Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Maadi Medals

Following on from Julia Fauth's gold medal performance in the U16 Girls Single at the Aon Maadi Regatta on Friday, she and Tiana Mihaere teamed up for the A Final of the U16 Girls Double on Saturday morning.  With strong performances throughout the regatta they were in a favourable position and kept the pressure on to take the silver medal with a time of 7:47.01 just .39sec behind the Roncalli crew.  

Julia has also been selected to trial for the U17 South Island Team as a result of her consistently strong performances at Maadi.

Congratulations Julia and Tiana!  An outstanding effort!!


Friday, March 22, 2013

Principal's Message


Dear Parents and Caregivers

Today as we break for Anniversary Weekend and Easter, the College finished with an Easter Liturgy. The challenge we were presented with was to look past the Easter eggs and tin foil wrappers and focus on the message of Hope, which is the Easter message. Thank you to Fr Wayne for the creative way he engaged us and allowed us to look at 2000 year old scripture through fresh eyes.  This liturgy followed on from the Year 11 Retreat with its theme - "Be Me". It was pleasing to see a number of parents attending the Sunday Mass. Beginning the retreat on such a positive note was inspiring and the accompanying rain was welcomed in North Otago and country wide.

Today the College was thrilled to hear that Julia Fauth received a Gold in the A Final for the Under 16 Single Skull at the Maadi Cup being held at Lake Karapero.  Tiana Mihaere came 5th in B final.  These are superb personal achievements and reflect the high quality of coaching provided in North Otago.  Julia and Tiana race on Saturday afternoon at 3.10pm in the A Final of the Under 16 Pair.  


The national final of the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition will be held in Wellington on Wednesday 27 March and for the second year running Head Boy Jibi Kunnethedam will be representing the region.  Jibi then flies to Timaru to join Deputy Head Boy Ben Latavao at the Aoraki Unity Race Relations Speech Competition.  We have confidence that both these boys will proudly represent the College.

To all of our students who are participating in sporting or cultural events over the next week, we wish you good luck and look forward to celebrating your successes when school resumes on Wednesday 3rd April.

Happy Easter 
Paul Olsen
Principal

Special Character - Easter Liturgy



Easter is with us on a daily basis as we deal with "little Easter crosses" and subsequent "little resurrections".  This was the message students were invited to reflect on by Mrs Austin's Year 13 English class as they presented the traditional Easter story, followed by a 2013 Easter incident.  Father Healey both entertained students and made them reflect on those who mock the Easter story.

Home & School Monster Raffle

Plans for the Home & School Monster Raffle are well under way and we are grateful for the fantastic prizes that have been offered so far.  We have a trailer of wood and a generous "winners choice" voucher.

An offer has also been made to transport and process an animal carcass .... we just need the carcass!  If you are able to consider this donation please contact Mandy Farrell at 027 381 4436 or tiernach24@xtra.co.nz

New Hot Off The Press From Maadi

Congratulations to Julia Fauth who has just secured a gold medal in the U16 Girls Single at Maadi!  She held her own throughout the race and crossed the line in a convincing first place.  

Tiana Mihaere has placed 5th in the B Final, also raced this morning, and on Saturday Julia will face up against the U18's Girls in the B Final before the girls line up with Roncalli, Craighead, Rangiora, St Peter's, Rangi Ruru, Wanganui and Southland girls in the A Final of the U16 Girls Double.  On behalf of everyone at the College we wish them all the very best!!!




Thursday, March 21, 2013

Senior Catholic Schools Tournament

HELP NEEDED!!
Senior Catholic Schools Tournament
14/15 April 2013

Thank you to those families who have already offered to host a billet for the upcoming Senior Catholic Schools Tournament.   CLICK HERE if you are able to host a student from the visiting colleges.

Help is also needed with the Sunday evening meal, hosted by the College Community.   We are looking for donations of casseroles (Sausage Curry, Savoury Mince, Vegetarian, Beef, Chicken) which can be made ahead of time and frozen for the day - hence the request to borrow a chest freezer.   

Needed to borrow for Sunday 14th April:
10-12 crock pots/slow cookers
a chest freezer (to store all the casseroles)
gas fueled hot plates/burners
approx 10 BBQ's (depending on size)

If you are able to assist with any of the above, or help on the day, please contact:
Nigel Ryburn - Sports Co-ordinator
Ph 022 098 6783 / 4395404
by Wednesday 3 April


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

World Day Of Prayer

Tui Sinclair, one of our Cultural Captains, and Mrs Austin represented the College at the World Day Of Prayer.  The Chairperson of our Parish Council, Nicola Mountain, had organised a moving service at the Salvation Army Church.  Tui read at the liturgy and this played an important part in this ecumenical service.

Netball Camp


CROMWELL NETBALL CAMP
28 April - 1 May 2013
(second week of holidays)

Cost: $290 (all inclusive)

Any Year 9-11 netball players interested in attending will need to see Mrs Evans as soon as possible.  Thanks!





SKC Ready For South Island Athletics


Last weekend a team of 23 students returned to Dunedin to compete in the Otago/Southland Secondary School Athletic Championships.  The competition was fierce as students from across the lower half of the island fought hard for one of the top 5 placings required to move on to the South Island Championships.  Once again the team from the College put in some great performances with 11 students qualifying for the next round.  A special congratulations to Francziska Yanzick (Y10) who took not one, but two Otago/Southland titles in the 800m and 3000m.  

The students who have successfully qualified for the South Island Secondary Schools Championships are:
SENIOR BOYS
Sione Palaa - 4th Discus / Benedict Yanzick - 4th 3000m & 4th 1500m
U16 BOYS
Cole Ryan - 2nd 800m / Jaishiv Narayan - 5th 100m & 5th Long Jump
U16 GIRLS
Sydney Telfer - 4th 2000m Steeplechase & 800m / Merekite Wahitapu - 4th Long Jump / Nicole Dowling - 4th High Jump
U15 BOYS
Connor Ryan - 4th 3000m / Matthew Cullimore - 5th 3000m / Thomas Pickles - 4th Shot Put & 4th High Jump
U15 GIRLS
Francziska Yanzick - 1st 3000m & 800m

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Geographical Discovery At Mount Cook



On Sunday the 17th Mr Brand and his Yr12 Geography class set off for Mount Cook to discover whether glaciation was the main land shaping process in the area. During our trip we went to a number of different locations that had been affected by glacial, fluvial (water), tectonic and aeolian (wind) processes. First off we visited the Hooker Valley and looked at the Mueller Lake and Hooker Lake, all the while getting soaked and we walked dripping wet back to the van where we then went to the DOC museum to fully investigate and understand the process of glaciation and the impact it had on the area. All in all day one was a good day with just a bit too much rain but nothing a hot shower and a good meal couldn't fix.


Day two. It began with a boat ride around Tasman Glacier Lake and the end of the Tasman Glacier. For me this was the best and most interesting part of the trip as we got up close and personal with glacial ice that had taken centuries to form and huge icebergs that had broken off the glacier and tumbled into the lake. This boat ride, if not a little good and wet, was a great experience and really helped us to understand the sheer size and power of glaciers. We then went back to the DOC visitors centre and had two talks by DOC officers on glaciation and the human impact in the South Island High Country which gave us a greater understanding of the area and its history. This was unfortunately the end of a very interesting and damp geography trip.  


Report by Georgia Holland

Monday, March 18, 2013

Portobello Marine Laboratory

Last week our Yr13 Biology students traveled to Dunedin for their field trip to the Portobello Marine Laboratory.  The field trip included an overnight stay on Quarantine Island in the Otago Harbour.  Students were able to utilise the laboratory facilities to create their own series of experiments focusing on the ecological study of rocky shore crabs.  Our thanks to Mrs Beckingsale for facilitating this opportunity and to Mr Ryan for sharing his expertise.

The Return Of Ugly Shakespeare

Today students and staff were treated to a performance from The Ugly Shakespeare Company, a touring group of actors sponsored by the University of Waitako.  They visit the College each year as part of their national tour, bringing the words of William Shakespeare to over 120 schools nationwide.  Their unique approach see them utilising teen culture within their performances and the response from students this morning confirmed their popularity.  



Friday, March 15, 2013

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Thank you to the many people who helped support our marketing tent at the Wanaka Show. We took the opportunity to chat with past, present and prospective families. These contacts keep me in touch with our wider community and serve to remind me of the depth of the College's traditions and heritage. 

On Monday evening I had the honour of attending the Waitaki Sports Awards in support of the College nominees. The evening itself is a superb tribute to sporting endeavour in North Otago and to have so many of our students and past students recognised in the awards is truly special. Congratulations to the winners, especially to Johannah and Caitlin Kearney on their achievements (refer to the earlier blog).  We look forward to tracking Johannah's progress in the under 23 squad.

Also on Monday evening was the first Home and School meeting for the new year. If you would like to be more involved with support for the College, feel free to contact Mandy Farrell who is the newly appointed chairperson.

The balmy weather held for the St Thomas's cricket inter-school and although the last innings clinched the match for the visitors, we accredited ourselves well both on and off the oval. Thank you to our ground staff Mark and Peter for the preparation of an excellent wicket.

At assembly this week we acknowledged a number of student achievements in academic, culture and sport which have been mentioned in earlier blogs. Congratulations also go to this weeks Scripture Reading winners

Finally I look forward to seeing as many Year 11 parents as possible at Sunday's 4 pm Retreat Mass.


God bless
Paul Olsen
Principal

Special Character - Scripture Reading 2013

Jospeh Lee (Yr9) finishes his reading
This week the Year Level Scripture Reading Competition was held at the College.  Sister Madeleline was the adjudicator and she was thanked by Head Girl, Brianna Fogarty.

Congratulations to the following students:
YR 9
1st Dian Vidallon, 2nd Kalas Taukamo, 3rd Ceilidh Brookes.
YR 10
1st Jino Kunnethedam, 2nd Karan Ratgali, 3rd Natalie Preston
YR 11
1st Tiana Mihaere, 2nd Jack Sinclair, 3rd Ilaisipa Tahaafe
YR 12
1st Chris Kearney, 2nd Isobel Ryan, 3rd Jacob Coghlan
YR 13
1st Jibi Kunnethedam, 2nd equal Molly Farrell, Ben Latavao and Katherine Hope

Ripper Rugby Referees


Today primary schools from across North Otago gathered at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium for the 2013 Primary Schools Rippa Rugby Tournament.  Scott Weir (Y12), Jackson Reid (Y13), Fergus Smith (Y12) and Jacob Coghlan (Y12) took SKC rugby to the community by volunteering as referees for the day's competition.  Looks like they enjoyed themselves just as much as the competitors!

Tug O War House Competition

The College grounds have been thick with the sounds of cheering and House spirit during the running of the very popular Tug O War House Competitions over the past two weeks.  Each House put up a Senior and a Junior team to compete for valuable House points, although the results seem to pale into insignificance when as a "just for fun" competition the teachers team came up against a somewhat "stacked" student team.  The students won ... 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Celebration Of Pope Francis

Today the College gathered in the Chapel to celebrate the announcement of a new Pope this morning.  Pope Francis is from Argentina and is the first non-European Pope in modern times, the first from Latin America.

We used the opportunity to celebrate these historic events and Mrs Austin spoke about his life's work to date and lead the College in prayer for his Papacy.

St Thomas Exchange


Today marked the conclusion of a two day interschool between the College and St Thomas' of Canterbury and the weather certainly played it's part, giving the competing teams perfect playing conditions.  

In the first innings Matt Brien took 3-38 and Brian Driessens3-13, some solid bowling performances.  Brady Kingan notched up a total of 37 and Hamish Robertson a patient batting total of 28 against some tough competition.

In the second innings leg spinner Shaun Kellier took a commendable 5-39 and was ably supported by Matt Brien who followed up his good first innings bowling performance taking 3-18.  St Thomas' set St Kevin's 149 to win and after a challenging start to the second innings which saw the boys slump to 24-4 they are currently fighting back with Brady Kingan scoring 21 and Hamish Robertson 15 no (at time of blogging!)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Mr Haig Takes A NZ Team Spot

Mr Haig in action at Hawea!

Last weekend Mrs Haig (and young William too) traveled to the Hawea to watch Mr Haig compete in the Contact Energy NZ Freestyle Kayak Championships for 2013.  Despite some tough competition Mr Haig took 2nd place in his section and secured himself a representative place in the NZ Open Men's Kayak Team.  He will join ex-students Jason Searle (also in the NZ Open Men's Kayak Team) and Courtney Kerin (NZ Open Women's Kayak Team) in the New Zealand contingent at the ICF Freestyle World Championships in the USA in September.  

St Kevin's College has a history of kayaking successes over recent years and the international representation of both pupils and staff is inspirational to those looking at this growing sport.  Congratulations Mr Haig!!

RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Winner Second Year Running

Photo courtesy of Carol Edwards
For the second year running Yr 13 student and Head Boy, Jibi Kunnethedam, has taken first place in the Otago Southland regional final of the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition.  Jibi spoke about the experience of John Pohe, New Zealand's first Maori war pilot who was shot down during World War II.  He survived 48 hours in a dinghy only to be taken prisoner by the Germans and shot by the Gestapo after an escape attempt.

Jibi will compete in Wellington at the end of the month at the national final.  The overall winner will travel to Gallipoli for the 2013 ANZAC Day commemorations.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Home & School - Raffle Donations

RAFFLE DONATIONS NEEDED

Each year the St Kevin's Home & School donates thousand of dollars to the College to constantly upgrade and increase the resources and facilities available to our students.  This is done on a voluntary basis and your assistance is always appreciated and valued.

This year the Home & School are looking for raffle donations, in particular a good sized half cattle beast or two!  Smaller donations suitable for a scrummy hamper may be left at the school office.  If you are able to assist with more substantial donations (including the cattle beast) please contact Mandy Farrell on 027 381 4436.

Board Of Trustee 2013 Elections


"If you can share your skills you can be a trustee" - Elections for the St Kevin's College Board Of Trustees will be held on 30 May 2013.  Nominations for Trustee positions will be called for shortly and will close on the 16 May, two weeks before election day. 

Becoming a Trustee is an exciting way to become involved in the strategic planning of the school and share your skills and experiences.  Are you a creative thinker, business minded, a number cruncher, a team player or do you have an enquiring mind?  You can be the one to make a positive difference to our students' learning at the College.  Step forward and nominate yourself or someone you know.

If you would like to know more about what it means to be a St Kevin's College Trustee, please feel free to contact Kevin Kearney at 03-434 5666 (wk) or email him at kevin@vet111.co.nz



Kearney Supreme Winner

Rowing and the name "Kearney" were winners at the Waitaki Sports Awards, held at the Oamaru Opera House on Monday evening.  Johannah and Caitlin Kearney were announced as the Flo Plumbing Team of the Year, beating out competition from the 2012 WBHS First XV and Junior Relay Team.  Their successes over many years of rowing together culminated in a silver medal at the AON Maadi Cup Regatta in 2012.  

Following her international representation in the NZ Junior Rowing Team Johannah was also named the Oasthouse Liquorland Junior Sportswoman of the Year AND the Supreme Winner.  

St Kevin's College rowing coach Owen Gould took the title of Sutherlands Men's and Ladieswear Coach of the Year.

As well as offering our congratulations to Johannah, Caitlin and Owen, the College is very proud to acknowledge Holly Edmondston (cycling) and Courtney Kerin (kayaking) for their place in the finals.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Otago Athletic Champions


Congratulations to our Athletics team who headed to Dunedin over the weekend to take on the region's best at the Otago Secondary Schools Athletic Championship.  Twenty nine students were entered to compete in a number of events and an outstanding twenty three have qualified to go on to the Otago/Southland competition this coming weekend - qualifying for this next round in the competition means students have finished in the top eight for their event.

Three students took Otago titles:  Fran Yanzick in the U15 Girls 3000m and 800m, Nicole Dowling U16 Girls High Jump and Cole Ryan who took the U16 Boys 800m in a photo finish by one millisecond!!!  Fantastic!!!

TOP 3 PLACING RESULTS:
U15 GIRLS - Chelsea Seddon: 2nd Long Jump / Rose McCarthy: 3rd 80m Hurdles / Fran Yanzick: 1st 3000m and 800m, 2nd 1500m
U16 GIRLS - Merekite Wahitapu: 2nd Long Jump / Sydney Telfer: 3rd Open 300m Hurdles, 3rd 800m / Nicole Dowling: 1st High Jump
U15 BOYS - Connor Ryan: 2nd 3000m / Matthew Cullimore: 3rd 3000m
U16 BOYS - Jaishiv Narayan: 3rd 100m and Long Jump / Cole Ryan: 1st 800m, 3rd 1500m and 3000m
SENIOR BOYS - Benny Yanzick: 2nd Javelin, 3rd 3000m / Josh Ngalo: 2nd Discus and Shot Put, 3rd Triple Jump

Friday, March 8, 2013

Principal's Message


Dear Parents and Caregivers

Kia Ora!  And at 27 degrees it is indeed a very warm greeting from the Wanaka A & P Show.    It is my privilege to be representing the school in our newly appointed marketing tent.  I'd like to acknowledge and thank the Home & School Association for financial support with this venture.  The tent itself will be available for other school events and it's ease of setup and functionality make it a real asset.

This week our Multicultural Whanau Group has been meeting to plan our activities for the year.  Included in our itinerary are involvement in the Christchurch and Dunedin Polyfest as well as supporting St Joseph's Primary School with their Kapa Haka programme.  Thank you to Sara Plunkett for co-ordinating this group.

Earlier in the week an equipment failure at the North Oamaru telephone exchange led to disruptions to the internet connection to the school .  These have since been addressed and I would like to thank the teaching and office staff who have worked around these difficulties to minimise disruption to teaching and learning.  If you have had difficulty with emails or our website we apologise and recommend that you contact the school office if they remain unresolved.

Today marked the commencement of the VPath Polytechnic Programme with the first group of students travelling to Timaru to utilise the advanced trade facilities at the Aoraki Campus.  Can I thank Mr Haig and Mrs Manson for their hard work in facilitating this programme which will allow our students in trade to fast track their career plans.

Practices continue for our upcoming production of "Grease".  Its is pleasing to see so many students taking the opportunity to develop their talents and build confidence on the theatrical stage.  Tickets for this will be available after the Easter Break and details will be advertised on the College Blog.

Finally congratulations to our gold medal winners, Julia Fauth and Tiana Mihaere (rowing) and Isobel Ryan (swimming).  These results are a wonderful example of the sporting excellence being demonstrated within our College.

God bless
Paul Olsen
Principal

Wanaka A & P Show

Charlie and Georgina Wallis at the Wanaka A& P Show
Today a team from the College have traveled to the Wanaka A & P Show as part of the marketing programme for the school.  Mr Olsen, Mr Fowler, Hostel Matrons Lou Pearson and Leanne McClea have joined Charlie and Georgina Wallis on their home ground and will be at the show until the end of Saturday.  Please feel free to call in and say hello if you are passing.

There will be an opportunity for parents and prospective parents to catch up with a "parental catch up" tonight at the Fauth family home in Albert Town.

Relay For Life

Our Relay For Life LEOs
Good luck to the St Kevin's College LEO Club as they take up the Relay For Life challenge next week, along with Yr13 sutdent Cecelia O'Connor and her team entry.  Fundraising by the LEO Club began at the North Otago A&P Show and they have successfully raised $400 - and counting! - with a week still to go.  

Relay For Life is the signature community event for the Cancer Society and is an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers, remember loved ones lost to cancer and fight back against a disease that affects one in three New Zealanders.  The 24 hour event will be held at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium on the 16/17 March.

Year 11 Retreat

The Year 11 Retreat begins at 4pm in the College Chapel on Sunday 17 March.  Families are encourage to attend Mass with the students.  Following Mass we travel to Camp Iona at Otepopo.  We return to school by 3pm on Monday 18 March.

The theme of the Retreat is BEME and this gives each student the opportunity to gain greater confidence in themselves through Ricean ideals and principles.

The cost of the Retreat is:
Day students $55.00
Boarder students $45.00
Payment is to be made to the office (it may be charged)

Students will travel by Pearsons Buses.

Students need to bring: a sleeping bag, a pillow, warm clothing, sun lotion, swimming gear (optional).

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Bear Hug Appeal


The Plunket collectors were out in force collecting for the Bear Hug Appeal this week and a group from the St Kevin's College Hostel played their part, blue ears and all!  Service to others is a key part of the Special Character of St Kevin's.

The annual appeal is a major source of funding for Plunket, who provide support services for the development, health and well-being of children under the age of 5 in New Zealand.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Silver At Ellerslie


Congratulations to past-pupil Ryan Morton on his fantastic success at the esteemed Ellerslie Flower Show.    His design at Ellerslie is called "Mantuary" and won the Silver Award in the Emerging Design-Young Designer of the Year Competition on Monday.  

The brief was to create an entertainment space and incorporating an "edible wall" Ryan designed a rooftop garden for the modern man.   Ryan is in his third year at Lincoln University and studying landscape architecture.

National Swimming Champion


Last week Angus Macaulay (Y9) and Isobel Ryan (Y12) traveled to Wellington to compete in the New Zealand National Age Group Championships.  Isobel was determined to improve on last year's silver laden results and an outstanding effort saw her bring home Silver medals in the 16 Years Girls 100m and 200m Freestyle and that hard fought Gold in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke events.  Angus also had a great series of swims at this national level competition with several personal best swims and a 4th and 5th place in the finals of the 12/13 Years Boys 1500m and 200m Freestyle events.

Isobel and Angus both swim as part of the Waitaki Aquatic Centre Swim team and are the College Senior Girls and U14 Boys Champion Swimmers.  Congratulations to them both.

South Island Rowing Gold

Congratulations to our SKC rowing team, along with Coaches Owen Gould and Stew Mitchell and Manager Kate Mihaere, on a fantastic outing at the South Island Secondary Schools Regatta over the weekend.

Julia Fauth and Tiana Mihaere gave everything to cross the line first in the U16 Girls Double Sculls, standing proud on the top of the podium with their gold medals.  Both girls qualified for the A final in the U16 Girls Single earlier in the day and Julia went on to take the silver medal in that event.

Charlie Wallis, Reuben Mihaere, Adam Sew-Hoy and Kalas Taukamo - coxed by Cushla Houlihan - made at least one B final in their events, as did Meg Knowler and Casey Gordon.  Lauren and Brooke Parsons put in some solid work during their heats.  These are all performances which will secure the future of rowing at the school.

Year 11 Quake Study

On Friday 1 March 2013 the Level One Geography class went to Christchurch to investigate the effects of the recent earthquakes that the city has experienced.  This involved a visit to the Greendale Fault and the Lyttelton epicentre.  On the Friday we spoke with Vicki Mulholland who owns the property where the earthquake ruptured the land.  On her farm we went and had a look at the fault line and the effect that the earthquake has hand on the land.  It was amazing to see the power of nature.  Then we visited Kirwee Model Primary school where the Principal spoke to us about the effects that the earthquake has had on her students the community and the future of her school, given the government's plan to close and combine schools within Christchurch.  

Once in Christchurch we visited the office of Roger Sutton, the CEA of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.  His office is on the top floor of the tallest contained building in Christchurch.  It was here that we learnt about the role of CERA and saw some of the red zone from an aerial view.  Once finished here we spoke to Gary Moore, the ex Mayor of Christchurch, about some of the effects on people and the natural environment out in the Eastern suburbs.  

In the evening Mr Brand took us out to the residential red zone in the Eastern suburbs and to the demolished site of QE2, as well as out to Sumner and then along the summit road.  It was here that we got a view of the city of Christchurch from the Port Hills.

In the morning we awoke, strapped on our helmets and went for a cycle tour of the CBD red zone.  We spoke to the Civil Defence around their role in the Earthquake and visited many creative masterpieces in the city, that artists have made as icons to represent where Christchurch is at as a city.  We also visited the site of the CTV building where the majority of the lives were lost.  This was a touching moment for all of us.  After our tour of the CBD red zone we visited the Quake City Museum and the Re-Start City Mall.  

Overall the field trip was very successful and should stand us all in great stead for our external assessment that we will sit at the end of the year.  Here is hoping anyway!!


Monday, March 4, 2013

Duathlon Clean Sweep

A field of champions - Back row: Jacob Coghlan, Daryl Siggleko, Thomas Pickles
Front row: Brodie Flannery, Regan Holland, Nicole Dowling, Cole Ryan
Absent: Holly Edmondston
The South Island Secondary Schools Triathlon and Duathlon Championships were held in Oamaru this past weekend and as always St Kevin's College had a large contingent of representation, showing the strength of our multi-sport athletes.  

The Senior U19 Men's Duathlon was dominated by the College with Daryl Siggleko placing first, Brodie Flannery a firm second and Jacob Coghlan coming in third for a clean sweep in the event category.  In the Intermediate Men's Duathlon section Cole Ryan placed third, as did Nicole Dowling in the Intermediate Women's Duathlon.  Regan Holland (bike) and Thomas Pickles (swim/run) paired up to complete the Intermediate Men's Triathlon and gained third place for their efforts.  Holly Edmondston took third place in the Senior Women's Triathlon category.

Not to be outdone by the student body, Andy Collins took out the competition in his age group and placed 3rd overall.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Principal's Message


Dear Parents and Caregivers

Malo e lelei (Tongan) and Ni sa bula vinaka (Fijian). Warm pasifika greetings to our first international exchange students from Tonga and Fiji. The newly established Pasifika Outreach Exchange Programme has been organised through Ministry of Education, giving students from the Pasific Islands an opportunity to study in New Zealand  while offering our students the opportunity to experience an exchange with their counterpart schools. This is an exciting development that I will share more details about in the following weeks.

Last evening Mr Ryan, Mrs Jackson and I addressed the caregivers of the first group of students within the College to embark on the Cambridge IGCSE course in Year 10. This is is a superb opportunity for students to extend themselves with an internationally recognised qualification and at the same time prepare for the demands of achieving excellence in NCEA in the following years. The introduction of Cambridge International Examinations is a point of difference for the College as we are the only College in North Otago and one of a select group in the South Island to be offering this qualification. I am pleased to have staff capable for offering the programme which is beginning with English this year. This development cements our position as a leader in student academic achievement.

Also being launched this week is our newly developed VPath Programme. This is a partnership with Aoraki Polytechnic which offers our students the opportunity to gain credits in trade skills at Level 2 and Level 3. The areas launched this year are cookery, carpentry and a trade taster exploring automotive and engineering skills. The beauty of this partnership is that students can be working towards their NCEA while gaining credits towards an apprenticeship.  We acknowledge the growing need to have trades people available to meet the needs of the Christchurch rebuild and we are giving students the opportunity to leave school "trade ready". I am pleased to report that St Kevin's is leading the way in the trade skills area.

Finally, thank you to our Lions Leo Club and Rugby Club representatives who were excellent ambassadors for the College as they sold raffles at the North Otago A & P Show last weekend. Thank you to the Hostel Matrons, Lou and Leanne, Mrs Austin and Mr Grant for their help and support on the day. This weekend Mrs Austin will have our new marketing tent at the Winchester A & P Show on Saturday. Please feel free to drop in for a chat if you are passing through.

God bless
Paul Olsen
Principal

SKC Family Welcome

A very proud Mr Haig and William
We are delighted to welcome William Bruce Haig to the St Kevin's College Family!  William arrived yesterday and we are happy to report that everyone is doing very well.  Congratulations Mr and Mrs Haig!!

While Mrs Haig is on leave we are pleased to welcome Mrs Trudy Foster to the Music Department and know that our students and their studies will be in very safe hands.

Otago Basketball Development Sqauds

Congratulations to Tom Halkett, Kaz Kobayashi, Hamish Robertson and Matt Brien, all of whom have been selected for Otago Basketball Development Squads - Tom, Kaz and Hamish for the U19 squad and Matt for the U17.  There is some fierce competition for starting line up places but we wish the boys all the very best as they go up against the region's other up-and-coming basketball stars!

Professional basketballer Mark Dickel is currently traveling to Oamaru each Wednesday to run free coaching sessions at the Waitaki Recreation Centre.  This is an amazing opportunity for North Otago basketball players and anyone interested can contact the Waitaki Recreation Centre for details.

School Photo Orders

This week students were given their student and class photo order packs.  This year the student ID cards have been included on this form and in order to issue the ID cards together we ask that students return their order to the school office by Friday 8 March.

Billets for Senior Catholic Schools Tournament

St Kevin's College is proud to be hosting the Senior Catholic Schools Tournament on the 14 & 15 of April and are looking forward to welcoming students from all of the participating schools.

This is a large undertaking by the College and any families who are able to help with hosting visiting students for the night are asked to please fill in the form linked below:

YES, WE CAN HELP WITH A BILLET