IMPORTANT DATES:
| 1 December | Have Sum Fun Live |
| 2 December | Day 3 Year 7 Orientation
Transition Morning Year 10 Retreat (2 – 3 Dec) |
| 4 December | Year 6 Celebration Mass
Swimming Carnival |
| 5 December | Pre-Primary Excursion |
| 8 December | Middle School Awards 1.30pm |
| 9 December | Kindy Christmas Performance and Morning Tea
ViSN Camp (9 – 10 Dec) |
| 10 December | Carols Night |
| 11 December | Primary PBL Reward |
| 12 December | Advent Liturgy / EC Liturgy
K – Year 10 Reports Released Secondary PBL Reward |
| 17 December | School Staff Finish |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community!
It’s hard to believe we are almost at the end of the school year, with Friday, December 12 being the last day for students. The next few weeks will be a blur with school celebrations such as the Middle School Awards, the Primary carols night, Year 6 celebrations to mark their transition to secondary school, the final day of transition for our 2026 Year 7 students and our PBL Reward days, just to name a few.
This is a time to reflect with pride on a year filled with growth, friendships and success. Our students have excelled academically, embraced creativity and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship. We are so proud of our Kearnan students and the qualities they exhibit towards their peers, teachers and visitors to our school. Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive families and amazing students. You are what makes Kearnan a great place to be!
Our staffing is now complete and we are busily making plans for 2026. We will be farewelling Mr Charlie Chodorowski, Miss Lauren Madeley, Mrs Bobby-Jo Stoiche and Mrs Heidi Tempra, but welcoming back Mrs Tess Mills and Mrs Jodie Lapinski from leave. Mrs Ellie Beeson will be taking a year off and we look forward to seeing her again in 2027. We have two new teachers; Mr Yoram Jobse will be teaching several subjects in the secondary school and Mr Seb Jennings is our new Design & Technology teacher (he will be starting in Term Two). We are very excited to have them on board!
In 2026, we are introducing a new early childhood class structure with two composite classes. Mrs Naomi Riddell (3 days) and Mrs Sarah Kestel (2 days) will be our Kindy/Pre-Primary teachers and Narelle Kammann will be teaching Year 1/2. The full 2026 staffing list will be updated on the College website on Tuesday afternoon.
The school office will be closing on Tuesday, December 16 and reopening on Monday, January 19. If you need any assistance, please email me lisa.gallin@cewa.edu.au as I will be regularly checking my emails. The first day for students next year is Monday, February 2, with teachers starting back the week before. Term and pupil-free day dates will be published on the College website by the end of the year, so please keep an eye on that so you can mark them on your calendars.
If your child is in need of new uniforms, our Uniform Shop will be open on Thursday, January 29 from 9am until 2pm and Friday, January 30 from 9am until 12pm. If you are unable to make it during those times, please contact the office to make alternative arrangements. You can also order through CDF Pay.
If your child has a medical condition that requires a medical action plan, please see your GP over the break to ensure their plan has been updated for the start of the school year.
To the families leaving our school. Thank you for working with us as partners in the education of your children. We wish you all the best for wherever you are going!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas period and a restful holiday. We are excited to see you back next year!
Dr Lisa Gallin
Principal
lisa.gallin@cewa.edu.au
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Thank you to all families for their generous support of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. We have been overwhelmed by the number of items delivered to the front office, and we are truly grateful for your kindness.
Our recent free dress day was a wonderful success, with students participating respectfully and appropriately. Thank you to parents for your assistance with this.
What’s Coming Up
Skipping afternoon, Wednesday December 3 for Primary students. Students are invited to wear their Christmas socks on this day to show their support for St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal.
Funds raised from these activities will go towards purchasing Coles and Woolworths vouchers for families in need this Christmas. Your continued support makes a real difference in our community.
Retreat News
Recently, our Year 11 students participated in a retreat focused on Christ-centred leadership at the Roundhouse in the Manjimup Heritage Park. Blessed with beautiful weather, students brought their best selves to the day, engaging deeply in activities that explored what it means to lead with faith and service. The retreat encouraged students to reflect on how they can contribute to and serve the Kearnan community in 2026, setting a strong foundation for their final year of schooling.
Next week, our Year 10 students embark on their retreat over two days on December 2 and 3. We wish them all the best on retreat as they take the opportunity to deepen their faith, provide valuable insights and strengthen their commitment to serving others with compassion and leadership.
UR Strong for Parents
Supporting your child through the ups and downs of friendship!
Do you often find yourself at a loss for advice when your children come to you with their friendship issues? Don’t worry, you’re not alone and we’re here to help. URSTRONG provides simple but meaningful language and skills to open up a dialogue with your kids. Parents are encouraged to check out the website for more information For Parents | URSTRONG
At Kearnan, we encourage students to work through their friendship challenges using the skills they’ve learned. However, if an issue has been ongoing and you feel it may be more serious than a typical “friendship fire,” please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support both students and families in navigating these situations.
Thank you,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
So Much to Do, So Little Time!
The final weeks of term have been nothing short of a whirlwind—Senior School Awards Night, Year 10 exams and work experience, Year 11s wrapping up, countless assessments, report writing, and end-of-year celebrations. It’s no wonder we all look forward to the holidays after such a busy season!
Senior School Speech Night
On Wednesday evening, we gathered to farewell our senior students from Kearnan College. This event was a fitting tribute to the hard work and achievements of our Year 11 and 12 students throughout the year.
A heartfelt thank you to the teachers and staff whose efforts ensured the night ran seamlessly: Ms Smithin, Ms Piper, Miss Scaini, Mr Chod, Mr Mason, Mr Blincow, Mr Tempra, Ms Elson, Mrs Jacob, Mrs Kilrain, Mrs Nock, Mr Wilson, Mr Bane, Ms Lynn, Ainsley, Imogen, Xavier—and, of course, our youngest students who set the tone with the special stole ceremony.
We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors and presenters who made the evening possible. A full list of award recipients can be found at the end of this Chronicle.
Year 10 Retreat
Next week, our Year 10 students will participate in their annual retreat—a compulsory event that focuses on service and giving back to those in need and to our wider community. Thank you to Ms Chilvers and her team for their dedication in planning a meaningful, student-centered experience.
Year 10 Work Experience
Following last week’s exams, Year 10 students have stepped into the workforce, gaining invaluable skills across a variety of industries. We are grateful to all host employers for their generosity and to Ms Ardagh for her tireless work in coordinating the details of this important program.
Middle School Awards Ceremony
Mark your calendars! On Monday, December 8, we will celebrate the achievements of our Year 7–10 students at the Middle School Awards Ceremony. The event begins at 1:30 pm on the College court area, and all are warmly invited to attend.
Year 11 Reports
Our Year 11 students have completed an outstanding academic year and now have time to rest and recharge. Reports will be available on SEQTA today. We look forward to welcoming them back next year, ready to embark on their final chapter of secondary schooling.
Farewell from Mrs Tempra
This will be my final Chronicle at Kearnan, as Monday, December 8 marks the end of my time here. It has been an honour and privilege to lead the secondary school over these past years. While I leave with a heavy heart, I also carry immense joy for all that we have achieved together.
I will miss the incredible staff whose dedication ensures that academic, social, and emotional well-being remain at the heart of everything we do. I will miss the parents who trust us daily and partner with us to give their children the very best. I will miss the warmth of this school community—a place where safety and support are lived values.
Most of all, I will miss the students. They have been the reason I have loved every moment of my 30 years in education. Their empathy, engagement, and commitment to service give me hope for the future of our world.
As A.A. Milne so beautifully said:
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Pre-Primary Assembly
We were treated to some wonderful entertainment from our Pre-Primary class, with stories, songs, and dance. It is amazing to see how much they have grown up, and they displayed such confidence on the microphone. Mrs. Beeson and Ms. G, with the support of Miss D’Agostino, made sure the spectacular background showcased the children’s artwork and learning. We are so proud of their efforts!
Grandparents’ Picnic Lunch
There was a wonderful buzz around the school as we welcomed grandparents to share a special lunch with their grandies. The day was filled with delicious food, heartwarming stories, laughter, activities in the classrooms and even one grandfather having a kick with a footy. We feel truly blessed to have had our grandparents spend this time with us and look forward to welcoming them back again next year!
Pre-Primary Learning Journey
Last week, our Pre-Primary students showcased their learning through a special Learning Journey. Families were warmly welcomed into the classroom to engage in a range of activities and explore their child’s scrapbook, celebrating the growth and achievements made throughout the year. It was a very special time for the families and extended family who attended. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Beeson for creating such a meaningful experience for our students and their families.
Year 3 Greenbushes Mine Excursion
Our Year 3 students enjoyed an engaging and informative excursion to the Greenbushes Discovery Centre and public mine lookout. Throughout the day, students explored hands-on exhibits that helped them understand underground mining, logging and how life has changed over time. The displays sparked plenty of curiosity, with students eagerly asking questions and making connections to their classroom learning. A highlight of the day was visiting the mine lookout, where students were amazed by the scale of the open-cut mine and the enormous machinery used on site. Thank you to our parent helpers for your support on the day, and to the Talison team at the Greenbushes Discovery Centre for providing such a memorable and educational experience. Thanks also to Mrs Spillman for organising the exciting adventure!
Year 2 Busselton Jetty Excursion
On November 26, Year 2 went on an excursion to the Busselton Underwater Observatory. We arrived in Busselton to some beautiful weather! The train trip out to the Observatory was slow, but we learnt a lot about the Jetty history and got to see many birds, a helicopter and some boats. Once inside the observatory, we listened to a speech about how the structure was built and what we might see. It was amazing to see all the different sea creatures and coral… plus we saw a diver! After our tour, we had a picnic lunch and headed back home. We stopped at Nannup to stretch our legs and have a play. We had such a great day out!
I liked the part where we could see the tide rising and falling and also the projector hand prints. You had to press them to get the projector to start playing a little animation. ~ Cohen Booth
I loved all the fish! We saw so many different types. From baby anchovies to big wrasse. ~ Ivy Harris
Transition Morning
We’re excited for the upcoming Transition Morning on Tuesday December 2, where students will have the chance to visit their new classrooms and meet the teachers for the 2026 school year. There are some exciting changes ahead, and we’re thrilled to also welcome a few new students to our community. We’re confident it will be a wonderful morning for everyone! Students are welcome to wear their sports uniforms on this day.
Year 6 Celebration Mass
On Friday, December 5, our Year 6 Leaders will celebrate the end of their primary school journey with a special Mass, followed by the presentation of awards. This group of leaders has been an absolute joy, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every initiative throughout the year. They should be incredibly proud of their achievements, and we look forward to welcoming their families to share in this memorable occasion.
Pre-Primary and Pre-Kindy Ambulance Visit
The Pre-Primary and Pre Kindy students had a very special visit from the ambulance yesterday. Ambulance officers Mel and Trish took the children on a tour inside the ambulance. Back in the classroom there were many ‘patients’ that needed attention. It’s good to know that we have wonderful volunteers, some of them our parents, who give their time to help look after us and the community.
End of Year Carols Night
On Wednesday, December 10 at 6 pm, our Primary classes will gather on the courts to celebrate the end of the year with songs and awards. Our amazing P&F will have food available, and we encourage everyone to support them. Their Gourmet Grazing Hampers are delicious and incredible value, so get in quickly to order one for the night! Information regarding this will be out soon, including teachers letting parents know if there are any costume requirements for the performances. Bring along your chairs or picnic blankets and join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening!
Celebrations
This year, our dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to implement research-based, high-impact strategies across all learning areas. As we approach the end of the year, we are thrilled to see significant growth and progress across every year level, which is such positive news for the future! I extend my heartfelt thanks to our teachers for their commitment to providing the very best education for your children. They take great pride in the achievements and development of each and every student.
Assembly
Thought of the Week
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
Have a wonderful weekend,
OTHER NEWS
Senior School Speech Night Award Winners
Year 11
Academic Excellence – Dux: Jason Lisser
Academic Excellence – Runner-up Dux: Liana Ellis
Most Conscientious: Isabella Ng
Most Improved: Stephanie Larsen
Vocational Education & Training Award: Kolby Fontanini & Ari Ardagh-Muir
Year 11 Leadership Award: Liana Ellis & Reid Marshall
Future Innovators Award: Jason Lisser
RSL Bursary: Shani Woonings
Religion and Life Award: Liana Ellis
Service Award: Imogen Jacob
Creative Writing Award: Amelie Windberg/Jason Lisser
House Awards
Kearnan Cup: MacKillop
Kelly: Jett Lyster
Rooney: Reid Marshall
MacKillop: Alec Carstairs
McCormack: Qwade Wagner
Year 12
Academic Excellence – Dux: Lola Lauren & Jett Lyster
Academic Excellence – Runner-up Dux: Lara Edwards
Most Conscientious: Maggie Royce
Most Improved: Charlotte Cumming
Vocational Education and Training Award: Lily Moran
Vocational Excellence – Dux: Violet Pearce
Vocational Excellence – Runner-up Dux: Tess Miller
General Pathway: Raymond Woonings
Principal’s Award: Samuel Ebsary
Citizenship Award: Hudson Lyster
Personal Excellence Award: Lola Lauren
Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award: Violet Pearce
AMPOL All Rounder Award: Jett Lyster
Religion and Life Award: Jett Lyster
Service Award: Alexander Walker
Art Award: Tess Miller
Sportsman of the Year: Hudson Lyster
Sportswomen of the Year: Naomi Clark
A huge thank you again to our sponsors;
Outdoor Ed Camp – Denmark (Year 9)
Have Sum Fun
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop final days of 2025:
Thursday, November 27 from 2:30pm
Tuesday, December 2 from 2:30pm
Reopening in 2026:
Thursday, January 29 from 9am to 2pm
Friday, January 30 from 9am to 12pm
and then as normal, every Thursday from 2:30pm
Carols Night – Pre Order
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 29.11.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 30.11.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 06.12.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 07.12.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 13.12.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 14.12.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
COMMUNITY NEWS
Kids in the Kitchen at Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival – $500 Prize!
Entry is free, and there’s a $500 cash prize for the winner!
Event at a glance
- What: Kids in the Kitchen – student cooking challenge (teams or individuals)
- Where: Manjimup town centre (Festival Main Stage precinct)
- When: Saturday, 13 December, approximately 12:00–1:00pm (final times confirmed week prior)
- Who can enter: Primary & secondary students (Ages 10 – 16)
- Cost: Free
- Prize: $500 cash prize for the overall winner + certificates for participants
How it works
- Students prepare a simple, delicious dish in 30 minutes using local produce.
- Bring ingredients in an esky (to reduce demand on shared fridge space).
- We provide utensils/pans etc.
- Entries may be individual or pairs.
- Judging considers taste, presentation and use of local produce.
How to register (quick and easy)
- Email your recipe to Chef Don Hancey [don@donhancey.com.au] with your name(s), year level, dish name, and a parent/guardian contact.
- Registrations close: 5 December (places are limited; first-in, best-dressed).
Permissions & Safety
- Enclosed footwear and hair tied back.
- Students will be supported side-stage by our team and MC.
