IMPORTANT DATES:
Mon 3 Mar
Tues 4 Mar
Wed 5 Mar
Fri 7 Mar
Wed 12 Mar
Thurs 13 Mar
Fri 14 Mar
Hello Kearnan College Community!
What an exciting few weeks we have had at the College! Year 6 camp, Year 7 camp, the secondary House carnival, merit assemblies, parent information nights, plus lot of
engaged learning have kept us all busy.
Next Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This is a time of preparation for Easter and lasts for 40 days from Ash Wednesday until Holy Thursday. During this Church season, Christians are asked to engage in prayer to deepen their relationship with God, to fast or to go without luxuries, and engage in almsgiving, such as donating time, goods or money for the benefit of those less fortunate. The day before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called Pancake Tuesday. As a fundraiser for Caritas, we will have pancakes for sale in Wanju Place from 8am to 9am for a gold coin donation.
At Kearnan College, we take the safety of our students very seriously and have numerous measures in place to ensure their wellbeing is protected and that there are avenues available for students to have a voice. We have recently introduced a Student Safety Concern Form which students can use if another student or adult makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. If you have a child in Years 4-12, it would be appreciated if you could chat to them about this form and remind them that it’s an option to use when they need some help from an adult. We also encourage students to talk directly to an adult, but sometimes an online option is more appealing.
The College is looking for a new Uniform Shop Manager. Hayley De Campo has very generously given her time to run the College Uniform Shop over the last few years but is now stepping down from the role. This is a voluntary position but comes with discounted school fees. It involves ordering stock, unboxing and putting stock away, fulfilling orders that have come in online, opening the shop for an hour a week and keeping the uniform shop clean and orderly. There will also be some peak periods, such as just before school begins in January or when stocktakes are needed, that will require an extra time commitment. If you, or you and another parent, are interested in contributing to the College by undertaking this role, please email me to let me know.
At the recent P & F meeting, teacher wish-lists were submitted for consideration. The committee very generously decided to fund a range of resource requests, including reading books, charging stations for devices in the primary school, a contribution to the sand for the new long jump pits and new trikes for our K/PP classes. In total, $19,000 was contributed from funds raised by our school community. A huge thank you to all parents who have been part of past fundraising
activities. Your contributions make a difference to our school.
Our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting of the year was held last week. Alanna Otway has been elected as Chairperson, Domenica Daniels as Deputy-Chair and Lee-Anne Pardini as Treasurer. Jess Durbin will continue as P & F rep and serve as SAC Secretary, with Alanna also representing the St Joseph’s Parish. They join committee members, Steele Jacob and Fabio Renzullo, in providing invaluable support to our school and to me as the Principal.
Enrolments for the Kearnan Pre-Kindy are now open for a Term 2 start. It will run from 8.50am until 2.50pm each Thursday during term time and children who have turned three are eligible to attend. If your child is still two years old but will be turning three this year, you can apply, and we will hold a spot for them until after their third birthday. Our Pre-Kindy is free of charge, but preference will be given to families who intend to enrol their child in our Kindy. Mrs Sarah Kestel is having a parent information session for parents who are interested in finding out more on Thursday, 13 March at 2.30pm in the Pre-Kindy classroom. Please let the office know if you are attending and sign in at the office on the day. If you have any friends with a child of the right age, please let them know of this wonderful opportunity. The College office can provide the application forms, or they are available on the school website.
All families should have received their school fees statement which included a range of options to choose from for paying fees. Thank you to the families who have already returned their Payment Options Advice Form. We had more than half our families return their form before February 19 which made them eligible for the draw to win a $500 credit on their school fees. Congratulations to the Kariuki Family who were the winners! If there is any family who may be having financial difficulties, please make a time to speak to our Finance Office, Mrs Julie Brown, or to me and we would be happy to come up with a solution with you.
We are currently redesigning our College website, so stay tuned for that for the start of Term 2.
I hope you have a wonderful long weekend!
Kind regards,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Well done everyone getting through the first half of the term – let’s have next Monday off! On a serious note, I believe there is no busy like ‘school’ busy and everyone has
worked tirelessly in setting and learning new routines, establishing relationships and acquiring a lot of new content.
Well Done – Dr Bree Abbott
Ms Abbott has been a tireless worker at Kearnan for a few years now and this was recognised by Mr Wayne Bull, Executive Director of CEWA, who wrote to the school
acknowledging her commitment to ViSN. ViSN on-line courses are run through CEWA but are planned, organised and delivered by teachers who are based at school. These courses take a lot of time and rely heavily on technology which can bring its own challenges along the way. Ms Abbott has delivered the ViSN ATAR Yr 11 and 12 Psychology courses since before she was at Kearnan, and her students achieve impressive results. Two students last year received Subject Certificates of Excellence from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and used their Psychology ATAR scores as part of their overall ATAR score for university entrance. The school joins in congratulating Bree on this result, and her continued commitment to ViSN and teaching.
Congratulations – Ms Elle Smithin
Love was in the air last weekend as Ms Smithin celebrated wedded bliss. We wish Elle and Steve all the best for their future together and look forward to seeing some gorgeous photos soon.
Shrove Tuesday
Next Tuesday is one of my most favourite days of the school year (I am a bit partial to a pancake). Shrove Tuesday sees the student leaders of the school prepare, cook and deliver pancakes to students as part of the preparation for Ash Wednesday. The tradition of Shrove Tuesday stems from using up all of the ‘good’ ingredients in the house in preparation for fasting as one of the Lenten practices. Shrove Tuesday is known by several different terms around the world, such as Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday and Fat Tuesday. Whatever you know it as, it all tastes yummy! Families and classes are invited to a pancake breakfast in Wanju place from 8am – 9am for a gold coin donation for Caritas.
Ash Wednesday
Next Wednesday marks the start of Lent, marking the season of fasting, prayer and penance leading up to Easter, the holiest time of the Christian calendar. Ashes (made from burnt palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday service) are applied to each person’s forehead in the shape of a cross. Students will receive their ashes in their House liturgies at Period 3, as a symbol of repentance, mortality, public witness and to signify the beginning of Lent.
Year 7 Camp
Many packed for an overnight camp like two weeks in Europe, but this is probably indicative of the range of activities the students participated in. The camp itinerary
for Mornington looked very impressive, and we thank Mrs Collins for all the work and planning that went into the event, as well as Mr Smith, Mr Blincow and Ms Elson who assisted. I cannot stress enough how much staff are appreciated for all their efforts, for not only preparing a camp, but the mammoth commitment it is to leave their own families to supervise a lot of children 24/7.
Between the Lines Writer’s Festival
Each year students from Years 7 – 12 are offered the opportunity to travel to Busselton as a group to listen to successful Australian authors talk about their journey into their career as a writer. It will be held on March 27 at MacKillop Catholic College in Busselton. Expressions of interest will be asked of the students. Students travel as a group from school and return by the end of the day. From that, students and parents will receive further information about the day.
GRIP Leadership
Last Tuesday, Ms Ardagh and Mrs Burvill took our amazing student leaders to the GRIP leadership day held in Bunbury. Here they learnt about different types of leadership, listening skills, leading by example as well as meeting other student leaders from a range of schools in the Southwest. They have returned to school full of great ideas and we are hoping to implement some of them very soon. Thanks to Ms Ardagh for the planning of the day.
School Leaders
Speaking of school leaders, my absolute apology for a big blunder in last week’s Chronicle. Sienna Davey Smithin was inadvertently omitted as her important role as MacKillop House Captain. My deepest apologies to Sienna for this oversight.
Interhouse Sports Day
Bring it on! The annual House Day Sports competition saw the glorious colours of yellow, red, green and blue battle it out for Homeroom bragging rights! Under the great coordination of planning from Mr Pedlar and House Captains, homerooms competed against each other in Olympic level dodgeball, basketball, volleyball and other sports. It is a great fun day for all involved.
ACC Basketball – March 7
Kearnan will send four teams away to complete in Bunbury at the ACC Basketball carnival. Teams were selected last week at trials as there were over 60 interested students. Congratulations to the students selected. This carnival is a pre-qualifier for the state school championship, where the winner of each division travels to Perth to continue the journey to the state final.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Have a lovely weekend.
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
We have enjoyed a busy couple of weeks, as students settle into their classrooms and get to know their teachers and class routines. We have commenced our new programs in Spelling Mastery and Initialit, which are researchbased programs that use the Direct Instruction Approach to deliver highly interactive, structured lessons that help students learn spelling skills. Our teaching staff are happy with the way our students have embraced the new programs, and we look forward to continued growth in student results.
Student Councillors
Congratulations to our Student Councillors for Term 1. We know that this term they will be brainstorming ideas to raise money for Caritas. Mrs Harris and Mrs Prestedge will be meeting with these students to hear their ideas. Congratulations to:
- Emily Spillman, Nico Fitzgerald,
- Georgia Stoiche, Bryce
- Cole, Ryleigh Brown,
- Louis Lyster, Jarrah
- Kitchen and Liam Ferrera.
The Season of Lent
Next week is Shrove Tuesday followed by Ash Wednesday which marks the start of the Lenten season. On Tuesday families are invited to join us for a pancake breakfast from 8-9am, with the proceeds going to Caritas. We will have a liturgy for Ash Wednesday as we commence the season of Lent, which is a time for prayer, penance and fasting. Your child will start learning about Project Compassion and how we can help those people in our world who are poor and in need. The theme for Project Compassion 2025 is “Unite Against Poverty”.
Year 6 Camp – Perth
What a delight it has been to take our Year 6 students away on their Perth Camp this week. Special thanks to our dads, Mr Kent Roberts and Mr Vic Markotis, who have given their time to supervise and assist during the week. Their ‘Dads Special Burgers’ were well received by a very hungry crew and their energy to kick a ball, or clean tables has been so appreciated. We have enjoyed many fun moments, but the kindling of new friendships with our St Joseph’s Year 6 students has definitely been a highlight. We are very proud of our Kearnan students, who have been a credit to their families and our school. Thanks to the Year 6 parents and guardians, who provided an abundance of delicious food and fresh produce. We certainly didn’t go hungry through the week! Special thanks to Miss Madeley, Mrs Burvill, Ms De Campo and Mrs Kristoffersson for their time away with our students. We are all thankful for the long weekend to recharge our batteries from such an action packed week away!
Athletics Carnival
Our House Carnivals are in a fortnight, with the Jumps Carnival on the morning of the Wednesday March 12 and the Track and games on Friday 14 March. Morning team game practice is commencing, and the jump pits are being filled. 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 the March 14. 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 March 14, please let Miss Webb know via email.
Positive Behaviour Learning
The Primary classes have enjoyed learning about how to earn merits as they demonstrate positive values of being kind, being respectful, being prepared and being a learner. Students have responded well to the introduction of this program and understand that by trying to demonstrate the values, they are adding to a positive learning environment. Through the UR Strong Friendology program, primary students are learning to be good friends, as they are guided when resolving friendship fires in a kind and respectful way.
Thought of the Week
‘We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy, but much better when others are happy because of you.’
Have a wonderful long weekend!
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 01.03.25 | 6.00pm | Vigil | |
| 02.03.25 | 10.30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 08.03.25 | 6.00pm | Vigil | |
| 09.03.25 | 8.30am | Mass | 10.30am |
| 15.03.25 | 6:00pm | Vigil | |
| 16.03.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
Pre-Kindy Parent Information Session
On Thursday March 13, we will be hosting a Pre-Kindy Parent Information Session at 2:30pm in the Pre-Kindy Classroom. Our Pre-Kindy teacher, Mrs Sarah Kestel, will be available to answer all your questions.
From May 1 this year, we will be offering a FREE Pre-Kindy full-day program every Thursday of the school term. Please contact the school for more information or to RSVP to the info session.
Positive Behaviours Workshop – Manjimup Family
Centre
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.
Please see on the next page a letter from CEWA Executive Director, Wayne Bull, regarding the election.
SORA – Student Reading Tool
Sora is a digital reading platform capturing student interest wherever they are – in the classroom, library or at home! Sora will benefit all students, improving access for students with vision impairment and dyslexia using the accessibility fonts and settings. The Read to Me feature is a wonderful literacy tool, empowering students to improve their literacy skills. Students will have access to over 9,000 titles, including fiction and non-fiction, commencing in Term 1 2025.
26 February 2025
Dear Parents/Caregivers and Colleagues
On Saturday, 8 March, Western Australians will vote in the State Government election. This communication aims to inform you of the requests that Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) has made to the next State Government concerning support for capital development in Catholic schools.
At present, Western Australia is the only state in Australia that does not provide capital grants to Catholic schools. For example, in 2023, the State Governments in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland allocated capital grants of $117 million, $75 million, and $93 million, respectively, to Catholic schools. In contrast, CEWA is granted access to an annual low-interest loan of approximately $30 million, which must be repaid.
In the absence of capital grants from the Western Australian State Government, the responsibility for constructing and developing Catholic schools is borne by parents through school fees and loans which are also financed through school fees and levies. In 2025, more than 1 in 3 school-aged children will attend non-government schools, and 1 in 5 will be enrolled in Catholic schools.
All children in Western Australia are entitled to an education provided by the State Government. The presence of 162 Catholic schools across the State offers parents the option of a faith-based education for their children, while also enabling the state to save approximately $700 million each year by not having to provide education to 84,000 children.
CEWA is the sole education provider in seven Kimberley locations. Without Catholic schools, children in these areas would need alternative educational facilities, which would require the State Government to construct new schools.
In July 2024, CEWA asked the incoming WA State Government for:
- An annual $25 million capital grant to ensure Catholic school students have parity with other students across Australia.
- A one-off $100 million capital injection over 5 years to address underfunding in Catholic schools in the Kimberley.
- An annual $2 million grant for insurance and risk management costs in the Kimberley.
CEWA has received the following responses from the three major parties regarding our capital grants requests:
- The Labor Party, if re-elected, will introduce an $8 million infrastructure grants program for 14 sole-provider schools in Kimberley, including seven Catholic schools, and will continue the low-interest loans scheme.
- The National Party has not made specific commitments but acknowledged the role of Catholic education in WA, especially in remote areas.
- The Liberal Party has not responded to our capital grant requests.
State Government capital grants to Catholic schools will ease the financial burden on parents and will ensure that children attending our schools continue to have access to appropriate learning facilities.
We urge you to contact your local candidates to inquire about their party’s stance on capital funding for Catholic schools. This information can help you decide whom to vote for in the 8 March election.
Wayne Bull
Executive Director
Catholic Education Western Australia
Siobhan Allen
Executive Director
Catholic School Parents Western Australia
