IMPORTANT DATES:
| Tues 6 May | Book Fair P&F Meeting 5:30pm Kindy Mother’s Day 12:10pm |
| Wed 7 May | Book Fair Mother’s Day Stall (P&F) |
| Thurs 8 May | Book Fair |
| Tues 13 May | SAC Meeting 6:00pm |
| Wed 14 May | Wheels for Wellbeing Southwest Athletics Carnival |
| Thurs 15 May | Year 7 Retreat |
| Wed 21 May | McCormack Day Outdoor Ed Camp |
| Thurs 22 May | Outdoor Ed Camp |
| Fri 23 May | Outdoor Ed Camp Year 6 Assembly |
Kearnan College Community,
I hope you all had a peaceful Easter and enjoyed your family time over the holidays. I have loved hearing about the trips and activities students enjoyed in the break and our staff have come back refreshed for a new term.
Over the holidays, a variety of maintenance jobs were completed. These included installing carpet into Room 5 in the Secondary School, new air conditioners in the Library and Room 11, a new look front reception desk, resealing some of our vinyl flooring and a huge reorganisation of the uniform shop (thanks to Mrs Alyssa Doherty).
We welcomed two new staff members this week. Mrs Tammi Green is joining us a part-time teacher and will work on Wednesdays to teach Year 1-3 Sport and some junior secondary Health and Positive Education classes. Miss Shannon Scaini has joined us as an Admin Officer. They are both beginning to settle in and are excited to be part of the Kearnan team.
Yesterday, we celebrated Admin Officer and Canteen Staff Appreciation Day. Mrs Brown, Mrs Kilrain, Miss Scaini, Mrs Deitos and Mrs Jones are all highly valued members of our school community and we are so grateful for them. Our office staff provide endless support to staff and students and our Canteen staff provide us with delicious food, always with a smile on their faces. We also extend a huge thank you to Kylie Woodley and Denise Arbuthnot who regularly and very generously volunteer their time in the Canteen.
Thank you for the positive feedback we have received on our new College website. If you haven’t had a chance to take a look yet, please do so. We are keen to hear if you have any suggestions for improvement. Is there information you would like to see that isn’t there already?
After a very successful Easter raffle at the end of the term, the P & F are still keeping busy with the organisation of a Mother’s Day stall next Wednesday. Students will be able to choose a gift with prices starting at $2.50. Primary and secondary students are welcome to participate.
Our 3-Year Old Kindy program started this week and what fun it was! Mrs Kestel and Miss Kilrain welcomed six students and spent the day immersed in engaging learning activities. Everyone settled in very well and we look forward to seeing them again next week. If you know of anyone with a 3-year old, please let them know about this fantastic program, which is completely free! More information and enrolment forms can be found on the website.
Next week, we are introducing a student Breakfast Club with the support of Foodbank WA. Any student who needs a bit of extra sustenance when they arrive at school, will be able to go to the Home Economics room between 8.15am and 8.40am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for some cereal, toast and Milo. Thank you to our Breakfast Club committee, Miss Piper, Ms Elson and Mrs Kilrain. Thank you also to the P & F who have made a donation to help set us up with plates, cups and toasters.
We are now accepting enrolments for Year 7 for 2026, so if you know of anyone who man be interested, please let them know. All of the enrolment information is on the school website. In the next few weeks, we are beginning our visits to our CEWA feeder schools (St Brigid’s in Bridgetown, St Joseph’s in Pemberton and St Mary’s in Boyup Brook) to speak to their Year 5 and 6 students about our College and to encourage them to consider if they might like to enrol. Our first Year 7 Transition Day will be on June 11 and this will be a wonderful opportunity for students to experience some of the many opportunities available at the College.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend after a busy week!
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome back to Term Two! I hope everyone has had a restful and enjoyable break. As we begin Term Two, we’re excited to continue building on the wonderful progress made in Term One. This term brings new opportunities for learning, growth and community connection. We are looking forward to a productive and engaging few weeks ahead!
Parent Teacher Meetings
Thank you to those parents that attended and discussed with their child’s course teachers how they were progressing in Term One and set goals moving into Term Two. If you were unable to make the interview day, please contact your child’s teacher sooner rather than later in the term to discuss progress. Parents of children in Years 7 – 10, if you were asked to make contact with the College about your child’s progress, please do this over the next couple of weeks.
ANZAC Service
Wednesday morning the whole school gathered to commemorate ANZAC Day. The service was reflective and truly honoured those who served our country from a local context both in the past and present. I would like thank the dignitaries, Mr Wayne Hughes, Mr Ted Middleton and Mr Alex Coffee for attending and Ms Smithin for her meticulous attention to detail in organising and presenting our most memorable and moving ANZAC service. I would also like to thank our student leaders who lead such a poignant service, giving it the dignity it deserved.
Mother’s Day Stall and Book Fair
Secondary students have been invited to participate in the Mother’s Day P&F stall to be held at lunchtime on Wednesday the 7 May in the Assembly Hall. Students can purchase a range of gift items for their Mum with prices starting from $2.50. Students will need to have their own money or eftpos card to participate in this fundraising activity.
Feeder School Visits
From Friday of Week Two through to Friday of Week Four, Dr Gallin, Mrs Collins, Mrs Burvill and I will see the start of our visits to the towns of our feeder schools, St Joseph’s Pemberton), St Mary’s (Boyup Brook) and St Brigid’s (Bridgetown) showcasing to future students the Kearnan College school life.
Externally Set Tasks
Year 12 students who do any non-ATAR subjects are required by SCSA to complete an External Set Task. This is to ensure fairness and an opportunity to moderate students across the state completing this subject. Students would have received their timetable by the end of Week One. Assessments are sat during usual class time.
Southwest Athletics Carnival
Wednesday May 14 Mr Pedlar, Mrs Burvill, Miss Webb and Ms Green will be travelling to Bunbury to participate in the annual Southwest Athletics Carnival. Relevant paperwork, including a permission slip and pick up and drop off times, will be sent home soon and needs to be returned to the office by 9 May. I look forward to Mr Pedlar’s report back on how our students participated. Wishing them a great day!
Year 7 Retreat
On Thursday the 15 May, all Year 7 students will spend the day at the St Joseph’s Parish Centre for their retreat. Retreats provide students with the opportunity to ‘down tools’ and spend time together as a cohort building relationships. The theme of the day is “Empowered by the Spirit”. Thank you to Miss Chilvers and Mrs Collins, Mr Smith, Miss Meredith, Mr Blincow and Mrs Conopo for the time and effort spent planning and presenting the day.
Year 7 & 8 Artist Workshop
Year 7 and 8 students on Friday the 16 of May have the amazing opportunity to attend an acrylic art workshop at the Manjimup Art Gallery. Provided by Sparking Interest and present by Perth based artist Lindsay Pow the 2 hour workshop is aimed at developing and building on acrylic painting skills. A wonderful experience provided by the Manjimup Shire we look forward to seeing some of their artistic creations.
Lockers
Students are reminded that lockers need to be locked each day and school devices taken home each day to be charged overnight. Students can purchase and use their own lock for their lockers, they will need to supply the office with an additional spare key or combination.
“Hope raises no dust.”
Paul Éluard – French poet
Have a wonderful weekend!
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome back to Term Two! Everyone looked refreshed after the break, full of stories about their Easter holidays. With school photos on our return, our students look fantastic in their school uniforms. As the Autumn weather cools, we are seeing students opt for tights, scarves and College jackets. Trousers are an option for both girls and boys when the weather is very cold. Our uniform range is available on the College website.
ANZAC Day
Oliver Markotis and Florence Ipsen joined with our secondary leaders to lay a wreath at the Manjimup War Memorial in remembrance of all Australians and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations. We acknowledge those students who attended the dawn service with their families and those who marched with sporting or community groups. Lest we forget.
Mother’s Day
We love to celebrate our Kearnan mothers, and our students are getting very busy to ensure they have a special day on Mother’s Day. Our busy P&F have assisted by running a Mother’s Day Pop Up Stall filled with lovely items to purchase for mums. The Pop-Up Stall will be held on Wednesday May 7 with primary classes scheduled for a visit and purchasing time.
Book Fair
Next week our Library will be hosting our annual Book Fair. Books will be on display throughout the week with a Wishlist created during library classes. Mrs Schutz will be taking purchases on Friday 9 May, from 8am –4pm. Parents are welcome to view the books in the mornings before school (excluding Thursday). Based on sales from the Book Fair, Kearnan receives new book titles to add to our shelves.
Wednesday Morning Running Club
We are now in the cross-country term, so we are offering students the opportunity to boost their fitness by joining the running club on Wednesday mornings from 8.15-8.35 am on Imps Oval. Once your child has returned their permission form, they can commence. Students are asked to drop their bags at school and walk over to Imps. We will start next week, 7 May.
Striving for Excellence
As we start Term Two, teachers will be reinforcing the behaviours we have been focusing on from the start of the year, aimed to improve student engagement and learning. Small things, like lining up and entering a classroom, set the tone for the learning environment. We expect that all students will have their stationery ready for the day and any things they may need to help them focus and participate fully. Having students punctual, allowing them time to be fully prepared for the day, sets them up for success.
The morning in all primary classes begins with direct instruction using research-based programs that have shown excellent results. It is important that all students are present for the sequential delivery of the programs, so that your child can gain the most benefit from their learning. We have already seen some pleasing improvements across primary classes.
Wheels for Wellbeing
On May 14, we will be asking all students to bring their ‘wheels’ to school for a ride, to support mental health for youth from our regional areas. All classes will be scheduled for a ride during the day. Younger classes will head over to the small bike park on Ipsen Street, and our older students will ride on a track around Imperials Oval. Younger students will have the option of riding a scooter if they are yet to master a bike. Safety is important, so all riders will need their helmets to participate.
Three Year Old Program
This week Mrs Kestel and Miss Kilrain welcomed seven lovely children for the all-day Three Year Old program. Everyone was very excited and enjoyed their time getting to know each other and the lovely learning space Mrs Kestel has created.
Week One Fun!
We are off and away – here are some photos of some of our students back at school enjoying their friends and their learning.
Thought of the Week
“Do not bury your talents; the gifts God has given you are for others.’- Pope Francis
Have a lovely weekend!
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 03.05.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 04.05.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 10.05.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 11.05.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
| 17.05.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 18.05.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
Kapture Photography Photo Orders
Orders are still open for this year’s class and individual photos through Kapture Photography.
Please place your order before the closing date, Saturday 10th May 2025, to avoid a $30 custom service fee.
To order, please visit www.kapture.com.au and use our school code: XJRFLE
Host a Japanese Exchange Student
