IMPORTANT DATES:
| 10 November | Year 11 Exams Week
Year 11 Work Placement |
| 11 November | SAC Meeting 6pm |
| 12 November | SW Netball Tour
Year 3 Greenbushes Excursion |
| 14 November | Grandparents’ BYO Picnic
Pre-Primary Assembly |
| 17 Novemeber | Year 11 Retreat |
| 19 November | Senior School Speech Night
Year 10 Exam Start |
| 20 November | WACE Concludes
Pre-Primary Learning Journey |
| 21 November | Year 10 Exam End |
| 24 November | Year 10 Work Experience |
| 25 November | ACM 6pm |
| 26 November | Year 2 Underwater Observatory Tour |
| 28 November | Chronicle
Year 11 Report Released |
PRINCIPAL'S NEWS
Hello Kearnan College Community!
We have had many special celebrations this term. We began the term with a wonderful farewell to our Year 12 students at a very special liturgy and dinner. We are very proud of this group of students and excited to see where they end up in the next few years. They have big plans and we are confident that each of them will experience many successes in life.
We will also soon farewell our Year 11 students who finish up their school year in the next few weeks. We wish them well with their upcoming work placements or exams and look forward to seeing them as Year 12s next year.
One of our recent big events was the official opening of our early childhood classrooms. Our VIP guests were very impressed with our beautiful learning spaces and the amazing singing by our primary students during the blessing ceremony. We are grateful that Bishop George and Mrs Annette Morey, CEWA Executive Director, along with many other special guests, were able to be present.
Our recent centenary celebrations were a big success. We began Friday of Week Two with a whole school liturgy, the P & F arranged a sausage sizzle for lunch and we ended the day with lots of ‘old-fashioned’ activities. Students could choose from a range of things to do, including learning to finger-knit, play knucklebones and marbles, trying out Elastics and skipping and making paper aeroplanes.
On the Saturday, we welcomed many visitors to the College. Past students and staff, along with community members and current families, were able to visit our classrooms and take a look at the memorabilia set up in the Middle School Block. Many old connections were renewed and it was fantastic to hear stories about teachers, students and even the cows the school used to have on site!
After the open classrooms, we enjoyed a special lunch where we heard from Fr Pat Rooney and Sr Pauline Dundon about their memories of Kearnan. A huge thanks is owed to many parent and staff helpers, especially Mrs Jess Durbin and Mrs Leah Kilrain who led our Centenary Committee and contributed so much time to making sure everything went so well.
The College will be having its Annual Community Meeting (ACM) at 6pm on Tuesday, November 25 in the Library. All parents are welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served afterwards. At this meeting, reports will be presented from the school, the School Advisory Council (SAC) and the Parents & Friends Committee (P & F). In preparation for the meeting, we are asking for nominations to each of these committees. These parent groups serve important but distinct roles. The SAC supports the Principal with strategic planning processes for the present and future operations of the school. The P & F supports the school by organising fundraising activities to help supply additional resources and arranges events that help build our College community. Information about our P & F can be found here and about our SAC here.
If you would like to put your hand up to join either group, nomination forms are linked below. They should be returned to Mrs Kilrain in the office by Friday, November 21.
A Message from Annette Morey, Executive Director of CEWA:
PASTORAL CARE AND MINISTRY NEWS
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers
As part of our commitment to supporting those in need, we are once again collecting items for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers. Each child is asked to bring in one non-perishable food item to contribute. Teachers will allocate items of food to each child so we ask that next time you are at the shops to please purchase the item for the hampers. Collection dates are Monday, November 10 to Friday, November 28.
In addition to individual contributions, families are welcome to donate extra items such as:
| UP & GO liquid breakfast | Long life milk – small individual serving size |
| Muesli bars | Juice Boxes |
| Rice in tubs
|
Small cans of beans and spaghetti, or ham (not spiced) or fish (tuna)
Tinned meals, and soup are also acceptable |
| Individual Christmas puddings | Individual fruit cups or jellied fruit |
| Treats like chips and lollies and sweet biscuits
|
Toiletries, such as toilet paper, shampoo, body wipes, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, small packs of tissues |
Your generosity helps ensure that families in our community can enjoy a joyful and dignified Christmas. Every item makes a difference and reminds us of the power of compassion and community.
In addition to donating items, students are invited to wear free dress on November 18, for a gold coin donation to help raise money for St Vincent de Paul. This is not compulsory and normal uniform is acceptable to wear on this day. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for school activities, including closed in shoes for safety, no shirts with inappropriate language or images, and shorts and skirts of a modest length. Thank you for helping us keep Free Dress Day fun and respectful for everyone!
We deeply appreciate the efforts of all our families in supporting this initiative. Thank you for helping us bring hope and kindness to those who need it most.
U R STRONG Wellbeing Themes
The UR Strong approach looks at social-emotional wellbeing through the lens of friendship. This month’s focus is kindness. How can you incorporate kindness into your life?
What is Kindness?
Kindness means showing care, respect, and compassion to others through our words and actions. It’s about thinking of how others feel and choosing to make their day better.
How Can We Be Kind?
- Use kind words – say “please,” “thank you,” and offer compliments.
- Help others – lend a hand when someone needs support.
- Include everyone – invite others to join in games or conversations.
- Show empathy – listen and understand how others feel.
- Do small acts of kindness – a smile, a note, or sharing something can make a big difference.
Kindness creates a positive and safe environment where everyone feels valued. Let’s make kindness a habit every day!
For more information on UR Strong resources, parents can go to urstrong.com/parents/
Kind Regards,
SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWS
Four Weeks Down and Five to go!
The term has continued at the pace of the others with lots of moving parts that contribute to the busy life of a school. Please see below what some of these ‘parts’ have been and how awesome our students have been with them!
2026 Student Leaders
At the end of last term, we farewelled our student leaders and thanked them for their service leading the student body for this year. It also saw us welcome the 2026 leaders for Kearnan. These students will be formally welcomed at Speech Night and they are as follows;
Head Girl: Amelie Windberg
Head Boy: Jason Lisser
Service Captain: Liana Ellis
McCormack House Captains: Layla Grainger and Summer Smith
MacKillop House Captains: Imogen Jacob and Alexis Love
Rooney House Captains: Charlotte MacGuire and Reid Marshall
Kelly House Captains: Charli Omodei and Ava Pardini
Centenary Celebrations
A MASSIVE thank you to all that were involved in the centenary celebrations. It was so wonderful to see so many members of the community come along to see how the school has changed, as well as reminiscing about some of the adventures they got up to in certain classrooms. The highlight for many was the lunch which saw significant speeches being made from past leaders of the school, as well as the opportunity to sample the amazing food catered by Cilantros restaurant. I would like to make particular mention of Sienna Davey Smithin, Ainsley O’Donnell, Tyrraell Bennett and Kelcey Kariuki for the work they did on Saturday in preparation and service of the lunch.
Congratulations
The results are in from the Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival and it is with great pride we announce the following results’
Imogen Jacob Piano Solo Outstanding Performance result
Xavier Jacob Piano Solo Outstanding Performance result
Ainsley O’Donnell Piano Solo Outstanding Performance result
Scarlett Gear Vocal Solo Excellence Performance result
It is never easy to master an instrument (and I include voice in here as well) but to have the courage to stand up in front of an auditorium of strangers is a whole new level! I applaud all students who participated and praise them for their dedication and commitment to task.
Have Sum Fun Maths Experts
With an outstanding average of 95%, congratulations to our Year 9 students Sophie, Ayden, Illuka, Austin and Ainsley who completed and competed with the Have Sum Fun Online tasks. Mathematics certainly can be challenging but this this crew worked together to showcase their numerical nouse and problem-solving potential. Thanks also to Mr Hall for his guidance in this space. Well Done!
Year 12 Exams
Our Year 12 ATAR students are nearly halfway through their exam period, and we hope they are managing good sleep, healthy eating and their writing hands haven’t cramped too much in the process. The exams are a culmination of two years’ worth of work and can be a very stressful time for all (thank goodness parents have kept a steady stream of cups of hot chocolate coming during this time!). We have been sending prayers and good thoughts their way every day.
Year 11 Exams
As we start to see the end of the exam period for 12s, we commence the exam period for our Year 11 students who are on an ATAR pathway. These exams commence next week, and we know they have been studying hard, prepping palm cards and learning lots of mnemonics to help them with content retention. We wish them all the best. Study hall is provided to Yr 11 exam students from Monday to Thursday for those who wish to prep for exams on site.
Year 11 Work Experience
Year 11 students on a general pathway will be completing a week of work experience/placement next week. The aim is to experience first-hand the workplace and possible employment options for post school life. It is always a very beneficial and practical time for students who value the skills and knowledge they gain during this time. A big thanks to Ms Ardagh (Head of VET) who has worked closely with CEWA to ensure all compliance requirements are met, as well as checking in with students regarding their organisation and planning of the week.
Year 11 Retreat
After the completion of exams and work experience for Year 11s, they will participate in their retreat for the year. At the start of Week 6, students under Ms Chilvers guidance, will have the chance to retreat from the ‘busyness’ of school life, recharge and refocus. It is a wonderful day full of laughter, reflection and discussion that enables students to see the good around them, as well as the need to assist others in need in the wider community. Please do not hesitate to contact Ms Chilvers via the front office if you have any queries.
Year 11 Last Day
Please note on the term calendar that Wednesday November 19 is the last official day for Year 11 students. Attendance at speech night on that evening is compulsory, however starting on November 20, students are not required to be at school.
Year 10 Exams
In preparation for next year’s academic expectations, Year 10 students who are on an ATAR pathway for 2026 will be completing exams. These exams are intended to provide exam conditions and experience for students, so they do not come as such a shock next year. Exams will be sat for English, Maths, Religion and Science. All students will complete assessments; however Pre ATAR students’ experience will be slightly different due to the conditions and expectations of their course work.
Outdoor Ed Camp
The Year 9s Outdoor Ed class, with Mr Smith, Mr Pedlar and Ms Webb departed school on Wednesday for their three days of outdoor adventure! With the weather being more winter than spring, we are hoping their planning incorporated lots of Plan B’s to adjust for their activities. I was able to see their plans for the MasterChef menus for their time away and I am keen to hear back the reports of have the product matched the planning!
Senior School Speech Night
Our Year 11 and 12 students will have their final official hurrah on Wednesday, November 19 at the Manjimup Town Hall. Doors open at 6:00pm, and students are asked to be in formal uniform.
This evening is all about recognising the hard work, growth, and achievements of our senior students — a chance to shine a spotlight on their efforts and share the moment with family, friends, and our wider community. The evening will also showcase works from Art, Metal Work, Woodwork and Food Technology, as well as entertainment being provided by students. A reminder to please confirm your numbers to the front office if you have not already done so.
Irene McCormack Catholic Secondary College Butler
Each year, a select group of students from Irene McCormack school in Butler take part in their annual pilgrimage where they recount the steps and experience the places where Sr Irene McMormack lived. As a past principal to Kearnan College, Sr Irene had a significant impact on the school and the students and staff from McCormack College experience first-hand seeing where Sr Irene spent part of her life before starting her missionary work in Peru. The students not only saw the physical building, and heard firsthand from Mrs Kilrain about Sr Irene, but also sampled the goods from our canteen, mixed with our Year Tens and spent time leading our Year Threes with a Sr Irene McCormack themed craft. A big thanks to Mrs Kilrain for providing the tour for the visitors, I know they appreciated it!
“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.”
~ E.B. White
Have a lovely weekend,
JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS
It has been a lively start to the term at Kearnan, with a range of excursions and special events keeping students engaged and active. Despite the busy schedule, our classrooms remain focused and full of learning, as students continue to strive for their personal best.
Opening of the Early Childhood Buildings
We definitely felt blessed as the rays of sunshine streamed through for the opening of our Kindy and Pre-Primary classrooms on October 24. Bishop George, Father Joseph Sousa, Executive Director of Catholic Education in Western Australia Mrs Annette Morey, Chairperson of the school advisory council Mrs Alana Otway and our Principal Dr Lisa Gallin officially blessed the crosses and the classrooms. Our primary students, led by Mrs. Beeson, sang beautifully and read prayers during the formal ceremony.
Centenary
We began our Centenary celebrations with a joyful liturgy involving students from Years 1 to 11, beautifully led by our senior students and Mrs McCarthy. At lunchtime, our wonderful parent volunteers cooked up a delicious sausage sizzle for everyone to enjoy. The afternoon was filled with fun and nostalgia as teachers, supported by older students, ran games that reflected life 100 years ago. Students enthusiastically took part in marbles, elastics, skipping, knitting, bocce, origami, paper plane making, hopscotch, putt-putt, tug-of-war, 4-square, and ring toss—bringing history to life through play.
Thank you to everyone who came out on a wet Saturday to explore our beautiful classroom displays and delve into the rich history of our school. The stories shared by ex-students as they walked through and reminisced in the older classrooms were truly heartwarming—if we could have recorded them all, we’d have enough to fill a book!
It was a privilege to talk to the visitors walking through the school, and it was wonderful to hear their fond memories and deep affection for Kearnan College. It’s clear that many generations of families have been educated under the care of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and now Kearnan College, and we feel grateful to be part of that continuing story.
A special thank you to the teachers who were present in the classrooms during the Centenary weekend. Staff have shared how much they enjoyed connecting with past students, former teachers, and previous Principals.
Art Exhibition
On Friday evening, the Art Room came alive with a stunning display of student creativity. Families and guests enjoyed exploring a wide variety of beautiful artworks, with each piece showcasing the talent and imagination of our students. The combined class art pieces were a highlight of the night and were auctioned off by our visiting auctioneer, Mr Richard Gledhill. The friendly bidding competition added excitement to the evening, and it was wonderful to see the joy and pride of those who secured a winning piece. Special thanks to Miss Anne Marie Piper, Ms Emily Ardagh and Mrs Jess Durbin for guiding the students with their art pieces.
Thanks
Many thanks to Wiseman Signs for their donation of the centenary sign which was displayed at the front of the school for the duration of our centenary weekend. We are always appreciative of the Wiseman’s generosity and support for our school community.
Special thanks to Tracey Lynn, Geoff Bane, with assistance from Bill Clover, who ensured the school grounds were beautiful with a mass of blooming colour. Many people commented on how lovely the school grounds looked. Many hours were invested to ensure the school was looking its best, and it was certainly worth it!
Can You Help Our Citrus Trees Thrive?
We have three lovely citrus trees ready to be planted in half wine barrels to brighten up our Early Childhood area. If you have a spare half wine barrel or can assist us in sourcing or preparing one, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact the office if you’re able to help.
Grandparents Picnic Lunch
Grandparents hold a cherished place in the lives of our students, and we’re excited to welcome them into our school for a special visit. After a brief look around the learning spaces, our grandparents are invited to enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch in Wanju Place with their grandchildren.
📅 Date: Friday 14th November
🕛 Time: 12:00pm
🥪 What to Bring: Picnic blanket, BYO picnic lunch to share with your grandchild
We hope many of our wonderful grandparents can join us for this special occasion!
Socktober
Last Wednesday, Kearnan students proudly wore colourful socks and kicked goals in support of Socktober, raising funds for Catholic Mission and their work in Zambia, Africa. During recess, students played exclusively with handmade sockballs, crafted from recycled materials kindly donated by Vinnies, giving them a meaningful insight into what play might look like for children with limited resources. Lunchtime brought extra excitement with a friendly soccer match between the Year 6 students and a team of enthusiastic teachers: Mr Smith, Miss Madeley, Mr Blincow, Miss Piper, Mr Tempra, Mrs Harris, Mr Mason, Mr Pedlar, and Mrs Barton. The game was full of laughs and lively moments, expertly umpired by our secondary students Oscar Otway and Kelcey Kariuki. It was a wonderful day of fun, awareness, and community spirit!
Year 5 Leadership Day
Last Thursday, the Year 5 students travelled to Forest Adventures near Busselton for their Leadership Day. The day focused on teamwork and building leadership skills through a range of fun and challenging activities. Students encouraged and supported each other as they completed the high ropes course, pushing themselves both physically and emotionally to new heights. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop confidence, resilience, and collaboration in a beautiful bushland setting.
Special thanks to Ms. Thomas with her team of helpers in Mrs Wiseman, Mrs Renzullo and Dr Gallin for organising and facilitating the exciting day experienced by our Year 5 students. They were challenged to show leadership, conquer fear, and work collaboratively throughout the day. From all accounts, everyone was successful and had a great time.
Forest Adventures by George Howe and Pearl Stanton
Seven o’clock Thursday morning we got to school the bus was here in fifteen minutes. The bus arrived we went on and got prepared for the two hours ahead of us. The long journey consisted of mostly singing and talking we arrived had recess and headed over to the courses we put on helmet and buckled ourselves into the suit we watched an example and started climbing we hooked on clips onto ropes. There were ziplines, rock walls, obstacles and Tarzan swings all on tall trees about nine metres off the ground. There were five levels getting harder and harder each level. After two hours we got unstrapped by the staff. Then we had lunch, went to the bathroom and then got onto the bus and left. Everyone enjoyed the trip and showed leadership. In the end, the trip was worth the early start.
Year 4 WA Chip Excursion
On Tuesday the 4th of November, our small class went on an excursion to WA Chips for our science lesson. We could feel a buzz of excitement running through us as we jumped on the tiny bus at 10:30am. Everyone was whispering about what we might see.
When we got there, we were greeted by a tall man called Mr Woonings who is Isaac’s dad. He gave us a talk about how chips were made. Then he handed out hairnets and earmuffs. We all looked so funny.
After that, he took us on a tour around the factory. He showed us how the chips were made. First, they washed the potatoes, then peeled them, cut them, blanched them, put sap on them, and finally packed them. He told us to walk in a single line so we didn’t get hurt. It was really loud inside the factory!
Mr Woonings also showed us the cool room. It was freezing in there — even the teachers had to put on their jackets!
At the end of the tour, he took us back to where we started, and we got to eat some freshly cooked chips. They were delicious, and everyone loved them!
By Penelope Howe
On Tuesday, our class went to WA Chips. We were all really excited and happy to watch the factory workers wash, peel, cut, and even cook the chips. We had been told to take our jumpers because we were going into a cool room.
When we got there, we met a very nice man called Mr Woonings, Isaac’s dad, and he told us what we were going to do. Then we had to put on a funny hairnet and some bright yellow shiny earmuffs.
Next, we walked to the factory. Mr Woonings told us to put our earmuffs on, and then we went in and watched his son Ray cutting all the long potatoes in half and throwing the old, yucky, sprouting spuds into a box. Then we saw the potatoes getting cut, put into a hot water tank, then taken out, cooled down, packed, and boxed up.
After that, we went into a room called the cool room. The first room was cold, but the next one was even colder! Then we got some yummy chippies and ate them in the canteen. We also met Mr Bendotti and then played outside while we waited for Mrs Renzullo who had driven us to the excursion.
Finally, we hopped back on the bus and went back to school. On the way, we talked about our favourite parts of the chip factory. We had so much fun and learnt a lot!
By Georgia Stoiche
On Tuesday, the 4th of November, my class, the Year 4s, went to WA Chips. We hopped on the bus with a chill of excitement. It was a warm summer morning, and we were all excited for the day ahead.
As soon as we arrived, the Year 4s were greeted by Mr Nathan Woonnings, Isaac’s dad. He took us into the break room and told us what we were going to learn because it was going to be very loud in the factory. After Mr Woonings explained what to do in case of an emergency, he gave us blue fuzzy hairnets and neon yellow earmuffs.
Mr Woonings then took us to the storage shed. We watched the potatoes being washed, peeled, cut, blanched, sapped, and packed. After that, we went into the cool room — it felt like minus ten degrees in there!
Finally, the tour finished. As a surprise, Mr Woonings gave us some golden, hot, crispy chips. They were country-style and tasted so yummy! He brought Mr Bendotti to where we were eating our chips, and he asked us some questions. Did you know that WA Chips make 15 types of chips grown by 28 local farmers? There were four owners of the business, and two of them were family farmers.
We got back on the bus with full tummies. On the way back to school, everyone was talking about how good the WA Chips were. The 4th of November was such a great day. I couldn’t believe how much work went into a simple bag of chips. I can’t wait to go back!
By Milla Crowd
Galaxy Science Workshop
A few very lucky science–minded students were selected to participate in the Shire initiative “Galaxy Workshop”. Students were involved in hands-on experiments to deepen their science understanding. Congratulations to Xavier Harris, Declan Inker, Elsa Kristoffersson, Tamia Kokir, Tori Waugh and Oliver Markotis for the outstanding way they represented Kearnan. Special thanks to the Manjimup Library for the unique opportunity.
Spring Carnival
Despite a few light showers, last Friday was filled with fun and energy as students enjoyed playing soccer, hockey, netball and football. Our Sports Coaching students assisted with some umpiring on the day and were outstanding mentors to our primary students throughout the day. Congratulations to Florence Ipsen, Thomas Sperrer, Liam Blechynden and Oliver Markotis who were presented with the Sportsmanship awards for positive attitude, teamwork and fair play. Special thanks to Miss Scaini who delivered our lunches to the venues, ensuring many enjoyed a hot lunch on a cold day.
Mathademic
Last Thursday, two teams of talented Kearnan College students represented our school at the regional Mathademic competition held at MPS. We are incredibly proud of their efforts, with our younger team placing in the top four on the day—a fantastic achievement!
Congratulations to Beau Pedlar, Milla Crowd, Penelope Howe, Georgia Stoiche, Quinlan Dronow, and Oliver Markotis for their outstanding participation. A special thank you to Georgia, who stepped up to compete with the older students while the Year 5s were away. Well done to all involved!
Quote of the Week
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” ~ Unknown
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
PARISH NEWS
| DATE | St Joseph’s Manjimup | Sacred Heart Pemberton | |
| Time | Type | Time | |
| 08.11.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 09.11.25 | 8:30am | Mass | 10:30am |
| 15.11.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 16.11.25 | 10:30am | Mass | 8:30am |
| 22.11.25 | 6:00pm | Saturday Vigil | |
| 23.11.25 | 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.
