Monday, October 29, 2012

Aoraki Junior Tennis

Last week a number of students traveled to competed at the Aoraki Junior Tennis Championships.  Great playing conditions made for a wonderful competition and the team played well against some stiff competition.    The best finish came from the Mixed Team of Georgia Malcolm, Kate Caldwell, William Sunderland and Thomas Pickles, who placed first in their section.  Congratulations!!

Duke Of Edinburgh Challenge

Four students completed the tramping section of the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award (Gold Award) over Labour Weekend.  Sam and Isaac de Buyzer, Sean Hand and Jack Dwyer braved four days of very changeable weather in the Hopkins Valley (rain, hail, snow and a little more rain then snow again!) to complete this challenge.  No soft options for this intrepid team; cooking outdoors and tenting, all with smiles and positive attitudes.  Conditions did however force us into the shelter and warmth for one night and a marathon game of K and A to decide who go the bottom bunk.

This past weekend, a team of five girls set out for the Ahurir Valley on their Silver Award tramp.  Again, much rain to test the resolve, but all girls showed remarkable enthusiasm and a keenness to go places.  "A walk in the rain" might be the title of their tramp report, with a lot of highlights for sure!

The Art Of Paintball

The Yr13 girls were given a break from study during the weekend with a trip to Timaru for paint balling.  It wasn't all clear sailing however with a couple of surprises for them on the opposing team ... ie; Mr Ryan and Mr Nyika!  Despite some wounded pride a great lot of fun was had by everyone.  


Friday, October 26, 2012

Principal's Message


Dear Parents and Friends of St Kevin's

Our academic focus was reinforced by the end of year Hillary and Sheppard presentations at Assembly this week. The Sheppard certificates reward academic progress during term three and have a ten dollar note attached and the Hillary has two five dollar notes rewarding engagement and endeavour.  It was pleasing to see the number of students being recognised with these awards. To qualify, students had to show improvement in the fortnightly indicators during term three. From the list of students who qualified, the final selection was made with recommendations from Whanau Teachers, Deans and Student Mentors. I am committed to helping students make the link between engagement, effort and excellence.


Sheppard Certificates:

Scott Ruddle, Keith Alcasabas, Thomas Pickles, Sean O'Brien, Rosie Pope, Samantha Friel, Chad Pink, Eva Liardet, 
Amrit Sapkota, Rose Anderson, Kevalee Sriutaisuk, Isak Gunnarsson, Melanie Grasmueck, Elliot McCleery, Sione Palaa, Kieran Ryan, Taylor-Jean Renalson, Kimberley Ramsey, Lauryn Wilkinson, Libby McGee and Jared Papps.

Hillary Certificates:

Karan Ratgali, Callie Mills, Gypsy Harihona-Harrison, Rachel Richardson, Moriah Tyrell, Tarn Crow, Lily Webster, Charlie Wallis, Brittany Caldwell, Bryony Brown, Alexandra Heaphy, Christopher Kearney, Tessa Robertson, Kyle Andales, Charlotte Hunt, Logan Johnston, Takahiro Kamata, Ellen-Margaret Powers, Bradley Clark, Hannah Mihaere, Brittany More and Albert Hailes.


The assembly was also an opportunity to celebrate achievement in mathematics, agriculture and sport:
  • Henry Wallace, Hamish Slater , Lisa Nolan , Brodie McClelland , Harry Lanauze, Nicole Duncan and Paddy Comber were presented with their Certificate in Rural Machinery at NCEA Level 2. 
  • Jared Papps, Tarentaise McLeod and Tiana Mihaere were presented with Distinction certificates in the Australian Mathematics Competition.
  • Brittany Caldwell, Allyson Woock, Quin Patterson and  Kimberley Allan were awarded Merit, Bronze and Silver badge awards for Badminton.
Congratulations to all the award recipients. To add to the occasion, it was a pleasure to welcome Andrew Easton to our assembly. His steady progress is an inspiration to us all. 

The last fortnightly reports for seniors will be sent out to parents this week. It is vital that our seniors make the most of the teaching and learning opportunities being provided by staff during the final weeks leading to the NCEA external examinations. To get the most out of the tutorials and structured revision provided by staff, students need to keep their focus on study and resist the temptations of social distraction over this vial period. Personal excellence will look different for each of our students, however the objective is the same: to be able to reflect on our achievements with the satisfaction of knowing that we have genuinely tried our best.

May God Bless You
Paul Olsen
Principal



A Snapshot From The Hillary And Sheppard Awards

Obirin Memories


The Obirin students have long since returned to Japan but there will always been a connection to Oamaru and the College for those who come for the bi-annual visit.  The Obirin students leave St Kevin's with lifelong memories and we were delighted to hear from one of the students, Taka.  Obviously the visit to Dunedin with their St Kevin's buddies was a highlight of their trip.

Marist Youth Leaders Retreat

During the last school holidays a group of 10 Year 12 students traveled to Gore to attend the week long Marist Youth Leader Retreat at St Peters College.  

The focus of the week was to develop leadership skills and to help the student discover their talents and potential.  Our thanks to Mr Farrell for traveling with them.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Home & School Help URGENTLY Needed

URGENTLY NEEDED for Uniform Shop.

The Home & School are looking for volunteers to join Shelley Kerin who will take over from Gai and Debbie at the end of this year.    The Uniform Shop is open each Thursday during the term from 12.30 - 1.45pm, with a small number of opening days ahead of Orietation and January enrollments.  The bookwork is managed by Sandra Olsen.

Please consider this voluntary role, it is a very fulfilling way of contributing to our school and the Shop provides valuable revenue to the Home & School and therefore all of our College students:
Gai Tangney 4346197
Debbie Robinson 4342207 OR 027 232 7952

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE UNIFORM SHOP WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER IN ORDER TO RELOCATE TO IT'S NEW FACILITY UNDER THE COLLEGE DINING ROOM IN TIME FOR ORIENTATION DAY ON FRIDAY 16TH NOVEMBER.  THANKS!


Junior Performance Unit

Boys begin their Haka performance
On Friday 2nd November our Year 9 and 10 students will be participating in the hotly contest annual Junior Performance Unit.  

This is be held in the College Gymnasium beginning at 1.40pm and parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.  

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Christmas Boxes

It's Christmas Box time at the College and students have once again rallied around to support this wonderful cause.  The Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child has been distributing gifts since 1993 and opens up a whole new life for young children through the power of a simple gift.  This years boxes are headed to Papua New Guinea.

Our thanks to Mrs Rosanne Sheridan who has facilitated this for the College and to the students who have so generously given to this worthy cause.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

World Champion Triathlete

Congratulations to past pupil Reubyn Bisschops who took out the competition in the ITU Age-Group World Championships (20-24 female age group) in Auckland yesterday.  Reubyn graduated in 2010 and she is currently studying Sport and Recreation Management at Lincoln University.  Her time of 02:15:28 assured her gold medal which was cemented with a solid run.  

We are also very proud of Mr Andy Collins who had a large field to compete against; he came home in 36th place with an impressive time of 02:19:55.  Congratulations Mr Collins!!!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Principal's Message


Dear Parents and Friends of St Kevin's

This week there was an academic focus to our Assembly and students were reminded of the importance of exam preparation.  The external NCEA exams are just around the corner and good study habits are key to putting in a top effort on the day.  

Isobel Ryan was congratulated on her National swimming successes during the recent holiday break and several students were presented with their completed Bronze or Silver Duke Of Edinburgh awards.  Mr Dixon has been busy preparing for upcoming tramping trips and these are always a highlight for those involved in the programme.

Students were also treated to an inspirational presentation from our very own world rower Johannah Kearney following her victorious return from Bulgaria.  She described the opportunity as a "once in a lifetime experience" and the College again offered it's congratulations to Johannah.  She is a wonderful role model to students and an example of the rewards of training and talent.  

The College website has been updated over the holidays and I encourage you all to take the time to look at the facilities and information it has too offer.  In particular the Alumni Connect link as we continue to search out past pupils of the College ahead of milestone celebrations.

May God Bless You

Kerry Ryan
Deputy Principal

Year 11 Agriculture Out And About

On Thursday Year 11 Agriculture students visited Waitaki Boys' High Farm for an assessment of their sheep handling skills.  They had lots of fun and learned a great deal.  We are very grateful to Mr Clark and WBHS Agriculture Dept for sharing their resources and expertise.

Aoraki Sports Awards Finalists

The Aoraki Sports Awards will be held in two weeks and we are pleased to congratulate the large number of students and staff who have been named as finalists in their chosen field.

Micayla Brenssell - Rodeo
Matt Brien - Basketball
Rodney Bungard - Athletics
Isaac de Buyzer - Contribution
Holly Edmondston - Cycling
Helena Graham - Basketball
Albert Hailes - Tennis
Johannah Kearney - Rowing and Team
Caitlin Kearney - Team
Stacey Kerin - Trampolining
Tim O'Malley - Cricket, Rugby and All Rounder
Olivia Pope - Contribution
Rosie Pope - Gymnastics
Bethany Robertson - Netball and All Rounder
Hamish Robertson - Basketball
Isoble Ryan - Swimming
Mr Mike Seddon - Cricket and Football
Mrs Athena Evans - Netball

Meads Cup Semi-Final

Tim tries on Kilifi's 2007 Championship jersey for size.
Good luck to Tim O'Malley (Yr 13) who will once again take his place in the North Otago Rugby Team starting lineup playing East Coast in the Meads Cup Semi-Final tomorrow in Ruatoria.  Tim plays in the Number 11 jersey on the Left Wing and scored the bonus try against Wairapa Bush two weeks ago.  Lets hope he can repeat that feat tomorrow!

Tim's selection to the team is an outstanding achievement and we are excited to see his rugby career unfolding.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

World Triathlon

Good luck to Mr Andy Collins who is representing New Zealand on the world stage at the World Cup International Triathlon in Auckland this coming Labour Weekend.  Mr Collins qualified after competing in the Auckland ITU World Cup Triathlon event at the end of 2011, just two minutes behind former Olympic champion Hamish Carter.  

Ex pupil Reubyn Bisshops will also be competing in the 20-24 Female age group and we wish her all the best for her event.


Grease Is The World

Grease is the word and it is coming to St Kevin's College in 2013!  By arrangement with Origin Theatrical we are excited to be able to make this announcement.  

The creative team of Mrs Newton, Mrs Haig, Mrs Taylor and Mrs Evans are putting student through their paces early with auditions being held during Week 3 of this term and students are already abuzz with Summer Nights and Grease Lightening.  Keep watching the blog for updates and news on Grease 2013!!

Trumpet Lessons

Kate and Jessica at their trumpet lesson with brass teacher, Mr Paul Claman.
We are very fortunate to have a strong Itinerant Music Programme at the College.  Currently we have space for more beginning trumpet and trombone students and all year levels are welcome to give it a try until the the of the year.  Anyone interested should see Mrs Haig in the Music Suite.

Top Shot

Congratulations to our newest South Island Champ Georgia-Kate Blair who competed in the South Island Secondary Schools Trapshooting Championship and shot a perfect round to take 1st place in the Ladies Single Barrel Rise.  She finished in the top 10 for Ladies Overall.  Georgia-Kate went on to the National competition where she placed 4th in the Ladies Single Barrel Rise.  This is an outstanding result for a shooter who is still in her first year, having only taken up the sport in February.

Swimming Sensation

St Kevin's College swimmer, Isobel Ryan, traveled to Wellington during the holidays to compete at the Short Course National Age Groups Championships.  Hard work and training resulted in a gold in 50m Freestyle, silver in 200m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, and a bronze medal in 100m Backstroke for 16 Years Women.  

She also successfully made two Open Women's Finals and qualified for the Youth Olympics, although narrowly missed selection due to her recent ankle injury.  Congratulations Isobel!!