Friday, February 27, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Tuesday saw a fine display of House Spirit as students cheered on their teams for the running of the 4 x 100m House relays. It is heartening to see these House events so eagerly supported.

It was my pleasure at assembly on Wednesday to invest Mitali Singh and Connor Ryan as Whyte House Captains and also to congratulate Jordan Kennedy and Levi Sherman for their fine work with the Landcare Trust, Kakanui Catchment Project.

This week the BOT, Foundation and Hostel Trust have come together to hold their opening meetings for the year and with such an encouraging start to 2015 I thank them for the positive work they do for the College.

Thank you to Mrs Foster for arranging the lunchtime visit by the NZ Air Force Band. It was a wonderfully entertaining display and enjoyed by an appreciative audience of staff and students.

A reminder that this weekend the North Otago A&P Show is on at the Oamaru Show Grounds. We have a stand in the Farmlands Co-op marquee and I hope that you will stop by if you are there.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Agricultural Research

Jordan Kennedy and Levi Sherman were recognised at assembly this week with certificates from the Land Care Trust, Kakanui Catchment project which ran throughout December and January.  Their participation and contribution is to be commended as important agricultural research for the farming community.

Mrs Eatherley commented that she was proud of their commitment and enthusiasm for the project.  "They learned valuable skills and worked collaboratively with the scientist and other adult volunteers involved".

Mrs Eatherley's Y12 biology students were also commended for their help in sorting and recording the insects that were gathered during the project.

Special Character Weekly Focus

INTEGRITY (Ngakau Tapatahi) - Justice & Solidarity

"Jesus Christ is the beloved Son of God, listen to him"

Home & School Welcome Back

Some of our dedicated team at last year's Art Auction
HOME & SCHOOL 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Monday 2 March 7pm
in the College Staffroom

Everyone is welcome
supper to follow



Prefects Investiture


There was a special moment at assembly this week when Mitali Singh and Connor Ryan were invested as House Captains for Whyte House.  Matali was overseas with family at the time of our Investiture Mass and Connor has been appointed to the vacancy left with Tiana's decision to pursue a tertiary education this year.  Congratulations to you both!

Paintball At Papakaio

Our Y9 hostel students are certainly making the most of things to do in North Otago, with some paintball fun.  Armed but certainly not dangerous it's a little difficult to see who's in this lineup!

Thursday, February 26, 2015

New Zealand Air Force Band Rocks


Today the dining room was rocking with the New Zealand Air Force Band!  They play a concert at the Oamaru Opera House this evening but we were treated to a special lunch time sneak peek.


Monday, February 23, 2015

Roncalli Cricket


The weather has played it's part for the cricket interschool against Roncalli College today!  We'll get an update on the score from Mr Seddon as soon as we can.

U17 Basketball Success

It was an exciting Sunday evening for Y10 student Georgia Oakes following the announcement of her selection to the South Canterbury U17 Girls Basektball team!  Her success will mean travelling to Timaru for training twice a week, giving the team every chance of moving on to the National Tournament at a qualifying tournament in Christchurch.  The team will also compete at tournaments in Dunedin and Invercargill.  Congratulations Georgia! 

Friday, February 20, 2015

Principal's Comment



Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Thank you to the Year 12 staff and students who invited me to join with them on their retreat at Teschemakers on Tuesday. Sister Mary Horn took time out to strengthen our Dominican links and Fr Vaughan Hook gave an enthusiastic presentation about making meaning from our rich heritage of stories. The challenge to look for the deeper meaning was summed up in the idea that  "all stories are true and some actually happened".  Thanks to our inspiring presenters.
With an early Easter this year, we have entered the Lenten season in week three. Ash Wednesday Mass, was celebrated by visiting past pupil, Father Pat McMullan, who is currently serving in Korea. We began Mass with the traditional placing of ash on the forehead. This is intended to focus us on our humble roots and cause us to reflect on our life in preparation for Easter.
Today we are blessed with another great day for sports. Pictured are some of the brightly attired students in front of the decorated tree marking Chinese New Year. Ms Bing's class wrote letters of good wishes for the new year and placed them on the tree to mark the occasion. This was a great opportunity to add to our understanding of other cultures.
May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal




Athletic Sports Shines

Timetable Adjustments

Because of a significant increase in the College roll this year there has been the need for some adjustments to student and teacher timetables to ensure that the quality of student learning is not adversely affected by class sizes.  Student subject choices for 2015 have NOT been affected, but additional classes have had to be created to accommodate everyone and so your timetable may have some changes to it.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR STUDENT TIMETABLES WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH BOTH THE STUDENT AND CAREGIVER PORTAL FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY 21 FEB 2015).
CLICK HERE for the Caregiver Portal
CLICK HERE for the Student Portal

If you have any questions about changes that may appear on your timetable then please see your Dean first thing on Monday morning.

Special Character Weekly Focus

EXCELLENCE (Hirangi) - Liberating Education

"Be reconciled to God, ambassadors for Christ and our Father in Heaven will reward you"

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Beauty And The Beast

Congratulations on scoring the title roles Georgia and Reuben!
Beast - Reuben Mihaere (understudy - Kurt Mordeno)
Belle - Georgia Sillibourne
Gaston - Josh Mullally
Maurice - Levi Sherman
Mrs Potts - Ilaisipa Tahaafe
Lumiere - Mark Whittet
Cogsworth - Sam Ball
Lefou - Jonte Kydd-Law
Babette - Hope Neri
Wardrobe - Ceilidh Brookes
Chip - Polly Harper
D'Arque - Jino Kunnethedam
Narrator - Josh Cunningham
Enchantress - Sarah Dooley
Harmonising Girls - Tivinia Misiloi, Susilia Kauapa, Emma-Kate Newlove, Meghan McCorkindale
Dancers - Hannah Keith, Riley Chandler, Georgia-Kate Blair, Anna Taylor, Callie Mills, Samantha Jorgensen
Company - Tyler Hunter, Luciana Kreniski-Rebero, Josie Mitchell,Savannah Braxton, Madeleine Harrop, Georgia Oakes, Kimbeley Allan, Charlotte Ramsay, Karan Ratgali, Tia Hunter, Kate Nally, Skyla Blair, Darcy Green, Maegan Spargo, Justin Hall, Rebecca Whittet, Bryleigh Scannell, Sydney Telfer, Brooklyn Johnston


Netball Trials


Otago U15 Touch Rugby Success

Y10 student Ben McCarthy took to the field for the Otago U15 Mixed Touch Team for the national competition, held in Auckland over the weekend.  With three or four games over each of the three days, and fourteen teams chasing the title it was an intense competition and the young Otago team secured 5th spot over all.  Also in Auckland was Rose McCarthy and Gypsy-Mae Harihona-Harrison (both Y12) who had been given the honour of being selected to travel to the competition as referees.  With an air of professionalism they refereed a total of 8 games, including in the U17 division.  Well done to you all!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Special Character - Ash Wednesday


Today we were delighted to be joined by Father Pat McMullan, an Old Boy of the College, as students and staff gathered in the Chapel to celebrate Ash Wednesday.  Having spent over 20 years in South Korea as a missionary priest this was the first time in nearly 25 years that Father Pat had been in this familiar place of worship.  The distribution of the ashes preceded the Mass to celebrate the Eucharist, which would normally have been our regular College Mass this Friday.

Y9 Hostel vs The Boulders At Moeraki


Taking advantage of the long hot summer in North Otago, our Y9 boarding students enjoyed an outing to Moeraki last Sunday.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Gillette Cricket

Congratulations to the Boys Cricket team who took two for two at the Gillette Cup in Dunedin yesterday.  The boys stacked up 138 runs against Logan Park High School who were all out for 68 with wickets from Matt Brien (3), Karan Ratgali (2) and Marc Boardman (2).  William Sunderland had an innings of 43 and Brady Kingan 38 runs.

East Otago High School proved a tougher opponent but the boys still prevailed by about 30 runs with an impressive 214 on the board.  Top run scorers for SKC were Sami Havea with 80 and Matt Brien with 59.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinian's and Supporters of The College

We have enjoyed a great spell of weather over the first two weeks of term which allowed for a smooth and well structured beginning to the year. I acknowledge that there are always challenges to work through at this time, but thank staff, students and caregivers for the patient and constructive approach being shown. We have had a busy week with the Dominican Excellence Awards and Meet The Teacher evening being held yesterday and Swimming Sports today. Our Swimming Sports day is one of the premier House events and it is pleasing to see students supporting each other in true House fashion on such a glorious sunny day. We are blessed to have a pool in such a superb setting and I wish to thank Mr Grant and Mr Watson for the time and effort that they have put into preparing these facilities.

Today I confirmed two staffing appointments; Mr Gower on his appointment to Assistant HOF Mathematics and Mrs Blair who takes up the position of Assistant HOF Humanities. Congratulations to you both. We hope your tenure is rewarding and productive.
On Waitangi Day my wife Sandra and I, along with other local Principals, were guests of the Governor General at a reception held at Government House in Wellington. The occasion was the commemoration of the 175 anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It was an honour to receive this invitation and attend on behalf of the College.

God Bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Swimming Sports In Action


What fantastic weather for our annual Swimming Sports!  Well done to everyone who jumped into the pool, we'll have results after the Championship Swimming next week.

Images From Today's Athletic Sporting Events


Today kicked off with the 3000m and the 100m heats, before students jumped in the pool for the 2015 Swimming Sports.  

School Accounts

DETAILS FOR ON LINE PAYMENTS TO THE COLLEGE

SCHOOL 
BNZ OAMARU 020940-0116601-000 
REFERENCE EITHER SCHOOL FEES (PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER AND STUDENT NAME IF POSSIBLE) OR THE ACTIVITY PARENTS ARE PAYING

HOSTEL 
BNZ OAMARU 020940-1015697-002

Special Character Weekly Focus

RESPECT (Whakaute) - Gospel Spirituality

"The Lord has filled the Earth with his goodness and sent his Son Jesus for people to imitate"

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Dominican (Excellence) Awards


The Dominican (Excellence) Awards were held in the College Chapel yesterday and over 110 students were acknowledged for their achievements in obtaining a Merit or Excellence Endorsement for Level 1, 2 or 3 for 2014.  Students who received an Excellence Endorsement also received an College Academic Blue.  The Merit Awards were presented by Mr Olsen and Miss Casey, and we were delighted to be joined by Sister Madeleine who did us the honour of presenting the Excellence Awards and their associated Academic Blue.

Follwing the presentation of awards, a different kind of presentation took place with the acknowledgement of a special milestone for Sister Madeleine.  As a former teacher at St Kevin's and as a past representative of Board of Trustees, we acknowledged her 65 years of service to the Oamaru Parish and our College.

Waitangi Weekend Hostel Trip


A postponement on Friday proved to be the right call for the annual Waitangi Weekend Hostel Trip to Loch Laird with glorious weather prevailing on the Sunday, perfect for a BBQ lunch and plenty of fun in the water.  Thank you to all of the families that came to join us for such a great day and a big thank you to the parents who very generously brought along their boats, inflatables and a jet ski for the students to enjoy.

SKC Rowing Youth Development Team

SKC were proudly represented last weekend at the Otago Secondary Schools Term 1 Regatta held in the Otago Harbour.  This team is made up of 2015 Y9 athletes who have been training all season under the guidance of Stew Mitchell and were excited to finally represent the College.  The weather and water conditions were perfect for racing and the Doubles combination of Jack Souness and Riley McKeown left the starting blocks in a convincing manner.  They then combined with Nicholas Plieger, Abbey Mabon and cox Tarras Weir in the Four, finishing their day with the same combination racing a Quad.  Their growth and development was exceptional over the day - well done to you all.  Thank you to past pupil Nick Robertson (coach) and Y11 student Reuben Mihaere who mentored and worked with the team to get them on the water.  Their next event is the "Head of the Harbour" Regatta later in March.




Wednesday, February 11, 2015

A Summer Of Cricket

It's been a summer of cricket for Amber Cunningham (Y10) and Brady Kingan (Y13) as regional representatives at national competitions.  Amber played for the Otago Girls U15 in Whanganui during a three day competition.  She had a high score of 32 not out with the bat and was wicket keeper for two games.  Brady represented Otago in the U17 team and had a solid competition at the nationals, which was held over ten days in Wellington.  He continues his season with the North Otago Men's team, playing for the Hawke Cup where the team have qualified top of the Southern Zone.

Swimming Sports and Athletics Reminder

Here's hoping the weather continues for a great day for our Swimming Sports Day this coming Friday (13 Feb)! A reminder that the 3000m and 100m heats for the upcoming Athletic sports will be held during P1 & P2 (before the start of the Swimming Sports), so students are reminded to make sure they have everything they need for these events as well :)

This year SKC will be attending the Aoraki Secondary Schools Athletics competition (held in Timaru), NOT the Otago or the Otago/Southland Secondary Schools competition. The Aoraki competition will be followed as per usual by the South Island Secondary Schools competition in Nelson.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters

A warm welcome back to the new school year. This year, in order to make my blog a manageable read, I will try to focus on some key points rather than repeating material contained in the articles that follow.

I need to begin by acknowledging the passing of Br Tony Sisson. Br Tony was a truly respected stalwart of the College who gave a lifetime of service to education in the Edmund Rice Tradition.

Keeping the Spirit of Edmund firmly in focus has been the objective of our professional development for staff last Friday and student leaders induction day last Saturday. Thank you to Mr Luke Edwards from Edmund Rice Education Australia. Luke is Melbourne based and worked with small groups to deepen our Special Character and Identity understanding. Today we celebrated our first College Mass and presented the student leadership badges.


We are currently commissioning a new administrative computer package and some of the students' timetables are incorrect. Please bear with us while we work through these teething problems.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Br Sisson

Brother Sisson will be remembered as a man who spent his life dedicated to education in the Edmund Rice Tradition.  During his years at the College his classes included maths, chemistry and physics, so he has seen many a scientist and mathematician on their way, and a dormitory at the Boys Hostel bares his name.  Brother Sisson passed away last week but as a truly respected stalwart of St Kevin's, he will always be fondly remembered.

Investiture Mass 2015

Today the College gathered in the Chapel for our Investiture Mass, where our Student Leaders were celebrated and formally presented with their badges.  Thank you to Father Wayne and all of the friends and family who joined us and congratulations to the Student Leadership Team for 2015!

Head Boy - Brady Kingan
Head Girl - Sydney Telfer
Deputy Head Boy - Michael Lockley
Deputy Head Girl - Ilaisipa Tahaafe
Deputy Head Boy Special Character - Jack Sinclair
Deputy Head Girl Special Character - Julia Fauth

Hostel Head Boy - Michael Stevens
Hostel Head Girl - Georgia Haggerty
Hostel Deputy Head Boy - Charlie Wallis
Hostel Deputy Head Girl - Cheyanne Patrick

Clancy 
House Captains - Georgia Malcolm and William Gourlay
Deputies - Lily Webster and Brittany Caldwell
Magee
House Captains - Georgia Haggerty and Charlie Wallis
Deputies - Samantha Hocken and Pani Papaioannou
Treacy
House Captains - Keegan Anderson and Quin Paterson
Deputies - Brooklyn Johnston and Antonio Misiloi
Whyte
House Captains - Michael Stevens and Tiana Mihaere
Deputies - Matali Singh and Kerra Fissenden

Looking For Coaches And Managers

We are looking for any parents or members of our community who would be willing to help SKC Netball.  We are looking for coaches (all levels of ability welcome) and managers.  If you would like to be involved in SKC Netball or have any questions please contact Athena Evans at St Kevin's College - 4371665 extn 741 - or email aevans@stkevins.school.nz

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Welcome Powhiri 2015

After spending a morning together our Year 9 students were joined by other new students and staff and formally welcomed into the SKC Family with a powhiri, followed by a shared lunch in the College Dining Room.  Welcome to St Kevin's!

Monday, February 2, 2015

Student Leaders Day

Absent:  Pani, Sydney, Matali, Charlie and Julia.
Our student leaders for 2015 were joined by senior staff and guest speaker Luke Edwards from the Edmund Rice Education Australia as part of their leadership day held ahead of the start of the school year.  During two workshop sessions they looked at the Edmund Rice Leadership model within the College as well as developing and putting into practice good student leadership skills.  Our student leaders will be celebrated at our Investiture Mass which will be held in the College Chapel, Thursday 5 February beginning at 1.45pm.  

Meet The Teachers Evening

Meet our College staff for 2015!  Our Meet The Teachers Evening will be held in the College Library on Thursday 12 February, at 7pm, and is a great opportunity to meet our teaching staff.  We are excited to welcome two new teachers to the College family this year.  Mrs Trudy Foster has been a familiar face around the campus over the past couple of years, both as a relieving music teacher and as the English tutor for our Obirin visitors from Japan, but this year will conduct the band as our new music teacher.  Mr Peter Fulton has come to Oamaru from St Peter's College in Cambridge as our new material technology teacher.  Welcome!!  Our new students, their parents and caregivers are warmly invited to join us to meet Mrs Foster, Mr Fulton and all of our wonderful teaching staff.