Monday, February 27, 2017

Canterbury Rowing Champs

Some great results from the Canterbury Rowing Champs which were held over the weekend:
Boys U17 double sculls Max Smith 7th A final. Girls U16 single sculls Hannah Cunningham 3rd A final. Boys U17 double sculls Max Smith Logan Docherty 3rd A final. Girls U17 coxed 8 Georgie Oakes, Sophie Brien, Rylee Bell, Laura Preston, Catlin McCoy, Shea Direen, Hannah Cunningham, Abbey Mabon, Emily McCoy, 3rd A final. Boys U18 double sculls Max Smith Logan Docherty made A final. Girls U16 double sculls Abbey Mabon Catlin McCoy 7th B final. Boys U16 single scull Logan Docherty 2nd A final.  Phew!!!  Well done everyone!

Basketball Training Hits High Gear

Thanks to the ongoing support and generosity of Stephen Robertson and LJ Hooker our basketball teams will benefit from a high tech rebounding machine.  The Gun 8000 is portable and able to be programmed with a number of different features which will allow teams to work on all aspects of their training and their game.  Thank you Stephen and LJ Hooker!

Retreat Week - Year 9

In a new initiative we are delighted to welcome eight of the Christchurch Catholic Youth Mission Team for five days of retreats across all year levels.  Year 9's met today, Year 13 on Tuesday, Year 12 on Wednesday, Year 11 on Thursday and Year 10 on Friday morning.  It will culminate with Mass on Friday where the Youth Team will lead the music.  They are being hosted at the College Hostel.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Parties - Our Policy

As the year begins and school events start to dominate the calendar such as our swimming and athletic sports and later our school ball, the college would like to reiterate its official policy around parties. The school does not organise, condone or facilitate parties after any school event. All three secondary schools share this united stand.  While we do acknowledge the inevitability of parties in our community, the school strongly supports police and community endeavours to keep our youth safe.  Information about the results of drinking on developing brains can be found at the following link.  We strongly encourage parents and young people alike to be aware of the consequences of choices they make around alcohol.

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

After the initial flurry of House activities and sports, the College focus this week has been on establishing academic routines. Our seniors have started their Polytechnic courses at Ara Institute of Canterbury (the new name for Aoraki Polytechnic) and I am pleased to hear positive reports form tutors, students and parents.

Students at all levels are being assessed on their level of engagement and progress to date. This information is shared with caregivers and students as Attitude to Learning (ATL) on the Caregiver and Student portals.
  
Mathew Harris, our student advocate, and I have spent time identifying students who are under performing and Mathew will be be touching base with these students next week.

ATLs are our way of giving rapid feedback to students and caregivers. They are designed to keep everyone in the loop, start conversations and challenge both students and staff to get the most out of classes. If for some reason you are having trouble viewing the ATLs, call the College office for assistance.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Thursday, February 23, 2017

1500m Final Athletic Event

The last of the House points were up for grabs today with the running of the 1500m at lunchtime today.  Well done to everyone who took to the track and thank you to student photographer Clark Ewing for some great photos!

Amber Scores A Century

The girls cricket team have made a great start to the Girls 1st XI NZ Competition knock out round with wins against East Otago and Bayfield High Schools.  Amber Cunningham lead from the front with 72 n/o against East Otago and an outstanding 121 against Bayfield.  Her partnership with Annie Metcalfe of 167 was the total run score for the game against Bayfield as the team won without the loss of any wickets.  Their score for the East Otago game was a very credible 117-2.  While Amber's century and her partnership with Annie were the standout performances of the day, there were also some solid bowling performances from Whitney Cleveland, Gemma Dowling, Molly Kay and River Cunningham.  Well done girls!  We wish them all the best as they continue in the competition.  Their next game is against the defending national champions, St Hilda's.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Inter-House Relays 2017

The temperatures rose to 'very hot' but only seemed to fuel the fire and determination in the highly contested inter-House 4 x 100m relays. A big thumbs up to all those who ran for their Houses today! The last athletics event, the 1500m, will be run on Thursday at 1pm so final Athletics Results for 2017 will be posted soon!

Touch Rugby Star On The Rise

Congratulations to Brylee More and the rest of the Otago U16 Girls Touch Rugby team.  They came away from the recent Junior Touch Nationals in Auckland with a silver medal.  From this Brylee has been selected into the NZU16 Talent ID programme and will travel to the North Island later in the year for a week long camp.  Well done!

Monday, February 20, 2017

North Otago Tennis

Congratulations to our students who represented North Otago at the Southern Regional Tennis Teams Event over the weekend in Dunedin. Teams attending were from South Canterbury, Otago, Southern Lakes, Southland and North Otago. The 16 year old boys and girls team were overall winners in their age group. Very well done to Sarah Dodd, Brandon Howell, Josh Eckhold, Rebecca Dodd, Megan Dodd and Duran Cooper.

Learn To Row

Learn to row!
Come along and try a new sport. Learn to row sessions Monday and Wednesday 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Oamaru Harbour row shed.
Only till 15 March so be in Quick to try this new sport!!
Any enquiries to Athol Smith 0223097072

And an update on Nationals from Athol - Max Smith and Logan Docherty reached the B final of the U19 double, a top 16 finish in New Zealand. A great effort for boys under 17

Home & School AGM


Home & School AGM


Monday 6 March
7pm
SKC Staff Room

New members always welcome!

For information please contact Dianne Mills, 027 3032067

Friday, February 17, 2017

Principal's Messgage

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Today's athletic sports has capped of a week of sporting activity at the College. The 3000m race on Tuesday, championship swimming events on Thursday and track and field events today. Congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to our committed staff who have so capably organised these events. 
On Wednesday it was my privilege to present the Dominican Excellence Awards. These recognise last years NCEA achievement, the Cambridge examination results and our Duke of Edinburgh Silver awards. Students receiving Excellence endorsements in their NCEA were acknowledged with Academic Blues. Once again we have been able to celebrate superb academic achievement at all levels.

The Board of Trustees had their first meeting for the this year on Wednesday. Mr Steven Bolstridge was once again elected as the BOT Chair and the College Charter and annual plan have been ratified. These documents outline the strategic direction for the College and can be viewed on our website.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Athletic Sports Day 2017

It's been a stunning day at the College for the 2017 Athletic Sports Day!  The House spirit was flying high and it was wonderful to have so many families join us for a great day of sporting action!  The 1500m will be run next week so time will tell who our champions are, but congratulations to all of the students who took part in the track and field events today!  Thank you to our student photographers for capturing the day - Georgia Vickers, Emma-Kate Newlove and Hannah Bond.


Championship Swimming

The day was somewhat more overcast for our Championship Swimming event but that didn't stop those vying for the championship titles!  The final points will be tallied and results will be out soon, but in the meantime enjoy some images from the afternoon - Thanks to Anna Taylor and Tai Williams.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

SKC Netball Club AGM

St Kevin’s College Netball Club AGM

Saturday 4th March at 1.00 pm in the school staffroom
There will be a coaching session for any girls that come with their parents at the school courts from 1.00 to 2.00 pm with Melissa Smith.  Afternoon tea to follow. 
If your daughter plays netball in any grade, we would love to see you there.

Apologies to Paula Brien on 027 437 1291 or email paula.brien@xtra.co.nz

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Waitaki Sports Awards Nominations

The Waitaki Sports Awards are coming up and we have four fantastic nominations of which the College is very proud.  The Top 5 Basketball squad are nominated for Team of the Year, and SKC dominate the Junior Sportswoman category with Brylee More for Touch, Amber Cunningham for Cricket and Penny Keeling for Swimming.  




Dominican Excellence Awards 2017

It was with much pleasure that we welcomed our College community to SKC today, to share in the academic success of our students.  The Dominican Excellence Assembly is where we acknowledge students who have excelled in their NCEA studies and in particular receive a Merit or Excellence endorsement.  Students who receive an Excellence endorsement are also awarded a College Academic Blue.  At today's awards assembly we acknowledged over 100 students for their NCEA success, an outstanding achievement and a reflection of the Dominican emphasis on education.   Congratulations to you all!

We also presented certificates to our Cambridge students from 2016.  With a 100% pass rate over both Maths and English, we were particularly proud to acknowledge Rata McMullan, Ray Meech, Faraz Hussain and Joshua Gibson who scored either an A or A* result.  Well done to all of our Cambridge students on yet another great set of results.

We also have a large group of students at the College who participate in the Duke of Edinburgh programme  and today we took the opportunity to present Sarah Dodd and Ami Wallis with the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.  Well done girls, a wonderful achievement!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

3000m Race In Perfect Conditions

Sunny, but slightly cool .... perfect weather for the running of the 3000m races after school today! Well done to those who entered and received valuable House points. These will be included in the Athletic Day totals this coming Friday.  Make sure you come along and support the students, the Home & School will also be selling ice blocks and sausage sizzles. 


Monday, February 13, 2017

Mandarin Kung Fu Treat

Junior Mandarin classes were given a treat today when Kung Fu master John Sun from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury visited the College this morning. They got to have a go at some basic moves and watch a master in action!   John Sun gave a demonstration to the rest of the College at our Admin Assembly this afternoon.

John Sun has been in Oamaru over the weekend and was at the Chinese New Year celebrations held at Friendly Bay on Friday.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Principal's Comments

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Thank you to caregivers and staff who attended the "new families" meeting on Thursday evening in the Library. The opening of clear lines of communication benefits all of our community and being able to put faces to names makes our pastoral role so much easier.

In the Chapel today, St Kevin’s College and St Joseph’s Primary and Intermediate School were pleased to be able to gather in solidarity as we jointly celebrated the commissioning of our new staff by Bishop Colin.

The commissioning of new staff is an important ritual in the spiritual life of our schools. It is a sign and symbol of commitment to the core business of Catholic education which is educating our next generation to build the Kingdom of God here in Oamaru in a real and authentic way.

The day continued enthusiastically with the annual House swimming sports. House colours and points were the order of the day. Thank you to Mr Smith and your team for running an excellent all round event.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Swimming Sports 2017

Great shot of the pool by Tai Williams.
The overcast day didn't diminish the hot House spirit at today's Swimming Sports!  Following the Commissioning Mass this morning students and staff headed to the pool for the first of our inter-House competitions for the year.  Well done to all of you who took to the water for House points and glory!

A big thank you to our amazing Student Photography team!  Cliantha Whippy, Charlotte Page, Anna Taylor and Lewis Weatherley.


Teachers Commissioning Mass

The College House colours adorned the Chapel this morning with students ready for the annual Swimming Sports.  We began the day however with a special Mass during which our new teachers and those from St Joseph's were commissioned by Bishop Colin who joined us for the occasion.

He also presented certificates to Mr Farrell, Mrs Dooley, Dr Maret, Mrs Leong Son, Mrs Burton and Mr Mullally for studies which will further enhance the Religious Studies classes.

Thank you to Bishop Colin and Father Wayne, and also to Helen Mulheron for the music during today's Mass.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Prayers Please

Last week the College family suffered a blow when Mrs Yvonne Tohill, mother of Year 13 student Ryan (Anthony) Tohill, died after succumbing to illness. The school wishes to acknowledge her passing and will be sending staff and students to attend the funeral tomorrow.  
The death of a parent is a significant disruption at any stage of our lives, but to lose a mother at a young age is especially devastating. We ask that the College community keep the family in their prayers at this time.

Paul Olsen - Principal (on behalf of students and staff)


Waitangi Day Hostel Trip

Don't let the overcast cloud cover fool you!  The hot temperatures over the long weekend meant that the annual Waitangi Day Hostel trip to Loch Laird was the perfect excuse to spend plenty of time in and on the water.  Thank you to all of the families who joined us for the day and especially to those who brought along boats etc for students to enjoy!


Friday, February 3, 2017

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Today we gathered to celebrate the first school mass of the year. It was a very special occasion as it was also the School Leaders’ Investiture. It was a pleasure to welcome whānau and extended family. Student leadership is vital to the running of the school and we look forward to all Yr13 students playing an active role in leadership opportunities, remembering that we lead by our actions and example.  For the staff, the new year brings changes and we are very pleased to welcome our new teachers – Mrs Hesselin, Mr Isgar and Mrs Robinson. May your time with us be productive and fulfilling.

Today also marks the 90th anniversary of the College which was opened on February the 6th 1927. The photograph shows Pat Pavletich the first Boarder greeting Willie Higgins, the first Day Student. A 90th is a significant achievement in the history of any institution and to commemorate this event, today we will be blessing the new House Banners which have been commissioned for the occasion. They were designed by past pupil Lucy Tyrrell, under the guidance of Mrs Plunkett. Thank you to the Technology Faculty for putting the finishing touches to their work. We will be celebrating the 90th more formally during the year with past pupils reunion at Labour Weekend.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Investiture Mass 2017

Today the College Community gathered in the Chapel to celebrate our Student Leaders for 2017. They were presented with their badges by Mr Olsen before pledging their commitment to the responsibilities they have accepted and their promise to continue to uphold the Special Character values of the College. They were all acknowledged with a resounding round of applause in front of a crowd of proud friends and family.

To begin the Celebration of the Eucharist the House Captains were presented with a set of new House Banners, and we thank Lucy Tyrrell, Mrs Plunkett and Mrs Mellor for the many hours of work that has gone into the creation of the original concept and completion of the finished Banners.

Congratulations to our Student Leaders for 2017:
Head Girl – Holly Malcolm
Head Boy – Adam Sew Hoy
Deputy Head Girl – Harriet Hanning
Deputy Head Boy – Kalas Taukamo
Deputy Head Girl Special Character Prefect – Ella Hitchcock
Deputy Head Boy Special Character Prefect – Alexander Gonzales
Board of Trustees Student Representative – Harriet Hanning

Head Girl Hostel – Jessie Conlan
Head Boy Hostel – Finn Simpson
Deputy Head Girl Hostel – Brittany Weir
Deputy Head Boy Hostel – Billy Cheung

Clancy House Captains:
Leam Ryan
Tivinia Misiloi
Finn Simpson
Jessie Conlan

Magee House Captains:
Jacqui Malcolm
Stan Papaioannou
Amy Hunter
Ella Sanderson

Treacy House Captains:
Ami Wallis
Whitney Cleveland
Fergus Watt
Yvonne Gregory-Hunt

Whyte House Captains:
Chris Olsen
Samantha Palmer
Tom Sinclair
Imogen Brown
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE IMAGES HERE
                  

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Top Six 2017

Introducing our Top Six for 2017 ... Ella Hitchcock (Deputy Head Girl Special Character), Kalas Taukamo (Deputy Head Boy), Harriet Hanning (Deputy Head Girl), Holly Malcolm (Head Girl), Adam Sew Hoy (Head Boy) Alex Gonzales (Deputy Head Boy Special Character).  They will be celebrated at our Investiture Mass tomorrow, along with the our College House Captains.