Thursday, June 30, 2016

Crispy Apricot And Chocolate Muesli Bars

THE NETBALL GIRLS LOVED IT .... TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!

Crispy Apricot and Chocolate Muesli Bars - Chelsea Winters: Homemade happiness

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups desiccated coconut
1 cup very finely chopped nuts of your choice
1 cup dried sunflower seeds
2 cups dried apricots
2 cups chopped pitted dates
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil
½ cup firm honey
½ cup water or orange juice
2 tsp vanilla essence or paste
2 cups rice bubbles
200g dark chocolate finely chopped

Preheat oven to 180 degrees fan-bake. Line the base of one large or 2 smaller baking trays with baking paper - Let the baking paper stick up over the edges so you can use it to pull out the slice later.

Add the oats, coconut, nuts and seeds to the prepared tray, and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, mixing them up halfway through, until they start to turn golden. Remove and cool slightly.

Add the chopped apricots, dates, coconut oil, honey, orange juice or water and vanilla to a saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer gently over a medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring, until the fruit is very mushy. Cool down to warm.

To your largest mixing bowl, add the toasted oat mixture, the rice bubbles and the apricot mixture, and stir together with a wooden spoon or combine with clean hands.

Scatter chopped chocolate evenly over the base of your tray/s. Add the slice mixture and press down evenly with as much pressure as you can - really get it packed down as firmly as possible so it doesn't fall apart later.

Refrigerate for at least an hour, or until firm enough to slice. Remove the slice from the tray and slice into squares or bars. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge to keep them from going too soft.

Keeps for weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze these bars in a ziplock back for up to a month.

Otago University School Ambassadors

A step back through the Redcastle gates!  Past pupils Shannon McMillan and Oliver Stewart joined us for assembly this week as Otago University Ambassadors - Shannon representing Humanities and Oliver representing Commerce.  Through the programme students are given food for thought on the variety of study options available at Otago University - and it was lovely to have Shannon and Oliver come back and visit us!


Year 13 Food And Nutrition

The Y13 Food & Nutrition class has been looking at the effect of the over consumption of sugar .... thanks for this insight and some great alternatives for lunchboxes and sport snacks!  Check out what they have to say .......

The over consumption of sugar in New Zealand has become apparent in the last couple of years, with the rise of sugar related diseases affecting the population of the country. It is suggested that children consume around 3 teaspoons of sugar a day and that adults consume around 6 teaspoons of sugar a day. New Zealand's statistics for sugar consumption are up around 30 teaspoons of sugar a day being consumed by both children and adults. This over consumption is leading to some serious health issues. There has been an increase in obesity levels in New Zealand, and it is suspected that sugar is a leading cause in this. Obesity also links with the levels of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These are serious lifelong health issues than can be prevented by a correct, healthy diet and lifestyle.

This year our Food and Nutrition class has been focusing on the over consumption of sugar in New Zealand and its effects on our health. Sugar isn’t always counted as the white stuff you put in your hot drinks, or the sugar you put on your breakfast in the morning. Yes, those sugars are included in how much you consume in a day, but the real damage is done when we consume products that have hidden sugars. Products like prepackaged and processed food items often contain a lot more sugar than we realise.

Sports drinks such as Powerade and Gatorade contain substantial amounts of sugar. Many people in the sporting community consume these drinks because it gives them energy and a power boost to play their best in a game. But this doesn't stop the effects of the sugar on their bodies. A better alternative would be to plan in advance and eat a piece of fruit such as a banana, which has energy that will be released over time and give you energy for the game. Not only is this a healthy option, but it also helps to keep you fuller for longer and lessens the amount of sugar you consume. Fruits are good options for energy snacks.  Although they contain sugar, the sugar in fruits is natural and isn't as harmful for you.

It is almost impossible to completely cut sugar out of your diet, but there is definitely ways that you can reduce your intake. We made some healthy muesli bars, which are made up of mainly nuts, seeds and dried fruits, we also used coconut oil, which is a healthier option compared to butter. The slice has a thin layer of dark chocolate, which adds to the flavour and also assists in the energy release. We gave this to the Senior Netball girls to test out at their training this morning, and it went down well. The slice was a good option because the energy is released over time, and would give them the energy to train or play, without the need for sugar filled drinks and lollies.

You don't have to completely cut out the sugar, but finding better options such as this would be a better way to control how much sugar you consume.

Service In Action


On Friday 24 June seven SKC students completed the installation of a raised timber vegetable ​​​​garden box at Iona Rest Home. Their efforts were part of an EdRice Service in Action project. The boys involved were Thomas Pickles, Max Stewart, Matthew Cullimore, Joel Pickles, Joseph Moffat, Hamish McAtamney and Liam Elliot. Under the leadership of Thomas the boys firstly took a brief from Iona manager Mrs D. McCone and resident Mr K. Sim, then designed, priced and the purchased the materials required. The boys prefabricated the wooden sides off site then transported them to Iona where they assembled the garden box to the delight of the Rest Home.

North Otago Secondary Schools Sports Day

The North Otago Secondary Schools Sports Day is on next Friday!!  With everything from Basketball to Hockey, Netball to Football, Debating to Archery, Chess to Rugby ... there's something for everyone!  Make sure you get out and support the teams before the big game at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium (the Girls 1st XV play the curtain raiser at 12noon).

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Great Team Effort

Our trap shooters competed on Sunday and had some great results for the day!  The Girls Team had some fantastic placings.... Anna Craig was 3rd in the Single Rise, Ellie Monk got 3rd in the Skeet and Jessica Fraser took 1st in the Skeet and 2nd in the Single Rise, Single Barrel and Points Score.  The girls results put them second in the Girls Team Event.  The Boys Team looked great and conducted themselves with integrity and pride, shooting very well for what was their first school competition together.  Thank you to the parents and caregivers who volunteer their time and energy to coach and travel with students to events.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This week I am pleased to announce the appointment of four Student Advocate positions to support student learning pathways. Three of the appointments are an enhancement of existing roles and the fourth is a new appointment.

The role of Student Advocate is a non-teaching one, to formally assist students to achieve their academic goals. To achieve this, we use the Attitude to Learning Indicators, Academic Achievement, e-AsTTle test results, Mid and End of Year Reports and Dean’s notes as well as a range of anecdotal data. This is all aimed at coordinating interventions when students are in danger of slipping "under the radar" in an academic sense.

The concept is broadly based on the "Check and Connect" methodology from the University of Minnesota. It works with caregivers, staff and students to get better outcomes. This integrates with the Ministry of Education's Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) national program.

The people in Student Advocate role are:
Mrs June Campbell, Dean of International Students.
Mrs Raelene Anderson, Girls' Matron.
Mrs Lou Pearson, Boys' Matron.
Mr Mathew Harris, Day Student Advocate

We welcome them into their extended roles and I am confident they will be able to make a real difference to the learning outcomes of all students.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Leading The Liturgy

This week's liturgy was presented by Mrs Burton's Year 9 class - 9K. For many of our Year 9's this is the first time that they perform or speak on stage in front of their peers and so a big well done to 9K for a great presentation!

CLICK HERE to check out a video of their presentation (thank you Nadia Kerr for catching it for us)

Introduction - Prajit Brij
Interview - Carl Alegado (Peter) and Eliza Baster (interviewer)
Guitar Brooke Te Maiharoa
Leading Vocals - Bethan Ardouin
Final prayers - Timera Fleming, Siva Katoa, Maria Wallace

Community Mandarin Classes

Community Mandarin classes began in the Confucius Classroom at the beginning of this term and both the adult class on Wednesday evenings and the children's class on Saturday afternoons have been a roaring success!  With a waiting list for places in the beginners class next term, an intermediate class will be included in Term Four.  Next Wednesday will be the last evening class for the term and an opportunity to say thank you and farewell to Bing and Grace before they leave Oamaru.

Thank you to the Oamaru Chinese Association and the Mandarin students for sharing these photos with us.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Aoraki Football Penalty Shootout


Girls Football took over the playing fields today and despite some wet and cold weather there were some great displays of fierce competition.  Our girls went through the competition unbeaten and faced Roncalli College in an epic battle which saw a draw at the final whistle resulting in a penalty shootout.  Roncalli took the Aoraki title but full credit to the girls on an amazing day of football in less than ideal conditions!  Congratulations girls!!!

Till Next Time Mrs Blair

 
Mrs Victoria Blair took a bow at assembly this week as she leaves the Redcastle grounds (and the North Otago Hockey Turf!) for Canada.  Victoria taught at the College in 2007 and returned in 2014 to teach English, lead sporting teams, manage buses and inspire students as one of our Senior Deans.  We wish her and her family every blessing as they look towards their next adventure.


Wednesday, June 22, 2016

SKC Ripper Rugby Clash

Forward's vs Backs tomorrow! The girls have a chance to hit the playing field during the Highlanders/Crusaders clash at the Whitestone Contracting Stadium with a half time game of Ripper Rugby. Whether you're a Highlanders or a Crusaders supporter, it'll be a win for SKC either way!

Sandlewood Trophy



Our equestrian team headed up to Geraldine in the weekend to compete in the Sandlewood Trophy. Loren Cunningham, Courtney Taylor de Ridder, Mekeisha Hurley and Jenna Stuart were accompanied by their crew of supporters and despite some solid riding were unlucky not to place.  Well done on a great equestrian outing!

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Thank You Network Waitaki

The hockey goal will be well protected thanks to the generosity of Network Waitaki. A grant received has allowed for the purchase of new goalie gear for the boys team. Thank you Network Waitaki for your continued support of the College and our students!

Youth Spirit Award Winner

GypsyMae Harihona-Harrison was justifiably recognised at the Trustpower Waitaki Community Awards, held last night at the Oamaru Opera House. She is the 2016 recipient of theTrustpower Youth Community Spirit Award.

As well as being Head Girl of the College, GypsyMae is also a member of the Waitaki District Youth Council, the Pasifika and Kapa Haka groups at school and the Leo Club. She also hits the field for both hockey and rugby and is an active member of Musical Theatre Oamaru.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This week's assembly continued the theme of sharing our College teaching and learning strategy with students. DOCERE: Diversity, Opportunity, Connections, Engagement, Relationships and Enquiry.

This week we explained what Enquiry looks like in our classes. In this context Enquiry is all about curiosity, creativity and thinking that follows on from an enquiring mindset. When we explore better ways to think we improve our outcomes and take control and responsibility of our own learning.

In the sporting arena, we have attended the Otago Netball Competition on Sunday and Monday, hosted the Mercy Cup on Tuesday and attended the annual Junior Catholic Schools Tournament in Dunedin on Wednesday.
I would like to thank both staff and coaches for you dedication and commitment which ultimately makes these events possible. The one admirable common theme though out the competition has been our commitment to fair play. Thank you to our student photographers who documented Tuesday's Mercy Cup with such high quality images.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Lions Regional Speech Competition.

Junior Placegetters
Congratulations to Joel Kunnethedan and Rebecca Kinney who placed 1st and 3rd respectively in the Year 9/10 category at the Lions Regional Speech Competition held last weekend.  In the Year 11/12 category Holly Malcolm took first place and Iva Jame second.  Well done everyone!

Aoraki Cycling

Our cyclists hit the road this week traveling to the Aoraki Secondary Schools Cycling Competition.  In the Individual Time Trial event Fran Yanzick and Meg Knowler came second and third respectively in the Over 16 Girls, while Regan Holland placed third in the Over 16 Boys.  In the Scratch Race event Fran and Meg replicated their earlier result with second and third respectively in the 16 & Over Girls, with Regan placing fourth in the 16 & Over Boys.  The girls also placed third in the school results.

Congratulations on some great racing and thank you to Adair Craik for accompanying the team!

Ball Parade Tickets

Ball Parade Tickets!

Ball Parade tickets will be available for purchase at the school office from Monday 20th June.  From Monday 20th June - Friday 24th June you will only be able to purchase 2 tickets per family.  From Monday 27th June any tickets left can be purchased.
Tickets are $5 each.

Junior Quads 2016


Fresh off the back of Mercy Cup our Junior girls joined the boys in Dunedin to represent the College at the 2016 Junior Quads Tournament.  Facing up to teams from Kavanagh College, St Peter's College and Verdon College they competed in Basketball, Netball, Rugby and Football.  With a stunning Dunedin day they placed second over all behind Kavanagh College.  Well done to all of the students who competed in the name of the College, and a special congratulations to the Y10 Netball who took out the competition and Y9 Netball who tied for first after some hard fought games.

Thank you to the coaches and managers who traveled with the students (especially after such an already busy sporting week!) and also to those parents and caregivers who supported from the sidelines.


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Love Me Nots

Love Me Not Tuesday 21st June

Loves-Me-Not focuses on healthy (equal) relationships as opposed to unhealthy (controlling) ones. The programme is delivered to year 12 students by three facilitators trained by Police. The facilitators comprise a teacher, a police officer and a representative of a non-governmental organisation working in the field of family violence prevention. Loves-Me-Not covers a full school day. Our school Guidance Counsellor will be present to support students.

If you have any queries contact Senior Dean, Marc Nyika  mnyika@stkevins.school.nz

Testing Together

It may not have been Eden Park but with such a fierce first half during Saturday's All Blacks test against Wales, the atmosphere will have been just as exciting!  The U14.5 team met up to enjoy the test together, complete with tiered seating!


Integrity - Ngakau Tapatahi


Each week at assembly an RST class will present the liturgy.  The theme for this week was one of our FIRE Values, Integrity - Ngakau Tapatahi.  To be honest with ourselves and others and strive for moral excellence in our lives, to show INTEGRITY even when no-one is looking.  Mr Farrell and his class presented an entertaining (and characteristically correct!) sketch about students showing Integrity - Ngakau Tapatahi in their learning.  Indeed integrity showed in true life with two of the cast away and a number of volunteers willing to step in at the last minutes, literally!  Well done on a great presentation!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Mercy Cup Netball

Mercy Cup Hockey



Thank you to Dion Pope and Mrs Jude Chandler for capturing the action over at the North Otago Hockey Turf!

Mercy Cup Football



Thank you to Anna Taylor for these great football shots!

Mercy Cup 2016

Mercy Cup descended on St Kevin's College this week with over 300 girls from Catholic Cathedral College, John Paul II, Marian College, Roncalli College and Villa Maria College arriving on Tuesday to compete in netball, hockey and football.  The weather played its part and we were treated to some excellent games!  Well done to Villa Maria College who dominated the courts, turf and fields but congratulations to all of our girls who took part and represented the College, especially the football, hockey, Grade C and Grade A netball girls who were awarded the Fair Play Awards, as well as the Y9 and Y10 Netball teams who were runners up in their grades.

Thank you to all of the coaches, managers, volunteers, parents and supporters who rallied along the sidelines, with a special thank you to Mrs Sandra Kitto (Sports Co-ordinator) and Mr Craig Smith (HOF Physical Education) for organising such a great day!

Stars In Their Eyes

Ever wanted to see what it's like to emulate your favourite star?  Once again the Papakaio Community are putting on a fun filled evening of Stars In Their Eyes, featuring a number of students from the College and the odd teacher or two as well!!    Hitting the stage on Friday 8 July (show only) and Saturday 9 July (Cabaret night), tickets are available from 7 June at the Oamaru i-SITE or for more information check out the flyer in the school office!

Monday, June 13, 2016

Otago Secondary Schools Netball

Congratulations to the Intermediate A netball team who beat Columba College in the semi finals, and Wakatipu in the playoffs to take third place at the Otago Secondary Schools Netball Tournament.  Well done girls!!



Important Bus Notics

BUS NOTICE FOR KAKANUI BUS RUN

The Kakanui Bridge will be closed for 5 days from 5 July for scheduled structural repairs.  This will effect Kakanui bus students who live on the Wainakarua Rd side of the bridge.  Cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to cross the bridge.  

Ritchies have arranged for the Kakanui bus to meet students at the monument on the corner of Fenwick St and Kakanui Rd, which means that whilst the repairs are taking place students will need to make arrangements to get to the bridge and meet the bus on the other side.  If parents have any questions please contact Ritchies on 434 7964.


Friday, June 10, 2016

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This weeks assembly continued the theme of sharing our College teaching and learning strategy with students. DOCERE: Diversity, Opportunity, Connections, Engagement, Relationships and Enquiry.

Positive Learning Relationships were explored by Mr Ryan at Wednesday's assembly. The image below shows a student view of how "respectful relationships" should look in the classroom.
St Kevin's College is part of the national schools programme called "Positive Behaviour for Learning".  This aims to foster respect at all levels. Our restorative approach to "putting things right" when issues arise is key to a healthy learning environment. Clear boundaries and expectations help to make classroom discipline more predictable and managed. Thank you to Mr Ryan for the presentation and Mrs Walshe for the leadership work she and her PB4L team are doing.

On Wednesday, I attended the funeral of Bishop Len Boyle in Dunedin. I was accompanied by Mr Mullally and a group of Prefects. Thank you all for representing the College at this fitting tribute to such an inspiring man of the people.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

A Victorian Feast For The Eyes

The Senior Drama class converged on the Victorian Wardrobe yesterday to be fitted with costumes for their upcoming production The Importance of being Earnest.  Alongside NCEA requirements, "Earnest" is being produced as a Supper Theatre Home & School Fundraiser, so with the chance to enjoy the wit and humour of Oscar Wilde coupled with a sumptuous supper make sure you keep the 13 or 14 of October pegged!  Information on how and where to book your tickets will be available soon!

The Importance Of Being Earnest

The Home & School are proud to be teaming up with the Senior Drama class to bring to you The Importance of being Earnest - A Supper Theatre.  Directed by Ms Jo Walshe, "Earnest" is a timeless Oscar Wilde classic.  Farcical and witty, be sure to get a group together and book an elegant evening of theatre.

TICKETING INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Fun Flax Flowers

Matariki, the Māori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades.  Traditionally for Māori when it appeared just before dawn in late May or early June, it signalled the start of the Māori New Year.  For some tribes, the rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) signals the start of the New Year.  

Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. For some it was when Matariki rose in May/June. For others it was celebrated at the first new moon, or full moon, following the rising of Matariki. In the 21st century it is the new moon following the rising of Matariki that signals the New Year.  In 2016 it began on 06 June  (ref: Ministry of Culture and Heritage)

To celebrate Matariki at St Kevin's there will be a series of lunchtime activities each Thursday in the Art Room, throughout the month of June.  Today Mrs Plunkett ran a workshop making flax flowers.  Thank you to Mrs Harrison for lending a helpful hand!

Otago Museum Exhibition Recognition

Georgia's entry
Budding photographers spent April and May taking and sending in photos for the Otago Wildlife Photography Competition resulting in hundreds of photos submitted over six categories.   A number of students from the College took the opportunity to enter the competition.  Georgia Sanderson (Y9) had an entry in the Animal (U15) section and has had her image recognised by the judging pannel with a Highly Commended Award (each section has a winner and two Highly Commended placings).  Georgia was invited with her family to yesterday's opening of an exhibition which will showcase these talented young photographers.   It runs until the 16 October so make sure you take the opportunity to see it during the school holidays.  Well done Georgia!

CLICK HERE for exhibition information

Farewell Bishop Boyle

Emeritus Bishop Len Boyle was farewelled yesterday at St Joseph's Cathedral in Dunedin.  He was an Old Boy of St Kevin's (along with his 6 brothers).  They were all members of the College 1st XV and indeed, Bishop Boyle played in the first interschool against St Bede's in the 1940's.  He was first ordained in Winton in 1961, in 1983 he was ordained a bishop and two years later installed as the Bishop of Dunedin.

Mr Olsen, Mr Mullally and a number of our student leaders represented the College community at his Requiem Mass which was officiated by Bishop Colin Campbell.  The packed Cathedral included over 30 priests and 2 Cardinals, John Dew and Thomas Williams (himself an Old Boy of the College).  Following the Mass Mr Olsen, Mr Mullally and the students joined them and the rest of the congregation at a gathering in the Glenroy Auditorium at the Town Hall.


Mercy Cup 2016

Next Tuesday (14 June) the College will be hosting schools competing for the Mercy Cup!  Click on the link below to check out the draw, come and cheer on the teams!

MERCY CUP DRAW 2016

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Lions Speech Success Continues

The tradition of public speaking success continues at St Kevin's with Karan Ratgali (Y13) named first runner up at the regional final of the Lions Young Speechmaker Competition which was hosted in Oamaru last week.  Karan will join Riva Grills of Logan Park High School (Dunedin) at the national final in Wellington on 13 August.  Karan's speech focused on "racial equality".  Well done and all the best for Wellington!

Development Hockey

Congratulations to Riley Chandler (Y13) who has been selected for the Southern U18 Women's Development Hockey Team!  Riley took part in the emerging talent programme over the Christmas holidays and attended two trials held in Dunedin and then Gore.  She travels each week for training and games, and will represent Southern (which incorporates North Otago, Southland and Central Otago) at the National Association Tournament in Timaru next month.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Conservation And Science In Action

Four year 13 and Two year 12 students began a long term environmental monitoring project at the end of last week.  The project is aimed at collecting data over the next 12 months to help in the conservation of the critically endangered Canterbury Mud fish.  The project involves collecting samples from key sites in the Waitaki plains and chemical analysis to assess key water quality data such as dissolved Nitrates, Phosphates and Oxygen levels.

Aoraki Cross Country

The merry trio of Amy Coutts, Max Yanzick and Fran Yanzick represented the College at the Aoarki Cross Country last week.  Amy came 7th in the Junior Girls, Max 5th in the Junior Boys and Fran 3rd in the Senior Girls.  Well done team!

Friday, June 3, 2016

Principals Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This weeks assembly continued the theme of sharing our College teaching and learning strategy with students. DOCERE: Diversity, Opportunity, Connections, Engagement, Relations and Enquiry.

This week the focus was on the connections with our community and other institutions together with the tools that connect us. This is aimed at giving students an understanding of the support systems that already exist within the College to support them and their learning.

Today we were joined by Br Bernard Gartland, who is a member of the Oceania Leadership Team and whose role includes proprietorship of St Kevin's College. Br Bernie has meet with representatives from the Foundation, Hostel Trust and Board of Trustees. He has been brought up to date with developments around Special Character, earthquake strengthening of buildings, future building plans and proposed hostel developments.

Finally, please remember to pray for the repose of the soul of Emeritus Bishop, Len Boyle who died this week. Bishop Len was a past pupil of the College and his passing was acknowledged at today's College Mass.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

10K Fabulous Fragrances

10 K are just about at the end of their Graphics rotation and have designed some fabulous fragrance creations as part of their class work! Well done everyone.... they look amazing!

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

So Many Stairs

Today at assembly we recognised the tremendous effort of Matthew Cullimore and the 850 firefighters who took up the Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.  1103 steps over 51 floors ... scrambled in unthinkable race times!  Entered in the Donned category (full firefighting kit but not breathing through the mask) Matthew's time of 12.58 saw him take third place.  He was also acknowledged for his fundraising total of over $8300 with a third spot in the Individual From Within A Team category of the Fundraising Awards.  $1167880 has been raised nationwide for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ.