avoid adding your own observations as this can often shut down the conversation and illicit a stunted response such as “I don’t know”. Some questions you could ask are: Do you study each week for (subject)?; How much extra time did you study for (subject)?; How did you study, did you re-write notes, practice problems or use some other method?; What did you find effective?; What would you do differently next time to help you improve?; What can I do to help you?

Many students work consistently to consolidate their learning, reviewing material and preparing for assessments. If this is your child, I would strongly encourage parents to praise their child’s effort regardless of the outcome.
 

Year 11 Course Changes

Recently we have informed students of the opportunity to change courses via a SEQTA Direqt message It is normal that some Year 11 students may be considering a change of course. Typically, students who are achieving at less than a C grade change their courses at this time of the year. Mr Jiow and I are currently prioritizing those students who need to change two or more ATAR courses. Please be aware that course changes must be completed prior to Friday 23 June.
 

Course Selections for 2024

Students in Years 7-11 will soon begin the process of selecting courses for 2024. Decisions about the number of classes offered per course, staffing, and other resource needs are all driven by which courses students select. It is essential that all students and families participate in the selection process.

Information about courses will be distributed to families and will also be available on the College website. The information release will be staggered with Years 8 to 11 receiving theirs towards the end of Term 2 whilst Year 7, will receive theirs early in Term 3. Selections are made electronically with students and a parent signing off on each student’s selections. A video showing how to make selections will be available for students and families to watch to assist with the process. Please ensure that you are aware of the course selection deadlines to avoid missing out.

Pastoral Care Report

I cannot believe we are halfway through Term 2. Looking back at Term 1, I want to acknowledge our Year 11/7 Mentors, who did a fantastic job in helping our Year 7 students transition into Kennedy. These mentors did a fantastic job assisting the Year 7s. They also had the opportunity to develop some key skills such as; good communication, decision-making, planning, and managing groups. I also noticed some great social skills and how this experience builds their confidence as leaders. I am pleased to hear that the feedback from the Year 7s was highly positive! I would like to encourage our current Year 10 students to consider applying for a Year 11/7 Mentors role. Applications will open later in the year.  

We now look at Term 2. We started the term with an Assembly and Anzac service run by our College Student Executive Team. It was great to recognise our newly elected Year 7 student leaders and those students who achieved College Colours Excellence Award. (This award is one of the highest individual awards at Kennedy Baptist College and recognises student achievement and contribution across many aspects of College life.) The College Colours Award can be applied for in Years 10 and 11, and we hope it is something our students would aspire to. The criteria for the award included the following: 

• College Representation: Students were required to demonstrate that they have represented the College in the community. This included sporting representation, drama or dance representation or College Community Outreach Program. 
   
• Leadership Roles: Students were required to demonstrate that they have contributed to college leadership in a significant manner. This may include being a Councillor, House Captain, 11/7s Mentor, Peer Activity Leader, or other essential roles.   
   
• Academic Standing: Students were required to demonstrate that they have maintained good academic standing in their studies with a minimum of a C grade across their subjects. 
   
• Attitude and Behavior: Students were required to demonstrate that they kept the mindset and behaviours characterising a Kennedy student. 

As we approach the exam period, I encourage students to contact the Pastoral Care team if they need extra support. The Heads of Years and counsellors are also available. I wish you all the best for the rest of Term 2. 

Kennedy News
 

Tax-deductible Building Fund

At Kennedy Baptist College, our continued commitment to providing the best possible facilities and resources for our students continues to be guided by our Master Plan.

Did you know that there is a Kennedy Baptist College Tax-deductible Building Fund? This initiative will help us enhance the exciting facilities listed above and create even more opportunities for our students and staff to succeed. It’s an opportunity for our College community to come together and make a meaningful impact on the education and growth of our students.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community and your donations to this fund will ensure ongoing development and success. 

College Notices

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 8 June 2023.