Schoolgirls Rugby Success

Congratulations to Raewyn Gregory Hunt, Gemma Clark and Megan Manson, members of our College girls rugby team who have been selected for the South Island Secondary Schoolgirls team at the recent tournament.

Academic Success!

Students at the College continue to be awarded with academic success. Congratulations to Jibi Kunnethedam and Lucy Fauth who gained national recognition in The National Bank Junior Mathematics Competition. Jibi successfully attained a Merit Award, while Lucy placed in the top 30 students out of 7700 entrants. Well done.

AFS Intercultural Programmes

All the best and safe travels to Year 12 student Nicholas Staples who has been successful in his bid to broaden his experiences through the AFS Intercultural Programmes - New Zealand.

" This trip gives me the first opportunity to travel, converse and to experience a culture different to my own. I am looking forward to the challenge because it is something I haven’t experienced before. For this trip I have been assigned the country of Costa Rica as part of an International programme for AFS. I have been preparing for this trip for a year including learning some of the Spanish language, as much as I can, and I'm looking forward to putting this to the test. Finally, all this comes together in one month as I fly out on the 2^nd of December. " - Nicholas Staples

Hostel Happenings

This term is racing along just as anticipated. I hope you all had an enjoyable long weekend.

I look forward to meeting some of you this weekend at our working bee and BBQ. Mr Justin Fowler our new Director of Boarding/Hostel Manager will be coming.

Our new Boys Common Room is now completed. It looks wonderful and once again many thanks to Ron Landaus for all the hard work. The only thing missing is a large screen TV for the wall (this comment was made by the boys). I have put out the challenge, if they fundraise, the Hostel Trust will match what they raise.

Our Christmas Banquet planning is well under way and Monday the 8th November has been booked for the occasion. Traditionally, as a hostel we take this opportunity to celebrate a year together and to farewell our Senior Students.

Orientation for our new Year 9’s is on the 28^th and 29^th November. Currently we have 22 new boarders for Year 9 next year. We look forward to welcoming them and giving them a taste of boarding life.

REMINDERS:

Our planning for next year is well under way. Could you please let us know as soon as possible if your son or daughter will not be coming back next year.

As Senior Students rapidly near their exams we recommend you discourage weekend leave for social occasions only. Their focus should be on study for the next few weeks.

A lot of work is put in by Mr Pink to arrange travel home for the students at holiday times. If your travel arrangements change, please could you leave a message on the Hostel phone. A seat can be given to someone else. It will also save the Hostel staff worrying where your child is.

In the last newsletter I spoke about our Vehicle Policy. I need to clarify this. It clearly states no vehicles unless written permission is granted by the Hostel Manager. Irrespective of written permission being given by parents, a request needs to be received by the Hostel Manager. The Hostel has the discretion to grant this privilege or not. There is a serious problem with congestion at the hostel so please contact the Hostel Manager for an application form if you wish to apply. Thank you to those who have followed the correct procedure.

Many thanks for your co operation.

Jo Ann van der Salm - Hostel Manager

Outdoor Furniture

Furniture made by Year 12 Student Ben Rapson. Ben's example of how to use timber in its natural state to create an attractive and functional piece of outdoor furniture is superb. We would like to thank a local timber merchant, Lewis Hore for supplying Ben with the Macrocarpa slabs with which he could design and create his masterpiece!

Operation Christmas

Once again Operation Christmas is alive and well at St Kevin's College. Thank you to all those students and families who donated gifts and also to Year 12 students Sian Waters and Danielle Simpson who helped Mrs Austin co-ordinate the collection. The Christmas Boxes will head overseas to Papua New Guinea as a special Christmas gift for local island children.

Head Boy Awarded Scholarships

Congratulations to Oliver Hailes who is the recipient of both the 2010 Russell McVeagh School Leavers' Law Scholarship and the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. He has also earned an associate diploma of public speaking and declaration of excellence from Speech New Zealand. Oliver, who is St Kevin's Head Boy, is pictured with his parents Danny and Sarah at the Otago Daily Times Class Act Award Ceremony which was held at the end of Term Three.

Haka Practice

Year 9 and 10 boys have been polishing their Haka as part of the Performance Unit. This Physical Education topic involves senior students in a role as advisor and mentor. November 5 is the day of the competition. Parents and supporters are welcome to view the final performances from 1 pm in the gymnasium.

Br Damian's Visit

As part of the programme of support provided by the Christian Brothers to St Kevin's College, Br Damian Price has been working with staff and students to capture the essence of our special character. On Wednesday at Assembly he asked students to vote for the statement that best encapsulated our College. Pictured are students making their choice.