Thursday, October 31, 2013

Senior Drama Presentations

Mrs Newton's Senior Drama students presented their practical assessments during the past week.  They were given the challenge of devising, creating and presenting a dramatic piece themed around an aspect of violence in today's society.  

With a thought provoking piece about family violence,  CLICK HERE to the presentation by Monica Ley, Tui Sinclair, Ellen-Margaret Powers and Taylar Renalson.

Driving Lessons


Hi everyone
Just wanted to let you all know that I am learning to drive my chair again. I don’t have the yellow “L” plates – because there is nowhere to put them on my chair! But using lights and a head control button I can chase my teacher aides around in circles making myself dizzy. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks they will add forward and backward to my bag of tricks.
Take care

Andrew 

Financial Freedom

THE DREAM CENTRE

Sounds like a place where you might go for a sleep study.  Not quite...

Samantha Martin is a young Oamaru lady who is travelling to work at the Dream Centre in Los Angeles next year and Columbia in 2015.  Her main role while in Los Angeles will be to rehabilitate the victims of sex traffickers saved by the FBI.  These victims have been forced to do unspeakable acts. Not allowed to sleep or eat until they have done as requested. Their average age is only 13.  Most of these children have been abused, sold or kidnapped. And many of these young girls are forced into prostitution by an organised, underground business that trades human lives like bags of fertiliser.


To help with Samantha’s mission local author Lindsay Walker is giving a short 20 minute presentation designed for teenagers, young people and families in Oamaru about financial freedom.  If you want to learn how to make money multiply, be there. (everyone is welcome)  
This will be held on Monday 4th November at 7.00pm at the St Kevin’s College Auditorium, doors open at 6.45pm.  There will be a $10 charge per family to attend, in return you will receive a free life skills book to take from the event. 
There are heaps of prizes to be drawn on the night just for attendance.  Prizes are from local businesses including Soul, Surf & Skate, Dick Smith, McDonalds , Waitaki Aquatic Centre, KFC, Portside, Last Post and others sponsoring the event. 
100% of the money raised will be donated to Samantha’s upcoming missions.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Agricultural Scholarship


Congratulations to Year 13 student Lisa Nolan who has been awarded a Jeff Farms Scholarship valued at $6000 towards her study and accommodation expenses at Lincoln University next year.  Lisa will take up a Bachelor of Agriculture.  Well done Lisa.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Principal's Comment

Dear Kevinians

It is a pleasure to return to the College after three and a half months of sabbatical leave which has inspired and refreshed me professionally. Mrs Olsen and myself were officially welcomed, along with our New Zealand Champion Basketball Team. We were honoured by the passionate reception Haka which was its first public performance. I would like to thank the St Kevin's family for your prayers and good wishes during our absence. I would also like to formally record my thanks to Mr Ryan, Acting Principal and the Senior Management Team who have stepped up in my absence. I am truly grateful for your hard work and professionalism in your extended roles.

As I traveled, I read the College blog with both interest and pride. Of particular note was the excellent Education Review Office Report. I would like to acknowledge the staff and trustees of the College for their commitment to educational excellence which is reflected in such a positive and affirming report.  Sporting and Cultural Award Evenings have celebrated an impressive range of extra-curricular achievements. We have continued to demonstrate that strong academic success goes hand in hand with a rounded education encompassing passionate sports and cultural involvement. My belated congratulations to all award recipients and nominees.

Over the week, senior students have been receiving feedback from their end of year school examinations. I would encourage both students and parents to engage in a conversation about the results and look at planning the next months commitments to limit disruption and maximise study. Please remember that Wednesday Study Club is still running and is a good way to work through any issues highlighted in the examinations. Staff are available for tutorials in all learning areas.

We have a hectic few weeks ahead as seniors complete courses and prepare for examinations. Please keep the dates on the "fridge calendar" highlighted and if you need another copy, call in at the College Office.

May Gods blessing be with you this Labour Weekend.
Paul Olsen, Principal

Street Retreat 2013

During the second week of the school holidays Mrs K Austin took Rebecca Lockely and Parewhero O'Brien-Harrison to the Street Retreat hosted by St Thomas' of Canterbury.

I attended the Street Retreat in Christchurch from Thursday 3rd.  There were 18 of us and we stayed at St Thomas' School with representatives from Kavanagh, St Thomas' and Liston School in Auckland. We were shown a different side to society and were exposed to the many difficulties people have to go through just to stay warm at night or to have food for their children each day. We were fortunate enough to talk to a number of people working for social justice including a social worker, group worker, youth police officer, Salvation Army volunteers, workers at the city mission and Cathy Harrison who has worked most of her life for social justice. We learnt about the different situations and events that happen in people’s lives which lead them to be homeless. I met heaps of teenagers my age and we were all inspired to fight for social justice. We were placed in situations out of our comfort zones which lead us to see the world from a different point of view. We took a tour of Christchurch’s red zones to see the damaged houses, had to budget and buy tea for nine people at $45 dollars the first night and $25 the next. We spent time with the Salvation Army feeding and talking to the homeless and the girls on the street. We were put into the situation of running away from home with only the clothes on our back and spent an hour and a half outside in the cold by ourselves to get a real feel of what it would be like to be in that situation.  I think the street retreat was one of the most compelling and inspiring experiences I have ever had.

Rebecca Lockley

Edmund Rice Service Awards

Another group of students were recognised for completing their Edmund Rice Service Awards at assembly this week.  This service award is a tradition at the College and is open to our Year 12 students.  
Congratulations to all of the students who have completed service this year:
Sara Gunnarsdottir, Lucy Tyrrell, Isobel Ryan, Georgina Wallis, Gray Doppenberg, Melanie Grasmueck, Hamish Robertson, Merekite Wahitapu, Kaleisha Jones, Isaac Gunnarsson, Tessa Robertson, Jaishiv Narayan, Joshua Botting, Helena Graham, Micayla Brensell, Mikayla Cleveland, Shannon Vince, Georgina Wallis, Candice Burgher, Kate Wedge, Kevalee Sriutaisuk, Sari Robins-Laughton, Georgina Holland, Christopher Kearney, William Wallace, Rose Anderson, Mitchell Bolstridge, Alanna McNulty, Jinnesh Ramu and Tessa Newton.


Senior A Netball Scarfing Dinner


The Senior A Netball Team had their final evening as team last night at the Senior A Netball Scarfing Dinner.  Congratulations girls on a great season of netball!  Pictured left to right: Merekite Wahitapu, Helena Graham, Olivia Macaulay, Georgia Hansen, Katherine Hope, Tiana Mihaere, Georgina Wallis, Nicole Dowling and Micayla Brenssell.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Graduation Rehearsal

It was a good evening with Mr Mullaly, Mr Olsen, Mr Ryan, Mr Stead and the class of 2013. We had slide shows, speeches and a sausage sizzle. We were rehearsing for our graduation that takes place near the end of term. I was laughing so hard at the slide show that I was just about in tears. I will never say goodbye to St Kevin’s, the College has done some good things for me.

Take care everyone.


Andrew Easton

Mathematics Calculators

All students studying Mathematics need a calculator every day at school and especially for the upcoming examinations.

Year 9 and 10 students should have a scientific calculator, while year 11,12 and 13 need a graphics calculator.

If your child does not have a calculator it is imperative that they obtain one before examinations begin.

Calculators can be purchased from the school through the Mathematics department. If your child wishes to purchase an calculator through the school they must place an order with Mrs Potter when school returns on Tuesday.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Formal Basketball Presentation


Our National Basketball Champions were formally presented with their medals and trophy today at our first assembly for Term 4.  They were welcomed with their parents, along with Mr and Mrs Olsen, by students performing our new co-ed College haka, before being applauded into the Auditorium by the entire College.  There was a special message of congratulations from New Zealand Basketball legend Dillon Boucher, who was here at the College last term.  

Message Of Congratulations From Dillon Boucher And The Breakers



University of Auckland Scholarship Winner


At St Kevin’s College we are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students and on Friday evening received news that our Head Boy, Jibi Kunnethedam has been awarded a top scholarship opportunity with the University of Auckland called the “University of Auckland Scholarship”.  These scholarships were established in 2002 and are funded by the University of Auckland.  The main purpose of the scholarships is to recognise and reward academic excellence, all-round ability and leadership potential among New Zealand students wishing to enter an undergraduate degree programme at The University of Auckland.  They carry with it full tuition paid for three years, up to $5000 accommodation allowance per year (for three years), two return fares home each year and special academic mentoring. 

With a limited number awarded annually, these scholarships are rare and highly sought after so to compete against the leading academic secondary schools from across the country is a testament to Jibi’s commitment to his future studies and the success of the co-educational opportunities at the College.  As well as being our Head Boy, he is a well-rounded sportsman, competing as a team member in two of our top teams, is a nationally acclaimed public speaker and is involved in a number of multicultural community groups.   Jibi has been actively involved in all areas of life the College since his arrival at Year 9 and has maintained his top level academic performance throughout, gaining 112 excellence credits at Level 2 with 7 subject endorsements at excellence (the criteria states a minimum of 80 excellence credits at Level 2). 

Jibi will study medicine at the University of Auckland and wishes to acknowledge English and Media Studies teacher Mrs Athena Evans, for her endorsement of his application.  Congratulations!

Year 13 Rite Of Passage

Students from our graduating class as new Year 9  students
A majority of Year 13 students attended the annual Rite of Passage Ceremony held in the Dean O'Reilly Lounge.  The evening commenced with a BBQ followed by shared stories, power points of past activities from throughout the year, some graduation paperwork and ended with some lighthearted skits.  This informal gathering helps students acknowledge and reflect on their time at the College and helps to prepare them for their final journey towards graduation.  It was a wonderful evening which celebrated their passage through high school.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Cultural Awards 2013


On Friday evening the College celebrated the cultural success of students at the inaugural Cultural Awards evening.  A number of new awards were given as well as our public speaking, drama, singing and scripture cups.  Special mention and thanks must be given to the Cultural Captains of the College for their efforts this year.  Tui Sinclair and Jazz Roundhill were MC's for the evening and the Cultural Captains presented the awards.  The highlight of the evening was the concert where all student performances were of a very high standard.

New awards in included:
School Production Male Lead (cup) - Jibi Kunnethedam
School Production Female Lead (Juanita Ryan Cup) - Danielle Trewavas
Best Stage Crew Member - William Gourlay
Contribution to Kapa Haka (Kia Kaha Award) - Tivinia Misiloi/ Tiana Mihaere/ Yvonne Gregory-Hunt
Most Outstanding Pasifika Female - Jessica Latavao
Most Outstanding Pasifika Male - Sione Palaa
Leading Pasifika Choreographer - Siu Halaholo
Certificate of Achievement for Creative Visual Arts - Elliot McCleery
Best Emerging Artist (cup) - Fransziska Yanzick
Student Documentary Photographer (cup) - Evie Sefton

Special awards given included:
Molly Farrell for Trinity Guild Hall ATCL, Speech and Drama
Riley Chandler for her local, regional and national dance success
Jibi Kunnethedam and Ben Latavao received Cultural Blues for public speaking
Molly Farrell won the Karen Austin Cup for Premier Cultural Female (new)
Jibi Kunnethedam won the Jibi Kunnethedam Cup for Premier Cultural Male (new)

Friday, October 18, 2013

Acting Principals Report

Dear Kevinians

It was with great excitement that we welcomed Mr Justin Tippa to school on Tuesday to work with all our Year 9 and 10 students on the second school haka. He worked for 3 hours with all our junior students, the video below shows what will become a very polished performance over time. This haka takes nothing away from our traditional haka which will still have it's vital place in the school but introduces some extra elements such as our story as a school, our values and our passion for education. The girls also now become an important part of the challenge that is laid down and as a co-educational school it is only right and correct.

Click here to link to a movie of the students performing the haka.
Here are the words: click here

Ms Casey and the PE department have incorporated this haka into their performance unit. This unit is changing shape to more reflect the current research around co-educational schools, where students benefit from a real world experience working with the opposite sex, varying viewpoints and respect for the opposite sex. Our students will work in a co-educational world. click here

Collaboration is the shape of the future and here at St Kevin's we are working very hard to ensure through class work, Information technology, Google documents etc.  We reflect the world our students will face. This initiative is reflective of that drive.

Our recent ERO report stated clearly that we are a 'moving school' and I know through all the interactions I have that this is becoming our battle cry. Our hostel numbers are building and applications to the school for Year 9 next year are looking very healthy.

I was pleased to see the Chorus trucks roll onto the school property on Wednesday to start laying the fibre optic cable for our hook on to high speed internet. We are currently working on our wireless network and how we will integrate our BYOD [Bring your own device] policy. Later this term we plan to hold an open evening for students and parents/caregivers looking at some devices, getting student and staff experience and mapping out where we would like to go with this next year and into the future.

The good news for our feeder schools is we are planning to take the National Basketball Trophy on a small tour to visit local schools and offer some clinics with our 2013 New Zealand Champion team, Mr Ryburn Sports Coordinator will be in touch.

Mr and Mrs Olsen are nearing the end of there overseas trip. They are currently in Rome and have visited Vatican City, taking Holy Communion with 100,000 people was apparently quite an experience. They move onto Hong Kong and then home.

We welcome Mr Olsen back next week.

God bless you
Kerry Ryan
Acting Principal

NZ Secondary Schools A Basketball Champions!


It was a true "out of nowhere" dream run for the Boys Top V Basketball team who competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools A Basketball Championships during the school holidays.  Not originally on the list of teams to travel to Palmerston North, they were asked to participate after a series of withdrawals but with that Kevinian fighting spirit the team fought their way to the final against Dunstan from Central Otago.  The boys won 68-50 with Hamish Robertson named MVP of the the tournament and Nikko Kim joining him in selection for the Tournament Team.  Congratulations on an incredible achievement!


Haka Workshop

Our Year 9 and 10 students spent Tuesday morning in the Gym working with Mr Justin Tippa on the second school haka.  The traditional haka will still have it's vital place in the College but this introduces additional elements such as our College story, values and passion for education.  And as advised earlier in the year, the girls have now become an important part of the haka challenge.

All Black Training Sesson


This week six boys from our 1st XV rugby team were given an opportunity to attend an All Blacks Training Session at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin.  The session was organised by the NZRU and the ORFU and a total of 140 students from around Otago attended.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Yr 10 Camp 2013

At the end of this term our Year 10 students will travel to the Hopkins Valley area near Twizel for the annual Year 10 Camp.  There are three separate camps and students spend a day at each on the rotation focusing on water based activities, bushcraft skills and reflection/retreat activities.  

Year 10 Dean Mr Brand is looking for parental support, with a jet boat attached!  If you are able to help then please contact Mr Brand directly at pbrand@stkevins.school.nz or phone 03 4371665.