IMPORTANT DATES:
| 7 September | Year 10/11/12 OLNA begins
Student Leadership Applications Due |
| 8 September | Year 8 Retreat |
| 11 September | Kelly Day Liturgy in all PCG and primary classes
Kelly chips for lunch |
| 15 September | PAT testing starts
SAC Meeting 6pm |
| 16 September | Student Leadership Speeches Due |
| 18 September | Year 10/11/12 OLNA concludes
Merit Assembly 8.50am |
| 21 September | Student Leadership Speeches & Voting |
| 22 September | Aboriginal Literacy Day Excursion Year 3 and 4 |
| 23 September | Year 9/10 Winter Carnival |
| 25 September | Secondary Assesmbly 9am
PBL Reward Chronicle PAT testing finishes Crazy Hair Day (all school) |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community,
We started today off with a very enjoyable and well-attended Father’s Day breakfast. It was great to see so many dads and their children enjoying a tasty bacon and egg roll and chatting to one another. Thank you to our amazing P & F for financing the food and to Ms Jess Smithin for cranking up the coffee machine in the Home Ec room to provide hot coffees to our dads. Thank you also to our staff who arrived at 6.30am to cook the bacon and eggs and help set everything up! Our next community event is our Grandparents’ Liturgy and picnic at 12pm on Thursday, October 29.
Last week on one of our pupil free days, our staff participated in professional learning about Catholic Social Teaching, which applies the teachings and example of Jesus to modern social, economic and political issues. The main goal of Catholic Social Teaching is to protect the common good and it reminds us of the importance of caring for the poor and vulnerable and protecting the earth. Our staff discussions on the day were thought-provoking and have given us many ideas about how to further incorporate these teachings into our lessons and school activities.
We are in the process of implementing a new digital signing in and out process in the front office. Once it is up and running, students will no longer need to be signed in and out of school via a paper slip. Instead, they will use an iPad and their time of arrival or departure will be exported straight into SEQTA, making it a more efficient process.
Thank you for your continued support of our school!
Have a great weekend!
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
Year 9 Retreat
This week, our illustrious Year 9s embarked on their annual retreat. This year, the theme was “Growing Into Who I Am” and students enjoyed stepping away from classes, assignments and all the usual distractions that usually fill their day to spend some time focusing on themselves.
Here in Manjimup, we are surrounded by incredible forests, and one tree inspired our retreat: the King Jarrah. The King Jarrah didn’t become one of the largest and strongest trees in the forest overnight. It started as a small seed. Over many years it developed deep roots, weathered storms, adapted to challenges and continued to grow. Its strength comes not only from what we can see above the ground, but from the strong foundations hidden beneath it. Today, students reflected on how their life journey is similar to that of the King Jarrah Tree.
The day started with a liturgy in the Parish Centre, followed by some small group activities. After recess, and many prayers as it was raining for most of the morning, we engaged in a pilgrimage to the King Jarrah Tree. We enjoyed a bbq lunch, some more group activities and all students returned home on their pilgrimage, some weary, but all changed from the experience in some way.
Many thanks to all students who attended with an open and positive attitude. Special thanks to the staff who attended and walked with the students; Mr Smith, Mr Tempra, Miss Meredith, Miss Webb and Mr Pedlar.
On behalf of the staff, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time with this wonderful group of young people outside the usual routines of school life. We are grateful for the opportunity to accompany them on part of their journey and look forward to watching them continue to grow into the people they are called to be.
Next week, our Year 8 students will enjoy their retreat, taking time to reflect on their gifts, strengthen their relationships and consider how God is calling them to grow.
Connection, Commitment and Growth
At the beginning of the term, I challenged our community to focus on three important themes: Connection, Commitment and Growth. As we reach the midpoint of the term, it is a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on how we are travelling with this challenge.
Have we taken the time to strengthen our connections with our peers, teachers and families? Have we remained committed to giving our best effort in the classroom, on the sporting field and in our involvement within the College community? Have we embraced opportunities to grow, even when growth requires us to step outside our comfort zone?
The retreat experiences of our students this term have reminded us that growth rarely happens by accident. Like the King Jarrah, growth occurs when we develop strong foundations, remain resilient through challenges and continue striving to become the best version of ourselves. As we move into the second half of the term, I encourage all members of our community to revisit these three themes and consider what small steps they can take each day to strengthen their connection, deepen their commitment and foster their growth.
Connection. Commitment. Growth. Three simple words, but powerful guides for a flourishing school community.
Thank you,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
We are nearly out of the depths of Winter, and with a glimpse of sun it is fantastic to see many of our students utilising the outdoors as a learning environment. This week it was great to see Mr Smith’s Year 9s Outdoor Education class learning how to use a steel and flint to start a fire safely.
Speaking of our awesome Year 9 cohort, they have been quite busy this week with a reflectful Retreat experience on Wednesday. It was a privilege to be an accompanying staff member to guide students through the day’s themes. I was particularly impressed with many of the boys’ mature responses, giving a glimpse of the future men they will become.
Additionally on Thursday this week, six Year 9s went to play games with the elderly at Moonya. Thank you, Liam, Flynn, Noah, Chace, Dephnie and Bailey for your generosity and willingness to engage with the residents of Moonya – it has a truly deep and impactful significance on the wellbeing of others.
Students represent at Pemberton Primary Carnival
Today, many of our Pemberton based students volunteered to umpire and facilitate the primary sports carnival held in Pemberton. It is fantastic to see these students developing valuable leadership skills and representing the College with pride within the wider community.
Uniform Standards
Thank you to the many students and families who consistently uphold the College’s uniform standards each day. Meeting these demonstrates pride in themselves and the College, along with developing a high personal standard of excellence. The Pastoral Care team are working hard to support students to meet this standard, including communicating home to parents and issuing school based consequences.
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
Musica Viva
On Friday 21 August, students in Kindy – Year 6 were fortunate to have Musica Viva visit and entertain us with their engaging and interactive performance, Rhythm Works. The talented musicians showed students how to create visual images – such as lizards, waterfalls, road trains and carnivals, through music. Students were introduced to a range of instruments from the African djembe, marimba, electronic loop machine, Boom whackers and wearable instruments made of PVC pipes. The show was a wonderful musical experience for the students, inspiring them to create their own musical imagery using different instruments and sound sources.
Science Week
Special thanks to Mr Blincow and the Science Department for providing some lunchtime fun during Science Week. Students were thrilled by the excitement of Bottle Rockets, Bubble Fun, and the ever-popular Elephant Toothpaste experiment. The enthusiasm and curiosity on display were wonderful to see, and hopefully we have inspired many budding scientists of the future!
Book Week
This year, the Book Week theme, “Symphony of Stories,” was embraced enthusiastically by all students, who celebrated the joy of reading through a wonderful display of creativity and imagination. Our annual Book Week Parade was a highlight of the week, with students arriving dressed as a wide variety of book characters and story-inspired creations.
The effort that students and families put into their costumes was amazing. From classic favourites to contemporary characters, the parade showcased an impressive range of ideas and reflected the diverse reading interests of our school community. It was wonderful to see students proudly sharing their favourite stories and bringing them to life through their costumes.
Special thanks to Head students Jason and Amelie, and all our Year 12 student leaders, who confidently set up and ran the parade. They helped create a fun atmosphere, introducing classes, encouraging participants, and ensuring the event ran smoothly. Their leadership and willingness to support younger students made the parade an even more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Thanks to our parents and caregivers for their support in helping students prepare costumes, and to our staff for helping with this special event. Congratulations to all students, staff, and our Year 12 leaders for making this year’s Book Week Parade such a memorable and successful celebration.
Year 3 Book Week Favourites
Year 5 Book Week Writing Showcase
As part of our Book Week celebrations, students stepped into the pages of their favourite stories and imagined what would happen if they truly became the characters they dressed as. Their writing demonstrated creativity, rich descriptions, and adventurous storytelling as they explored new worlds, faced unexpected challenges, and decided whether to return home or remain in their character’s world forever. Enjoy this collection of excerpts that highlight the imagination and talent of our young authors.
“I feel the cold breeze swishing on my pages.” The Dictionary, aka Bryce Cole.
“My heart flutters because I had never shot a 3 pointer before.” Michael Jordan from Basketball Allstars, aka Milla Crowd.
“I’m on my last lap. I could win but Hunter is in front of me.” Jett Lawanyce from How to Motorcross, aka James Cumming.
“Tomorrow I am catching a train “Hogwarts Express” on platform 9 ¾ with my friends Harry, Ron and Hagrid.” Hermione Granger from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, aka Brynnlee Drake.
“Snoopy runs in. He has a food bowl in his mouth.” Charlie Brown from Peanuts, aka Kade Fontanini.
“There’s two pilots for a reason mate.” Jake from 300 Minutes of Danger, aka Tom McCarthy.
“I couldn’t resist the temptation of going over the reef where you don’t come back.” Moana from Moana, The Great Adventures, aka Imogen Nock.
“Nor have I yet outrun the sun. I mark the hours on every one. My use and value unto you are gauged by what you have to do.” Hermione Granger from Hogwarts and a Girl Named Hermione, aka Jazzmin Pearce.
“Farmer Bryce Pickles was driving past and realised the tractor was on fire and helped put it out.” Bob the Builder from Bob the Builder, Bob’s Big Stories, aka Nayte Rawson.
“Now lets go home and have my favourite pepperoni pizza.” Postman Pat from Postman Pat and his Black and White Cat, aka Shaye Reeve.
“I’M TURNING INTO A BABY SHARK!!”Baby Shark from Baby Shark, aka Georgia Stoiche.
“Use force manipulation to force them to do your ideas…” Darth Vadar from Star Wars The Original Trilogy aka Tasman Walker.
“It smelt like salty water.” Moana’s little sister from Moana, The Great Adventures, aka Aria Winfield.
Swimming Lessons
With one week of lessons down, we have been so impressed with the way everyone is managing their swimming lessons and their schoolwork. Although the routines change for the fortnight, all students are still working hard to do their best. Thank you to parents who have been washing bathers, drying towels and packing extra snacks. It has made the job much easier. By the end of the fortnight there will be some very tired children!
Kelly House Day
On Friday 11 September, our Kelly House students will celebrate their special House Day. The day will begin with a Liturgy for the Primary students, led by our Year 6 Kelly students, who will share the story, values, and spirit of Kelly House.
As part of the celebrations, Kelly House students will also enjoy a special chips and gravy lunch together. Students are encouraged to wear their blue House shirt with pride, along with their sports uniform, as we come together to celebrate House spirit, and Kelly values of Determintation and Excellence.
Good Standing
At Kearnan College, our students work hard each day to live out our school values by being prepared, ready to learn, caring, and respectful. We are proud of the positive effort shown by so many students across the primary school.
Last week, most of our students enjoyed a special reward for maintaining their Good Standing throughout the first half of the term. This reward recognises the consistent effort students make to be the very best version of themselves, both in the classroom and around the school.
We encourage all students to continue making positive choices, as those who remain in Good Standing will be eligible to enjoy another reward at the end of the term. Good Standing can be affected by poor behaviour choices and uniform infringements, so we ask families to continue supporting students in upholding our school expectations.
Father’s Day
We have been looking forward to welcoming our dads and father figures for a special Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, 4 September.
The morning provided an opportunity for dads and children to spend some quality time together, whether that be kicking the footy, shooting some hoops, or simply enjoying each other’s company before work and school. Special thanks to all the early morning cooks!
We are incredibly grateful for the important role our dads and father figures play in the lives of our students and within our school community. We hope all of our dads have a wonderful Father’s Day and are thoroughly spoiled by their biggest fans!
Thought of the Week
“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.” ~ Anne Geddes
Have a wonderful weekend,
OTHER NEWS
Koomal Dreaming Incursion – Connecting with Noongar Culture
Secondary students and staff recently had the pleasure of participating in a wonderful cultural incursion with Josh Whiteland from Koomal Dreaming.
Josh shared his knowledge of Noongar culture, language and traditions, giving students an insight into the deep connection Noongar people have with Country. Students learnt about the six Noongar seasons, including the importance of understanding seasonal changes and how they guide Aboriginal people in their connection with the environment.
Josh provided a closer look at the current season, Djilba, often described as a season of conception and rebirth. Students also discovered how some local towns and places got their names and learnt the Noongar meanings behind them.
Language was another important part of the session, with students learning a variety of Noongar words, including kaya – hello, boodjar – land, yonga – kangaroo and balga – grass tree, just to name a few.
Students were also given the opportunity to see and handle a range of traditional hunting and everyday tools. These included an axe (kodj), boomerang (kylie) and digging stick (wanna). Josh explained how these tools were traditionally made and used, providing students with a greater appreciation of the knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
One of the highlights of the incursion was hearing Josh play the didgeridoo, using the instrument to create a variety of animal and reptile sounds. Students were then invited to join in by playing clapping sticks while Josh accompanied them on the didgeridoo and drum.
The incursion provided students with a hands-on and engaging opportunity to learn about Noongar culture, language, Country and traditions. A big thank you to Josh Whiteland and Koomal Dreaming for sharing their knowledge and culture with our students and staff.
Fun in the Sun with Strawberries!
Our Year 5 students recently enjoyed some time outdoors helping Ms Lynn and Mr Bane plant strawberries in the school garden. With plenty of enthusiasm and teamwork, the students carefully prepared the garden beds and planted the young strawberry plants. It was a wonderful hands-on learning experience, and everyone had fun working together in the sunshine. We look forward to watching the plants grow and hopefully enjoying some delicious strawberries in the months ahead!
WA All Schools Championship
WA All Schools Championships
When: 30 October – 1 November 2026
Who can compete:
WA school students aged 12–18 years. Athletics West membership is not required.
About the event:
A track and field championship for WA school students, with athletes competing individually in
their chosen events for WA All Schools titles.
The Championships are the premier event for school athletics in the state, with young athletes
given the opportunity to compete against their peers from schools in WA.
The WA All Schools Championships are set to take place from Friday 30th October to Sunday
the 1st November at the WA Athletics Stadium and is the qualifying event for selection in the
WA team for the Australian All Schools Championships in held in Perth later this year.
National pathway:
Yes – the event provides a pathway to be selected as part of the State Team competing at the
Australian All Schools Athletics Championships.
Age groups:
U14
Born 2013/ 2014
U15
Born 2012
U16
Born 2011
U17
Born 2010
U18
Born 2009
Australian All Schools Championships
When: 8 -11 December 2026
About the event:
The All Schools competition is an annual three-day festival of athletic events for school-aged
students, with individual performances combined to see one Australian State or Territory
named the best in Australia.
More information on qualifying standards to come.
Free Pool Lifeguard Training – Manjimup AquaCentre (October 4-7)
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 |
Priests Welfare Foundation “Father’s Day” Appeal 2026
Bishop’s Statement
On behalf of all the priests of the Bunbury Diocese I would like to thank you for your support of the Priests Welfare Foundation.
The Foundation provides assistance to Diocesan priests who have retired or who are suffering ill-health. Supporting this Appeal provides an opportunity to thank the priests who have given their lives to the people of our Diocese over many decades in service and who now need support.
I encourage you to read the brochure in the pews today and ask that you consider making a contribution to the Priests Welfare Foundation. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely in Christ
Most Rev George Kolodziej SDS
Bishop of Bunbury
COMMUNITY NEWS
We offer FREE independent information, peer support, and advocacy.
Our support can assist people in navigating:
· Autism and other disabilities
· National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
· Mainstream and disability support services
· Peer support and advocacy
We support people regardless of diagnosis or where they are at in their journey.
SWAN is a Disabled Persons Organisation; we are not a provider. All information, support, and advocacy we provide is independent and free. All staff are people with disability and family members of people with disability.
Our work includes supporting people to understand and access the NDIS, assisting with understanding the diagnostic process, and helping navigate both mainstream and disability-specific services. We also provide some advocacy support where people may be experiencing barriers to accessing the supports they need in the education, medical or other mainstream systems.
SWAN is funded through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, which allows us to provide all our services free of charge to the community.
You can find out more about support available through SWAN on our website.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please do not hesitate to let me know, if you want to call and chat via phone my number is 0417 597 710.
Thank you for your support in helping connect people within your local community with these important services.