Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and supporters of the College

This week we have celebrated Māori language week within classes and at assembly. As principal, I have challenged staff and students to improve the pronunciation of our local place names. I now address my comments to our wider community:

I have been spurred on by a speech by Finnian Galbraith who is a year 11 student at Kāpiti College. His speech on YouTube that has gone viral. He challenges us to pronounce the Māori language correctly. For us in North Otago this is of particular interest as we typically butcher the pronunciation of the majority of our local placenames. From Oamaru to Waitaki we have our "local way" of saying the names. Clearly though, there is no local way. Further more, we would not accept this in any other context.

My call to parents and caregivers this weekend is to support those around you who are making an attempt to get the pronunciation correct. Rather than laughing at the unfamiliar pronunciation and making people feel uncomfortable about trying, let's complement people for having a go and show some interest in how to say the name correctly.

Most of our students do know the correct way to say the names but will not venture to use them unless they know it is safe to do so. The fear of chastisement or ridicule from parents and caregivers is a powerful block when it comes to change. What we should remember as locals is that we are the only ones mispronouncing the names. The rest of New Zealand gets our name correct, so I feel it timely for us to step up as well. Kia kaha (stand and be proud)

Ma Ihowa koe e manaaki, mana koe e tiaki (May the Lord bless you and keep you)
Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

One Way Traffic System

Please remember our One Way Traffic System which operates Monday to Friday during the time periods 

8.30-9.30am and 3.00-4.00pm.  

All vehicles are required to travel
IN via the Taward Street entrance 

and OUT through Redcastle Road.  

This allows for a safer flow of traffic when students are walking and biking around parking areas and using the main College driveway.  It also reduces the risk of accidents with wider vehicles and buses.

We also encourage parents and caregivers to drop students off to school either at the Taward Street and Redcastle Road entrances or closer to Gym area to avoid dangerous congestion at the entrance to the Administration Block.

V Path In Action

Today Oliva Heslin and Jazmin Parker were in a Dunedin salon completing a Level 2 VPath assessment.

Senior Study Tutorials

Mrs Evans 

Tutorial Timetable - CLICK HERE to view

Mrs Sutton

Biology tutorial on Tuesdays 3.30-4.30pm
Y12 Biology tutorial for Gene Expression on Friday 3.30 - 4.15
Also at Study Club for Science on Wednesdays after school

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be held on Friday 21 August, so be sure to mark this date on your calendars.  Students are encouraged to attend so that they can talk to their teachers about aspects of their learning and the implications and requirements for their career aspirations.  

The booking code will be available shortly so keep an eye on the Blog or Facebook page for information.

HPS Hauora Challenge

HPS Hauora Challenge

For the next two weeks we challenge you to complete the following tasks each day!!!

(You will need to have each activity signed off by one of the following – a SKC staff member, sports coach, parent, employer or similar)

There will be a $50 voucher for the best completion of the challenges and another $25 voucher prize for the best and most creative caption - and house points too!

Weekend Sporting Action

Friday night hockey saw the Girls 1st XI play WBHS 2nd XI in an exciting encounter!  Scoreless until the last 10 minutes when WBHS scored a field goal the girls evened the score with a great goal from a penalty corner by Rose McCarthy.  The final score 1-1.

The football girls both took wins on Saturday; Blue beat WGHS senior team 3-1 and Red came out on top against WGHS Black 6-0.  The U18 Boys had a big win over Meadowbank 4-3 and a win this coming weekend will see them go top equal in the league (good luck boys!).  The U16 Boys had an unlucky loss against top seeded TBHS Eagles.

The 1st XV dominated West Otago at Murray Field with a 61-15 win.  With several players out due to injury the team was bolstered by boys from the U16's who did themselves and the rest of the team proud.

Spirit of Adventure

Y12 student Niamh Farrell spent time on Spirit of Adventure in the holidays and described it as an amazing experience -

"Spirit of New Zealand is made to push teens out of their comfort zones through challenging group activities. It is designed to help you become more comfortable as a leader by splitting you up into groups with people from around the country and learning how to sail a 45 metre ship. This experience introduces you to new skills such as sailing and leadership while also allowing you to enjoy the natural aspects of New Zealand's North Island waters, like swimming with dolphins or giving back to the community by doing a beach clean"

Lion Foundation Grant

The College is very proud to acknowledge the generosity of the Lion Foundation and the grant received for new sporting equipment at the College. The grant is being used in the following areas:

Archery - complete set up and training

Netball - new netballs

Hockey (girls) - new uniforms, goalie gear and equipment

Kristin School Forensic Camp

The school holidays took an investigative turn for Y9 student Abbey Mabon when she was invited to attend the Kristin School Forensic Camp in Auckland.   The five day camp gives students an insight into the world of forensic science with a mock crime scene and all the tools for investigating, testing and analysing evidence to solve the case.  The camp concluded with Abbey and her team mates presenting their evidence for the prosecution in a mock court room trial!  Abbey said it was really fun and she enjoyed the guest speakers who came long to share what forensic science was like in the real world.

Flu Advice

Influenza is here

July and August are when we normally see a spike in influenza cases in New Zealand. This year the prevailing influenza strain in the South Island is the “B” variety, which can affect people of all ages but tends to hit children particularly hard.

The current influenza vaccine contains both A and B strains and therefore should provide good protection against the illness for those who are vaccinated. The Government has extended its influenza vaccine programme until the end of August, which means the vaccine if free for people over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions and lowered immunity. To find out if you or your child will be eligible, phone your practice nurse or look up the Ministry of Health’s website www.moh.govt.nz.

Anyone else can still receive the flu vaccine through their GP or some pharmacies, but will need to pay for it.

To limit the spread of the flu, please:

• Keep your child home from school/day care if they are sick, and don’t send them back until they are well.
• Remind your child to cover their mouth or nose with a tissue when they cough and sneeze and to then put the tissue into a lined bin.
• Remind your child to wash their hands regularly, particularly after coughing/sneezing.

For more information please contact your public health nurse:
Lesley Henderson 03 4331161 OR   027 4886521 lesley.henderson@southerndhb.govt.nz

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and supporters of the College

Our first week has been busy at the College, with feedback from the holidays events, planning for the new term and a welcome to Obirin High School exchange students all on the calendar. It is also a pleasure to have Deputy Principal, Mr Ryan, back safe and sound from his journey to South Africa with Edmund Rice Education Australia.

During the holidays, St Kevin's College hosted the Edmund Rice Network gathering at the Girls Hostel and I attended the Dominican Conference in Auckland with Mr Mullally and Mrs Burton. Both of these conferences help the us develop stronger understandings of the charisms that are central to the Special Character of St Kevin's. Pictured is the welcome at the Chapel at St Dominic's in Auckland

Earlier in the week we were visited by the electrical engineers responsible for implementing the SNUP upgrade. SNUP is the School Network Upgrade program being rolled out by the Ministry of Education. Contractors will be on site for 8 weeks from 3pm to 3am in the morning to avoid disrupting classes. We are looking forward to improved network stability allowing students who bring their own devices to have increased performance.

Finally, today we formally welcomed the Obirin students and staff to the College with a powhiri. My thanks to the caregivers and students who have supported this venture. With out your help this would not be possible.

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Welcome To Our Obirin Visitors

Today we welcomed our visitors from Obirin High School in Machida City, Toyko, Japan with a powhiri from our Year 10 and 11 students in the College Auditorium. This year they are accompanied by two teachers, Ms Ryoko Hosoya and Mr Fumiya Satake and will be part of the College Community for a little under three weeks. They are hosted by families from the College and we are grateful to them for opening their homes and for their hospitality. During their stay the students will study English language with Mrs Trudy Foster, join their St Kevin's "buddies" in particular classes and enjoy excursions to educational points of interest.

National Youth Art Awards 2015

Year 13 student Dion Pope has been selected as an exhibiting artist in the upcoming 2015 National Youth Art Awards, held in Hamilton at the Arts Post Gallery from the 7 August until the 7 Sept.  The Waikato Soceity of Arts' biannual event is a prestigious exhibition and showcases the extraordinary talent of young New Zealand artists.  All of the exhibiting artists will have their work for sale, with substantial prizes and recognition up for grabs.  Dion is completing his Level 3 Art Portfolio this year and we wish him all the very best for the exhibition.

Some Help Needed

Is there anyone interested in hosting a Japanese, English Teacher from Obirin High School for 10 nights, from Sunday 2 August up to, and including Tuesday 11 August please?  This young man is particularly interested in rugby and is the Obirin Rugby Adviser.

The College will contribute towards your expenses, if it suits you to host him. He would need to come to school from 8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays only, here at St Kevin's.

Please contact June Campbell at jcampbell@stkevins.school.nz or phone 0275238955 if you are able to assist, thank you.

Weekend Sport

In football news from the weekend the Boys U16 were the only College team to take to the pitch with the U18's winning by default against Roncalli and the girls competition not resuming till this weekend.  It was a tight game against second seeded Geraldine but the boys took the win 1-0.  Well done!

Stepping Up

Riley Chandler (Y12) danced at the Taieri Competitions over the last weekend of the school holidays.  She successfully took out the competition, placing first in 16 yrs and over for Modern Jazz, second in Barefoot and Demi Character Ballet and gained third place in Lyrical.  Well done Riley!

NCEA Fees Now Due

NCEA fees

A letter was included with the end of term mail out with information regarding NCEA fees.

Fees are now due to be paid to the school. The last day for fees to be paid to the school is the 31st August.

Payment can be made at the school office or via internet banking (Please put your child’s name and NZQA as a reference.)

If you wish to apply for financial assistance download and complete the application form and hand into the school office by the 1st August.  The office also has copies of the financial assistance application forms.  More information about Financial Assistance can be found on the following website: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/entry-into-ncea/fees-for-ncea/financial-assistance/

More 1st XV Interschool Action

The College Community came out in force on the last day of Term 2 to rally behind the 1st XV in their annual interschool fixture against Waitaki Boys High School.  For the third year running the boys were triumphant and retained the Leo O'Malley Memorial Trophy with a nail biting 36-34 finish.  Congratulations!!

Principal's Message

Kia ora Kevinians and supporters of the College

Crisp frosts and clear skies have characterised a very productive autumnal term at the College. During the term Kevinians have excelled in cultural, sporting and leadership endeavours as well as running social justice initiatives which demonstrates their commitment to our Catholic Special Character. Mid year reports have been published and it is gratifying to see that student academic achievement also reflects the high expectations being demanded of students by staff. It is this personal academic challenge that helps support students to become lifelong learners.

It was a pleasure to welcome parents and caregivers to our final assembly as we awarded our Hillary and Sheppard Awards. Congratulations to all of the students who were recognised for their engagement and progress in the classroom. We were also joined by two groups of past pupils, members of the 1st XV teams from both 1965 and 1985 who traveled to Oamaru to join us for the traditional 1st XV game against Waitaki Boys. The Kevinian connection to the College continues long after the transition to work or further study.

May the Lord's blessing be with our community over the holiday period as we take the time to reconnect with family and recharge out energy levels.

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

1st XV Win

Congratulations on a tight 34-36 win to bring the Leo O'Malley Memorial Trophy
back home to SKC.

Happy holidays everyone!

Highlander Jersey .... And The Winner Is

CONGRATULATIONS TO ..... KELVIN FODIE!!!

Winner of the signed Highlanders Jersey

The Home & School would like to thank Brent Barber and Bridget McAtamney for organising such a fantastic prize.  Also thank you to everyone from both the committee and the wider College Community who volunteered time to sell raffle tickets.  Happy holidays to you all and "Go The Highlanders!"

SKC Festival of Sport

Students had a great time competing in the SKC Festival of Sport in a fun and friendly series of games including football, hockey, netball, basketball, touch and chess!  Thank you to all of the staff who joined in the spirit of games.

Past Pupil Assembly

Today the College welcomed parents and caregivers to the final assembly of the term as the Hillary and Sheppard Awards were presented.  Congratulations to students who were recognised for the progress and engagement in the classroom:
Hillary Awards - Rewarding Engagement
Abbey Mabon, Brylee More, Socrates Catapang, Tahlia Takarangi-Moore, Molly Kay, Max Smith, Holly Malcolm, Emma Fox, Kate Caldwell, Mitchell Lowen, Justine Middlemass, Jack Sinclair.
Sheppard Awards - Acknowledging Progress
Tia Hunter, Alyx McDougall, Maddison Skinner, Lucy Hellewell, Brytnee Firman, Rebecca Whittet, Piper Beach, Kalas Taukamo, Ami Wallis, Bavana Braxton, Sean O'Brien, Georgia Haggerty, Kimberley Allan.

Also present at the assembly were some of the members from the 1965 and 1985 1st XV teams who had traveled to Oamaru to support the College in the 1st XV game against Waitaki Boy.  Captains Danny Boyle (1965) and Andrew Langley (1985) addressed this year's team and students before joining their fellow alumni at the base of the Auditorium steps.

End Of Term Liturgy

The End of Term Two Liturgy was held in the Chapel on Wednesday instead of normal Assembly. The Liturgy, led by the Top 6 focused attention on the fact the College was now at the halfway point in the school year. A reflective power point presentation looking back was used to draw students' attention to some of the key messages and Feast Days celebrated over of the past eleven weeks. Some of the major occasions reflected on during the terms were: The ANZAC commemoration’s; Blessed Edmund Rice’s Feast day; “The Feasts of the – “ASCENSION” of our Lord; “PENTECOST”; “HOLY TRINITY”; “BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST” and Feast of the College's Patron St Kevin. Father Wayne’s illustrative sermons were a constant reminder of the need for students to form good moral consciences and to apply sound valued judgments in all they do.  Particularly poignant were Father Wayne’s teachings on the horrors of War; the Accountant of Auschwitz; “sine cera” (without wax) meaning without imperfections or sincere; Alexander Eiffel demonstrating courageous conviction building his tower; and the deeper meanings of Jesus miraculously changing water into wine and the Multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Scriptural readings from Philippians 4:4-9 and John 15: 12-17 as well as specially prepared Prayers of Intercession and a poem composed and read by Mr Nyika were delivered during the End of Term Liturgy. The concluding blessing gave thanks for the school term that was and the opportunities to grow and develop. An uplifting audio visual version of the hymn “awesome god” closed the liturgy. Special mention needs to be given to the tireless efforts of the College's Edmund Rice Singers and musicians under the supportive guidance of Ms Helen Mulheron whose inspiring efforts lead the hymns in Chapel Masses throughout the term.

Mercy Cup 2015

The week began with an early start for the girls heading to compete at the Mercy Cup Tournament on Monday. What a great effort by you all, but a special congratulations to the Y9 Netball team who were the runners up for the Mercy Minor Cup and took the Fair Play award.  A big thank you to all of the staff and parent helpers who also faced the early start and coached, managed and supported the girls during the day.

Interhouse Drama Competition

The Interhouse Drama Competition was held at the College yesterday, with comedy take-offs and hilarity on the programme!  Thank you to Mrs Bridget McNally who was our adjudicator for the afternoon and well done to all of our performers and stage crew for a great student event!
Best Actor     Michael Stevens
Best Actress     Julia Fauth
Most Promising Actor     Karan Ratgali
Best Director     Mitali Singh
Best Set Design     Magee House
CHAMPION HOUSE     White

Girls Aoraki Basketball

Last week the Y9 and Y10 girls traveled to Timaru for the Aoraki Secondary Schools Basketball Tournament.  Playing with determination the Y9's placed second in their pool and showed a wide range of skills, winning their way through to the final against WGHS Y10 ... only to suffer a narrow defeat in the dying seconds.  The Y10 teams lost only to Ashburton and during the playoff for second and third were beaten in the last minute by Craighead.   For the second year running Georgia Oakes was one of only five players picked for a tournament team.  Well done to all of the girls who took to the court!

TeenAg Tackle Taupo

We wish success to our TeenAg Teams the Gumboot Girls (Brittany Caldwell and Georgia Malcolm) and the High Country Hillbillies (Holly Malcolm and Ella Sanderson) as they head away to the TeenAg 2015 national finals, being held in Taupo this Friday.  A big thank you to all of their supporters and sponsors!

Weekend Sporting News

It was a lovely day for the Girls Football in Waimate on Saturday as SKC Blue took a win over Waimate High School 2-1.  The Boy's U18 hit double figures with a 10-0 win against Mountain View High School and the U16's were unlucky to be beaten by Timaru Boys' Condors 3-2.

In Friday night basketball the Boys Top V mirrored their grading game loss to OBHS A's.  They are confirmed as being second on the table in the Dunedin Competition.  The Girls Top V were able to secure the win 56-36 in the Timaru Friday Night Competition.

Mr Fowler and the 1st XV had a good start to the second part of their competition with a 57-24 win over Otago Boy's 3rd's at Murray Field on Saturday.  U14 Red beat WBHS while the Blue team lost to Waimate, and the U16's were defeated by WBHS - a mixed rugby bag.

Boys hockey had a great all round win 10-0 against Mountain View, and remain second in the competition.  Improvements each week have them looking good for the playoffs.