IMPORTANT DATES:
| Sat 5 July | School Holidays Commence (5 – 21 July) |
| Tues 22 July | Students Commence
Japanese Students Visit (22 – 24 July) |
| Thurs 24 July | Year 9 Canberra Trip Departs (24 – 31 July) |
PRINCIPAL NEWS
That’s a wrap everyone! Term Two and Semester One have been ticked off and completed for 2025. Where is the year going and why do I sound like my mother when I say that? The six months of this year have flown by, and no doubt the next 6 months will be the same. It has been a privilege to lead the school in Dr Gallin’s absence and as always, I am exceptionally proud to be associated with a school that not only teaches but truly cares for its students.
I was going to list everything that has been achieved by the students and the school this year, from assemblies and eisteddfods, from sporting achievements to academic results and everything else in between. However, when I realised how extensive the list would be, it was shorter to say what we have not covered! Needless to say, our students continue to be experts across a variety of fields and that it is the development of the whole child that parents can be very proud of.
TERM THREE CALENDAR
The term three calendar is now available on our website and I would like to remind families that the first day back (Monday July 21) is a Pupil Free Day so students get one extra day to prepare themselves to return to school. This day will be spent by staff looking at the School Improvement Plan to make sure we are reflecting and planning as the needs of the school change.
That week will also see a group of Senior School students from Japan spent time at school, learning about the education system in Australia, as well as experiencing ‘a day in the life’ with our Senior students. A big thank you to Mrs Sheridan who was integral in planning for the students’ experiences while at Kearnan.
REPORTS
All parents and carers should have received their child’s report today (either electronically or hard copy if requested). Please take the time to reflect, discuss and plan for future goals for the rest of the year. Celebrate the small achievements as well as the large, as sometimes it is the little things that carry the most weight for our students.
STAFFING UPDATE FROM DR GALLIN
Breakfast Club
Moving forward, we will be hosting Breakfast Club on Wednesdays only.
A massive thank you to everyone who made donations to our Breakfast Club. They have been very much enjoyed by our students!
Bridgetown Craft Fair
This year, Kearnan College have decided we would like to have a student craft stall at the Bridgetown Craft Fair on August 2, 2025. We have an opportunity to make a variety of craft items for the fair on Saturday July 19 (last Saturday of the holidays) 9am – 1pm at the school.
If your child is interested in attending could they please let Mrs Fitzgerald know ASAP. If there are any parents who may be able to assist students with craft activities on the day, could you please contact Jess Durbin: jsmithin@live.com.au
We are also looking for donations of coloured wool and odd or small quantities of patterned paper serviettes.
Parent Help in the Canteen
We would love to see some Mums & Dads helping in the canteen on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Times are 9.45am until 1.00pm. Morning tea and lunch are provided for you and your children. No experience is required as every job is explained clearly.
If you would like to help, please contact Trina on 97770677 or pop into the canteen or office.
Please ensure that your child takes the next two weeks to rest up, stay well and recharge their batteries for another term. If you are travelling during the break, please drive safely. If you are heading North in search of some warmth, perhaps I might see you. Take care and I look forward to seeing you back next term.
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
COUNTRY WEEK
The biggest sporting event on the calendar for regional schools! Kearnan always punches well above their weight competing in sports such as, basketball, soccer, netball, as well enjoying some of the experiences that Perth has to offer. Pictures and reports back indicate that all are having a great time (even managing some sleep) and representing Kearnan in a manner that we have come to expect. Thanks to Mrs Shutz, Mrs Burvill, Mr Tempra, Mr Pedlar, Miss Webb and Miss Piper for giving up their time not only for this week, but the hours of planning and training that have also been invested into this event.
REPORTS
As mentioned above, reports have been released this week. Please note if your child’s teacher has requested an interview and endeavour to organise time when school returns next term to follow this up. The accompanying letter also explains the elements of the report and what they represent, as there can be some small nuances to particular subject areas.
YEAR TEN SUBJECT SELECTION NIGHT (FOR YEAR 11s 2026)
Thank you to the parents that attended last week’s information session. A reminder was emailed this week relating to particular dates and the time schedule for subject selection next term. Please encourage your child to ask their relevant teachers/Head of Learning Areas about particular subjects and what they need to do (if anything) to prepare to undertake that course in 2026.
ACADEMIC ASSEMBLY AWARDS
The Academic Awards Assembly last week acknowledged the hard work and dedication for a number of students in subject areas. Students who were absent for the assembly can collect their certificates from the front office. Students at Country Week are able to collect theirs next term.
TEAMWORK MEETS ORWELL
This week, our Year 12 ATAR English class tackled a challenging essay question on 1984 by George Orwell, exploring the impact of context on our interpretation of key ideas such as control, censorship, and technology. Instead of approaching the task individually, students worked collaboratively to break down the components of the essay—analysing the question, brainstorming ideas, and crafting a structured, thoughtful response together.
The result? A powerful, shared understanding of both the novel and the art of essay writing. The level of engagement, critical thinking, and teamwork displayed was truly impressive. A huge congratulations to the class for their focus and effort—this is what deep learning looks like!
STAFFING
As is the nature of schools and peoples’ lives, we have some movement in the secondary school. As mentioned earlier, Mr Rogerson is taking over Mrs Fialkowski’s role, and we welcome Mrs Hall into the English Department. I would like to thank Mrs Fialkowski for all she has brought to the school, her commitment to Rooney House and her care for our students has been of the highest level. We wish her, Nathan and William all the best for the future. Ms Thomas will be heading up Rooney day and continuing that Rooney spirit!
Ms Ardagh has held the Head of Year 10 and 11 for this semester, having done an outstanding job helping our senior school students navigate school life for 2025. Unfortunately (or fortunately) her role as VET coordinator has become quite substantial and she will need to pass over the reigns for the Head of Year role. Mr Mason will now be heading up these Year groups and I know he will continue with the great gains made by Ms Ardagh in this space.
Ms Thomas will be joining us in the secondary school, working in the Mathematics department for one of our Year Eight groups. We welcome her to life in the high school!
CANBERRA
The itinerary is out, and the excitement is building. I am trying to work out how many packets of hot hands I need to take for 7 days in our Nation’s capital. A big thank you to Ms Elson for all the work and preparation that has gone into this camp. Mr Mason, Miss Meredith, Mr Blincow and I are very much looking forward to getting to know the Year Nine class outside of school and building stronger relationships moving into Semester Two. Thank you to parents for entrusting us with your precious children.
“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children”
~ Charles R. Swindoll
Enjoy your holiday break,
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
On the June 22, the St Joseph’s parish celebrated The Body and Blood of Christ and First Holy Communion. Leading up to the sacrament, the students spent a retreat day reflecting on the Eucharist and its importance in their lives. Special thanks to Father Joe and Mr Rosinski, Mrs Kezich and Mrs Harris for their hard work and preparation, and Mrs Lisa Wiseman for her skill and creativity decorating the Church. Thanks also to Mrs Merks from our parish, Mrs O’Donnell for the cake and the many staff who assisted with various aspects of the celebration. It was a beautiful celebration.
Receiving Communion makes me feel special because it means I will become part of God’s family. I will try to be like Jesus and love my neighbours as I love myself. The bread is Jesus’ body and the wine is His blood. ~ Imogen Nock
I am happy to receive the bread and the wine. The bread and wine are Jesus’ body and blood. I will remember the Last Supper-the last meal Jesus had with his disciples before he died. ~ Shaye Reeve
I have learnt that Jesus loves everyone, even if they do something naughty. The Bread is Jesus’ body and the wine is Jesus’ blood. When we receive Him, we act like Him. ~ Brynnlee Drake
One thing I learnt during First Eucharist preparation is that the bread is Jesus’ body and wine is Jesus’ blood. When we receive it, we grow closer to God. We try to love people, and we try to choose good. Jesus loves us no matter what. ~ Nayte
RETREAT RECOUNT by Milla Crowd
Yesterday the Year 4 class, Mrs Harris, Mrs Barton, Mrs Wiseman, Mrs Kezich and Cleo went to the Parish Centre for the day to learn about the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It was really fun and I learnt a lot about religion.
First, we started with a prayer. The prayer was about Jesus being the Bread of Life and doing good after receiving Communion. We also watched a video about a poor lady who asked for bread crusts, but the baker wouldn’t give her a crumb! She would pray for him, but he didn’t believe in God, so he thought he didn’t need a prayer. To prove her wrong, he put a piece of paper on his scales and lots of donuts and croissants and bread rolls on the other side. He expected the little piece of paper to fly into the air, but it outweighed the items. He kept on putting food on the other side, but the paper stayed down. Then he gave the lady bread crusts and apologised. “I should have believed in God,” he said. He started believing in God.
Then we started rotations. I was in a group with Imogen, Cleo and Nayte. We got to explore the Church. It was really fun; we even had a scavenger hunt with Mrs Barton. The next rotation was art with Mrs Wiseman and Mrs Harris. With Mrs Wiseman we coloured a picture of a chalice. With Mrs Harris we had to write about how to receive the Host. After, we coloured the picture on the poster. Finally, we made a Communion snack pack, role played how I want to live after receiving the Eucharist and sang some religious songs.
After being at the Retreat, I felt peaceful. I liked having time to think about how I can be a better person, like Jesus. It was an awesome day, and I am really happy for the First Holy Communicants.
YEAR 2 ASSEMBLY
Since our last instalment of the Chronicle, our Year 2 class entertained us with their Talk for Writing story, The Papaya That Spoke. The class had worked very hard to internalise the story, and their efforts truly shone through in their performance. The students not only memorized their lines but also brought the characters to life with expressive voices and animated gestures. Additionally, they read their own innovations of the text, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the story structure. Mrs. Kammann then delighted us with a photo slideshow, highlighting the students’ learning journey throughout the semester.
Our Year 2 student Eoghan Blaney was awarded Elizabeth Bear for consistently showing kindness and care for others, often making an effort to include and support his peers. He demonstrates a respectful attitude towards both classmates and adults, contributing to a positive and welcoming classroom environment. Eoghan’s calm presence and considerate actions leave a positive and lasting impression on those around him. Congratulations, Eoghan!
Our lovely Blaney family, Eunice, Neal, Eoghan, Ethan and Aoife, are relocating to Australind next term. We will miss them but wish them all the best for their new home and school.
ECE PLAYGROUND
Mr Scott Giacomel and his digger from Fonty’s entertained the Kindy and Pre-Primary students, as they watched the ground being prepared for the playground installation, which will happen over the holidays. We can’t wait to come back and see the changes!
PBL AWARD
Last week students who had been awarded 20 or more points for the term, were invited to participate in the PBL Pyjama & Movie afternoon. There was a nice range of movies to choose from, and our students certainly enjoyed the opportunity to relax with their friends and enjoy the entertainment. Congratulations to all the students who have demonstrated they are good learners, prepared for class. are respectful and caring.
MUSICA VIVA
We were fortunate to have Musica Viva visit and entertain our Kindy to Year 6 students with their musical talent. Students were challenged to follow patterns and move their bodies to the music they heard. With trumpet, drums, electric guitar and keyboard synthesiser, the musicians had lots of fun playing for our students.
REPORTS
We are pleased to inform you that student academic reports will be distributed today, July 4. Please take note of the following details to ensure you receive your child’s report in your preferred format:
- Hard Copy Reports: If you have nominated to receive a hard copy of your child’s report, it will be sent home with your child today, July 4.
- Digital Reports: If you have opted for a digital report, it will be released on SEQTA Engage this afternoon, July 4. Please log in to your SEQTA Engage account to access the report.
If you have any questions or need assistance with accessing the reports, please do not hesitate to contact the school office during work hours.
CONFIRMATION/BISHOP GEORGE VISIT
We are excited to announce that we will be visited by the new Bishop of the Bunbury Diocese, Bishop George Kolodziej. He will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with our Year 6 candidates on Saturday July 26, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. Preparation for this sacrament has been part of class instruction; however, we will commence the parent workshops in the Church with Mrs Ann Kezich this Tuesday. We look forward to sharing this celebration with our nine students and their families.
NAIDOC WEEK (July 6-13)
This year the theme for NAIDOC Week is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.” During this week we acknowledge the strength of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, the vision for their young people to lead and the legacy of their elders past and present. The College has planned to celebrate this special week during Week Nine of Term Three.
Thought of the Week
“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” ~ Brad Henry
Looking forward to seeing Primary students back at school on Tuesday July 22.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday break,
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 05.07.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 06.07.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 12.07.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 13.07.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
| 19.07.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 20.07.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
WE ARE HIRING
St Joseph’s Parish is looking for a cleaner for our Parish Centre.
The position is paid and only for 2 hours a week.
Times and day are negotiable. Immediate start if possible.
Anyone interested or if you would like more information, please contact the Parish Office!
PH: 9771 2873 EMAIL: stjosephsparishmanjimup@gmail.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
South West AMS (Aboriginal Medical Service) – KwabaBidi
Quinninup Market Day
