IMPORTANT DATES:
| 2 March | Labour Day Public Holiday |
| 3 March | Pupil Free Day
SAC Meeting 6pm |
| 6 March | ACC Basketball Yr 7 – 12
Year 3 Assembly PBL Reward |
| 11 March | NAPLAN Starts (Year 3, 5, 7 & 9)
Year 10 Immunisations |
| 12 March | Year 11/12 Mass 9am |
| 17 March | Reconciliation Workshop 3.10pm |
| 18 March | Primary Jumps Carnival |
| 19 March | St Joseph’s Feast Day & House Celebration
Mass |
| 20 March | Chronicle
Primary Athletics Carnival |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community!
We are now in the Lenten period in the Church’s calendar. This is a period of 40 days that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. It is a time of preparation for Easter and an opportunity to reflect upon our actions and how we become better Christians. Our students participated reverently in Ash Wednesday Liturgies last week and were marked with the Sign of the Cross using ashes. If you would like to learn more about Lent, please take a look at the resources below (links courtesy of https://www.catholic.au/s/article/What-is-Lent).
- Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. Lent: a guide for the perplexed. (2023)
- Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. Lenten penance explained.
- Busted Halo. Lent in three minutes. (2018 – YouTube)
- Word on Fire, Bishop Robert Barron. Entering the desert of Lent. (2020 – YouTube and podcast)
- Catholic Answers, Jimmy Akin. What you need to know about Lent. (2022 – website and audio)
Each of our Kindy to Year 12 classes have held parent information meetings over the last few weeks. These have been important opportunities to learn more about the particulars relevant to each year level. If you were not able to attend the meetings, I encourage you to make a time to chat to your child’s teachers. We greatly value our home-school partnership and are keen to explore ways we can further collaborate with parents in support of our students. Please contact our staff by email (email addresses can be found here) and they should get back to you within 2 school days. If the matter is urgent, please contact the school office.
We have had several classes spending some time away from home and school recently. Our Year 7 students had an absolute blast at their camp in Week Two, superbly coordinated by Mrs Collins. They engaged in a range of activities designed to build confidence, form connections with their classmates and to try new things. I joined them for a day and was amazed at their canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding skills! Our Year 12 students were also away in Week Two to participate in their Retreat. This event focused upon their personal journeys as young adults and their hopes and dreams for the future. Thank you to Mrs McCarthy for organising this special experience for them. This week, our Year 6 students have enjoyed their week in Perth for their camp, thanks to the excellent organisation of Mrs Barton. It has been an action-packed time for them with visits to the Perth Zoo, Aqwa, Bounce and many other exciting places! They (students, staff and parent helpers) will be sleeping well tonight!
Our first P & F meeting for the year was held earlier this week. Thank you to Mrs Jess Durbin who is once again taking on the roles of Chairperson and Secretary. Mrs Misty-Lee Fitzgerald will serve as Vice-Chair and Treasurer. It would be fantastic to see some new faces at the meetings. They are held once per term with the next one being at 5.30pm on Tuesday, May 19. In the meantime, the P & F are seeking donations of Easter eggs for their huge Easter Raffle being held in the last week of term. Eggs can be dropped into the school office anytime between now and Week Nine. For more news about the P & F, please see the report from Jess Durbin later in this Chronicle.
We are lucky to have some amazing staff who are running lunch time clubs for our students. Mrs Fitzgerald and Ms Prestedge are running Calm Creators Corner groups for our primary and secondary students on Thursdays and Fridays. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in some crafty hands-on activities whilst eating their lunch and chatting. Mr Smith is once again running his very popular Pokemon & Lego Club on Tuesdays which is open to all primary and secondary students.
This year, we have Breakfast Club every morning in the Library from 8.15am until 8.40am. Children in need of some extra sustenance to get them ready for learning will be able to enjoy toast, cereal, fruit and Milo. We receive cereal, milk and canned goods from Foodbank, but would be very grateful for any donations of fresh fruit, Milo and sliced bread. These can be dropped into the school office.
You may recall that we previously advised that Catholic Education WA schools would be moving to a 3-week mid-year holiday next year. This means that the 2027 school year will begin on Thursday, January 28, which is a little earlier than usual. For the 2027 term dates, please see our website. To access the FAQ about the change in holiday structure, please see here.
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
Lent Focus
As we move through the first and second weeks of Lent, our College community is invited to reflect on the themes of listening, renewal, and preparing our hearts for God. Students have been encouraged to slow down, notice moments of grace in their week, and consider how simple acts of kindness and compassion can bring hope to others. Lent offers us the chance to pause, reset, and walk with Christ more intentionally in our daily lives.
Student Code of Conduct (RISE Lessons)
Over the coming weeks, we will be gathering student voice as we refresh and refine our Kearnan College Student Code of Conduct. During Week Five, students in Years 7–10 will explore expectations and values through their RISE lessons, providing insight into what helps our school community thrive. Our primary students will complete a similar activity in Week Six to ensure their voices are also heard and valued. In addition, Year 11 and 12 students will have dedicated time with Mrs McCarthy to offer their perspectives and leadership as senior members of our College. We look forward to shaping a shared, student‑informed document that reflects our commitment to respect, safety, and excellence.
Uniform
Pastoral Care Team
Pastoral care is at the heart of who we are as a Catholic school. Supporting the wellbeing of every young person is a shared priority, and we want families to know that communication is always encouraged. If you have academic concerns, the first point of contact is your child’s classroom teacher. For pastoral or wellbeing matters, please reach out to your child’s PCG teacher or Head of Year.
PCG teachers
Rooney 1 – Mr Chris Hall
Rooney 2 – Miss Penny Meredith
McCormack 1 – Miss Ann-Marie Piper
McCormack 2 – Mr Yoram Jobse, Ms Emily Ardagh
Mackillop 1 – Mrs Jodie Lapinski
Mackillop 2 – Ms Gail Elson
Kelly 1 – Ms Elle Smithin
Kelly 2 – Mrs Nicola Sheridan, Mr Dale Blincow
Our Heads of Year
Year 7 – Mrs Liz Collins
Year 8/9 – Mr Josiah Smith
Year 10/11 – Mr Riley Mason
Year 12 – Mrs Cecily McCarthy
We are here to walk alongside you – if it concerns you, it concerns us, so please reach out and let us know how we can help.
Kind Regards,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
What a busy start to the year we have had! Three parent information nights have been held. Thank you to the families who made the time to attend and listen to the key messages and directions of the College. We really value the partnership between the College and families.
Year 7 Science
Our newest additions to secondary school have been busy having fun learning Chemistry. Their first task was navigating the Bunsen Burner. We are pleased to announce that all our Year 7s passed their Bunsen Burner test with flying colours (and no one burnt the Science Lab down!). This week, they conducted their first experiment investigating the relationship between water volume and the time it takes to boil.
Junior Basketball Squads Announced
In many households February is known as Basketball month, with numerous students travelling to Perth to compete in BWA’s Country Championships – Well done to all who represents MABA and BBA!
Additionally, the College conducted trials for our own teams, under the watchful eyes of Miss Webb and Mr Mason. Congratulations to all students who trialled – it was great to see a high number of students participating.
Well done to the following students in their successful selection in the Year 7 to 9 College teams!
These students will travel to Lechenault Leisure Centre next Friday to compete in the ACC Basketball tournament. The winners of this tournament qualify to advance to Perth to the next stage of the State-Wide Champion Schools Tournament.
Good luck to our teams!
| GIRLS TEAM | BOYS TEAM |
| Simona BEL-RODRIGUEZ
Saskia DRONOW Abbie GLANCY Daisy GLANCY Heidi GRAINGER Lily MCDONALD Taneisha PERRELLA Charlie SMITH Layne WAUGH |
Braxton BACHOS
Xavier DE CAMPO Quinlan DRONOW Xavier JACOB Hamish JANSEN Noah LAPINSKI Flynn MARKOTIS Ollie MARKOTIS Sam REAPE Chace WATSON |
| Reid MARSHALL (Coach) | |
Thank you to our staff members who will attend the event, Miss Courtney Webb and Mr Yoram Jobse.
Year 7 to 10 Physical Education
This term the PE team has been preparing students for the annual Inter-House Carnival to be held on Thursday and Friday in Week 8 (26/27 March). Students have learnt and practised the throwing events of Javelin, Shot Put and Discus. As the weather cools, track and jumping events will be practised and refined. It is important to note that our carnival is a participation-based event – meaning that ALL students have events to compete in and ALL students earn points for their House (even if you finish 21st, you still earn a point!). Students should keep a look out for the pre-carnival events (800m and 1500m) that occur in lessons and break times, and ensure they are in PE uniform and ready to compete. Students are also encouraged to plan and organise their decorations and costumes to show your House colours. Which House is going to bring the energy and spirit to lead their team to victory?
With the long weekend ahead I wish to remind families that students have a pupil free day on the Tuesday, whilst our staff conduct training on explicit instruction strategies. We look forward to seeing students back on Wednesday, refreshed for the second half of Term One.
Quote of the week that I think some of our high school students could benefit from thinking about.
“The grass is not greener on the other side; it is greenest where it is watered”
-Robert Fulghum
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Primary School
The weeks are flying by, and everyone has settled into the school year with wonderful routines, working hard. Our Year 6 students had a fantastic time on camp, and we have been so impressed with their manners and interest in all that we have seen. They will enjoy the extra-long weekend to recharge their energy levels for the rest of the busy term ahead.
Student Council
Congratulations to our newly elected Student Councillors for 2026! We are very proud of the wonderful group of students selected to serve as our first Student Councillors for the year. Mrs Harris and Ms Prestedge have already met with the team to begin discussing a range of exciting fundraising ideas to support Project Compassion throughout the season of Lent. We look forward to seeing their leadership and creativity in action as they help our school community make a positive difference.
Ash Wednesday
To mark the start of Lent, our Junior School celebrated a special liturgy and received the blessed ashes. Coming together, we were able to focus our thoughts and actions, to prepare our hearts for this special season of reflection and prayer before Easter.
Year 6 Camp – from Mrs Spillman
What a wonderful week it has been taking our Year 6 students to Perth for camp. From Lazer Blaze and mini golf to Perth Zoo, Fremantle Prison and AQWA, the highlights were many and the energy never faded. The students embraced every experience with enthusiasm, courage and kindness, and we were especially proud of the way they represented their families and our school in every setting. Camps like this build independence, resilience and friendships, and it was a joy to see these grow across the week.
Our sincere thanks go to the incredible adults who made this camp possible. We are so grateful to our parent supporters — Mr Brett Western, Mr Rob Blechynden, Mr Josh Spalding and Ms Stephanie Fontanini — for giving their time, care and energy to supervise, support and encourage students throughout the week. Thank you also to our amazing camp leader, Mrs Barton, and to Mrs Nock and Mrs McCarthy for their commitment and teamwork in ensuring the camp ran smoothly and safely from start to finish. We are deeply appreciative of the many parents and families who generously donated food and fresh produce; your contributions quietly supported every day of camp and were genuinely valued.
Most of all, we are proud of our Year 6 students. They stepped up, looked after one another, tried new things and showed maturity in unfamiliar environments. The laughter on the bus, the shared challenges and the simple moments together will be remembered long after the activities themselves. Thank you to our families for your trust and support in allowing your children to be part of such a memorable experience — it truly was a special week for our whole Year 6 community.
House Carnival Update
Miss Webb has been working hard to organise our upcoming House Carnival, ensuring every student has the opportunity to take part in a race and enjoy a variety of team games with their friends. The focus of our House Carnival is on full participation, encouraging everyone to join in, have fun, and earn points for their House. Students are asked to wear their House shirts for both carnivals, if possible, especially the Friday event. Our P&F will be providing cakes, slices and biscuits to sell for morning tea on March 20. There have been classes allocated to this job, so please assist if you are asked. If anyone can help to put up shade tents on the morning of the 20th, please let Miss Webb know via email (courtney.webb@cewa.edu.au). Please keep an eye out for further information being sent home soon regarding the Jumps Day and the main Carnival Events. We look forward to a wonderful celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit!
Running Club will start up very soon to keep our keen runners fit and healthy. Mrs Barton will send information out after the long weekend.
Thought of the Week
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day” – Sally Koch
Have a wonderful weekend,
P&F NEWS
P&F Report
Welcome to the first P&F report for 2026! We hope all our families have settled into the new school year and are looking forward to everything it brings.
The P&F held its first meeting this week and is already busy planning activities for the year ahead. Alongside our much-loved traditional events, we’re also exploring some new ideas to further connect and support our school community. Wishlist items submitted by staff have already been approved, enabling new equipment, resources and opportunities for students and staff across all year groups.
Our P&F parent roster has now been confirmed and is available below for reference. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with your allocated activities and plan accordingly. As always, many hands make light work, and we sincerely appreciate the time and support given by our parent volunteers.
We are still seeking class representatives for Kindy, Pre-Primary, and Years 1, 2, 3 and 5. Please email the school office if you are happy to assist in this role. High school parent groups will be coordinated via the school office. Class representatives are a key link between the P&F committee and families, helping to share information about upcoming events, activities, and the support needed to make them successful.
This term, our focus will be on running the canteen at the Junior sport and interschool carnivals, as well as our Easter Raffle. We are seeking donations of Easter-themed items or chocolate, with a multi-prize draw to be held on 1 April (Period 6). Please see the poster below for further details. Our fundraising bulb catalogue will also be available shortly – perfect for a colourful spring garden.
Looking ahead, planning is already underway for a range of Mother’s Day activities at the start of next term. Stay tuned—they’re shaping up to be something special!
Thank you for your continued support of the P&F and our wider school community. We encourage families to get involved whenever possible and remind all parents and carers that they are always welcome to attend P&F meetings.
| YEAR GROUP | ACTIVITY 2026 | TERM | COORDINATION TASKS |
| K | WORLD TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY MORNING TEA | 4 | Morning tea/lunch donation. |
| PP | |||
| 1 | INTERSCHOOL CARNIVAL | 1 | Donations of cakes/slices
Parent helper roster – Canteen (slots between 8am-1pm) |
| 2 | |||
| 3 | CAROLS NIGHT PREPARATION | 3 | Food hamper box prep/assembly
(Afternoon activity: start approx. 1pm) |
| 4 | FACTION SPORTS CARNIVAL | 1 | Donation of cakes/slices |
| 5 | YEAR 6 GRADUATION | 4 | Provide morning tea
Decorate event |
| 6 | FACTION SPORTS CARNIVAL | 1 | Donation of cakes/slices |
| 7 | BRIDGETOWN CRAFT FAIR | 3 | (1st or 2nd Saturday Term 3 -TBA)
Donation of cakes/slices Volunteer roster (entry table/ set up etc) |
| 8 | |||
| 9 | YEAR 7,8,9 SOCIAL NIGHT | 1 | BBQ Roster |
| 10 | CAROLS NIGHT BBQ | 4 | BBQ Roster (Evening) |
| 11 | FEAST DAY | 1 | BBQ Roster or similar
(lunchtime) |
| 12 | 1 |
OTHER NEWS
Year 7 Transition to Secondary
Head of Year 7
Inside the Machine: Year 7 Gets Hands-On with Hardware
This term, our Year 7 Digital Technologies students have been exploring computer hardware and networking. After studying key components such as the CPU, RAM, storage, motherboards, and power supplies, students commenced a theoretical task to build their own gaming system, considering performance, compatibility, and budget.
They have also been building simple networks and participating in a hands-on computer assembly activity, connecting and changing internal hardware components while learning to use appropriate tools and follow correct safety procedures.
Through this blend of theory and practical experience, students are becoming increasingly comfortable with how computers work from the inside out.
Mr Smith’s Week
The Calm Creators Club
Year 11 Psychology
Year 12 Retreat
Year 8 & 9 Textiles
Year 8 and 9 Textiles has begun with students learning how fabric is created from the intertwining of warp and weft threads in the weaving process. They are learning how to use design thinking skills to plan, investigate, design, produce and evaluate projects. For their first task the plan and investigate steps were modelled and students were tasked with making design choices for their loom and thread. There was demonstration of some patience and some frustration, in producing a woven sample. The evaluating of the process, and their finished sample, left many of them realising why machines were invented to speed up and perfect this task!
Students are now moving onto learning simple hand stitching and how to use a sewing machine.
Breakfast Club
School Fees
Fee Statement Schedules have been emailed out and these were due on February 20. If you have yet to receive yours, please contact the front office as soon as possible.
The Secondary Assistance Scheme applications are due before end of term.
Workplace Learning Opportunities
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 |
Stations of the Cross is every Friday during Lent at 7pm at both St Joseph’s, Manjimup and Sacred Heart, Pemberton.
COMMUNITY NEWS
