21 March 2025

Our student leaders once again stepped up and lead our Houses in reverent and respectful Ash Wednesday liturgies around the school. Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a time where we reflect and prepare for Easter. Thanks also to Ms Chilvers for her work with our leaders in preparation for the liturgies.

Up until 2009, Kearnan College was known as St Joseph’s College. Our parish is known as St Joseph’s Parish, and we honour his role as protector and provider for the Holy family. We celebrated this day on Wednesday this week, with a liturgy that recognised and honoured his role in Jesus’ life. Normally a feast day celebrated by the whole school, this year we have postponed the festivities to celebrate as part of the school’s 100-year celebration later in the year. We hope you can join us all then.

The interest has been extremely high for this excursion for next week. This annual event held at MacKillop College in Busselton, celebrates literature, provides workshops with authors, and allows for discussion with writers and readers alike. Students who expressed an interest in attending should have received an information letter from school this week. Please contact the office if your child has not provided you with one to sight and sign.

The annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy has rolled around again and our Yr 7s and 9s have done an amazing job of completing the required assessments. They have completed tasks ranging from numeracy, conventions of language, writing and reading and I applaud their ability, resilience and ‘going with the flow’ attitude they have displayed, especially when there have been a few IT issues to navigate as well! Thanks to Mrs Nock for her work with organising the implementation of the assessments as it is quite an onerous task.

The aim of NAPLAN is to enhance educational outcomes by providing data that can be used to improve student learning, and it is data that the school uses as part of the focus on teaching and learning.

Every year, the universities of Notre Dame, UWA, Curtin, Murdoch and ECU combine to do a travelling roadshow to  the local high schools, showcasing the opportunities and pathways for students who wish to study after secondary. Whilst it may appear that this would be for ATAR bound students, it caters for a range of students (including those who are not even sure what they want to do tomorrow, yet alone in a year or two’s time). The traditional ATAR pathway is one that still exists, however there are also numerous other ways for student entry into university. All Year 10 – 12 students will be attending and it also a good opportunity to source some great pens and post it notes! This will take place Wednesday March 26.

The countdown is on! Week 10 will be the time for our four Houses to battle it out on the Athletics track for supreme glory! For the first time ever, the secondary will have its own ‘jumps day’ – this is due to the increasing numbers in the College and the high levels of participation from all our students.

PARENTS – don’t believe what your teenager tells you! You are most welcome to attend, spectate and cheer on the day.

All students will be allocated events, with programs being sent home electronically the week prior.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – we need willing adults to help set up and run the day. Tasks such as erecting gazebos at 7:30
– 8:00am, helping to time and measure events (full or half day) and packing away at 3pm-3:30pm. If you can help out in any way, please contact Aaron Pedlar at aaron.pedlar@cewa.edu.au.

Jumps Day – Monday April 7,
Carnival Day – Wednesday April 9.

Our Primary staff are often discussing the benefits of a wide and varied vocabulary. This knowledge allows children to flourish in all areas of communication – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Children with a robust vocabulary gain a greater understanding of their world, which in turn helps them when they are making connections to their learning. It seems logical that the more words children know, the more words they will understand when they read, which enhances comprehension.

Parents can assist with vocabulary development through reading a wide range of books. We encourage you to read to your child hard texts, harder than your child can read well themselves. Increasing their knowledge through nonfiction texts and enjoying wonderful characters and settings through fiction texts, can give your child skills they can bring to their learning. We look forward to hearing about the wonderful stories being read in your homes.

Over the past week our Years 3 and 5 students have been busy completing NAPLAN which is a national assessment designed to measure literacy and numeracy. The information from this assessment gives teachers and parents a snapshot of how the child is achieving in that subject, on that particular day. We have been pleased with the positive attitude from our students and their diligence when completing the set tasks. Thanks to Mrs Nock for coordinating the assessments and Ms Thomas, Mrs Spillman and Mrs Kestel for administering the tests.

On Tuesday March 25, all Primary students will finish their day at 12.50pm. Teachers will then be conducting parent meetings from 1.15pm onwards. Please check communication from your child’s teacher for your meeting time. If you cannot make the allocated time, please make alternative arrangements with the class teacher. Meetings will have a 10–15-minute duration. Should you need additional time, another meeting at a different time will be arranged.

On Friday March 28, the Year 5 class will host the Primary assembly. We look forward to hearing about all the things they have been learning and celebrating the excellence of our hard-working students. Elizabeth Bear will be presented to a deserving student who has demonstrated kindness, respect and resilience.

What an incredible day of competition, teamwork, and House spirit at our House Athletics Carnival on Tuesday. With MacKillop taking a narrow lead into the day after some strong performances on Jumps and Throws day, the rivalry and determination by the other three Houses was high. The race for the title came down to the wire, with students putting every last bit of grit into the team relays with the hope of getting their House across the line. In the end, MacKillop emerged as narrow winners on 428 points, closely followed by Kelly on 400 points.

The day was marked by fantastic participation from students across all year levels, with everyone giving their best effort on the track and in the field events. In recognition of their outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit throughout the day, Kelly were awarded the House Spirit shield.

A special mention goes to our Year 6 leaders, whose enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and leadership ensured all students in their Houses had an enjoyable day. A huge thank you to all staff, students, parents, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the carnival. Your support and efforts are truly appreciated. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding individual efforts:

Manjimup Family Centre is hosting a Positive Behaviours Workshop on April 2 from 10am – 2pm at the Family Centre. This free workshop is designed to help parents and carers support children (recommended for those with children aged 0-12 years) in developing protective behaviours – empowering them and helping to keep them safe.