IMPORTANT DATES:
| 17 October | Chronicle
Book Fair Sales |
| 21 October | Kindy Better Beginnings Excursion (Library) |
| 22 October | P&F Meeting 5:30pm |
| 24 October | Centenary Day
Liturgy 9am ECE Opening 10am |
| 25 October | Centenary Open Classrooms & Lunch |
| 27 October | OLNA Yr 9-10 |
| 29 October | Socktober
WACE Commences |
| 30 October | Yr 5 Leadership Day
Mathademic Specialist Netball Carnival |
| 31 October | Specialist Netball Carnival
Spring Carnival (Yr 10 Coaches/Umpires) World Teachers’ Day |
| 5 November | Outdoor Ed Camp
Irene McCormack College Visiting 10:30am |
| 6 November | Outdoor Ed Camp |
| 7 November | Chronicle
Outdoor Ed Camp Pre-Primary Assembly |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community!
We are gearing up for a double celebration next week. On Friday, we will be holding the official opening ceremony for our Early Childhood classrooms. We have some special guests attending, including Bishop George Kolodziej, Ms Annette Morey, the Executive Director of Catholic Education WA and Ms Eva Skira AM, the Chairperson of the Catholic Education Commision of WA. The classrooms will be blessed during a special ceremony attended by our primary school students.
Also on Friday, we begin the official events that will mark Kearnan College’s centenary. We will begin with a whole school liturgy in the morning, enjoy a sausage sizzle for lunch (thanks to the P & F) and spend time in the afternoon playing ‘old-fashioned’ games, such as knucklebones, marbles, ring toss and elastics. Students are asked to wear their sports uniform with their House-coloured shirts on Friday. The canteen will be open for recess, but not lunch, as students will be having a sausage sizzle.
In the evening, our P & F is holding an Art Showcase in the Art Room (upstairs in the primary school building). Artworks completed by our primary and secondary students will be on display and there is an opportunity for parents to bid on class art pieces created by the primary students. Art by secondary students will also be available to be admired, with some of it being available for sale through a silent auction. The evening begins with a glass of bubbles and a grazing table at 5.30pm. More details about this event can be found later in the newsletter.
On Saturday, our primary and secondary classrooms will be open for parents and other visitors to see student work and reminisce about the past from 11am until 12pm. There will also be a display of memorabilia in the Middle School Block. A special lunch will follow (tickets now sold out). It is gearing up to be a fantastic couple of days of celebration and connection!
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
As a child, I lived on a farm in country Queensland, where my parents owned a cattle property. My husband and I moved to Western Australia to live in Australind in 2008.
I have worked in Catholic Education since 2009 and during this time I am fortunate to have been involved in both a pastoral care role and in the learning areas of English and Religious Education. During this time, my husband and I started a family and we now have two children of primary school age. As a family, we are looking forward to joining the Manjimup community in the coming months.
I believe teaching is a vocation, a work of ‘heart’ and it involves nurturing students through their faith journey, inspiring all to be lifelong learners and to embrace the ups and downs of life.
I feel blessed to be a part of Kearnan College and I look forward to working with students and their families to achieve the best outcomes for all within the College community.
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Term Four has arrived like a whirlwind — and with only 45 days to play with (one week already down!), we are officially in the “blink and you’ll miss it” part of the year. Hopefully October and November slow down a bit but I have feeling that will not be the case!
Farewell to the Year 12 Legends
This week we waved goodbye to our fabulous Year 12s of 2025. Wednesday was a big one — a heartfelt farewell liturgy followed by a dinner that was equal parts celebration and sentiment. Our graduating class showed the same pride, maturity, and sparkle that has made them such a joy to journey with. To Liam, Lola, Qwade, Raymond, Tess, Violet, Lily, Charlotte, Maggie, Kayne, Chloe, Naomi, Jett, Alec, Huson, AJ, Niamh, Samuel, Sienna, Oscar and Lara — we wish you every success and happiness as you step into life beyond school. Remember: if it is worth it, it is worth fighting for. So go out there and be brilliant.
Welcome Mrs McCarthy!
With Mrs Burvill’s departure, we are thrilled to welcome Mrs Cecily McCarthy as our new Head of Pastoral Care and Ministry. Cecily has hit the ground running and we already know she is going to be a fantastic part of our Kearnan family.
Classroom Shuffle
With Mrs Burvill’s exit, there has been a bit of a teacher shuffle. Mr Tempra is now leading the Sport Coaching group, while Mr Mason and I have teamed up to take on Year 10 Health. We’re excited to dive in and finish the year strong — possibly with a few dad jokes and a lot of enthusiasm.
Centenary Celebrations
Next week marks a huge milestone — Kearnan College’s Centenary Celebrations! As someone who holds this school close to heart, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and the legacy we continue to build. Come along and see the past, present, and future of our wonderful College. There may even be cake.
OLNA
Families of students sitting OLNA in Week Three should now have all the information they need. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs Nock via the front office.
Outdoor Ed Camp
The Year 9s and Mr Smith are gearing up for their Outdoor Ed adventure at the end of Week Four. While camping may not be my idea of a relaxing getaway, I love seeing the excitement and effort that goes into preparing for this experience. I cannot wait to see the updates — and with the weather as it is these days, I am not sure if they need to be packing umbrellas or sunscreen – probably both!
Senior School Speech Night – Let the Applause Begin!
Our Year 11 and 12 students will have their final official hurrah on Wednesday, November 19 at the Manjimup Town Hall. Doors open at 6:00pm.
This evening is all about recognising the hard work, growth, and achievements of our senior students — a chance to shine a spotlight on their efforts and share the moment with family, friends, and our wider community. More details will be sent out closer to the date.
What Else is Happening?
If you have peeked at the Term Four Calendar of Events, you will know we have got a jam-packed schedule ahead. I will space out the updates in our upcoming Chronicle editions, so you can stay informed without needing a second coffee just to read through it all.
Summer Uniform Expectations
As we move into the warmer months, it is important that all students adhere to the College’s expectations regarding uniform. Wearing the correct uniform is not only a reflection of personal pride, but also of respect for our school community and the standards we uphold.
Students are reminded that:
- Full uniform must be worn correctly and neatly at all times, including to and from school.
- Footwear must comply with uniform guidelines — no variations will be accepted.
- Jewellery, makeup and hairstyles must remain in line with College policy.
- Hats are compulsory during outdoor activities and break times.
Staff will be monitoring uniform compliance closely, and students who do not meet expectations will be followed up accordingly. We ask for the support of families in ensuring students leave home dressed appropriately and with all required items.
Let us continue to take pride in our presentation and uphold the values of Kearnan College.
“Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.”
— Senator Orrin Hatch
Have a lovely weekend,
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Book Fair
This week we have run the “Buy One, Get One Free” BOOK FAIR. It has been hugely popular in the past with many families taking advantage of the availability of discounted books. The school benefits from the sales of the books with additional new titles added to the library shelves. Thank you to Mrs Schutz for staying back on the sales day to ensure the last Book Fair of the year can run so smoothly.
Kindy Excursion – Better Beginnings Manjimup Library
Next week our Kindy students will walk down to the town library with Mrs Riddell. Ms Schilders and Miss Kilrain. They will be given the opportunity to explore all the wonderful resources. We are always so grateful to the Manjimup Library staff, who make our Kindy children feel so welcome by sharing a great story or two and showing them the wonderful books and resources, they can borrow when visiting with their family.
Centenary
We are gearing up to open the classrooms and celebrate 100 years of Catholic Education in Manjimup. We are hoping for a steady stream of families coming through the school to look through the classrooms on Saturday October 25 between 11am and 12pm and visit the historical display set up in the Middle School block. If you are a past student, you may see some familiar faces in the photo displays.
Year 5 Leadership Day
During Week Three, our Year 5 students head to Busselton for their Leadership Day. They have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership skills as they participate in team-building activities and then some high-rope work. This is a lead up to students nominating themselves for school leadership positions for 2026.
This is also the time of the year where we ask for expressions of interest to attend the Year 6 Camp in 2026. As we already have female teaching staff, we would like a couple of dads to join us for the week away, which will run from the February 23-27 2026. The dads would need to look after small groups of students, help with making lunch/meals etc, and general organisation, as needed by teaching staff. If you think you would like this experience, please send your expression of interest to peta.barton1@cewa.edu.au
Spring Carnival
Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Spring Carnival! This event is all about participation, teamwork, and celebrating good sportsmanship. Our secondary sports coaching students have been working closely with each team, sharing their expertise in game rules, team strategies, and player rotations. Students will enjoy playing a variety of sports including hockey, soccer, football, and netball.
Student Teachers
This term, we’re pleased to have university students joining our classrooms to gain valuable teaching experience. Olivia D’Agostino will be working with our Pre-Primary class, and later in the term, Sydney-Rose Fox will join our Year 4 team. We look forward to the energy and fresh ideas they’ll bring to our learning community.
Wanted
We have 3 citrus trees growing in the Early Childhood area. We are chasing 3 half wine barrels for them to grow in. If you can help, please contact the office.
Thought of the Week
“To learn something new, you need to try new things and not be afraid to be wrong.” ~ Roy T. Bennett
Have a great weekend,
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 18.10.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 19.10.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 25.10.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 26.10.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
| 01.11.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 02.11.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
P&F
The P&F are excited to join up with the art department to bring a student art showcase and auction to life again this year.
The event will run alongside Kearnan Centenary Celebrations and display art works from across all year groups.
Once again, the Kindy to Year 6 classes have been working together to create exclusive, class art pieces that will be available for auction. This is your chance to get your hands on a beautiful piece of your child’s junior school history! The auction pieces were a hot ticket item last year, so it is an opportunity not to be missed.
Senior students (and even staff!) have had the option to bring in additional pieces which will also be available for sale via silent auction.
A glass of bubbles and a grazing table will be available to kick the night off!
We invite families to attend and see the beautiful work students have created.
Friday October 24, from 5:30pm in the Art room.
