IMPORTANT DATES:
| Mon 28 Apr | Pupil Free Day |
| Tue 29 Apr | All Students Commence ANZAC Day Service 11am School Photos |
| Wed 30 Apr | School Photos |
| Thurs 1 May | Admin & Canteen Staff Appreciation Day |
| Fri 2 May | Chronicle |
Hello Kearnan College Community!
We are very excited to announce that our new website is now live! Please take some time to explore what’s there. There are a few pages still waiting on content which will be added over the coming weeks. I draw your particular attention to the Parent Information tab at the top of the page. This is where you will probably find most of the information you need on a regular basis. We are very happy to take feedback on our new site, including anything you think could be added that might be useful to current or prospective parents. If you notice any typos, please let us know!
You will find our Winter canteen menu on the new website. Mrs Deitos has come up with some delicious-sounding options for lunches, including hot subs, soup, and beef and gravy rolls. This new menu begins at the start of Term 2.
In the last edition of the Chronicle, I shared the Kearnan Code of Conduct, which all adult members of the school community are bound by. We have also developed a Parent Code of Conduct specifically for parents and guardians which provides more succinct guidance about the College’s expectations. The College values the opportunity to work with parents in collaborative and productive ways for the benefit of our students.
In staffing news, Mrs Tempra will be taking Long Service Leave for the first four weeks of Term 2. Miss Ardagh will be serving as the Acting Head of Secondary in her absence. Mrs Caitlin Skewes, one of our fantastic Admin Officers, is sadly leaving us to move to Gingin with her husband, who has secured a new position in his role as a police officer. We wish Caitlin all the best and she will be greatly missed as the welcoming face of our College. Miss Shannon Scaini will be joining us from the start of Term 2 in an admin role. Shannon currently works as a vet nurse and practice manager and will be a great addition to our front office team. Mrs Donna Beesley has also finished up this week. We are currently working on finding a replacement for her role as primary PE and junior secondary Health teacher. Donna has been a great contributor to Kearnan and we wish her well as she spends more time with her family.
Congratulations to one of our Year 1 teachers, Clare Omodei, who recently graduated with a Doctor of Education from the University of Notre Dame. Dr Omodei’s research was focused on the pedagogical agency of early childhood teachers. She has made a wonderful contribution to this important field of study and we value her expertise within our early childhood teaching team.
The next Federal Election will be held on Saturday May 3rd and it is important to consider how your vote will impact your child’s education. The National Catholic Education Commission has prepared a number of resources for parents to consider ahead of the election. You can find out more information about their priorities by visiting the School Funding Explainer webpage and Dispelling the Myths page.
I wish our students and families a restful and enjoyable holiday and a peaceful and blessed Easter. Thank you for your contributions to making Kearnan College a great place to learn and work.
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Well done everyone, students, staff, parents! We made it! Term One is done and dusted and remember, there is ‘no busy like school busy.’ Please make sure you rest up and enjoy some down time with family and friends.
Combined Uni Visits
On Wed March 26 we had representatives for all of the universities in Perth come and speak to the Year 10s, 11s and 12s. It is always an informative afternoon and it is still quite impressive to hear about the numerous ways that university entry now presents itself. It was also really affirming to hear that students should never take university ‘off the table’ in terms of further education, as the scope and availability for it continues to expand. We would like to that Ms Ardagh for organising this talk.
Between the Lines
Ms Smithin led a group of extremely interested and aspiring writers to the annual ‘Between the Lines’ event held at MacKillop College in Busselton. It is always a great day to hear personally from authors on a range of topics, such as where they draw inspiration, and the length of the writing process (not for the faint hearted at all!).
Interim Reports
Year 11 and 12 interim reports were released last week and today the Yr 7 – 10 reports were published. Please ensure that you read this with your child and discuss any goals that can be formulated from the information. If ‘contact essential’ has been highlighted on the report, please ensure that you contact the relevant teachers first week back next term.
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Thank you to Year 11/12 parents for attending parent interview meetings this week. It is always a great opportunity to ask questions and clarify how your child has started their senior school year. I would also like to thank the relevant teachers for their preparation for these interviews.
Father Kelly Endeavour Awards
We have recently updated the name of our Endeavour Awards to ‘Fr Kelly Endeavour Awards’. Fr Kelly is one of the school’s House Patrons and he was a man that displayed determination and excellence, the very virtues that Endeavour Awards are based on. It seemed only fitting that we recognise his virtues through our own pursuits of determination and excellence.
Today saw a number of awards be presented to students who have displayed these virtues and have established firm foundations for success for the rest of the school year.
Goodbye and Good Luck
We would like to say a fond farewell to two of the loveliest people I have had the pleasure of working with. Mrs Beesley, you are a breath of fresh air and were a fabulous addition to the secondary school. Your passion for health and fitness was evident in everything you did and we cannot wait for you to rejoin us in the years to come!
Mrs Skewes, thank you for all the assistance and creativity you provided to both me and the students. Your determination to solve problems and to always look for ways to make things more streamlined was an absolute asset to have in the front office. All the best to you and Adam as you make the great trek North (well, as far as Gingin anyway)!
PBL Rewards
Yesterday saw the majority of the secondary school enjoy the ‘ice cream’ bar where they piled and stacked amazing goodies on their tub of vanilla ice cream. This was rewarded to students for the amazing efforts they have put in this term with being ready to be a learner, being prepared in class and being respectful to those around them. They have done an exemplary job in taking on board our PBL program and we know they will continue to enjoy successful events such as the ‘ice cream bar’. A big thanks to our Engagement team who organised the event.
See our Facebook post for more photos and a video!
Athletics Carnival
We wait with bated breath to hear the result of the winning house! The day was filled with great spirit (both House and athletic!) and the colour of the Houses could not be ignored! Well done to everyone who was involved in any way in the organisation/set up of the day as it is a mammoth task. Well done also to Mr Pedlar for his planning and running of the day. More information relating to points and awards will be published next term.
Canberra Trip 2025
Ms Elson presented an informative session for parents last week where relevant information about the upcoming trip was provided. Three of the teachers attending Canberra (Ms Elson, Mr Blincow and Mr Mason) have all attended this trip previously and your child will be in very safe hands. The ‘new teachers’ on the trip (myself and Ms Meredith) are looking forward to it as much as the students!
Leave
I will be on leave for the first four weeks of next term. Ms Ardagh will be taking on my role while I am away, and I look forward to seeing everyone when I return.
“The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies”
Kate McGahan
Have a wonderful break
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Jumps & Interschool Athletics Carnival
What a wonderful two days of carnival events. The weather was perfect, which matched the great competition demonstrated over the days. The jumps, throws and 800m demonstrated great technique and performances, which were a credit to the students and their schools. Thursday’s carnival showcased students from our neighbouring schools, and everyone participated in great spirit and sportsmanship. We look forward to sharing the results in the first Chronicle in Term Two. Special thanks to Miss Webb and Mrs Burvill for coordinating the Interschool events and to our P&F for the lunches and treats on Thursday.
Results
| Overall Score | School | Handicap Shield Score | School |
| 571 | East Manjimup | 571 | East Manjimup |
| 117 | Manjimup Primary | 520 | Kearnan College |
| 485 | Kearnan College | 516 | Manjimup Primary |
Medal Winners
| Year | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Year 6 Boys | Hunter Grady | Chase Taylor | Braxton Proudfoot |
| Year 6 Girls | Sharloh Krispyn | Isla Larsen | Jordyn Brown |
| Year 5 Boys | Josef Forsman | Liam Blechynden | Campbell Krispyn |
| Year 5 Girls | Mackenzie Watson | Ivy McGinty | Harper Fagan |
| Year 4 Boys | Eli Porter | Patrick Fall | Harley Gandy |
| Year 4 Girls | Zara Markotis | Dannika Pickett | Finlae Adams and Anae Daniels |
| Year 3 Boys | Jude Brown | Otis Ipsen | Easton Stanley-Smith |
| Year 3 Girls | Astrid Dronow | Mayumi Chong | Billie Hardham |
Easter Fundraising for Caritas
Thanks to Mrs Harris, Mrs Prestedge and the student council, for coordinating the range of fundraising activities this term. This year our students have guessed the eggs in the jar, have entered a colouring-in competition and enjoyed free dress. The money raised will go to Caritas to support those who live without basic needs. We will provide an update next term about how much was raised.
P&F
We thank all families for supporting the Easter Egg raffle, coordinated by the P&F this year. Proceeds go directly back into the school. This year our P&F have already funded decodable readers for our Early Childhood, novels to support the IniaLit program run in the classrooms and new bikes for our youngest students. We greatly appreciate all the work from our P&F to ensure our teachers have excellent resources and our students have all they need for success.
Please visit Community News for a special message from our P&F President, Jess Durbin.
Year 5 Assembly and Elizabeth Bear
Last Friday we were treated to a wonderful assembly hosted by our Year 5 class, guided by Ms Thomas, where we stepped through the Stations of the Cross and how we can apply Jesus’s teachings to our friendships. It was a great way to finish the term.
Elizabeth Bear was awarded to a special young man in our Year 6 class, Liam Ferrera.
Liam is a kind and respectful class member who consistently shows respect to both his peers and teachers. He uses his manners thoughtfully, always saying thank you and holding the door open for others. He treats everyone with kindness and fairness and is always supportive of those around him. Congratulations Liam!
Term Two Teachers
Next term, Mrs Kestel will commence our full day Three-Year-Old program on Thursdays. Mrs Spillman will increase her time in the Year 3 classroom working as the classroom teacher from Monday to Thursday. Mrs Kestel will continue in Year 3 on Fridays.
Concert & Ice-Cream for PBL Reward
On Tuesday, our students were rewarded for their ongoing excellent behaviour this term. Students who had maintained a positive standing throughout the term, were entertained with a concert performed by the singer songwriters Shine Project and then enjoyed ice-cream, complete with toppings. What a great way to finish the term!
Easter Activities
Over the past week there have been many activities enjoyed in the classrooms as our students prepare for Holy Week and the Easter holiday break. Our Year 2 class enjoyed cooking some delicious chocolate treats for their families.
Year 5 Green Team
Year 5 students celebrated their hard work as part of the Green Team by harvesting potatoes this term. Their dedication to sustainability—emptying Crunch and Sip buckets into the worm farm—helped nurture the school’s eco-friendly efforts. The reward was well-earned, proving that small actions can grow into something great!
ANZAC Day Service
ANZAC day will be over the Easter break this year. Our student leaders will be marching with the Manjimup community and laying a wreath to remember the soldiers who landed in Gallipoli in 1915 and all those who have served and died in service to our country.
Farewell Wishes
At the end of this term, we say farewell to Mrs Donna Beesley who has taught sport to our Years 1-3 this term. We thank her for sharing her skills and enthusiasm for physical education. We also say farewell to Mrs Caitlin Skewes in the office. Her kind, happy and helpful nature will be sorely missed. We wish both Donna and Caitlin all the best.
School Photos
We return straight into school photos on Tuesday April 29 and Wednesday April 30. We ask that all students are dressed neatly in their formal uniforms with correct shoes, hair and accessories.
We look forward to seeing students back for the start of Term Two on Tuesday April 29.
Thought of the Week
“Easter is a time to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life, love and joy. Have a blessed day.”
Wishing you and your family a happy and holy Easter.
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 13.04.25 | 8:30am | Palm Sunday | 10:30am |
| 17.04.25 | 7:00pm | Holy Thursday | |
| 18.04.25 | 2.30pm | Good Friday – Commemoration of the Passion | 11:30am |
| 19.04.25 | 7:00pm | Easter Vigil | |
| 20.04.25 | 10:30am | Easter Sunday | 8:30am |
| 26.04.25 | 6:00pm | Vigil | |
| 27.04.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
The Parish is Hiring
St Joseph’s Parish is looking for a paid cleaner for 2 hours a week. Times and days are negotiable. Please contact the Parish Office on 9771 2873.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Hockey Come and Try Day
P&F Update and Mother’s Day Event
As the holidays are upon us, it is an opportunity to reflect on the work of the P&F for Term 1:
- Over $19,000 was allocated towards staff requests, submitted at the beginning of term. Financial contributions were made toward new early childhood tricycles, iPad and laptop charging trolleys, Maths Space and Mathletics subscriptions, PP- YR 2 decodable book sets, and white sand for the multipurpose jump pit/volleyball courts.
- It was a great pleasure to meet all the junior school parents at the Parent information nights held earlier this term. It was a fantastic opportunity to introduce the work of the P&F as well as discuss the parent roster.
- PP and Year 4 parents provided an abundance of cakes for the Junior Carnival cake stall.
- Year 2 and Year 6 parents assisted with Interschool canteen and supplied cakes and slices.
- The Junior Student Council allowed the P&F to host the very popular Easter Raffle this year- there will be a lot of chocolate consumed in the next few days because of this!
- Mother’s Day Pop Up stall – An adorable range of gift lines has been collated to run a pop-up stall. Prices will range from $2.50 -$10.00. A schedule for the younger classes will be created before the stall is opened to the rest of the school. The Pop Up will be on Wednesday May 7.
Plans are underway for even more exciting events and fundraisers scheduled later this year!
The efforts of the P&F would not be possible without the generous support offered by parents. To those who have assisted this term I would like to say a very big Thank You!
Again, I would like to extend an open invitation to our meetings (held once a term). A text message invitation is sent out prior to the meeting advising the time and location.
I wish all Kearnan families a very happy Easter.
Jess Durbin.
Tulips with a Difference
Purchase tulip bulbs to help fundraise for the Kearnan P&F.
Bulb orders are due back by April 30.
Payment can be made on CDFPay, however, we still need paper copies returned to the office.
Please see link below for digital copy.
Warren Bus Service Route Change
Please see the below document for an update on the Manjimup Bus Town Service.
ANZAC Day Ceremony Invitation
Fly2Health
Host a Japanese Exchange Student
