Mr Ashby and Mr Dunn visiting the Year 8 Girls Camp in Waroona.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians and Families,

Our planning for Term 2 is now completed. A comprehensive program of parent evenings and individual counselling is planned to help families make the best-informed decisions.

Information about the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews will be sent shortly, and we like to encourage families to secure a time once the Parent Teacher Interview booking portal opens. 

One of the major focuses is also on preparing our Year 10 families to select Year 11 courses and units for 2027. This program is particularly important as the structure for Year 11, and the WACE is very different to the Lower School curriculum. I encourage all Year 10 families to attend all information events and to be proactive during this important phase of students' schooling.

Year 8 and Year 11 Camps

Over the past week, Mr Dunn and I were at both the Year 8 and Year 11 Camps. It was wonderful to spend time with our students in these outdoor camp environments, to see them challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and support one another. Camps are an important part of school life, and I am grateful to our staff for supporting our students with such rich opportunities.

Sporting Success

Congratulations to our interschool swimming team, who performed wonderfully representing the College today. It was fantastic to see Kennedy students support each other so well and produce some outstanding results. Likewise for our teams in Basketball and Cricket who continue to represent the College with pride and excellence.

Year 11/7 Mentor Program

We honour our Year 11 students who participated in the 11/7 mentor program and acknowledge their great work supporting our Year 7 students. Thank you to all of these students for their great service to our community.

I hope to see many of you at our Easter services as we celebrate this significant time together as a College community.

Mr Mark Ashby
Principal

Easter at Kennedy

We warmly invite you to join us for our Easter Services:

Monday 30 March – Falcon & Harrier Families

Tuesday 31 March – Kestrel & Osprey Families

This is a reminder that all students are required to attend the Easter Service on their allocated House night and arrive in Homeroom by 5:30pm in full summer uniform for the 6:00pm start.

Service Time: 6.00pm to approximately 7.15pm

The P&F sausage sizzle will be available from 5:00pm; please RSVP your food order using the link below by Friday 27 March.

 In our Aussie culture, we don’t have many calendar traditions when compared to other cultures. Easter, however, is a season that has been part of Australian and Western culture for a very long time. The Bible provides a window into the Hebrew calendar, in which every day of the year was part of a remembrance or festival. In our day and culture, we find it hard to understand the flow-on effect this has for the development of a community. These rhythms of life cultivate belonging in each individual and have been a feature of all communities throughout all ages. The benefit of having days, times, and seasons to remember in a community is that it fosters connections through shared events.

At the heart of my mission as your chaplain is a desire to contribute to and develop the community you belong to. I see the Easter celebrations as a very significant time to gather our community in one place to celebrate an event with meaning and purpose. I want to beseech everyone affiliated with Kennedy Baptist College to make it a priority to come together for an hour at our Easter Services.

Regardless of every person’s individual connection to the Easter story and message, events like this are rare in our annual calendar. Because of the importance we place on this time, both for our faith expression and our community culture, we put a great deal of thought and attention into making this event special for everyone. At Kennedy, you don’t have to believe in God to still feel you belong to a great community. Our hope, as we celebrate Easter together, is that everyone grows a greater connection, a feeling of belonging, so we all may carry each other with greater care. I pray that you all have a great Easter and a blessed holiday.

Curriculum Report

The academic program is now in full swing, and it has been wonderful to see every student settled into their courses and subjects for the year. Our young people are already engaging thoughtfully with their learning. The students able to adjust their courses mid‑year are our Year 11 students. Families are warmly encouraged to connect with Mr Jiow in Term 2 if they would like to discuss their child’s progress.

Term 1 has certainly been a busy and productive time for the Curriculum Team. Alongside course and elective changes for our Year 8–12 students, we have completed OLNA testing for Years 11 and 12, and NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9. Term 2 promises to be equally full, with examinations for Years 9–12, Externally Set Tasks for our Year 12 General students, and OLNA for Year 10 students who missed the first round. We will also be hosting information meetings for Year 10 students and their parents as they begin preparing for Year 11 and 12 pathways. Later in the term, our Year 7–11 students will start selecting their courses for 2026, an exciting milestone for many.

Parent Teacher Interviews

As we look ahead to Term 2, the College has planned our Parent Teacher Interviews. These conversations are such valuable opportunities for families and teachers to come together in support of each student. Parent Teacher interviews will take place on Monday 20 April from 2.00pm–6.30pm and Tuesday 21 April from 9.00am–11.00am and 1.30pm–6.00pm. Teachers will have a scheduled 30‑minute break between the afternoon and evening sessions. Each interview is five minutes long and provides a brief update on your child’s learning journey. If any significant concerns arise, a longer follow‑up meeting can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Booking information will be sent to all families before Term 1 concludes.

I wish all families a safe, restful, and blessed Easter holiday, and a peaceful term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the new term ahead.

Pastoral Care Report

Harmony Week

Harmony Week at Kennedy Baptist College has been a celebration of the many cultures and stories that shape our community. Our Student Executive team organised a week of activities centred on the theme “Everyone Belongs,” reminding us of the rich diversity in Australia. A highlight of the week has been Tuesday’s free dress day, when many students and staff proudly wore clothing from their cultural background or national sporting jerseys. The donations supported our ongoing partnership with Transform Cambodia, helping sustain their incredible work. Before school, students gathered under the world flags to enjoy pancakes, and at lunchtime, many went to the Sports Centre to watch the futsal grand final. Throughout the week, the wonderful Beedawong team offered international food specials, and our Research and Study Centre team ran Harmony Week activities with prizes. We are grateful to our Student Executives, staff and everyone who participated in creating such a meaningful week. 

Year 7 Leaders

Leadership continues to be an important part of life at Kennedy, and this year we introduced Year 7 Leaders in place of House Captains and Counsellors. Each homeroom now has two Year 7 Leaders, giving us a team of sixteen across the cohort. We are incredibly proud of the 60 plus students who applied and gave speeches to their homerooms before students and staff voted. Congratulations to those appointed and thank you to every student who put themselves forward. Toward the end of the year, we encourage all Year 7s to consider whether they might like to serve as a Year 8 Student Councillor or House Captain in 2027. 

Year 8 and Year 11 Camp

Last week, our Year 8 and Year 11 students headed off on camp. The Year 8 girls spent the first half of the week at Forrest Edge, followed by the boys in the second half, taking part in activities that stretched them, built resilience, and strengthened relationships. We thank Mr Norman, Head of Year 8, and the dedicated staff who made these camps possible. Meanwhile, our Year 11 students enjoyed a memorable week in Busselton with Mrs Williams, engaging in a range of activities around the region. We are grateful to Mrs Williams and her team of staff for providing such a valuable experience. 

As we reach the school holidays, we pray all students have a restful and safe break. We hope our Year 10 students enjoy their Work Experiences and find them rewarding and insightful, before returning in Week 2. We look forward to welcoming all other students back for our Special ANZAC Service in Week 1.

Kennedy News

Interschool Swimming 

Our Interschool Swim Team made a fantastic splash at the 'B' Division competition today, representing the College with pride and determination. 

We are proud to celebrate our Senior Boys team, who achieved an impressive 3rd place overall. A special congratulations to Kaiyo Tan (Year 11), who delivered an outstanding performance by breaking the ACC record in the 50m U17 Breaststroke, which is an incredible achievement and a moment of excellence for our College community.

Well done to all our swimmers for your commitment, sportsmanship, and the way you represented the College so commendably!

A week of Camps!

Last week, our Year 8 and Year 11 students experienced camps filled with challenges, teamwork and moment of growth. These shared experiences help build confidence, character and lasting friendships within our Kennedy community. 

Week 8 Assembly

Yesterday's assembly was a wonderful celebration of our College Community and the many achievements across Kennedy. It was Hosted by our Year 11 Student Councillors, who are part of the 11/7 Mentor Program. Together with our Year 7s, they shared their experience and gratitude.

We also had the chance to congratulate our students on their efforts at our recent Interhouse Swimming Carnival, with a host of awards recognising their talent, including trophies for the King and Queen of the Pool, and the announcement of the winning House.

Congratulations to Kestrel who won with an impressive 775 points!

We also had the privilege to hear from the Japan Ski Tour students on their exciting trip from earlier in the year. Thank you to all who contributed to this assembly and families who joined us to hear from the amazing events and achievements that have recently been happening in our college community!

Year 11 Outdoor Education Rottnest Adventure

Our Year 11 Outdoor Education students embarked on an exciting three-day camp on Rottnest Island. 

Throughout the experience, students embraced the chance to build their independence and outdoor skills as they set up their own tents, snorkelled in the island’s clear waters, and navigated around the island. A key highlight of the camp was the challenge of being self-sufficient, with students responsible for providing and preparing all of their own food while camping.

We look forward to sharing many more Outdoor Education opportunities for boldness with our students throughout the year. 

March Memory Madness!

The RASC was filled every day in Week 6, with March Memory Madness! A fantastic week of challenges, activities and testing our memory! Each day showed off a different Language Area, creating puzzles and quizzes in English, Science, Humanities and ending with Mathematics! 

Congratulations to our winners of the Year 7 and Year 8 Spelling Bees, and the Pi Competition! Thank you to all the teachers from the various Learning Areas who lead activities and challenges all week long! We look forward to more fun and exciting challenges and activities in the RASC to come throughout the year.

College Notices

Back to School Information

Term 1 concludes for students on Thursday 2 April 2026. Term 2 will commence on Wednesday 22 April at 8.30am. Students are to wear their full Winter Uniform. 

The Administration office will be closed during the first week of the school holidays and will reopen on Monday, 13 April.

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

Uniform Shop

As we prepare for the winter uniform transition at the commencement of Term 2, items can be purchased through the Uniform Shop or via Quick Cliq. Please check your child's winter uniform to ensure it still fits comfortably and complies with the requirements of the College Uniform Policy. 

For your information, the Uniform Shop is open 8am-4.15pm, closed 12.30-1.00pm:

• Week 9 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
• Monday 13, Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 April during school holidays
• Reopens Monday 20 April at 11.30am for Term 2.

 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Auditions

Upcoming Year 12 Drama Production - Cosi

Step into the unpredictable world of Cosi, a play by Louis Nowra that explores love, loyalty and what it really means to be ‘normal’. Set in a 1970’s mental institution, the story follows a young director tasked with staging an opera with a group of patients. As the rehearsals unfold, so does chaos, humour and unexpected truths.

The Year 12 Drama class are proud to present their staging of Cosi on Tuesday 28 April at 6 pm at Studio 411 at Murdoch University.

This is a funny play on the SCSA set text list for ATAR. It is most suitable for ages 15 and up.

Please look out for ticketing information in SEQTA notices once available. 

Upcoming Events:

Mother's Day - Save the Date

We are delighted to invite our Kennedy mums to our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday 7 May. This complimentary event is a wonderful opportunity to pause before the busyness of the term, enjoy a delicious breakfast and coffee and connect with other mothers in our Kennedy community.

Please note: This event is intended for mothers of Kennedy students so they can enjoy a special time of connection with other mums in our College community. Booking for this event open on Friday 10 April at 6.00pm. First come first serve basis.

The next newsletter will be published on:
Thursday 23 April 2026.