IMPORTANT DATES:
| 27 April | ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
| 28 April | Year 7-12 Parent Teacher Meetings 3:30pm – 7:00pm
Year 11/12 OLNA Week |
| 29 April | Current Year 10 2027 Pathways Info session for students P5 & 6 |
| 30 April | Year 4-6 Mass & morning tea 9:00am
Year 9 & 12 Art excursion (during Art) |
| 1 May | 8:45am Shelter-in-Place and Lockdown Drills
12:30pm Evacuation Drill |
| 4 May | Year 7 & 8 Art excursion (during Art) |
| 5 May | Learn from Home Day (Year 7 – 12)
Year 7 – 12 Parent Teacher Meetings 8:30am – 5:30pm |
| 6 May | Wheels for Wellbeing
Have Sum Fun Live (select Year 7 – 10 students) P4&5 Year 10 & 11 Art Excursion (during Art) |
| 7 May | Year 11 (2027) Parent Student Information Meeting 6pm
Wheels for Wellbeing |
| 8 May | P & F Mother’s Day Evening
Year 6 Assembly 8:50am |
| 11 May |
School photos Year 11 (2027) course selection begins (2 weeks) Book Fair starts |
| 12 May |
School photos SAC Meeting 6:00pm Interschool Athletics Year 7 – 12 |
| 13 May | Year 7 Immunisations P1 & 2 |
| 14 May | Year 9/10 Mass 9:00am |
| 15 May | Chronicle
Book Fair ends Year 11/12 Social Night 6:00pm – 8:00pm |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community!
This morning our whole school commemorated ANZAC Day with a reverent service organised by Mr Rogerson and Mrs Lapinski. They were supported by many students who did readings or laid flowers at the flagpole. We were very lucky to be joined by three special guests: Melissa Wiles, Leading Seaman Sophie Mayer and Ted Middleton, each of whom are past or present-serving members of the military. Tomorrow, several of our students will be attending ANZAC Day services in Manjimup and surrounding towns, representing Kearnan College and laying wreaths on our behalf.
Yesterday we celebrated our Admin and Canteen staff. We are so lucky here at Kearnan College to have an amazing group of people who play vital roles in support of our students, staff and families!
We have a jam-packed term coming up with many opportunities for our students to learn both in school and outside of school, to demonstrate and show-off their skills and learning and to engage in sporting and cultural events. The Term Calendar can be found on our website, so please take note of any events that impact you and your child. Keep an eye on other communications from the school in case anything changes.
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
We warmly welcome all families back to Term Two and hope the break offered time for rest and renewal.
A new term invites us to begin again – to reset, refocus and recommit ourselves to learning, wellbeing and faith. As the season changes, we are reminded of the importance of growth, patience and hope, and the role we each play in nurturing a supportive and respectful community.
We look forward to walking alongside our students and families throughout Term Two, trusting that together it will be a term of positive beginnings and meaningful progress.
Uniform Expectations
As part of our shared commitment to the College community, we ask for your continued support in ensuring students wear the College uniform appropriately. Your partnership plays an important role in helping students take pride in their presentation. Our College uniform plays an important role in creating a sense of belonging and shared identity for our students. Wearing the uniform correctly supports positive routines, promotes equity, and helps create an environment where the focus remains on learning, relationships and wellbeing. If you would like to discuss any uniform concerns regarding your child, please contact the relevant Head of Year or primary classroom teacher. You can also find our uniform expectations on the College website.
RISE
One exciting addition to our RISE sessions this term, is a new subscription to an online study skills program. Our school has recently subscribed to the ELES Study Skills Handbook. This is a great online resource for parents and students to address all their study skills issues and concerns as well as learn new ways to improve students’ results at school. The handbook has a huge amount of information for both students and parents as well as lots of interactive activities, multimedia experiences and useful resources.
Details on how to log in will be sent out via email.
As we begin Term Two, we look forward to continuing our journey together as a faith‑filled learning community. We wish all students and families a term filled with growth, hope and positive experiences.
Thank you,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Term Two Week One
A warm welcome back to all students and families for the new term ahead. Term Two is a great term where students really settle into school routines and get a good flow of learning. We welcome Mr Seb Jennings into our school community as our new Design Technology Teacher. With a wealth of knowledge and skill, Mr Jennings will oversee the workshop subjects for our students. A former ‘tradie’, I’m sure Mr Jennings will be a valuable asset for our students to guide them through the vocational education space.
Well done to our Father Kelly Endeavour Award Recipients for Term One
On the final day of last term, we celebrated the outstanding efforts and determination that our students have displayed during the first term. These recipients demonstrated outstanding learning behaviours and continually strived for excellence in their academic pursuits.
Term One PBL Raffle
Coffee, Subway, Harvey Norman, Sports Power, chips and gravy vouchers and much, much more were up for grabs in Kearnan’s inaugural prize raffle which supported our positive behaviours for learning program. Over the term, students earnt merits for positive displays of behaviour in and out of the classroom. Through an electronic randomiser, students earnt an e-ticket for every single merit point earned in Term One. More merits = more e-tickets. One by one the raffle was drawn for students who enjoyed an array of prizes.
Year 10 Pathways Information Day and Parent Night
Year 10 students will be exploring and learning about what senior school (Year 11 and 12) opportunities are available to them over this term. Beginning with an in-school session next week, our Heads of Learning Area will share information about senior courses, along with the requirements for senior school subject selection.
The following week, Year 10 students and families will gather for a parent information night held in the library at 6pm on Thursday 7 May. Please ensure that you attend this pivotal session to ensure that you are kept up to date with the most relevant information.
This session will then lead into course counselling and subject selections with myself. It can be a very exciting (and daunting) time for students and parents; however, there is plenty of time to get this process right. It is important to ask questions and research future interests to ensure all students land on a pathway suitable for them
Sports Representation
This term has two major events for students to represent the College in the sporting arena. Week Four will see our strongest athletic performers travel to Bunbury to compete in the South West Interschool Athletics. This is a great opportunity for students to mix it with the best in the region, cheer on their friends and school.
Later in the term, select Year 10, 11 and 12 students will travel to Perth for the largest school sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere – COUNTRY WEEK. This year students will compete in Basketball, Netball and Soccer. Details about this event are being finalised as we speak, with information coming home next week. We are very fortunate that the WA government subsidises this event for students, contributing $500 towards the cost of the camp.
White Cards
This week several students were put through their paces to pass their White Card training, allowing them to enter a work site. This experience and qualification are a vital stepping stone into the workforce and industry training. Thank you to our Careers Coordinator, Ms Emily Ardagh for the successful facilitation of this accreditation.
Year 8 Girls Crush It
Well done to our Year 8 girls who challenged themselves to apply for Murdoch University’s CODECRUSH Scholarship. Hannah Thomas, Matilda Muir and Marsali Huggins answered the call to apply for this amazing program. Fingers crossed for your applications and we are hopeful for some good news ahead.
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
It has been wonderful to see how positively our students have returned after the holidays. Teachers have commented on how settled the children are and how ready they are to learn and do their best. This is a longer eleven‑week term, but staff are excited by the opportunity for extended and meaningful learning experiences. We are very much looking forward to a productive and rewarding term ahead!
Administration and Canteen Appreciation Day
We are so lucky to have such wonderful staff at Kearnan. At the heart of our school, are our Admin and Canteen staff. Our students spent time this week to thank them for all they do.
Thank you, Mrs Deitos!
Thank you for the Milo muffins. I love the taste of icing sugar and Milo. It is my favourite because of the flavour and because you made it. Love Odelia
Thank you for choosing Zoopers Dooper because I love them so much because they are so good and there are so many different colours in them. Love Olive
Thank you for giving us food but what I really love about you is that you light everyone’s day up when we feel sad. Love Logan
Thank you for working at our school. Your food is amazing. You give great service, and you are kind to everyone. Love Ivy
Thank you, Mrs Jones!
Thank you for helping Mrs Deitos make the canteen lunches. When we order lunch, it is always filling and nutritious. We’re very grateful that you are a part of Kearnan College, because lunch is always delicious and healthy. From Year 5
Thank you, Mrs Brown!
Thank you for keeping us safe. From Sienna
Thank you for the wonderful things you do. From Asher
Thank you for giving us bandaids when we are hurt. From Jessica
Thank you Mrs Brown for all the things you do . From Oliver
Thank you for giving us ice packs. From Eve
Thank you, Miss Scaini!
Thank you, Miss Scaini, for always doing your best in the office and helping us as best as you can. Thank you for helping students feel better when they’re feeling unwell. Thank you for the invisible and unacknowledged work you do in the office. Thank you for being awesome and always being there, with a positive attitude. From Year 6
Thank you, Mrs Kilrain!
Thank you, Mrs Kilrain for being nice and for stamping my wrist. From Arlandria
Mrs Kilrain is kind. She takes the purple folder and she gives stamps. From Elissa
Mrs Kilrain always says hello and gives me a stamp. From Amara
Thank you Mrs Kilrain for giving us stamps. My favourite stamp is the blue star with the lines. From Esther
Thank you, Mrs Schutz!
Thank you, Mrs Schutz for looking after the Library. You help us learn every day and we greatly appreciate that. Your gratitude helps us engage in reading wonderful stories. We also appreciate the Milo and toast at Breakfast Club. From Year 6
Thank you, Mr Wilson!
Thank you for helping us with all our IT problems. This helps us learn how to fix our problems. It helps us have a better understanding of IT. We’re grateful that you are a part of Kearnan College because you are super smart with IT! From Year 5
ANZAC Day
Today we joined together as a whole school to participate in our ANZAC Day ceremony and remember those men and women who have served and died in war and those soldiers currently serving. This year, a number of our students will march and lay wreaths on behalf of our school, sporting clubs and community groups. Their respectful participation reflects our school’s strong sense of service, gratitude and community pride.
Years 4–6 Mass and Morning Tea
Next Thursday at 9.00am, our Year 4, 5 and 6 students will attend Mass at the Church. Students will lead the celebration through readings and singing. Parents are warmly invited to join us for this special celebration. Following Mass, we will enjoy a shared morning tea. Students are asked to bring a small plate of food to share, and tea and coffee will be provided for parents.
Wheels for Wellbeing
During Week Three, all primary classes will have the opportunity to bring their bikes (or scooters for younger students) and participate in a fun riding session, seeing how many laps they can complete. Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation on their allocated riding day. All donations will be given to Blackwood Youth Action, an organisation that supports young people in our region by addressing their social, emotional, psychological and physical needs. Further details about the timing of each class’s ride will be shared closer to the event. Students will need to bring a bike with working brakes (or a scooter) and a helmet, which must be worn at all times. We have our fingers crossed for good weather!
Mr. Smith would love to take keen riders from Years 4-6 for additional Wednesday lunchtime rides on lower Imps oval. Weather permitting, this will commence next week. Information regarding lunchtime rides was sent through classroom Seesaw. Please park your bikes in the rack or on the grass near the bike rack. Thanks, Mr. Smith!
Winter Uniform Expectations
As the weather cools, we understand that students will begin to add extra layers for warmth, such as black tights for girls, scarves and beanies, and school jumpers or jackets. Recently, some students have been wearing long‑sleeved shirts underneath their uniform. Please note that this is not part of our school uniform. From this term, uniform infringement notes will be issued when this occurs. Students will be asked to remove visible undershirts and instead wear one of the approved uniform layers if they are feeling cold. Thank you for your support in ensuring our students wear the correct uniform and continue to represent our school with pride.
Year 6 Assembly
Our first assembly for Term Two will be hosted by our Year 6 student leaders on Friday 8 May, commencing at 8.50am. The Year 6 class will entertain us, and merit certificates will be presented to students who have made a positive start to the term. The Elizabeth Bear will also be awarded to a ‘stand‑out’ student who consistently models our school values through their interactions with both peers and adults.
Welcome Miss Braovic!
This term we are very pleased to welcome Miss Laila Braovic to Kearnan. Laila is completing her final teaching placement with ECU and will be working alongside Ms Thomas in Year 5.
Student Council
Last term, under the leadership of Mrs Jeanette Harris and Ms Nicole Prestedge, our Student Council raised $760 for Caritas. The funds raised will support vulnerable communities who experience poverty and help improve access to essential resources and opportunities. We thank our students and their families for their generosity in supporting this important cause.
School Photos
Information regarding school photos will be coming home soon. Most of the Primary class photos will be taken on Tuesday 12 May, however sibling photos will run throughout the morning and during breaks on Monday 11 May and continue throughout the breaks on Tuesday. All primary students are asked to wear their formal uniform for school photos.
Spelling Mastery
Early Childhood Learning
Thought of the Week
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
Have a lovely weekend,
OTHER NEWS
Kearnan College ANZAC Day Ceremony: Women in Service
Kearnan College held its ANZAC Day ceremony today in Wanju Place. This year’s theme, Women in Service, recognised the important role women have played in Australia’s defence, both in the past and today.
Students from Years 6 to 12 were actively involved as helpers and speakers, contributing to the ceremony and helping create a meaningful experience for everyone.
The College was honoured to welcome two guest speakers. Melissa Wiles, a Kearnan parent and former member of the Royal Australian Navy, shared some of her experiences and insights. Melissa was joined by Leading Seaman Sophie Mayer, who currently serves in the Royal Australian Navy in cyber operations, speaking the history of her field and inspirational figures within it. Both speakers highlighted the contributions and achievements of women in the military, past and present.
Our students showed a high level of reverence as they came together, reflected, and paid their respects to those who have served.
P&F Information
The P&F had a very busy Term One, running our bulb fundraiser and cake stalls/canteen at both Junior school sports carnivals. Another huge highlight was our Easter raffle, where all 1,000 tickets sold out – an incredible result and a fantastic boost to our fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who donated chocolate or purchased tickets. We received great feedback on the ease of online ticket sales, and the energy from the students in the room during the interactive draw was truly next level!
Our next event is the Mother’s Day Pottery Paint & Sip on Friday May 8. This promises to be a fun and relaxing evening, giving our very special mums some well-deserved creative time out. On the night, you’ll be able to decorate in-house created pottery pieces (thanks Mrs Fitzgerald!), with guidance provided by Ms Anne- Marie Piper. We encourage you to gather a group of friends and make a night of it. Tickets are available via the QR code on the below poster.
We’d also love to see new and familiar faces at our next P&F meeting on May 19. Come along, be part of the school community, and get involved!
Jess Durbin
Performing Arts
PARISH NEWS
| Location | Day | Time | |
| Saturday Vigil | St Joseph’s, Manjimup | Every Saturday | 6pm |
| Mass | St Joseph’s, Manjimup | 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays | 10:30am |
| 2nd & 4th Sundays | 8:30am | ||
| Mass | Sacred Heart, Pemberton | 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays | 8:30am |
| 2nd & 4th Sundays | 10:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
