IMPORTANT DATES:
| Tues August 19 | Book Week Assembly
SAC Meeting 6pm |
| Wed August 20 | Yr 7-8 Lightning Carnival |
| Fri August 22 | Groundsperson Appreciation Day
St Joseph’s Winter Carnival (Sport Coaching) |
| Mon August 25 | Wellbeing Week
ATPES External Prac TBC |
| Thurs August 28 | Pupil Free Day |
| Fri August 29 | Pupil Free Day – School Closed |
| Mon September 1 | Swimming Lessons Wk 7
PISA test 9am |
| Tues September 2 | EA & ATA Appreciation Day
TREE Talks – Bridgetown |
| Wed September 3 | SALT Workshop |
| Thurs September 4 | Day 2 Yr 7 2026 Orientation |
| Fri September 5 | Chronicle
PP Father’s Day Afternoon Tea 1.45pm Merit Assembly |
Hello Kearnan College Community!
We have had yet another eventful few weeks at Kearnan which illustrate the huge variety of experiences our students are afforded. Our primary classes visited the local library to meet an author, students celebrated the Day of Friendship and Mackillop Feast Day, our Year 9 students returned from their trip to Canberra and a group travelled to Perth to represent the College in a netball tournament. To top it all off, some of our wonderful staff have been running clubs during lunchtimes for students interested in chess, Pokémon and Anime!
We have been celebrating numerous sacraments over the last few weeks. A huge congratulations to Riley (Year 3), Lily (Year 8) and Isabella (Year 10) Winters who were all baptised on Wednesday. It was a beautiful celebration attended by many of their classmates and staff. We also had 12 students receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time today and 9 students were confirmed earlier this month. Congratulations to all of the students involved and thank you to the staff and families who prepared them so well.
Last week, the students in Years 5-12 who had achieved Advanced Standing in Semester One under our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) plan were celebrated with a reward afternoon. Mr Pedlar, Mrs Collins and Mrs Nock organised fun, games, lollies and Chicken Treat for lunch for these students and they had a ball! Congratulations to all the students involved!
Have you considered joining our P & F? This is a small, but mighty, group of parents who meet once per term to organise fundraising and other events for the school. All funds raised are used to purchase resources, or to provide experiences for the benefit of our students. Some examples of donations this year include laptop charging trolleys for some of our primary classrooms, new trikes for early childhood, funding of some of our Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) reward events and financial assistance with the catering costs of Country Week. The next P & F meeting will be at 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 22. If you would like further information, please contact the school office. All are welcome!
Kearnan College’s Centenary celebrations will be upon us before we know it. The main event will be on Saturday, October 25, with open classrooms and a display of memorabilia. If you have any historical items, such as photos, textbooks, uniforms and other items that you wouldn’t mind lending us, please contact Mrs Kilrain in the office.
We are currently inviting enrolments for all classes for 2026, but especially for Pre-Kindy, Kindy and Year 7. Word of mouth is our most powerful marketing tool, so if you know of any families who might be interested in enrolling their child at Kearnan, please put in a good word for us! Enrolment forms and further information can be found on the College website. Prospective families can book a tour via the website, or by calling the office.
On our term calendar, you may have noticed we have a Grandparent’s Day planned. This has now been postponed to Term Four to benefit from the (hopefully) warmer weather. This will be an opportunity for grandparents to visit the school and for our students to give them a tour. The new date will be published on the term calendar at the end of this term.
Mrs Tempra will be on medical leave from Wednesday, August 20 and will return to work on Wednesday, September 3. In her absence, Ms Ardagh will serve as Acting Head of Secondary.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
As we move through Term Three, there’s a buzz of activity across the school. From enriching excursions to important academic milestones, here’s what’s been happening—and what’s coming up—for our students and families.
PISA Assessment
Selected students will participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a global study that evaluates education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-olds. This is a valuable opportunity for our students to contribute to international research and for our school to reflect on how we’re preparing learners for the future. We encourage participating students to approach the assessment with confidence and pride. Relevant information was sent home to selected students/families, and our scheduled assessment date is Monday September 1. A representative from PISA will be on site to deliver the assessment, along with a Kearnan staff member to support.
Year 9 Retreat
On Wednesday the Year 9s participated in their yearly retreat day, which focused on how we are all made in the image of God, a wonderful way to look at individual strengths and highlighting how we all care for each other and the wider community. It was disappointing to see the number of students absent on this day, as it is an expected school requirement that they attend. A large thanks goes to Ms Ardargh for her coordination of the day and the staff that assisted and facilitated the day. A massive thanks also to the students who also attended and showcased their responsibility and maturity regarding this event.
Senior School Subject Selection
It’s an exciting time for our Year 10 students as they begin the process of selecting subjects for Years 11 and 12. This is a key step in shaping their academic and career pathways. Students have selected their subjects for next year and over the next few weeks I will be meeting with them and their parents to look at how this will look at Kearnan next year. If parents have not yet made a time to meet with me, could I please ask that they call Ms Scaini in the front office to do so. Thank you.
Book Week 2025
Get ready to celebrate the joy of reading during Book Week, as we celebrate with the whole school parade Tuesday next week.
Year 12 Exams
Year 12 students who are completing ATAR subjects are busily prepping for upcoming assessments. The Year 12 Physical Education Studies class have their practical exam on Tuesday August 26 at the South West Sports centre, Bunbury and we wish Naomi (Netball), Jett and Hudson (Basketball) all the best for this assessment.
Year 12 Written Mock exams will take place in the second week of the school holidays. Students will have received their final timetable on Friday, along with relevant information exam guidelines. Students with any questions are asked to contact Mrs Tempra immediately.
Year 12 End of Year Preparations
An email was sent home today to Year 12 students and their families regarding end of year/graduation dates and events. This information pertains to expectations and timeframes for Year 12s as they finalise their secondary school years. Please do not hesitate to contact the front office if you have any questions or queries around any of the events mentioned.
“The days are scrolls – write on them what you want remembered.” ~
-Bachya Ibn Pakuda
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Confirmation
Congratulations to Cleo DeCampo, Liam Ferrera, Milla Fitzgerald, Elsa Kristoffersson, Oliver Markotis, Grace Matenaar, Ruby Nguyen, Edie Pedlar and Braxton Proudfoot who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday July 26. It was a beautiful celebration and we thank Bishop George and Father Joe for the Mass, Mrs Kezich and Miss Madeley for the preparation, Mrs Wiseman for beautifying the Church, Mr Fontanini and Mr Rosinski for their help, Mrs O’Donnell for the beautiful cake and the parish members for the celebratory supper. We would also like to acknowledge the candidates’ parents for their commitment and support of their child’s faith journey, and to the sacramental program.
Baptism
On Wednesday August 13, Riley, Isabella and Lily received the sacrament of initiation through Baptism. Many of the school community were present to support them as they were welcomed into the Church. May they be blessed with faith, joy and love of Christ as they begin their journey in our faith community.
Reconciliation
Today, nine students from our Year 3 class received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time. Congratulations to Evelyn Danti, Hendrix DeCampo, Ivy Doherty, Nico Fitzgerald, Jules Markotis, Leo O’Donnell, Beau Pedlar, Charlie Smith, Emily Spillman and Riley Winters. Thank you to Mrs Kezich, Mrs Spillman and Mrs Kestel, with help from Mrs Renzullo and Miss Kilrain for all the preparation that has gone into this sacrament of grace and forgiveness.
Assembly
At the start of the term, we were finally able to enjoy the talents of our Year 4 class as they entertained us with a news report, song and dance. We were also able present Elizabeth Bear to a very worthy recipient, Minglee Meyer. Minglee is a kind and caring student who is always willing to assist her friends and the adults in her classroom and our school. Minglee accepts everyone’s differences, shining her light very brightly every day. Congratulations, Minglee!
Today our Year 3 class hosted their assembly and shared their learning about sentence structure. It was brilliant!
Book Week 2025
“Book An Adventure”
Book Week is fast approaching, and our Year 12 students are starting to plan the special Book Week Parade on Tuesday August 19. Students are encouraged to dress up as a character or characters from their favourite book. Our Kindy students will be ready to join the parade too. We absolutely love Book Week and hope everyone gets involved in the parade.
Lunch Time Fun
We continue to offer some interesting and diverse activities for those who are looking for different things to do during their lunchtime break. Miss Dumper offers CHESS club on Mondays and Mr Smith offers POKEMON club on Wednesdays.
Manjimup Library Author Visit – Year 5 Recounts
Last week, as part of our Book Week celebrations, students from Years 1-6 had the wonderful
opportunity to attend an engaging talk by the author Dianne Wolfer, hosted by the
Manjimup Library. Her inspiring stories and insights into the writing process left
students feeling excited about reading and storytelling.
“Today I learned new things about the time of the process of making a book takes about
2 years or 8 months. My favourite part is that she told us that there was a nurse and pilot
who used to fly around. She used to be called the sugar pilot and that’s what was my
favourite part.” ~Tamia Korir
“I liked the part when she told us how the book process worked.”
~Tori Waugh
“It was really nice learning about the history about Albany and more about the world war.”
~Xavier Harris
“I loved when Dianne Wolfer told us about the adventures she has gone on it made me
feel like I was there even though I was at the Manjimup Library.” ~Shyloh Western
“Today at the Manjimup Library Dianne Wolfer showed us about her books. My favourite part was when she told us about the story of the sugar bird lady.” ~Alex Durbin
“I loved the dogs seven names that Dianne Wolfer made they were funny and that she
was a very nice person.” ~Toby Gillard
“My favourite part of the Dianne Wolfer Author Visit at the Manjimup Library was when she told us the long and exiting process of making a book.” ~George Howe
“My favourite part of Dianne Wolfer’s visit was when she showed us pictures of the plane
crash in Broome and told us about how when the tide is low you can see the plane.” ~Ivy McGinty
“My favourite thing about the visit to see Dianne Wolfer, was getting to see how she got ideas, where she wrote them down, and the thing I loved the most was seeing all the amazing artwork for the covers on her books.” ~Pearl Stanton
PBL Advance Standing Lunch
During the second week of term, our students who had received the top number of awards for positive behaviours, were invited to the Parish Centre for a Chicken Treat lunch and bingo. Lots of fun was had and all students enjoyed celebrating their positive choices. Thanks to Mr Pedlar, Mrs Collins and Mrs Nock for organising the reward.
Day of Friendship
On July 30 we celebrated a Day of Friendship. The primary classes enjoyed workshops from the URStrong team and contributed to friendship messages being displayed around the school. Mrs Burvill organised hearts to decorate common spaces, like in the stairwell, outside classrooms and around the library. Students learnt that trust and respect are the two most important qualities of friendship and were encouraged to be a good friend.
Religious Education Assessment
Last week, most students from Year 3 and Year 5 students completed the Religious Education Assessment (previously called ‘Bishops’ Literacy Assessment’). This is a standardised test that consists of Religious Education (RE) assessments developed and marked by the Office of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). The purpose of the REA is to measure student learning of the content in the RE curriculum. The REA provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in RE. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, and short and extended response items. Students’ faith is not assessed. The use of the REA complements the school-based assessment programs in class.
Swimming Lessons
Notes have gone home regarding Swimming Lessons for Weeks 7 & 8. Pricing has increased for both the swimming lessons and transport, which is indicated in the 2025 costings. Parents will be reminded of swimming times and organisation closer to the time via seesaw or email.
National Tree Day
To celebrate National Tree Day, our Kindy students planted blueberries into the ECE garden, adding to the wonderful array of edible plants in their play space. Our Year 5 students planted asparagus crowns in the vegetable garden, which is looking ready for things to start growing in the sunshine. Thanks to Manjimup Toyota for their generous donation, allowing us to continue planting around our school, allowing our students to learn about how things grow and how to look after the plants. Special thanks to Mrs Wren for driving this initiative and for guiding this learning.
Thought of the Week
‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ~Dr. Seuss
Have a wonderful weekend,
CANBERRA TOUR
Students from Year 9 recently undertook an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding to our school in the amount of $1275 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
The students had an unforgettable trip to Canberra, where they explored the heart of our nation’s political and cultural life. Highlights included visits to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, and the National Gallery. Students engaged in hands-on learning about democracy, science, and history, and represented Kearnan College with maturity and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to the staff who accompanied the group and made this experience possible.
Heidi Tempra
Head of Secondary
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 16.08.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 17.08.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 23.08.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 24.08.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
| 30.08.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 31.08.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
Breakfast Club
We are seeking donations of bread and fruit for our Breakfast Club that runs every Wednesday from 8:15am in the Home Ec room.
Any donations can be handed to the front office.
Thank you so much!
