Monday, September 30, 2013

College Community Food Drive

The College Service Captains with guidance from Mrs Dooley are organising a SKC Community Food Drive to support families in need within our community.  Students are asked to bring along donations for morning collections in the Office Quad.

Perishable and frozen foods are also welcome and donations may be left at the School Office at other times of the day.  Thank you for your generosity.


Friday, September 27, 2013

Acting Principal's Comments

Dear Kevinians


I find it hard to believe that term 3 has come to an end. It was only yesterday, in my minds eye, that Paul Olsen waved goodbye and headed off on his sabbatical for 3 months. I suppose it is the nature of our world today and our work that time seems to fly by. It has certainly been a steep learning curve for myself to work as the Acting Principal. I have been in regular contact with Paul over this time as he has tripped his way around the Earth, using apps such as Voxer and Vibe means we take advantage of every little piece of connectivity. Gone is the time where you just vanished and returned at some later date. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, United States, Canada, England and at the time of writing this Scotland. Paul will finish off in Ireland and Hong Kong before reappearing at school, Week 2 of Term 4.


I would like to thank my team who have stepped up and helped to run the school so efficiently this term. Justin Fowler, Karen Austin, Jo Walshe, Margaret Burton and Janette Potter have all contributed to the team effort in their own way. The school staff have been outstanding and it has been a great pleasure for me to interact with the students in a different way, working directly with the Top 6 Prefects has been a real highlight. Special thanks from me to the ladies in our office; Sue McErlane, Leanne Wolfe, Colleen Rusbatch and Cathy Taylor for their support.


We started Term 3 with a powhiri for the students from Obirin High School, Japan. They were hosted in our school for 3 weeks and experienced our own unique culture. Upon departure they booked in again for next year, so it was agreed we must have shown them a fine time. Dominican Excellence Awards were next followed by parent interviews. The list continues: Kahurangi performance, Assumption Liturgy, College Ball, Bishops Shield, St Thomas’ exchange, Drive to Survive, Excel presentation, Tournament Week, Celebration of Sport, Enduro trip and Chemistry trip, finishing the term with the Choral Festival. It takes a dedicated effort by the whole school community to make all these events work and contribute to teaching and learning. We are already hard at work on next years calendar.


Lastly, I would like to remind all students and caregivers that we have our school examinations in the first week of term 4. This has been calendared and down as an event on our Facebook page for a very long time. Students have been reminded on numerous occasions in class and school assemblies just how important these examination are: last year a stomach flu swept through our examination candidates and that resulted in 15 applications for medical derived grades for students who could not sit their examinations. We use our school exams as a means of reporting to NZQA in this situation. Every year there is someone who needs to use this process. Click here


We expect that students will use their holiday time for some rest and relaxation but also plan a significant amount of study and make good use of their time.


I wish the whole community a safe holiday.


Please keep Mr and Mrs Olsen in your prayers.


God bless you all
Kerry Ryan
Acting Principal

Choral Festival 2013

The Auditorium was packed last night for the annual St Kevin's College Choral Festival and a special thank you to our judge for the evening, Pastor Neil Johnson.  Congratulations to all of our winners and finalist!

Junior Duets - Gypsy-Mae Harihona Harrison and Chelsea Seddon
Senior Duets - Monica Ley and Josh Mullally
Junior Girls Solo - Gypsy-Mae Harihona Harrison
Junior Boys Solo - Jino Kunnethedam
Senior Girls Solo - Sui Halaholo
Senior Boys Solo - Kurt Mordeno
Own Composition - Kate Caldwell
Top Accompanist (winner of the Helen Mulheron Trophy) - Eva Liardet
Top Conductor (winner of the Warwick Newton Memorial Cup) - Monique Verdonk

CHAMPION HOUSE AND ROSEBOWL WINNER - MAGEE HOUSE

Student Representative Election for the BOT

St Kevin’s College
Student Representative Election for the Board of Trustees
 
Nominations are invited for the election of one student representative to the board of trustees.

A nomination form and a copy of this notice is being distributed to all eligible voters on the student roll.  Further nomination forms can be obtained from the school office.

Nominations close at noon on 23 October 2013 and may be accompanied by a signed candidate’s statement.

The voting roll is open for inspection at the school and can be viewed during the hours the office is open.

There will also be a list of candidates’ names for inspection, as they come to hand, on the College notice board.

The poll closes at noon on 6 November 2013.


Sue McErlane 
Returning Officer 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

North Otago Hockey Representatives

Ella, Rose, Gypsy Mae, Ellen and Riley - congratulations girls!
Following a term of early Sunday morning coaching sessions with top North Otago Hockey Coaches Shaun Cunningham and Jarod Ovens, the following St Kevin's girls have been selected into the U15 North Otago Hockey team to attend the National Championship Tournament to be held in Dunedin in the first week of the School Holiday's.  The team has had a good build up with narrow loss's against Mid Canterbury 2-1 and South Canterbury A 1-0 and taking 2 wins against Otago B last weekend 3-1 and 1 -0.

Congratulations to: 
Gypsy Mae Harihona Harrison (Captain)
Riley Chandler
Ellen McAtamney
Rose McCarthy
Ella Hitchcock

Sabbatical Update

Warm autumn greetings from Winchester, England.

Sandra and I have just arrived in Britain on the final leg of our journey which has so far taken us to South America, USA and Canada. We are now two thirds of the way through our world trip and are about to visit Ireland. We are looking forward to visiting our founding roots in Waterford and Glendalough.

It has been a privilege to be hosted by the families of our international past pupils in both Argentina and Chile. We have taken the opportunity to reconnect with Facundo, Nicolas, Gaston and Inigo and see the sights of their beautiful countries.

It has been inspiring to visit schools along the way and compare the education systems. Although the perspectives are different, they all share similar concerns and challenges. On reflection, it is pleasing to see that our New Zealand system and standards compare favourably and are truly world class. As we have visited each country, I have taken the opportunity to make connections with schools and their principals and look forward to hosting them in the future.

Along the way we have visited some iconic destinations and have taken in some amazing views at  places such as Iguazu Falls, The Grand Canyon, Yosemite Valley and many glaciers in Alaska. This has been a tremendous experience which has added to the sabbatical.

I have just had the opportunity to read the confirmed ERO Report. I am very pleased with the document and wish to formally pass on my thanks to the Board of Trustees and hard working Staff of the College. As a community, we can take pride in this acknowledgement of educational excellence.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We look forward to sharing our insights and experiences with you early in the new term. Please continue to support Mr Ryan in his Acting Principal role in the interim.

Blessings to everyone at St Kevin's
Paul & Sandra Olsen

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Final Netball Meeting for 2013


Final Netball Meeting for 2013

Monday 21 October
7pm
St Kevin's College Staffroom

Everyone welcome!

Debating Challenge


Future politicians in the making!  The twelve students debating in the Junior Interhouse Debating Competition will probably end up in the Beehive.  "That Competition Is Only For Winners" and "That Parents Don't Understand Their Children" were the two entertaining moots.  Mrs K Austin was the adjudicator.  congratulations to Best Speaker, Scott Ruddle from Clancy.

1st TREACY - Mark Whittet, Imogen Brown, Ella Hitchcock
2nd WHYTE - Ceilidh Brookes, Kimberly Dyster, Jino Kunnethedam
3rd MAGEE - Amy Hunter, Holly Malcolm, Jacqui Malcolm
4th CLANCY - Karan Ratgali, Ella Sanderson, Scott Ruddle

Friday, September 20, 2013

Acting Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters,

I was very proud to welcome everyone to the Celebration of Sport Awards Evening last Friday and must congratulate Mr Ryburn, Miss Casey, Mandy Farrell and the Home & School team and Mr Grant on a spectacular evening.  To all of the staff, students and members of the College Community who make up the sporting body of the school, what a wonderful celebration of your achievements during the year.  

We have been able to celebrate our cultural diversity at the College this week with a sneak preview of the Pasifika Group performance at assembly on Wednesday.   Along with the Kapa Haka Group they represented the College with pride at not one, but two festivals on Thursday and I was very proud of comments received about the way they conducted themselves with Kevinian pride!  

My thanks to Professor Lam and Mrs Hong Hu from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury for assisting with the inaugural Chinese Moon Festival which was held at the College last night.  Students enjoyed the hands on experiences that were made available and I offer my gratitude to staff who have worked to facilitate this experience.

The annual Choral Festival will be held in the Auditorium next Thursday at 7pm and I extend an invitation to our College Community to join us for an evening of music.  Students have been rehearsing the House Choir song choices and solo performance auditions and semi-finals have been held over the last few weeks.  The caliber of the finalists will be exceptional making for a great evening, so I hope you will be able to join us

Finally, I ask that you all continue to pray for safe travels for Mr and Mrs Olsen.

God Bless
Mr Kerry Ryan - Acting Principal

Special Character

We are having a very sacramental weekend with students being baptised and confirmed.  The spiritual growth of these students is mirrored by the growth around us as we celebrate the Spring Mass at 7pm this Sunday.  Our thanks to Father Wayne, Mrs K Austin and Mrs T Dooley for preparing the students.

Congratulations to the following students were baptised:  Kaleisha Jones, Quin Paterson, Isobel Ryan, Sydney Telfer and Georgina Wallis.

Congratulations to the following students who were confirmed: Darcy Green, Quin Paterson, Isobel Ryan, Sydney Telfer and Georgina Wallis. 


Moon Festival Celebrations


Last night the Moon Festival was celebrated at the College and we were delighted to be joined by Dr Adam Lam, Mrs Hong Hu and others from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury for this inaugural celebration.  The festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at it's roundest and brightest, and is a truly family occasion.  The St Kevin's family celebrated with an introduction to the festival by Dr Lam, followed by several demonstrations including Kung Fu, Calligraphy and tea tasting.  The evening finished in the Food and Nutrition Room with dumpling and moon cake tasting.  Thank you to the Confucius Institute and College staff who help facilitate the evening.

St Kevin's College Multicultural Group Shine


Students were fortunate to get a sneak peak of the Pasifika Group's performance at assembly this week.

It was a big day yesterday with the Kapa Haka and Pasifika Group performing at the North Otago Kaupapa Maori Festival during the day and then the Pasifika Group travelled to Dunedin to take part in the Maori and Pasifika Festival held at the Edgar Centre.  Both groups were outstanding in their performances and a credit to the College in the way they presented themselves and represented what it means to be a Kevinian.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Thank You Youthtown


St Kevin's College extend their sincere gratitude to Youthtown for a grant that has been received for new costumes for the College Kapa Haka Group, which have been made for an upcoming festival and future events.  A total of $950.89 was received and thanks to the sewing efforts of Mrs Plunkett, Ms Bayliss and Mrs Manson, the group are looking pretty sharp!

Check the group out at the North Otago Kaupapa Maori Festival, being held on Thursday 19 Sept at the Recreation Centre here in Oamaru.  St Kevin's will perform first after the break at approx 11.45am.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Celebration of Sport Awards Evening 2013



Congratulations to all of our winners from the 2013 Celebration of Sport Awards Evening which was held on Friday evening at the College.  Once again this was a very successfully run evening and a wonderful reflection of the sporting life at the College.  Our sincerest thanks to our guest speaker Mr Chris Cairns for joining us for this acknowledgement of students' sporting successes on both the local, national and international stage.

Permier Winners for the evening were:
Kearney Family Cup for Outstanding Sportswoman  - Holly Edmondston
Carrickmore Cup for Outstanding Sportsman - Hamish Robertson
Contribution Cup for Outstanding Student Contribuation - Isak Gunnarsson

Friday, September 13, 2013

Acting Principal's Comments

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters,

Despite the end of term fast approaching we take time this week to celebrate success on a number of different fronts.  

I am looking forward to welcoming students, coaches, managers and parents to the Celebration of Sport Awards Evening which is being held at the College this evening.  These awards recognise the very best in our sporting talent at St Kevin's and the Dining Room has been transformed for this sold out event.  Our guest speaker Chris Cairns is looking forward to coming to Oamaru and speaking at our event, and my thanks to Miss Casey and Mr Ryburn for coordinating proceedings, Mrs Mandy Farrell and the Home & School team for their wonderful decorations and of course our dedicated Caretaker Mr Alan Grant for his assistance with all things technical.  

Mrs Austin was proud to join our 2013 Class Act recipients and their parents at the special Class Act Awards Ceremony and Reception which was held in Dunedin yesterday.  With their consistent level of excellence and an ongoing representation of the College in all areas, Molly Farrell and Jibi Kunnethedam are very worthy winners of this prestigious award.  I extend my sincerest congratulations to them both on behalf of the College and also the wider community.  

The awards were presented by our Prime Minister, Mr John Key, and his address to the students encouraged them to stay focused on their quest for success in whatever area they should choose and to back themselves 100%.  At St Kevin's we encourage our students to aim for success at all times and I would ask that they continue to keep this message in mind as the end of term draws near and students focus on their study and revision routines.  By now senior students will have returned their course selection sheets and will have an indication as to the work that must be put in to achieve their goals.

Finally, I ask that you all continue to pray for safe travels for Mr and Mrs Olsen.

God Bless
Mr Kerry Ryan - Acting Principal.

Special Character - Social Justice Week

Alex Kircher from 9N was one of the team out and about collecting for the Stroke Street Appeal
We celebrated Social Justice Week with a presentation at assembly and a visit from Catherine Gibbs who is the Caritas National Education Co-ordinator. Charlotte Hunt, President of JAG, organised six Year 13 students to speak about their part time jobs and what they had learned from the experience.  The presentation fitted in with the Social Justice theme meaningful work for young employees.  Students from Year 9 were rostered on throughout the Stroke Street Appeal day and enjoyed the opportunity to give back to the community.  

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Class Act 2013


Congratulations to our Class Act recipients for 2013; Deputy Head Girl Special Character Molly Farrell and Head Boy Jibi Kunnethedam.  The Class Act recipients should demonstrate outstanding contributions to St Kevin's College and the wider community and Molly and Jibi were nominated as a result of their consistent representation of the College in a variety of sporting, cultural and service areas.  The awards were presented by Prime Minister John Key at the Class Act Award Ceremony and Reception held in Dunedin.

Uniform Reminders


Please remember that if girls are choosing to wear navy socks rather than tights they MUST be over the knee.  Also, students are required to wear the regulation lace up black shoes.  


The school holidays are fast approaching and will give an opportunity to have uniforms dry cleaned for Term 4.  Thank you.

Thank You From SKC Football


A big thank you from Mr Seddon and all the boys to Mr Pickles for lending his trailer, and Mr Kunnethedam and Mrs Moynihan for assisting with the Boys' Football Tournament last week!

As with all of our sporting codes, the active support of our parents and caregivers is vital to be able to continue giving students these opportunities.


Bus Breakdown


Hi St Kevin’s

Sorry for not catching up with you at school today. I’m stuck at Iona because of a mechanical problem with my “rock star bus” and hopefully I will get to see you next week.

Take care and God Bless
From Andrew (Easton)



Celebration Preparations


Year 13 student Andrew Easton has been set to task helping Miss Casey sort the cups for the Celebration of Sport Awards Evening which will be held in the College Dining Room tomorrow evening.  An avid rugby fan, Andrew took the opportunity to hold the McCormack Trophy for the 1st XV Captain and also the Robinson Cup for the Best and Fairest Player 1st XV.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

World Freestyle Kayaking Championships

Courtney Kerin in action
Congratulations to past pupil Courtney Kerin who has ranked #6 in the world at the World Freestyle Kayaking Championships held in North Carolina.  This is an outstanding result for what is Courtney's first year in the womens class.  

Mr Haig finished a very credible 53rd from over 70 competitors and we agree with him when he delighted in sharing the news "Not bad for a first time!"

Maths Tutorials

Senior internal examinations will be held during the first week of next term.  There will be extra MATHS TUITION each Tuesday at lunchtime in Room 4 and Wednesday after school in Room 5.  These sessions will continue each week until NCEA exams begin.

Big Weekend For College Netball


This Saturday is a big weekend on the St Kevin's College Netball calender with a number of teams playing in finals and playoff.  As the only school team in the Premier Grade top four, the Senior A team are playing for 3rd place and the Year 9A team are facing a final in their grade for the College.  All Year 10 teams have also made their grade finals.  So make sure you come to the courts on Taward street and support our teams!

The Great Gatsby Gone


Due to a disappointing lack of support the Home & School have made the difficult decision to cancel the planned Great Gatsby Party which was to be held on Saturday 21 September.


They would like to thank those who purchased tickets and they can arrange a refund of their ticket through the Home & School.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

South Island Swimming Championships


The South Island Swimming Championships were held in Blenheim a the beginning of the month.  Isobel Ryan made a regular appearance on the podium and Angus Macaulay also secured a medal and a swag of top ten places.

As a result of her outstanding efforts Isobel has been selected to be part of a New Zealand Zonal Team which will compete against members of the New Zealand Olympic Team at special invitational swim meet.  This pilot event will take place the day after the Short Course National Age Group Competition, which will be held in Wellington during the first week of the upcoming school holidays.  Both Isobel and Angus will compete at the Short Course NAG's.  

Isobel's results include: 1st - 50m Back and 50m Free, 2nd 400m Free Relay, 3rd - 50m Fly, 200m Medley Relay, 100m Free, 100m Back and 400m Medley Relay.

Angus's results include: 3rd - 1500m Free, 4th - 400m Free, 5th - Individual Medley, 7th - 100m Free and 8th 200m Individual Medley.


Monday, September 9, 2013

Celebration of Sports Awards 2013 - Guest Speaker Chris Cairns


ST KEVIN'S COLLEGE SPORTS EVENING
FRIDAY 13TH SEPT
7pm - 9.30pm
At the St Kevin's College Hostel Dining Room

With guest speaker and cricketing legend
CHRIS CAIRNS

"I’m really looking forward to coming to the beautiful town of Oamaru and presenting at St Kevin's College Sports Awards.  It is an honour to have the opportunity to mix with some of our top emerging sporting talent and to be able to share some of my insights from a long career in sport and to provide some  encouragement and advice on working hard and  being successful".   

Admission by ticket (including St Kevin's College students)
$15 each, available from the School Office
(complementary nibbles and non-alcoholic beverages)

Fundraising Bar from 6-7pm
(No school students will be served at the bar and as St Kevin's College school rules apply students will be prohibited from drinking alcohol at this event)

All of the St Kevin's College Sporting Prizes will be presented at this special evening.
Tickets will be limited, so be in quick!

Mandarin Lessons

MANDARIN LESSONS
with Miss Emma Qui
at
St Kevin's College, Room 17
on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings
6.30 - 8pm

Please contact the school office for more information 03 4371665

Friday, September 6, 2013

Acting Principal's Comments

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters,

I must begin this week with a hearty congratulations to all of the sports teams who have been away this week competing at various sporting tournaments around the South Island.  Reports back support what we know to be true about the Special Character of the College and the way our students approach competition with a wonderful sense of sportsmanship.  I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of the staff, parents and caregivers who have traveled with the teams as their coaches, managers and chaperones.  Without your support we are not able to offer these opportunities to our students.  Thank you.

My thanks also to the staff who have provided relief teaching for those away with students, including our team of relief teachers who are an important part of our College family.  Today we farewelled one of our long standing relief teachers, Mr Tony Stead, as he looks towards retirement from teaching.  Mr Stead began teaching full time at the College in 1968 and "retired" in 2003 but has continued as a relief teacher since that time.  We wish Mr Stead all the very best and thank him for his dedication to education at St Kevin's.

New Zealand cricketing legend Chris Cairns will join us next Friday as guest speaker for our annual Celebration of Sport Awards Evening, which will be held in the College Dining Room.  All of the sporting awards for 2013 will be presented during the course of the evening and I would encourage you all to secure your tickets early for this highlight on our sporting calendar.  They are available from the school office at $15 per person.

I ask that you all continue to pray for safe travels for Mr and Mrs Olsen.

God Bless
Mr Kerry Ryan - Acting Principal.

Tournament Week 2013


Teams from across our winter sporting codes have been competing in tournaments around the South Island during the week and final results have been a mixed affair.  Regardless, all of the students who took to the sports field or court in the name of St Kevin's were a credit to the Special Character of the College and are to be congratulated on some outstanding performances.  Well done!  A special thank you to all of the staff and parents who traveled with the teams as coaches, managers and chaperones.  
 

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Visits From Friends

Hi everyone,

Great to be back for another week of term 3.

I have been chatting to Miss Fogarty and Miss Pennycook today while Katie was eating her lunch…steaming hot KFC. Yum!!  Sometimes my dad sneaks some KFC into Iona for me; Thursday was our takeaway night when I was at home.

I like chatting to the “top six”.  Brianna Fogarty asked me some questions about the rugby and I was more than happy to talk to her about it.  She mentioned about the shield but I just ignored that part.  I’m looking forward to the game between Otago and Tasman this weekend.  Otago have to win to get the third place slot.  I want Otago to bounce back from the loss of the Ranfurly Shield.   Although Tony Brown was extremely proud of his boys.

Bye guys, see you next Thursday at lunchtime.

Andrew Easton :)

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Action From North Carolina

Mr Haig has been putting his best paddle forward during training sessions at the 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships.  Competing in the Mens K1 section Mr Haig will have his heats on the 6th September (New Zealand time).  We wish him all the very best of luck, along with fellow Kevinians Courtney Kerin and Jason Searle.

Click here to see Mr Haig in action!

Football Finals

The Boys 1st XI faced over 200 minutes of football on Saturday with two finals to play.  The first final was for the South Canterbury U18 League and after a strong first half St Kevin's College went into half time leading 2-0.  However Geraldine Black fought back to equalize resulting in half an hour of extra time.  Geraldine capitalized on their momentum and went on the take the game and the title.

With empty tanks the boys then took to the pitch for the Youth Cup final and despite dominating for the first 30 minutes, bodies gave way and the team were unable to defend the title they took last year.

However, the team was still able to come home with a set of runner-up medals and trophy and are to be congratulated on a fantastic season of football.  Well done!