At our School Birthday Assembly, Kendrick Student Leaders spoke about what Kendrick means to them. 

"When I joined Kendrick last year, I had a vague expectation of an academic environment with intense competition between students. While you will all agree that we tend to love learning here, and strive to do well in tests, I was immediately struck by the power of Kendrick’s community spirit. Due to moving around for my parents’ work, Kendrick is the fifth school I have attended, and by far the friendliest. Students are accepted and celebrated for who they are, with classmates from the most divergent backgrounds having the common goal of making each other feel included, be this by speaking to someone at break time, helping a friend stuck on a maths problem or running a club for younger year groups.  

These qualities of tolerance and respect enshrined in our Kendrick school pledge are especially pertinent at a time when our wider society is increasingly fragmented. Now more than ever, the world needs Kendrick students to be the compassionate leaders of tomorrow, who are keen to listen and slow to pass judgement. I ask you all to please uphold our school’s commitment, since its founding, to community and service wherever the future may take you, so that others may also experience the respect that we are all fortunate enough to receive here every day". - Maria, member of the Community Committee

"I have had the honour of being a Kendrick student since year 7, a privilege that I have not taken lightly. The part of Kendrick life that struck me the most all those years ago was the fact that I was surrounded by so many bold, ambitious and intelligent young women. Growing up in this community meant that I never questioned if women were capable of effective leadership, as I had so many female role models to look up to. At Kendrick, it does not seem that there is a shortage of women in STEM, as I know many future doctors, chemists and computer scientists. Through my work on the CCA, I meet future politicians, economists, lawyers and leaders, all emboldened to make a difference out in the world.  

As we celebrate girls' education, we are reminded about how lucky we are to be in an inspiring environment, full of women and girls working together in solidarity to broaden the horizons for all women. I hope that when your journey at Kendrick comes to an end, you will reflect on it and feel grateful for the wonderful experience just like I have. Thank you and enjoy the birthday celebrations!" – Diya, member of the Curriculum and Current Affairs Committee

"I had the privilege of joining Kendrick in Year 12, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.  At first, the idea of starting again in a completely new school without knowing any teachers or classmates was daunting. I knew I would have to rebuild my support system and navigate a fresh environment during the final two years of school. However, with the incredible staff and welcoming students here at Kendrick, those worries quickly faded.

Kendrick’s history and reputation have been built not only by its students but also by the dedication of its staff. Today, I want to take a moment to thank the teachers and all members of staff who form the backbone of this school by mentoring students, tailoring education to individual needs, and working tirelessly to ensure that Kendrick runs smoothly every single day.

For me, Kendrick has become more than just a place of learning. It is a community that has supported me through both my highs and lows, and teachers have been there not only to guide me academically, but also to encourage, reassure, and remind me of my potential. Kendrick means growth, resilience, and belonging and that is something I will always carry with me."- Saru, member of the Wellbeing Committee

"I joined Kendrick in year 7 and when I arrived I knew no-one. Thanks to Kendrick’s values of friendship, kindness and respect, I quickly made firm, long-lasting friends and formed strong relationships with like-minded young women. I feel so privileged to be exposed to female leaders in all fields, something that, like Diya said, we forget isn't normal in most of the wider world. 

Through being a member of the KSLT and the house team, I have had the pleasure of seeing so many of you grow into young women and become leaders in your own ways, from taking the lead in House Drama, to giving up your time to help friends with maths problems. I hope that you are able to see the impact you are having on the world around you and that you begin to take more pride in yourself, your work and achievements. As we celebrate Kendrick’s 148th birthday, I want to ask you to take a look at the display in the library about impactful women and changemakers in their fields and remember that you too, could be on a board like this someday. Thank you all for listening, and I hope that you enjoy the celebrations and your cakes!" – Kitty, House Captain

The fun side to this celebration was a themed cake competition; each form made and decorated a cake to share at a picnic lunch.  Photos of these celebration cakes and the winners can be found here.  

Floreat Kendricka! May our school continue to flourish.