Monday, April 28, 2014

China Trip Update 27 April 2014

Dear friends and family – Ni Hoa
The last 2 days have very busy with us all away at 8 am and not returning to the hotel by 8 pm at night. 
Yesterdays highlight was walking on the Great Wall. Which is surprisingly close to Beijing. Given that it is 8000 km long I guess this is not surprising really. We all walked up to high points took pictures and did a thoroughly good tourist job. 
This was followed by a visit to the Olympic Park- "birdsnest" stadium and swimming "cube" which are huge. The swimming pool has the cleanest water in the city. You can drink it apparently. 
Today, we visited the pandas at Beijing zoo and then went to see the Summer Palace but it was so incredibly crowded I think the lesson was not that China is old rather that it is heavily populated.... gosh was it crammed. 
This evening we visited the Golden Walking street so named because of the lights and brand named shops. All the kids headed for Mcdonald's.
I looking forward to tomorrow when we visit the Silk Market which doesn't actually sell silk but rather all the copies of familiar brands. Stand by to all be wearing your NIIKe shoes, adedas tops and listening on your Sany headphones. 
In the afternoon we will visit the New Zealand embassy.

Summary: we are all safe and things are going to plan. Plus the pollution was so low today the kids noted we could see blue sky.

Zai jian
Kerry and Nicky


Friday, April 25, 2014

China Trip Update 25 April 2014

Dear friends and family – Ni Hoa

Well the train trip to Beijing was quite an experience for all concerned. I think it gave the students an insight into how most of China actually gets about the country. The train we boarded was half way through its trip so already had people who had been using the beds and making them selves at home for 12 hours. 
We negotiated our way down a narrow passage way to our assigned beds, the group was split up into separate carriages [just how the ticketing system does it here]but had a teacher with each small group. I was in carriage 13 with Louie, Sydney, Aislinn, Connor R. with bunk beds 3 high. 
There was much shouting from the locals and great amusement as we struggled with suitcases and our supplies for the next 16 hours. As it turned out the trip was uneventful and we arrived in Beijing tired but complete. 

A quick stop at the hotel and we were on our way to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was a hot afternoon and the square is gigantic with flags, huge TVs and a massive painting of Mao. 
We walked across the biggest square in the world to enter the biggest palace in the world. Quite frankly we needed the the entire day to do this justice, it is just huge - 9000 rooms. 

Students were flagging and after dinner we returned to our hotel for an early night. I know I was a sleep in 5 minutes. My tired feet asleep well before that...

Summary: We are safe and well. The trip is progressing as planned.

Zai jian
Kerry and Nicky


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

China Trip Update 21 April 2014

Dear friends and family – Ni Hoa

Well, the last 2 days have been eventful. They consisted of 2 lessons at the university with a focus on money and food. The teacher set up a small shop in the lecture theater and our students had to buy food from her using pretend money and of course only speaking Chinese. In the evening we went for a Chinese hot pot and then over to the park to participate in a Kung Foo lesson. Chris Olsen excelled with a version of YMCA as a new kung foo move that the locals had never seen before - in 5000 years of history. 

Today, we travelled to the Yellow Crane Temple but unfortunately it has been raining heavily so our trip was soggy and the view from on top of the mountain was clouds. As any where in the world no one controls the weather. The students enjoyed going to the stalls around the temple. Following the visit we went to an upmarket area with designer shops to show us that China has modernised but I suspect 99% of the Chinese population could not access what was on offer. It did show clearly a large raising middle class desiring modern living standards and China is working towards providing these.

Tonight the language supervisors [local teachers completing masters degrees at the university] are hosting a party for the students. Tomorrow we visit the local museum and then have another lesson in the afternoon. The following day, Wednesday we have a closing ceremony and are taking the night train to Beijing so that is going to be an experience.

Summary- we are fine and the trip is going well.

Zai jian
Kerry and Nicky

















China Trip Update 20 April 2014

Dear friends and family – Ni Hoa

So far: the China trip has begun in earnest and the students are finally starting to get their clocks adjusted. Waking early [although a group managed to miss the bus this morning by sleeping in…. not SKC] and feeling very tired early in the evening.

A ‘blow by blow’ account:
  • The flight was uneventful but very long 12.5 hours with a 2 hour bus trip and 5 hour bullet train ride tacked onto the end. It was 30 hours until we arrived in Wuhan. The students were tired, hungry and ready for bed. We had a meal and then were off to sleep. 
  • Wednesday saw us at the welcoming celebrations with speeches, filming and a haka by Christchurch Boys; the students were then hosted to a lovely lunch followed by a tour of the university. The campus is huge 70000 acres, 60000 students, 100 basketball courts and is 1 of 3 universities in Wuhan alone. Again, it was a bunch of tired students who went to bed that night. 
  • Early the next morning we visited a local city school of only 2000 students, they were quite reserved it was a school of privileged students from ‘only’ child families and to see the small classrooms with 50 plus students sitting at the desks we an eye opener, apparently these were small classes. That afternoon our students went to the university lecture theatres for their first language lesson this lasted 3 hours and consisted of oral work, with a practical activity asking people in the market their names- Sean Daly won collecting 70 names from the locals. The class finished with calligraphy lessons, apparently involving the boys painting themselves with ink.
Today, Saturday was a real experience, contrasting the reserved city students we visited a rural high school 2 hours bus ride out of town. Frankly, it was like 44 rock stars had arrived at their school. The clamour, pride, excitement, buzz, energy was something I cannot write down or express appropriately, 1000s of photos, autographs, hugs. We were the first foreigners to ever visit the school and it showed. 4300 Chinese students, all clambering to shake hands and have photos taken. All our SKC students prepared a lesson and spent 2 hours in a class teaching and interacting with the Chinese. It was hugely well received and the school did not want to let us go.  Many friends of New Zealand were made today. 

Life on campus: each of our SKC students has a smart card to buy food at all the canteens and supermarkets on campus. The food is very cheap and very Chinese- steam buns, noodles, dumplings, fried rice etc. They are having lots of practice using chop sticks as knives and forks are few and far between. It’s funny how quickly you master the art if you are hungry.

Our accommodation is basic but more than fine. The students have individual bathrooms and a Chinese TV to watch kung fu movies in Mandarin :) 

Tomorrow, Sunday is a full day of Mandarin lessons followed by Tai Chi lessons in the evening so I expect more tired students tomorrow night.

We have set up one of our phones with a Chinese sim, the number is 00 86 155 2707 6941 this will connect you directly to Nicky or myself. Please remember we are 4 hours behind you in NZ, if you call at 8am it will be 4am for us.

In typical SKC fashion our students have befriended the 2 girls from Columba College and the boy from Lincoln High they have quickly become part of our family and operate nicely with us.
So to summarise we are all well and safe. The 11 plus 3 of the SKC gang are well into the language school.

Zai jian
Kerry and Nicky Ryan






Thursday, April 17, 2014

Arriving Safely

A quick message from Mr Brand in China before the Easter Break - The crew arrived after 30 hours of travel last night at 8pm (China) time.  They all enjoyed a good meal and this morning the university where they are staying welcomed them.  At this very moment the are listening to a lecture about Chinese culture.

Easter Liturgy


Students and staff gathered in the College Chapel yesterday for a special Easter Liturgy which was presented by a group of Y13 students.  Students put aside easter eggs and hot cross buns to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus and the new beginning gifted to us all.  The Hillary and Sheppard Awards were also presented to students who have showed significant effort or achievement in the classroom.  Congratulations to all those who received an award.

Obirin Visitors 2014

Once again a group of students from Obirin High School in Japan are making preparations for their upcoming trip to New Zealand, and St Kevin's College.  Obirin High School is located in Machida City, Tokyo and includes students at Junior High, Senior High and Junior College levels.  Including the University area up to seven thousand students study there.

The College is looking for families to open their homes and billet students during their stay.  The Obirin students are kept busy with weekend excursions arranged by their group co-ordinator and of course English language classes during the school day.  Help with support is available if necessary.  Please contact the school office if you are able to assist.

Home & School Preen Fashion Show



The Home & School wish to express their sincere gratitude to the local businesses who supported their recent fundraiser, the Preen Fashion Show.  It was a wonderful evening and raised over $3000.  Money raised by the Home & School is used to provide resources and equipment for students to use in at the College.

Thank you to the following Home & School supporters:
Sally-Ann & Cristy from Housekeepers Design, Preen Clothing, Waitaki Interiors, Graeme Clark Electric, Love Sushi, Tangibles, Lavish Soap, Ballentynes Jewellers, Short Black, Filadelfio's Pizza, Nancy's, Adore Spa, Cucina, Estella Hair Design, Presence on Harbour, Lazy Cat Pottery, McDiarmids Footware, Kurow Wines, KFC and of course all of the fantastic models.
If we have omitted you from this acknowledgement, please accept this as an expression of sincerest thanks from St Kevin's College and the St Kevin's College Home & School.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Aoraki Squash

A team of three traveled to Timaru to compete in the Aoraki Secondary Schools Squash Tournament this week.  Max Stewart, Thomas Pickles and Mark Whittet represented the College with true Kevinian spirit and whilst Max and Mark were unable to take any wins they did exceptionally well considering these were their first competitive games.  Thomas had a fantastic tournament, winning four out of five games and only loosing by 1 point in a game that went to a tie breaker.  Well done!


Monday, April 14, 2014

Year 9 Taster Changes

TASTER CHANGES FOR YEAR 9 STUDENTS

The first change will happen on Monday 19th May (week 3 of term 2) and the second change will be on Monday 25th August (week 6 of term 3).

The first change is:
9S - Music, Maori, Information Literacy
9K - Art, Graphics, Materials Technology
9C - Food & Nutrition, Mandarin, Drama


National Race Unity Speech Competition


Head Girl, Isobel Ryan, traveled to Point Chevalier in Auckland during the weekend to compete in the National Race Unity Speech Competition.  Isobel successfully made it through the regional finals in Timaru before flying to Auckland with 25 other contestants for the semi-finals and then the finals where she placed 6th in the country.  Once again the calibre of public speaking at the College is nationally recognised with the success of our students.  Congratulations!

U14 1/2 Rugby Report

The St Kevin’s College U14 ½ rugby team has played its first two games in the South Canterbury competition and enjoyed success in both.  This coach notes that these wins break a run of no wins that spans back to round seven in the 2012 season!  Perseverance paying off you could say.  This team though is more talent filled than I have seen for a very long time and is proving to be very exciting.   They have scored 19 tries in their two games; winning 64 to 10 against TBHS Leopards last week in Timaru, and 39 to 15 against WBHS Red last Saturday on a wind and rain swept number 3 ground at school.  The side is ably led by Levi Emery, who has also scored eight of our tries.  Others to feature on the try list are Reuben Mihaere (4), Ethan Gregory-Hunt, Mose Vahai (2), Logan Docherty, Liam Ryan, Harrison Barber and Dominic Flannery.    The team has a break now until May 10 when we play another TBHS team here at school followed a game against MacKenzie on the 17th May.  This game will be part of our St Kevin’s College Rugby Club day, when all three teams play at home.

Coaches: Russell Dixon, Mike Cant 

Friday, April 11, 2014

Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinian's and Friends in the St Kevin's Community

As I write my last blog of this term, I am taking the opportunity to reflect on the many amazing student achieves we have been privileged to share. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow teaching staff, for their contribution,  both in the traditional classroom and in their co-curricular efforts. To echo these thanks and acknowledge our superb academic results, the Board of Trustees has generously supplied morning tea for the staff today. A big thank you on behalf of the staff.

We also acknowledge the work behind the scenes of parents and supporters of the College. You have managed, prepared and coached students in a range of summer activities. The result has been well turned out, proficient and skilled students, who are a credit to you and their school. Over the past weeks we have shared in the achievements of students involved in athletics, swimming, equestrian, speech, scripture reading, Duke of Edinburgh and running to name a few. Behind each of the student's is a mentor who deserves our thanks.

Today we finish school slightly earlier in order to have our first parent teacher meetings. These are an opportunity to raise and resolve any issues that may be developing or question patterns that you may see emerging in the fortnightly indicators. If you feel you would like longer to talk, feel free to make an appointment next week for a meeting or schedule a follow up phone call. 

This weekend, our senior teams head to the Catholic Secondary Tournament  which is being hosted by St Peter's College in Gore. This annual event encompasses teams from Roncalli, Kavanagh, Verdon, St Peter's and ourselves. It is designed to provide games as an introduction to the winter sports season. Many codes will be taking the opportunity to explore combinations and tactics. We wish the everyone safe travel and encourage high standards and fair play. Parents and supporters are encouraged to drop in and barrack for our teams if you are in the vicinity. 

As we enter Holy Week and head off for the holidays on Wednesday, I hope everyone will experience the Joy of the Risen Christ

May God bless you this Easter season

Paul Olsen, Principal

For Student Information

PLEASE FIND BELOW THE WORDS AND LINK FOR THE WAIATA FOR SUNDAY....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT2zboBJN-4

Mo Maria aianei - For Mary now
o tatou waiata - our songs
Kia kaha ra tatou - Let us be strong 
kia nui te aroha - let there be great love

Mo Maria aianei - For Mary now
o tatou waiata - our songs
Kia kaha ra tatou - Let us be strong 
kia nui te aroha - let there be great love

Aroha ki te Atua - Love God
aroha ki a Maria - love Mary
ki te rangi - in heaven
te whenua - and on earth
ake tonu, ake tonu - for ever and ever 

Mo Maria aianei - For Mary now
o tatou waiata - our songs
Kia kaha ra tatou - Let us be strong 
kia nui te aroha - let there be great love

U18 North Otago Hockey Reps


Congratulations to Logan Chandler (Yr13), Connor Daly (Yr12), William Harrison (Yr13), Pierce McLeod (Yr11) and Sean Daly (Yr 12) who have all been selected for the U18 North Otago Mens Hockey Team for 2014.  A total of 23 boys trialed for the the 14 places in the squad and they will compete in a tournament which will be held in Christchurch on the 6th July.  

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Southern Catholic Schools Senior Tournament Information

SKC placed 1st = with Roncalli College in 2013.
A team of approximately 120 students will travel to Gore on Sunday morning to compete in the Southern Catholic Schools Senior Tournament.  With such a large contingent we are very grateful to all of the team coaches and managers who give so freely of the their time and expertise.  We wish all of our teams the very best for a successful tournament.


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

1st XV Fundraiser

Firewood for sale!

$200 blue gum
$210 macracarpa
(2.8 cubic metre trailer)

Phone Justin on:
027 426 5370

Monday, April 7, 2014

SKC Equestrian Success

Congratulations to the St Kevin's Equestrian Team who competed at the Taieri District Pony Club competition on Saturday.  With a 4.30am start the girls and their families drove through the early hours and rain to compete in Show Jumping, Dressage and Games.  While the weather for the event was poor, the spirits were high with the team winning the "Turnout Trophy" for professionalism and grooming and Georgia Sillibourne came 4th in her class.  Our thanks to the North Otago Pony Club for their kind lend of the hat covers and brow bands.
Georgia Sillibourne atop "Bess"

St Kevin's Equestrian Team from front - Monique Sage, Jorja James, Michaela Allan (Captain), Georgia Sillibourne, Ella Sanderson





South Island Secondary School Athletic Championships

A team of eight athletes from the College traveled to Timaru over the weekend to compete in the South Island Secondary Schools Athletic Championships.  The calibre of competition was very high but each of the students achieved personal bests and were proud to represent the College.  Congratulations!  Full results are:
U16GIRLS
Fran Yanzick - 4th 3000m, 6th 800m
Emma Slater - 5th 800m
Brittany Kerin - 7th 800m
Sophia Alaloto - 12th Shot Put
U16 BOYS
Matthew Cullimore - 8th 800m
SENIOR BOYS
Hamish Robertson - 4th High Jump (1.75m)
Alex Collier - 5th 200m
Jinnesh Ramu - 11th 1500m



Friday, April 4, 2014

Deputy Principal's Comment

Dear Kevinians and the St Kevin's Community

There is one thing about teaching in a school such as St Kevin's College and that is time seems to 'whiz by' and before you know it we are into winter sports. The end of Term 1 is swiftly approaching and the school is gearing up for the SCT [Senior Catholic Tournament] to be held at St Peter's College, Gore. Netball, rugby, hockey, basketball, football will be in competition with Kavanagh College, Verdon College, Roncalli College and of course, St Peter's College. I would like to thank the work done by coaches, administrators, parents and Mr Ryburn and Miss Casey in preparing our teams to travel. We look forward to hopefully seeing the trophy return to us this year.

The week started with a visit from Peter Leuenberger, Deputy Executive Director EREA.  He was visiting our school to further connect us with the Australian Edmund Rice Network. I feel he was suitably impressed with what we are doing here in Oamaru and discussed many of the opportunities that we will progressively avail ourselves of through EREA. [Edmund Rice Education Australia]

Otago University visited to discuss courses with our senior students, making me think even more about time moving fast. It seems as if our Year 13 students were just recently in Year 9 and now they are planning their university courses.

Reconciliation was held in the Chapel on Wednesday and Mr Olsen delivered a fine liturgy on what reconciliation is all about. Thank you to Father Wayne for performing the ceremony. Thursday saw careers in the school again with a visit by the "Defense Bus" and students had the opportunity to find out what is offered by our Armed Forces in the area of careers.

Sister Madeleine joined us to adjudicate the Senior Scripture Reading competition this week and I congratulate all those who gained a place.  She was very impressed by level of public speaking at the College, as was on display at the Race Unity Speech Awards where Isobel Ryan took first place.  Congratulations.

Finally, we finished the week with the whole school working on the new haka. Seeing the girls involved makes it truely special. Facing 400 keen SKC students will be a great sight. The haka is really coming along and the students travelling to SCT will be performing it for the first time in front of our fellow southern Catholic schools.

Finally, good luck this weekend to our Equestrian team and students at South Island Athletics.

Before we know it term 2 will begin.

May god bless you
Kerry Ryan

Senior Scripture Reading


The Year 11, 12  and 13 Senior RST classes ‘Scripture Reading’ completion was held this week.  This year’s competitions were adjudicated by retired teacher and former BOT member Dominican Sister Madeleine who gave contestants a good appraisal of how they had performed prior to announcing the winners. The successful competitors were:
YEAR 11
= 1st  Mark Whittet and Jino Kunnethedam, 3rd Karan Ratagali
YEAR 12
1st Ilaisipa Tahaafe, 2nd Brooklyn Johnston, 3rd Georgia Malcolm
YEAR 13
1st Christopher Kearney, 2nd Jaishiv Narayan, 3rd Isobel Ryan



Thursday, April 3, 2014

U17 Basketball Representation

 
Congratulations to Year 11 student Matt Brien on his selection to the U17 Otago Basketball Representative Team.  The trials were held in Dunedin at the Edgar Centre a couple of weeks ago and Matt will compete at the upcoming Pre-Qualifying Regional Competition with the hope of selection to making the National Representative Tournament later in the year.

The Gathering - Auckland 2014


A group of past pupils from both the College and Teschmakers attended what has become known as "The Gathering" held at the Cornwell Cricket Club in Auckland on the 19 March.  Mr Ryan attended on behalf of the College and gave a presentation on the modern day St Kevin's which was enthusiastically received. The Club was a great venue, perfectly sized for the group and our thanks to Brother Murray and his team for co-ordinating the event. 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

NZ Age Group Championship Swim Meet

Jaxson MacDonald-Piner, photo thanks to James Ford at the Oamaru Mail
Following in the aquatic footsteps of other well known champion swimmers from the College, Year 9 student Jaxson MacDonald-Piner is heading to the New Zealand Age Group Championship Swim Meet which will be held in Wellington at the end of this month.  This is Jaxson's first Age Group Meet and he will compete in the Boys 13yrs 200m Freestyle and 50m Freestyle.  Last month he competed in the Division II Swimming Championship and took the bronze medal in the 400m Freestyle and a silver in the 200m Freestyle.  Congratulations and all the best for Nationals!

Race Unity Speech Awards

Congratulations to Head Girl Isobel Ryan on her success at the Race Unity Speech Awards which were held on Friday evening in Timaru.  As the first place winner for the Aoraki region Isobel will head to Auckland to compete at the national competition on the 12/13 April.  Her speech was centred around the Treaty of Waitangi and how we as a nation of people can come closer together.  Mark Whittet and Jino Kunnethedam also competed and whilst they didn't place, they spoke very well and the College is very proud of their efforts.

SKC Netball Sevens

Due to circumstances beyond our control the St Kevin's College Netball Sevens Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday 5 April has been postponed until a later date.

Any team entry money already paid has been returned to the team organiser.
Raffles will continue to be sold in the lead up to the re-scheduled date.


Tuesday, April 1, 2014

World Class Competition

Thomas Pickles met his match with the racquet when the opportunity to play Susan Devoy came along on Friday evening.  She was in town for the Race Relations Multicultural Evening at the Oamaru Opera House and took up the challenge at the Oamaru Squash Club.  Thomas played two games and despite losses in both loved the experience of playing against such a renowned competitor.  Thomas recently won a North Otago Open Mens B competition and is one of the clubs top Junior players.