IMPORTANT DATES:
| 27 July | OLNA back-up window |
| 28 July | ONLA back-up window
Yr 3 REA practice – morning |
| 29 July | OLNA back-up window |
| 30 July | Yr 5 REA practice – morning |
| 31 July | Yr 9 Canberra trip returns
Merit Assembly 8.50am |
| 4 August | Yr 9 REA (P3 & 4)
Yr 3 REA – morning Library Visit (Yrs 1-3 9:30am-10:30am) (Yrs 4-6 11:00am – 12:00pm) |
| 6 August | Yr 5 REA – morning
Aust Maths Comp P1 & 2 for selected students |
| 7 August | MacKillop Day Liturgy in all PCGs and Primary classes
MacKillop chis for lunch Barbie Movie Night 6:30pm |
| 8 August | P&F Craft Fair Bridgetown |
| 11 August | SAC Meeting 6:00pm
TREE Talks @ Donnybrook |
| 13 August | Yr 7 2027 Day 1 Transition Day |
| 14 August | Chronicle
Yr 10 – 12 Student Quiz Night 5:30pm – 7:30pm Class Assembly – Yr 1 8:50am |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community,
I trust you and your families have had an enjoyable holiday break. I am currently on leave and will return to school in Week 3. I know that Mrs Barton is taking good care of the school in my absence.
As you know, all members of Catholic school communities are bound by the CEWA Code of Conduct. This document outlines the minimum standards of behaviour expected from staff, parents and other community members. Last year, the College developed a Parent Code of Conduct to contextualise the CEWA document. This term, CEWA has introduced a Parent Code of Conduct that supersedes our version.
The purpose of the Parent Code of Conduct is to outline our shared expectations around the partnership between school and home. It is grounded in CEWA’s overarching Code of Conduct, which reminds us that the safety and wellbeing of students is a shared responsibility and that every adult plays a vital role in creating a respectful, supportive environment for children to thrive.
The new Code is centred on the same 12 conduct statements at the centre of the CEWA Code of Conduct. The parent version outlines practical expectations that help keep our school community safe, respectful and collaborative. These include:
· Respectful communication with staff, students and other families
· Constructive problem-solving, beginning with your child’s teacher
· Support for school policies, routines and procedures
· Respect for privacy, including careful use of photos and online platforms
· Positive role-modelling for children in how challenges and disagreements are handled
The Code also highlights the importance of allowing staff reasonable time to respond to communication and reminds families that complex or emotional matters are best addressed through face-to-face conversation.
To protect the wellbeing of students and staff, the Code clearly outlines behaviours that are not acceptable in our school community. These include aggressive or abusive language, harassment, online defamation, and entering classrooms without permission.
The College greatly values our partnership with parents, and we look forward to continuing the collaborative and productive relationships we currently enjoy.
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
Welcome Back to Term Three
Welcome back to Term Three! It was wonderful to see all students finish Term Two positively, and we hope that every family enjoyed a well-deserved break. As always, the holidays seem to pass far too quickly, but we trust that everyone has returned refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for an exciting and successful term ahead.
The start of a new term provides a valuable opportunity for students to set new goals, embrace fresh challenges, and continue striving for personal growth and success in all areas of school life.
A Fantastic End to Term Two
Our final day of Term Two was a wonderful celebration of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program. Students embraced the opportunity to participate in some fun and creative challenges, with Primary students taking part in the “Anything But a Hat” competition and Secondary students showcasing their ingenuity through “Anything But a Bag”.
The creativity on display was outstanding, and it was fantastic to see students across the College celebrated during our whole-school parade before lunch. The day concluded with a movie and snacks, providing a fun and relaxed way for students to finish the term together.
Our PBL program plays a vital role in building a positive school culture, encouraging respectful relationships, celebrating positive choices, and strengthening the sense of belonging within our community. Thank you to our parents and families for your ongoing support of the values and expectations that underpin PBL. Your partnership helps us create a learning environment where every student can thrive.
We are already looking forward to our Term Three PBL reward, so watch this space for more exciting news!
Online Study Skills
As we move through Term Three, we would like to remind families that Kearnan College subscribes to the Online Study Skills resource.
This platform offers practical strategies and modules to help students develop effective study habits, manage their time, stay motivated, and prepare for assessments and examinations. As many Year 11 and 12 students begin to feel the pressures associated with senior school and future pathways, these resources can provide valuable support to help them stay focused and organised.
There are also many excellent modules designed specifically for students in the lower years, making this a worthwhile resource for all families. We encourage students to explore the platform and make the most of the support available.
Year 7/8 Mass
On Thursday, our Year 7 and 8 students came together to celebrate Mass with the theme “You Belong Here.” This simple yet powerful message speaks to the heart of who we are as a Catholic community. Every student deserves to feel known, valued and connected, and our Mass provided an opportunity to reflect on how we can create spaces where others feel welcomed and included. As we embark on a new term, the theme serves as a reminder that each of us has an important place at Kearnan College, and that our community is strengthened when we support one another and celebrate the gifts each person brings.
Looking Ahead
There is much to look forward to this term, including:
· MacKillop House Day – Friday, week three
· Kelly House Day – Friday, week eight
· Wellbeing Week – week eight
· The Year 10-12 Quiz Night – Friday, week four
Our Focus for Term Three
With so much to celebrate and look forward to this term, I would like to propose a simple challenge for every member of our community: focus on Connection, Commitment and Growth. Let us seek meaningful connections, commit wholeheartedly to our pursuits, and embrace every opportunity to learn, improve and grow.
We wish all students and families a successful and fulfilling term ahead!
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome to Term Three
A big welcome back to all students and families to the start of Term Three. Years 7 to 9 enjoy a semester change of subjects.
Thank you P&F!
Over the holidays the College received some significant upgrades due to the financial support of the College’s P & F community. Thank you to all parents to support this group in any way. A little help can go a long way to benefit all our students.
In the playground there is a buzz across the junior years for the new cubby house and shelter over the sand pit, whilst the secondary school has received sixty new desks to fit out five classrooms. The new desks allow for a professional and productive environment for our students in learn in.
Country Week!
The final week of Term Two is the annual sporting carnival of Country Week. This long running event has a special place for all country students who attend and is the largest school event in the southern hemisphere! Selected Year 10, 11 and 12 students travelled to Perth for six days to compete in the sports of Basketball, Netball and Soccer. Outside of scheduled matches, students shared accommodation and meals, participated in evening activities and spent quality time with their peers. Country Week is more than a sporting event; it is a celebration of country schooling and a cultural experience. The pride students demonstrate for their school, each other and their hometowns is outstanding to witness. Thank you to our staff who co-ordinated this massive event – Mrs Katiya Schutz and Miss Courtney Webb. Your hours of planning and preparations are acknowledged and appreciated! To our staff coaches who travelled away for the week to support our students; thank you Mr Connor Tempra, Mr Riley Mason, Miss Penny Meredith and Mr Yoram Jobse.
Country Week Captain: Reid Marshall and Liana Ellis
Final Results
Boys Basketball: Finished 6th
Girls Soccer: Finished 8th
Girls Basketball: Finished 3rd
Netball: Finished 3rd
Masterchef:
Best Tasting: Torre, Ayden, Daniel, Ashley, Iluka, Lincoln
Best Presented: Imogen, Georgie, Lia, Amelie, Bella N
Team Awards
Girls Basketball
MVP: Peri Dronow
Most Consistent: Summer Smith
Coaches Award: Evie Glancy
Netball
MVP: Makayla McNab
Coaches Award: Isla Pardini
Most Consistent: Levi Love
Most Improved: Georgie Bayes
Boys Soccer
MVP: Jason Lisser
Coaches Award: Daniel Karafilis
Boys Basketball
MVP: Ayden Terrigno
Coaches Award: Reef Parkinson
Girls Soccer
MVP: Liana Ellis
Coaches Award: Adison Sousa
Canberra Departing!
As a write this, our Year 9 students are busily packing (and repacking to get under the weight limits!) and preparing for their 4am departure Friday morning to board their flight to the other side of Australia. The eight-day trip is loaded with educational and cultural experiences; visiting Parliament House, Australian Institute of Sport, Australian War Memorial, skiing and snowboarding just to name a few!
Whilst parents and siblings of Year 9 students are already enjoying their absence, this excursion is an amazing experience, which we often see growth in our Year 9 cohort. This trip is partially funded by the Australian Government, and the College thanks and acknowledges Miss Gail Elson for the countless hours of preparation and planning that is required to successfully deliver this camp. Thank you to our supporting staff who give up their week to attend; Mr Dale Blincow, Miss Penny Meredith, Mr Chris Hall and Mr Riley Mason. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for some updated as the week progresses; I’m sure students will have some great stories to tell upon their return.
Year 12s – The final countdown!
Did you know that Year 12 students only have 48 academic day left…..ever…..of…..high school? This time of year for the Year 12s can be a treacherous one. With the past three weeks away from classes, students can start the term a bit sluggish and struggle for motivation. Year 12 students are likely to have less than 7 weeks left of course content to cover, they need to finalise their school based assessments. ATAR courses require a whole year review and revision to be successful in their school exams (commonly known as the ‘mock exam’, held in October school holidays), followed by their external WACE examinations in November. All students can access their WACE exam schedule through their student portal on the SCSA website: https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/examinations/examination-timetables
Semester Subject Change – Year 7 to 9
Our Year 7 students will change subjects their Monday subjects between Drama and Visual Arts, whilst on Thursday’s students will alternate Digital Technologies and Food Technology. I was very fortunate to smell the delicious savoury muffins baking yesterday; although for some reason none of the Year 7s wanted to share?
Year 8 students enjoy the same subject rotations of Drama/Visual Arts & Digital Technologies/Material Design (woodwork). On Friday afternoon’s, Year 8’s enjoy the choice of Sport Academy (Basketball and Netball), Digital Technology Specialisation and Textiles.
Year 9 students have a plethora of options available to them to develop their strengths and talents.
| Monday Elective | Tuesday Elective | Thursday Elective |
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Reports and NAPLAN Data
Families have recently received documents outlining the academic progress for their child/ren. I encourage all families to ensure sufficient time is given to review this data to celebrate successes and identify growth opportunities. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to discuss with teaching staff how best to improve their academic standing. The best way to contact teaching staff to book an appointment is via email. Staff should reply within two business/school days (unless they are away on a school excursion). Contact details can be found at: https://www.kearnan.wa.edu.au/contact-us/staff-contacts/
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome Back!
From Monday, students and staff quickly settled back into their learning and daily routines. The breezeway and classrooms were filled with cheerful conversations as holiday stories were shared and friends reconnected. It has been wonderful to see students returning to school looking smart and taking pride in wearing their formal uniforms as they begin the new term.
Swimming Lessons
Notes have gone home for swimming lessons this term. During Week 7 and Week 8 (31 August – 11 September), our students will attend a lesson per day. Students are encouraged to wear their sports uniforms over the fortnight to help with a quick change of clothes. The cost of the lessons remains the same as last year, which is $55 to cover the transport and lessons. If your family has a pool membership, the cost is $23 to cover the transport. This year our preferred method of payment is through our CDF app. Please refer to the note for lessons times of your child.
NAPLAN
Parents with students in Years 3 and 5 will receive their NAPLAN results from the testing early in the year, during Term One. We always remind parents that these tests are a snapshot of your child’s academic performance on that particular day. The information from these assessments provides teachers with data to assist with future planning. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the office.
ECE New Shade
Over the semester break, the fantastic new shade was put up over the ECE sandpit. It is quite the structure and will serve our little people well by keeping the sun off during the warm days but also shelter during light rain. This week it has been a big hit with our Pre-Kindy, Kindy, and Pre-Primary students with plenty of activity happening during every break.
Cubby House
This week our new Cubby House was put together by Mr Baine and Mr Clover. Our students will have lots of fun enjoying the new space near our big playground and nature play.
Drink Fountains
A big thanks to the P&F for our new drink fountains around the school. Our students have a few different spots where they can fill up their water bottles with chilled water or just have a sip as they go past.
NAIDOC Week
Over the holidays NAIDOC Week was celebrated with the theme “50 Years of deadly” as it is 50 years since the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were allowed to vote in their own country. This week the primary classes celebrated a liturgy to give thanks for First Nations people who have cared for this land for many generations. Our students were reminded that we are called to walk together and build a world where everyone is valued, included, and respected.
One Tree Bridge
On September 22, our Years 3 and 4 students will participate in an Aboriginal Literacy Day at One Tree Bridge. The day will bring together Year 3 and 4 students from Donnybrook, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Pemberton, as well as our Kearnan students.
This day will build student capacity in oral language, multimodal literacy, and fine motor skills through culturally authentic Aboriginal texts, stories, and practices. More information will be provided on this excursion closer to the time.
Book Week
It’s time to get creative! Our Book Week parade will commence on our courts at 9am on Tuesday August 25. The CBCA theme for this year is SYMPHONY OF STORIES. We look forward to seeing a variety of story book costumes on display. Families are very welcome to come down to the courts, watch the parade and join in the fun!
TREE Talks
On August 11, two students from Years 4, 5 and 6 will participate in the regional TREE talks. This is an oral speaking competition, where students speak for approximately three minutes on a subject of their choice. Students have spent time planning their talks, and teachers are now beginning the process to narrow down the class finalists. We thank our parents for listening to their children and supporting them during the process. The final will be held at St. Mary’s, Donnybrook.
Religious Education Assessment
Students from Years 3 and 5 will complete a Religious Education Assessment during Week Three, this term. This assessment does not test student’s faith, rather the knowledge component of the subject. It assists teachers and school leaders to see how students are progressing in Religious Education, so they can support the students more effectively. The format of the assessment is multiple choice, short answers and some longer responses.
Pre-Kindy Fun!
This week Ms Green and Miss Kilrain opened their Pre-Kindy doors for the first time on a Tuesday. Our littlest Kearnan Kids can now come on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. This week they have been very busy enjoying Ms Green’s inside activities and also having fun on bikes, on the playground, and in the sandpit.
Term Three Student Council
Congratulations to Jude Brown, James Cumming, Milla Crowd, Pippa Lawson, Tybo Meyer, Jayne-Lexie Dovaston and Evelyn Danti, our Student Council for Term Three!
Thought of the Week
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ W. Yeats
Have a wonderful weekend,
OTHER NEWS
Parent and Carer Code of Conduct
WA Student Assistance Payment
The payment is to help eligible families with school costs like uniforms, stationery, books and excursions.
All Western Australian students with an active enrolment in a public school, non-government school, or registered for home education are eligible for:
- $150 for each Kindergarten or primary student
- $250 for each secondary student.
You can submit a claim through the ServiceWA app, online form or paper form.
What you need
- WA Student Number (WASN) for each student (found on school reports, NAPLAN results or some SmartRiders).
- Student details (enrolled name, date of birth, school, year level).
- Bank account details.
- 100 points of ID (if not using ServiceWA).
If you need help with your claim, contact us or ServiceWA Customer Care on 13 33 92.
Claims close Friday 25 September 2026.
For more information visit education.wa.edu.au/wasap
P&F Update
The 2026 Bridgetown Winter Craft Fair is almost here, and we would love to see all our Kearnan families come along and support this fantastic community event! Join us on Saturday 8 August, from 9:00am–3:00pm at the Bridgetown Town Hall.
With 30+ talented vendors (including some of our very own Kearnan parents and staff), there will be an incredible range of beautiful handmade products, gifts, homewares, tasty treats and unique creations available. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, there’s something for everyone.
As part of our P&F parent roster commitment, Year 7–8 families are kindly asked to donate a home-baked treat for the Craft Fair cake stall. Thank you in advance for your support. We’ll also be emailing a volunteer roster shortly. If you can spare an hour or two on the day, we’d greatly appreciate your help. Every volunteer plays an important role in making this event such a success for our school community.
Our Junior School Picture Plate Fundraiser is also underway! Plate artwork will be completed by students during class, creating a wonderful keepsake and a thoughtful Christmas gift for family and friends.
Orders and payment for picture plates can be made via CDFpay and are due by Wednesday 26 August 2026. A range of additional products is also available. If you would like to order these, design sheets can be collected from the school office and must be returned before the closing date. (Please note that these additional products will not be completed in class). Please refer to the information sheet sent home this week for full details.
Finally, don’t forget our Cash for Cans House Challenge returns in Term 4! Keep collecting your eligible cans and bottles over the coming weeks. House pride is on the line… which house will take out the title? Start saving now and help your house race to victory!
2027 TAFE Applications OPEN Wednesday 29th July!
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
You are invited to join us for our first evening screening of “Song Sung Blue” on the 31st of July at 7pm, Bridgetown Hall. (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Based on a true story about two people forming a Neil Diamond tribute band, it’s an uplifting, gritty and heartfelt film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman.
We are looking forward to welcoming you, your friends and family to join us as we continue the Bridgeflix journey.
Seating is provided, but for your own comfort, please feel free to bring a cushion, or a camp chair, and for those who enjoy a good love story, don’t forget the tissues.
Light refreshments will be available to purchase on the night, including popcorn. Tickets are available through Bridgeflix.au or on the door, and cheese platters can also be preordered when booking online.
Looking forward to seeing you there for a great cinematic experience.
The Bridgeflix Crew.
Enrolments for the October and summer school holiday programs are now open. Spots are limited and enrolments will close earlier at venues that are fully booked. Enrol now to secure your child’s place!
