Thursday, February 28, 2013

Learning Support Visits

Y13 student Andrew Easton is continuing to make incredible progress in his recovery following a life threatening illness eighteen months ago.  Andrew has continued to receive support through Mrs Manson and Miss Bayliss and enjoys visits from students to share in fun outings in the community.    

Athletic Champions

Our Athletic Sports events concluded last week with the running of the 100m Finals and hotly contested House Relays.  Congratulations to all of our Athletic Champions for 2013!

Senior Boys - Benedict Yanzick (1st), Brodie Flannery (2nd), Patrick Perniskie (3rd)
Senior Girls - Georgina Wallis (1st), Micayla Brenssell (2nd), Lisa Nolan (3rd)
U16 Boys - Jaishiv Narayan (1st), Cole Ryan (2nd), Michael Stevens (3rd)
U16 Girls - Sydney Telfer (1st), Tessa Newton (2nd), Kaleisha Jones (3rd)
U15 Boys - William Sunderland (1st), Thomas Pickles (2nd), Connor Ryan (3rd)
U15 Girls - Francziska Yanzick (1st), Chelsea Seddon (2nd), Emma Slater (3rd)
U14 Boys - Angus Macaulay (1st), Reuben Mihaere (2nd) Matt Brien (3rd)
U14 Girls - Yasemin Dupu (1st), Rosie Pope (2nd), Yvonne Gregory-Hunt (3rd)

CHAMPION HOUSE RESULTS:
WHYTE 1ST
MAGEE 2ND
CLANCY 3RD
TREACY 4TH

Swimming Champions


All of the final results have been tallied and we are excited to offer our congratulations to the 2013 St Kevin's College Swimming Champions!  There were several records broken by Hamish Nimmo and Isobel Ryan, including a long standing Senior Girls 50m Backstroke record dating back to 1986!!

Senior Boys - Hamish Nimmo (1st), Bryn Bisschops (2nd), Mitchell Bolstridge (3rd)
Senior Girls - Isobel Ryan (1st), Olivia Macaulay (2nd), Olivia Brien (3rd)
U16 Boys - Josh Macaulay (1st), Sam Evans (2nd), Michael Lockley (3rd)
U16 Girls - Kaleisha Jones (1st), Meagan Spargo (2nd), Darcy Green (3rd)
U15 Boys - Regan Holland (1st), Thomas Pickles (2nd), Charlie Wallis (3rd)
U15 Girls - Niamh Farrell (1st), Francziska Yanzick (2nd), Brittany Tiffan (3rd)
U14 Boys - Angus Macaulay (1st), Lennox Cant (2nd), Matt Brien (3rd)
U14 Girls - Georgia Dyson (1st), Yasemin Dupu (2nd), Jayde Pickworth (3rd)

CHAMPION HOUSE POINTS:
TREACY 1ST 
MAGEE 2ND
WHYTE 3RD
CLANCY 4TH


Scholarship Success For Rowan Newton

2012 Graduate Rowan Newton is the latest academic scholar to secure a three year scholarship to assist with her tertiary studies.  Rowan is this year's recipient of the Lissy Rathbone English and History Scholarship which will contribute $1800 towards her Bachelor or Arts studies in French and Classics.  Rowan was recently at the College to receive her Level 3 Excellence Endorsement.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The Top 6 leaders and I attended the Student Leadership Forum at Waitaki Boys' High School this morning and were honoured to meet with the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae who is in North Otago for four days to attend the Scott Exhibition, as well as the opening of the 150th North Otago A & P Show and to attend the New Zealand Rowing Championship in Twizel this weekend.   This is the second time this week that I have had the pleasure of the Governor General's company as on Wednesday afternoon I attended the launch of the Woodhouse Scholarship Programme at Washdyke.  These scholarships will give students wishing to study Bio Science at a South Island University $5000 towards their fees.  I encourage any South Canterbury based students to avail themselves of this opportunity.

On the sporting front, today we completed our House Relays for athletics in perfect conditions.  Thank you to Ms Casey for organising this event.  I wish Angus Macaulay and Isobel Ryan every success in their respective specialist swimming events at the NZ National Age Group Swimming Championships. Best of luck to the St Kevin's College Cricket team who play Waitaki Boys' High School this weekend after coming off a very convincing win over Roncalli this week.  Congratulations to Shaun Kelliher who is enjoying a great run of form with both bat and ball.

Our Lions Leo Club and Rugby Club representatives have a fundraising raffle for sale at the show, the prize is a trailer load of premium quality firewood.  I look forward to meeting parents and caregivers in the CRT Tent tomorrow for the 150th Anniversary celebration of the North Otago A & P Show.

God bless
Paul Olsen
Principal



Leadership Forum With The Governor General

Mr Olsen and our student leaders were honoured to meet the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae when they attended the Student Leadership Forum at Waitaki Boys High School this morning.  The Governor General is in Oamaru as part of a four day tour of North Otago and South Canterbury and will also visit the Scott Exhibition, as well as opening the 150th North Otago A&P Show.  His Excellency will then attend the New Zealand Rowing Championships in Twizel at the weekend.


National Swimming Champs


Next week Angus Macaulay (Yr9) and Isobel Ryan (Yr12) will be heading to Wellington to compete in the NZ National Age Groups Swimming Championships.  Angus will be swimming in freestyle events up to a distance of 1500m and Isobel is focusing on her freestyle and backstroke events "with a couple of flys thrown in".  Isobel is hunting down gold to go with her haul of five gold medals from the Otago Championships and four from Canterbury.  We wish them both the very best of luck in their quest for success!

Remembering Christchurch

Today at 12.51pm the church bell will ring to remember friends, family and the people of Christchurch on the anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquake.  

A number of students came to the College for a time following the quake.  Some remained with us, most returned home but they will always be considered a part of the St Kevin's College Family and in our prayers.  God Bless.

Space
Floating
Floating in a dark endless place
No up, no down
No green grass, no blue sky
So many unknown places you can end up in
But there is the stars,
Little glimmers of hope
Scaring away indecision
And replacing it with order
It might not be so bad that space is endless
It means there can be endless possibilities
Infinite chances to make things right
by Alice McAtamney



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Guest Speaker

The College is pleased to welcome guest speaker, Rakesh Pandey, to speak with students on Monday 25 February in the Auditorium.  We would like to extend an invitation to parents and caregivers to attend also.

Rakesh has been recognised as an expert in study skills and motivation and has organised and run several camps and leadership courses throughout New Zealand.  His aim is to inspire young minds, assist self-development, motivation and improve study skills.

Year 11 - P2 (9.340am)
Year 12 - P3 (10.50am)
Year 13 - P4 (11.40am)

Kelliher's Mighty Bat

Photo courtesy of the Oamaru Mail
Following the St Kevin's cricketing tradition of all round star players, Yr13 student Shaun Kelliher has had an outstanding start to 2013.  He scored 111 not out against Albion in round 8 of the Borton Cup and then as well as securing a further 87 not out during the Kavanagh College Interschool he smashed their batting lineup with 6/30 from 10 overs.  Shaun has always impressed with his ability to hit big, but Mr Seddon (TIC Cricket) remarked how he has matured as a player over the holidays.  

Shaun and the team won convincingly over Roncalli College during yesterday's interschool with Brady Kingan (Yr11) taking 5 wickets and Brodie Flannery (Yr12) notching up a total of 53 runs.  Good luck to all of the boys as they face off against Waitaki Boys this coming weekend.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Network Waitaki Scholarship Recipient

Chief Executive Graham Clark congratulates Braden on his achievement.
Congratulations to 2012 Graduate, Braden Grundy who is the 2013 recipient of the Network Waitaki Limited Scholarship.  As part of a well established programme, Network Waitaki offers one scholarship each year for a young person interested in a career in the electricity supply industry.  As well as financial support Braden will gain valuable experience through holiday work at the Oamaru office.

Last year Braden completed a Computer Science paper through Canterbury University as well as school studies in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics with Statistics, Graphics and Religious Studies.  He will begin a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering Degree at Canterbury.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Year 12 Retreat



Our Year 12 students and staff have been enjoying perfect summer conditions for their Retreat being held at Gunn's Bush Camp. The Beatitudes have been a focus for reflection as students take some time to look at their talents and consider how effectively they are using them in their lives and the life of the school. Group discussion and a number of enjoyable ice-breakers have given Year 12 an opportunity to prepare for a rewarding year. The Retreat commenced with Mass on Sunday afternoon, with Father Wayne using Sir Edmund Hillary as an example of persistence and resilience in his homily. He challenged us all to set lofty goals and to have the heart to keep trying to achieve them. Thank you Fr Wayne, our committed staff and those parents and whanau who attended the Mass and have helped with the delivery of this important Special Character event. Your support is critical to the spiritual dimension of the College.

Athletic Sports Day Images

The 2013 Athletic Sports Day was held on Friday and the College was a-buzz with inter-house competition as students gave everything for house pride.   The 100m Finals and House Relays are still to be run and with but a handful of points between Houses it is anyone's game!

The Home & School were well positioned near the track and with a continual stream of passers by they did a roaring trade with their sausage sizzle.  As always we offer our thanks to Miss Casey and all of the staff and volunteers who helped with the organisation and running of the events.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Friends of the College,

On Wednesday we marked the beginning of the Lenten season with an Ash Wednesday liturgy, which was followed by our first Excellence Assembly. Congratulations to all of the Merit and Excellence recipients who were presented with certificates, badges and Blues Awards during the ceremony. With the scholarship results bring published the day before, we were able to acknowledge the two scholarship awards gained by Jared Papps. It is important that we take the opportunity to acknowledge publicly our top scholars, as academic achievement is our core business. Younger students can also view the process and aspire to excellence, with the Blues Awards acting as additional motivation. Thank you to the student leaders for comparing the Excellence Assembly.

Today I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our parents at the Athletics Sports. The weather was ideal for track and field events and the keen spirit of engagement in House competition was obvious. Thank you to Ms Casey and her team for organising both last weeks swimming sports and the athletics programme today. Thank you also to the College staff and volunteers who helped with the all important administration of these days. 

Also getting into their pre-trade course initiation have been our VPath students. Basic heath and safety skills have been covered with students by Mr Alan Grant, our caretaker. Projects that have been tackled include replacement and restoration of the wire in the cricket nets and assembly of the newly purchased octagonal wooden tables for the quadrangle areas. Thank you to Mr Grant for his patient sharing of his expertise.

Over the Christmas holidays, Mr Ryan and myself have worked to provide additional website services. Our improved year planner and detailed fortnightly calender coupled with a YouTube channel and Facebook presence have given a much improved web presence. I would encourage you  like us on Facebook and gain the benefits of a simpler link to the College.

God Bless.

Paul Olsen
Principal

Athletics Programme


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Academic Excellence At St Kevin's


Yesterday the College celebrated outstanding NCEA results at an Academic Excellence Assembly.  We were delighted to have so many friends and family join us as each student was recognised for their achievement and were pleased to welcome some of our 2012 graduates who returned especially for the assembly.  

With scholarship results hot off the press, staff and students gave Jared Papps a hearty round of applause as Mr Olsen congratulated him on receiving two scholarships, English and History.  On top of the number of Excellence and Merit Endorsements received by students at the College this cements our position as the leading educator in North Otago.

Excellence Endorsements and Academic Blue recipients:
LEVEL 3 -
Tasman Forgie, Lauryn Wilkinson, Sarah Kearns, Jared Papps, Loren Haggerty, Rowan Newton and Albert Hailes.
LEVEL 2 -
Vanessa Vidallon, Katherine Hope, Kathryn Morison, Tarentaise McLeod, Jibi Kunnethedam, Grace Malcolm and Courteney Botting.
LEVEL 1 -
Isobel Ryan, Christopher Kearney, Kaleisha Jones, Sara Gunnarsdottir, Melanie Grasmueck, Lucy Tyrrell, Rebecca Lockley and Georgia Holland

Merit Endorsements and Certificate recipients:
LEVEL 3 - 
Eilee Robinson, Georgina Servant, Kale Sandri, Brittany More, Lucy Fauth, Ryan Esselink, Shannon MacMillan, Louise Clemens, Rebecca Coughlan, Samuel de Buyzer, Elizabeth McGee, Oliver Stewart, Samantha Robins and Caitlin Kearney.
LEVEL 2 - 
Candice Burgher, Georgia Hansen, Nicole Duncan, Megan Green, Charlotte Hunt, Lauren Godsall, Olivia Macaulay, Brianna Fogarty, Salena Xie, Molly Farrell, Tui Sinclair, Monica Ley, Aylee Lind, Ben Latavao, Ellen-Margaret Powers, Laura Stringer, Jelle Edzes, Benedict Yanzick, Tyler Jade Spargo, Taylar Jean Renalson, Patrick Perniskie, Sophie Moynihan, Hayley Evans, Olivia Brien and Kerry Bryant.
LEVEL 1 - 
William Harrison, Kathryn Wedge, Alanna McNulty, Tessa Newton, Georgina Wallis, Sari Robins Laughton, Megan Tessier Varlet, Logan Chandler, Paloma Torres, William Wallace, Corbyn Bisschops, Merekite Wahitapu, Micayla Brenssell, Hamish Robertson, Brodie Flannery, Jacob Coghlan, Tiree Balantyne, Kevalee Sriutaisuk, Danielle Trewavas,Caitlin Pope, Mitchell Bolstridge, Logan More, Nicole Dowling, Isak Gunnarsson, Gray Doppenberg, Rose Anderson, Cole Ryan and Emma Cullimore

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Ash Wednesday Liturgy


Today staff and students gathered in the College Chapel for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy.  It was a time to reflect on life's journey and the challenges that we face.  Students were reminded of the suffering that many have felt this past year, the death of someone close or enduring through natural disasters.  Together we prayed for graciousness and kindness, honesty and respect, as we prepare for the Lenten season.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Scholarship Success

Congratulations to Jared Papps who successfully gained not one, but two scholarships from the end of year examinations - History and English.

Jared graduated last year and was the Dux of St Kevin's College, winning the Br MM O'Connor Plate, as well as prizes for Chemistry, Classical Studies, Mathematics with Calculus and Theology.

Swimming Sports Excitement

It was a fabulous day for the College Swimming Sport and house colours were out in force as the competition heated up throughout the day!  It was great to see so many of the students participating and taking on board the spirit of the day.  Keep an eye out for championship results, which will be posted shortly once the final totals have been tallied.  

Bright Rodeo Star


Micayla Brenssell (Yr12) has just completed the 2012-2013 New Zealand Rodeo Circuit.  There have been 12 Rodeos in the South Island, starting on Boxing Day, with travel from Richmond to Te Anau.  This was Micayla's first season in 2nd Division and she competed on a new horse with no previous barrel racing experience.  This proved no obstacle however and she placed at many of the rodeos giving her a final place for the season of 4th overall in the South Island and 8th overall in the National Standings.  Congratulations on an outstanding effort!

Home & School AGM

ST KEVIN'S COLLEGE - HOME & SCHOOL AGM

Monday 25 February 2013
7pm in the College Staffroom

We extend a warm invitation to all of our parents and caregivers to join us and welcome in particular those new to the College Community.



DON'T FORGET THE HOME & SCHOOL SAUSAGE SIZZLE AT THE ATHLETIC SPORTS ON FRIDAY 15 FEBRUARY!!  CALL IN AND SEE THE TEAM AT THE HOME & SCHOOL TENT.





Triathlon Sweep

Our winning teams take the opportunity for a photo with ex-pupil  Reuby Bisschops, the World 20-24 Yr Female Triathlete 2012 Champion.
Last weekend the Tri Grand Prix was held at Pegasus, Christchurch.  A total of three races were held over the morning and St Kevin's was well represented with two teams entered:
Team 1: Olivia Macaulay (swim), Georgia Hansen (bike), Benedict Yanzick (run)
Team 2: Angus Macaulay (swim), Darryl Siggleko (bike), Josh Macaulay (run)

Both teams had an outstanding day with a clean sweep in the teams event. Angus, Darryl and Josh crossed the line to take first place with Olivia, Georgia and Benedict close behind for second.  Congratulations!


Friday, February 8, 2013

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Friends of the College,

Welcome to 2013.  We have had a very successful start to the term with student leaders inducted, classes settling into routines and our students taking part in the swimming sports competition.  It is my pleasure to be able to welcome Mr Kurt Rooney, teacher of Social Studies and Physical Education, to the College.  Kurt has strengths in Geography and Outdoor Education, and has played half back for South Canterbury in the Heartland Competition.   Also, joining our support staff is Mr Nigel Ryburn as our Sports Co-ordinator.  He will be taking over from Mrs Louise Fangupo at the end of next week.  Nigel is a trained teacher who has worked with at risk students and has strengths in adventure based learning.

On the academic front I am pleased to report that our NCEA results have been outstanding, with the number of Merit and Excellence Endorsements being well above the national average. This is a reflection on the commitment of both staff and students to academic excellence.

This week as Oamaru celebrates the Scott Expedition Centenary we were very fortunate to have James Blake, son of Sir Peter, visit the College and address the students.  His personal insights will hopefully inspire our students to challenge themselves by moving out of their comfort zone and trying new activities.

Next week we have the Ash Wednesday Mass at 11.40am and we extend an invitation for parents and caregivers to join us in the Chapel as we prepare for the season of Lent.  School Athletic Sports Day is being held next Friday 15 February and I encourage all parents and caregivers to support our students as they compete for house pride.  The Home & School will be running a fundrasing sausage sizzle at the Home & School tent and sausages will be selling for $2.50 each with complimentary tea and coffee available.

God Bless.

Paul Olsen
Principal

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Visiting Speaker James Blake

Students and staff were fortunate to have James Blake, son of Sir Peter, speak at a special assembly today.  James is here as part of the Scott 100 Celebrations and shared the story of his amazing Trans Tasman adventure.  James also spoke about how Sir Peter continued to play a significant role in his life as he worked to follow in his conservation footsteps.  

Waitangi Day Hostel Trip

As the country celebrated Waitangi Day, the Hostel made use of the great weather for their annual trip to Loch Liard at the base of the Benmore Dam.  Hot temperatures made the water a popular place!!!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Images from Friday's Investiture Mass

National Cycling Champion

Holly Edmondston (Year 12) can be excused for a late start to the school year after a very successful campaign at the National Track Cycling Championship held in Invercargill last weekend.  Competing in the U19 age group, Holly brought home 3 golds medals and 2 silver;  Gold in the 500m Time Trial, 15km Points Race and the 500m Team Sprint.  Silver in the 2000m Individual Pursuit and 7.5km Scratch Race.
At just 16 years of age this is an outstanding result for a very talented young cyclist.  Congratulations.

South Island Club Rowing Regatta


 

Congratulations to our rowers on their fantastic efforts at the South Island Club Regatta over the weekend. Top results were achieved by medalists Julia Fauth and Tiana Mihaere (well done girls!) while overall the crews and their coaches were all very happy with their performances. A big thank you goes to all of the coaches and parent helpers for their assistance, and to the crews for their positive attitudes and teamwork - best of luck for the rest of the season!
Results:
Julia Fauth – silver medal U16 single, bronze medal U16 Double, bronze medal Club 8
Tiana Mihaere – bronze medal U16 Double, bronze medal Club 8, 4th B Final U16 single
Taylor Oakes – B Final U17 Single
Charlie Wallis – 3rd B final U16 single, 3rd B final U15 double, B Final U15 Quad
Reuben Mihaere – 3rd B final U15 double, B final U15 Quad
Adam Sew Hoy – B final U15 double, B final U15 Quad
Kalas Taukoma – B final U15 double, B final U15 Quad

Friday, February 1, 2013

Investiture Mass Celebrations

Today the College celebrated the appointment our Yr13 Student Leaders at the Investiture Mass held in the College Chapel.  It was wonderful to see so many friends and family join us for this special occasion and our thanks to Father Wayne for officiating and Mrs Leanne Brookes for her musical accompaniment.  We have a Round Table model of leadership at St Kevin's College and these leaders will guide the student voice.  Congratulations!

Head Boy - Jibi Kunnethedam
Head Girl - Brianna Fogarty
Deputy Head Boy - Ben Latavao
Deputy Head Girl - Olivia Macaulay
Deputy Head Boy Special Character - Kieran Ryan
Deputy Head Girl Special Character - Molly Farrell

Hostel Head Boy - Kieran Ryan
Hostel Head Girl - Storm Ennor
Deputy Hostel Head Boy - Ben Latavao
Deputy Hostel Head Girl - Cecelia O'Connor

Sports House Captains
Clancy - Sophie Moynihan and Benedict Yanzick
Magee - Lisa Nolan and Hamish Slater
Treacy - Georgia Hansen and Hamish Nimmo
Whyte - Olivia Brien and Harry Lanauze

Cultural House Captains
Clancy - Monica Ley and Jazz Roundhill
Magee - Katherine Hope and Henry Wallace
Treacy - Tarentaise McLeod and Shaun Kelliher
Whyte - Tui Sinclair and Jelle Edzes

Service House Captains
Clancy - Lauren Godsall and Sione Palaa
Magee - Grace Malcolm and Adam Blakely
Treacy - Hayley Evans and Logan Johnston
Whyte - Salena Xie and Jacob Turnhout


Year 9 Class 2013

Welcome to our Year 9 students for 2013!!  What a whirlwind week they've had, beginning on Tuesday with their Year 9 Retreat, the Welcome Powhiri on Wednesday morning and our traditional Welcome Liturgy that afternoon.  The spirit and charism of the College was a focal point of this liturgy.  Students from all year levels processed up with wrapped gifts as a symbol of SKC philosophy to unwrap our gifts and talents.

The Powhiri was an opportunity for the College to welcome not only the Year 9 students, but all of the students who have come to St Kevin's in 2013.  We also welcomed Mr Rooney who will be teaching Social Studies and Physical Education.