Principal's Message

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

After a particularly dry winter in North Otago, the grounds are looking stunning and we are celebrating spring with blossom and new growth. Winter colds and flu have however taken their toll, with absences due to illness being the highest in a decade. Despite these challenges, I am sure that you will agree that the College has had a very successful term.

The long awaited School Network Upgrade (SNUP) is finally being commissioned. We are looking at holding a technology evening in the new term to explain developments to caregivers so they understand the requirements for 2016. This will unlock an amazing range of exciting 21st century learning opportunities for students. It will also include improved alarm and security features. A group from the Home and School committee, together with members from the Board of Trustees, chaired by Eugen Dupu, will look at developing procedures for the video surveillance system that is being installed. Feel free to contribute to this discussion by contacting Eugen via the School Office.

Can I encourage members of the community to continue to give feedback via our annual self-review survey. This is one of the tools we use to continuously improve the teaching and learning opportunities available at the College.

Planning for the 2016 school year is well underway and over the last month students have been encouraged to consider their vocational pathway and subject needs. I am pleased to be able to offer an even more diverse subject offering for 2016. We are now a Primary Industries Trades Academy and will be delivering a range of exciting courses that can lead to high end opportunities in this fast developing sector. We are linking to local TV station "45 South" to develop a Broadcasting Academy. 45 South will broadcast from St Kevin's and our students will have access to real life opportunities within the industry. This innovative course will develop skills from presentation to digital editing and is the first of its type in New Zealand.

May the Lord's blessing be with you all over the holiday period.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

Student BOT Rep

Congratulations to Karan Ratgali who has been elected as the student representative for the Board of Trustees for the coming year.

Well done and thank you to all of the candidates who put their names forward.

New Zealand Shake Out

Mr Hitchock and his class were getting in some practice for the New Zealand Shake Out which will be held nationally on Thursday 15 October.

Addams Family Connection

Congratulations to the Kevinian crew who took to the stage in the local community production of The Addams Family – produced by Musical Theatre Oamaru. Among the cast of twenty actors, singers and dancers were GypsyMae Harihona Harrison as Wednesday, Mark Whitett, Meghan McCorkindale, Reuben Mihaere and Ms Cathy Keep as four of the ten Addams Family Ancestors and Mr Tiernach Farrell as one of the Backing Vocalists (and yes, our very own BOT member Lyza Richardson as a BV Soprano!)

(Thank you Rebecca Ryan for the great backstage photos)

Celebration of Culture

Bound For Outward Bound

Thomas Pickles heads away to Outward Bound this coming weekend.  Located in the Marlborough Sounds the Outward Bound courses are designed to help you reach your full potential through challenge in the outdoors.  We look forward to hearing from Thomas about his adventures next term.

Free Immunisations

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Congratulations to all those who received awards at our Celebration of Sport last week. With over 70 awards being presented it was a showcase of excellence. Thank you to our coaches and supporters - your tireless contribution and tuition brings out the best in our students and helps them develop at so many levels.

On Tuesday evening our Pasifika community gathered for a hugely successful Fiafia Night. Local schools performed in preparation for last evenings Polyfest in Dunedin. This was followed by a dress rehearsal at assembly on Wednesday. After three years of development, we can be very proud of how far our Pasifika Group has progressed. Their commitment to an authentic celebration of their cultural heritage is a tribute to their families, Mrs Dooley and Mrs Plunkett. They performed outstandingly at last evening's Polyfest.

Today, after Mass, we commemorated the first anniversary of the passing of Mrs Rae with the planting of a memorial tree. It was a poignant moment as Fr Wayne dedicated the tree next to the netball courts. We all felt a sense that Denese's spirit lives on in the College.

Finally, I have reluctantly accepted the resignation of our long serving Head of Art, Mr Peter Burton. Mr Burton is currently on sick leave and we keep him in our prayers. Mrs Plunkett and Mrs Mellor will be looking after his art classes for the remainder of the year.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

Dedication For A True Kevinian

Today as part of our College Mass, we remembered Mrs Denece Rae who served on staff and was an integral part of St Kevin's for over 25 years.  We were joined by members of the Rae family for the dedication of a cheery blossom tree and plaque which overlook the netball courts, a fitting position given her passion for the game.  Thank you to Alan Grant and Mark Watson, Mr Mullally and Father Wayne for today's dedication.

Thank you to Mitali Singh (Y13) for these lovely images of today

National Pool Tournament

Good luck to Y10 student Hamish McAtamney who will travel to Upper Hutt to compete in a National U18 Pool tournament which will be held over the first weekend of the school holidays.  Hamish was selected for the Aoraki team after a tournament in Timaru last weekend. 

Sports Volunteers Lunch

Students were acknowledged for their volunteer efforts in sports at the College yesterday at the Aoraki Secondary Schools Sport Volunteer Luncheon, held at Portside.  Thank you to Peta Grant (Basketball), Riley Chandler (Hockey), Reuben Mihaere (Netball), Levi Emery (Touch), Ashley Pink (Basketball), Ellen McAtamney (Hockey & Cricket), Kate Nally (Netball) and Angus Macaulay (Touch).  

Home & School Fashion Parade

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE SCHOOL OFFICE OR PREEN (THAMES STREET)

Polyfest 2015

Congratulations to our students who were part of Polyfest 2015, held in Dunedin.  Once again it was an amazing event and our Pasifika Group performed to resounding applause.  Here's a sneak peek at some photos from the evening...

Girls 10 Rugby

Girls rugby took to the field on Wednesday with the U15 Girls 10's Rugby Tournament in Timaru.  Playing against Mt Hutt, Ashburton, Timaru Girls and Craighead the squad of thirteen came third at the end of an exciting day of competition.  Well done girls!   Thank you to coaches Mr Rooney and Richie Wilson, and manager Mrs Kitto.

Aoraki Secondary Schools Pool Tournament

Hamish McAtamney (Y10), Broady Taylor (Y10) and Clement Yang (Y13) traveled to Timaru last weekend to compete the in the Aoraki Secondary Schools Pool Tournament.  Hamish placed third and has secured a spot on the Aoraki team to travel to nationals.   Well done!

Celebration of Sport 2015

Last Friday evening the College held it's annual Celebration of Sport, and evening where we acknowledge and celebrate the sporting successes of our students. Sporting Blues for 2015 are also presented during the evening. This year our guest speaker was dual international Suzie Bates.

Sporting Blues were presented to:
Sean Daly and Connor Daly - Hockey
Jaxson MacDonald-Piner - Swimming
Jessica Fraser - Trapshooting
Sydney Telfer, Julia Fauth, Adam Sew Hoy and Kalas Taukamo - rowing
Brady Kingan - Cricket

Our Premier Award Winners were:
Ben McCarthy - Junior Sportsman of the College (Boyle Cup)
Molly Kay - Junior Sportswoman of the College (Camellia Cup)
Brady Kingan - Senior Sportsman of the College (Donovan Cup)
Francziska Yanzick - Senior Sportswoman of the College (Margaret Breen Cup)
Ellen McAtamney - Outstanding Student Contribution to Sport at the College (Cup)
Jaxson MacDonald-Piner - Outstanding Sportsman of the College (Carrickmore Cup)
Jessica Fraser - Outstanding Sportswoman of the College (Kearney Family Cup)

Principal's Message

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

As this business end of the year comes to a close, I would like to extend my congratulations to the many senior students who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they have made the most of their time here at the College. The New Zealand curriculum asks us to focus primarily on the development of the key competencies as an overarching aim for our young people. These include obvious areas like thinking and using language symbols and texts, but also those areas which promote pro social attitudes and an ability to function in wider society. One of these is ‘self management’, that is the ability to organise ones own life, priorities and responsibilities and step up to meet those goals. We have many young people in our College who are doing just that. Two examples who come to mind are Brittany Caldwell who recently won a Federated Farmers scholarship for her ability and personal achievements in the area of Agriculture and Georgia Haggerty, who is leaving us this week for Nepal to work with the people of that area as they navigate their recent earthquake disasters.

We are very proud of our young people and will no doubt recognise them further in tonight’s Celebration of Sport, where our best sportsmen and women are applauded. In a world which is quick to lays society’s ills at the feet of our teenagers, we need to remember that as a body they are pretty incredible.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

BOT Student Elections

The BOT Student Representative nominations for 2016 are:
Matthew Cullimore
Meg Knowler
Jino Kunnethedam
Karan Ratgali
Max Stewart

Voting Day is on Friday 18th of September. There will be a voting box in the office to put your voting paper into.

You may vote for only one candidate by inserting a tick against one name.

If you are going to be absent on Friday 18th September you can hand in earlier your completed voting form personally to Mrs McErlane (Election Returning Officer).

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT VOTE FOR THE BEST CANDIDATE.

Sue McErlane
Returing Officer

Agricultural Scholarship

Thank you to Hayden Meikle at the Oamaru Mail for this great photo

Congratulations to Y13 student Brittany Caldwell who has been awarded a well deserved North Otago Federated Farmers Scholarship.  Richard Strowger, president of NO Federated Farmers, joined us for assembly on Wednesday and presented Brittany with her scholarship.  She has also received the Lincoln University TeenAg Scholarship.  Well done!

Tournament Week Images

Our girls were out competing during Tournament Week and taking on the challenges with grit and determination.  Thank you to Mr Mawson and Mandy Farrell for these great images from the football and hockey.

South Island Champs

Congratulations to the Boys Top V Basketball who took out the competition at the South Island "A" Secondary Schools Premiership which was held in Ashburton in the latter half of Tournament Week.  The final was played out against an undefeated Kavanagh team but the boys secured the gold medal with a 58/49 win.  We wish them all the best as they head to the nationals in Palmerston North, intent on reclaiming their national title.

The Girls Top V also played in the South Island tournament, for the first time and under the guidance of coach Colleen Newberry finished a very credible 5th.  Well done girls.

Bound For Nationals

Caitlin Middlemiss (Y10) competed at the South Island Gymnastics Championship in Timaru last Saturday and having been successfully selected for the Aorangi team will travel to Auckland in the first week of the school holidays for the National Gymsports Competition.  At Saturday's competition she placed 1st on both Beam and Floor, 3rd on Vault and 4th on Bars.  She came 1st overall for Level Five.  Congratulations Caitlin!! 

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Winter sports tournament has been a major focus this week, with teams from most codes competing in venues around the South Island. We have been following results with interest as weather conditions and injuries added a wild card to the outcome of many of the games. Locally we have hosted the Coaches Cup Hockey. The boys made it to the final and were vocally supported by the school at the turf. Our sincere thanks go to the caregivers and supporter who have willingly given up their time or used annual leave to look after the students this week. We look forward to sharing some of the season's successes next Friday at our Celebration of Sport being held in the Auditorium at 7pm.

At Wednesday's assembly, Mr Ryan and I explained the subject selection process that we are following for 2016. For students and caregiver's new to NCEA, there is information about the process on our website. The senior course options are also available. The Friday options available to students have been vastly extended as we have become a Primary Industry Trades Academy. As we begin these discussions, I encourage caregivers to have a conversation about the direction of learning - rather than a specific career. The danger is that we become too focused on a particular career too early. Students need a rich skill-set to allow them to be able to change direction as their aspirations and market forces dictate. Some things do not change however:

• There is still no substitute for excellent grades. They open doors and demonstrate your skills. 
• The subjects we choose still need regular and disciplined hard work. 
• Assessment is continuous and relentless under NCEA. There are lots of assessment events that we need to keep track of during the year and externally in November. 

I wish you all the best with you deliberations. If you need more support our Careers Advisor, Mrs Jackson, is available to help.

Finally, I ask that you continue to keep Mrs Ryan in your prayers.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

Coaches Cup

The Boys 1st XI Hockey team have battled some cold and wet conditions over the last few days, playing for the Coaches Cup here in Oamaru.  Despite the weather the boys have provided a great display of exciting hockey, working together as a skilled unit to progress to the final against Buller.  The boys were supported in their final by "a few" Kevinians as the College came across the park to enjoy the game.  The out of town Buller team were the winners on the day but the crowd were treated to a great game of hockey and the boys did themselves, their coaches, managers, supporters and fellow Kevinians proud.  Well done boys on a fantastic tournament.

Celebration of Sport

St Kevin's College - Celebration of Sport

with guest speaker

Suzie Bates

(duel international Cricket/Basketball)

Friday 11 September

7 pm in the College Auditorium

New Boat In The Shed

Thank you to the Oamaru Mail for use of this photo

This week SKC Rowing took possession of an elite single racing boat, donated by Frances Lemm on behalf of the Roberson Family Trust.  The  Wintech Single rounds out the SKC elite racing fleet which also boasts a Kirs Quad and training boat (donated by Frances in 2009 and 2011 respectively) and a Wintech "Medalist" Double (also donated by another generous family).  This wonderful commitment to the College is what enables students to compete at a national level.  Thank you for your generosity and support!

The Oamaru Rowing Club has it's annual Open Day this coming Sunday at midday with the Learn to Row programme beginning on that day and then continuing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 4-5.50pm and Sunday at 11am - registrations accepted throughout the week.

Year 11 Algebra Examination

Year 11 Algebra Examination

Year 11 students are about to sit their final Algebra examination worth 4 credits.

As SKC is a trial school for digital assessment the students are fortunate to get two attempts at the examination.   The first attempt is done via the internet on Tuesday 8th September 9am-12am.   Students then sit a paper based version of the exam on Thursday 17th September 9am-10am.  As a trial school students will be awarded the highest grade of their two papers.

These dates and times are set by NZQA and are not negotiable. If a students is absent they will not be able to sit the exam.

Please encourage your student to spend time revising over the next three weeks. All students have access to the Education Perfect website which has plenty of practice exams.