Friday, February 28, 2014

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinian's and Friend of the College

Congratulations to the students who were awarded Academic Blues and Merit Badges at our Excellence Assembly on Wednesday. It was a pleasure to be able to welcome a record number of students and their whanau to the Redcastle for the traditional afternoon tea. Thank you to Mrs Burton for the event organisation and our Home and School Committee for providing the hospitality. The awarding of 99 certificates for endorsement lifts the academic bar, but also challenges us as a College to continue lifting student expectations of achievement on the path from good to great.

Following on from our academic success we have initiated a radio advertising campaign looking to attract boarding students to the College. This initiative begins with a branding campaign in Central Otago, South Canterbury and Westland. Our best form of marketing is word of mouth, relaying our success stories and I encourage our community to promote the boarding hostel to friends and family.

This week our VPath students have commenced their vocational programmes at Aoraki Polytechnic. Mrs Jackson has been working with students to develop personalised courses that meet their career needs. Currently we have 21 people on Gateway courses which allow them all the benefits of the traditional school environment coupled with the flexibility to follow their career passion. Thank you to the guidance team for their hard work arranging  these courses and to our wider community for helping with student placements and quality mentorship.

Professional learning and development for Head of Faculties began this week. This capacity building is made possible by partnership between the College, Otago University and Ngai Tahu and is being funded by the Ministry of Education. We are also about to enter another partnership to build capability in the area of Talented and Gifted students. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of staff and university academics to keep us on the cutting edge of educational practice.

Finally, apologies to any caregivers who have been inconvenienced by the tree felling at the College exit. This is being carried out by Network Waitaki in conjunction with the College Foundation to protect the high voltage line into the North Oamaru substation which passes through the property and our own 11,000 Volt supply line. Logging should be finished next week.

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Leading The Academic Charge


St Kevin’s College continues to lead the academic charge in the region with another year of outstanding NCEA results.  The Dominican (Excellence) Awards assembly were held on Wednesday in the College Auditorium to recognise the academic achievement of 99 students who surpassed the benchmark required to gain a Merit or Excellence Endorsement in NCEA.  College Academic Blues will be awarded to those students who achieved an Excellence Endorsement.
  • Of students sitting NCEA level 1, 86% passed with a total of 25 receiving a Merit Endorsement and 18 an Excellence Endorsement.  
  • Of students sitting NCEA level 2, 76% passed and of those students who were completing a full level 2 course 82% gained level 2.  There were 22 Merit Endorsements achieved and 6 Excellence Endorsements.
  • Of students sitting NCEA level 3, 76% passed and of those students who were completing a full level 3 course 85% gained level 3.  There were 21 Merit Endorsements achieved and 7 Excellence Endorsements.


Home & School AGM

HOME & SCHOOL AGM
Monday 3rd March, 7pm
In the College Staffroom

Supper will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Athletic Champions 2014

Congratulations to our Athletic Champions for 2014.  They will be part of the team that travel to the Otago Athletic Championships in Dunedin on 8 March.
SENIOR BOYS: Cole Ryan
SENIOR GIRLS: Sydney Telfer
U16 BOYS: Thomas Pickles
U16 GIRLS: Francziska Yanzick
U15 BOYS: Angus Macaulay
U15 GIRLS: Rosie Pope
U14 BOYS: Ben McCarthy
U14 GIRLS: Jorja James

Friday, February 21, 2014

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Friends of the College

A resounding thank you to all the staff, Home and School Committee, students and parents supporters who have helped with the Athletics and Swimming sports which have been held over the last fortnight. The level of house spirit, community involvement and parent support reflect our commitment to living our Special Character values. Having sunny days and well prepared grounds and pool has added to the occasion and I would like to acknowledge the work of  Mr Watson and Mr Grant together with Fabian our Gapper.

Congratulations to the event winners and record breakers listed later in the blog. Your commitment to training and execution is a practical example that models excellence. Participation is also important and at a time when many schools are retrenching in these areas, it is pleasing to see these traditions continuing to inspire the younger students.

Next week we formally celebrate our outstanding NCEA achievements.  The Dominican (Excellence) Awards Assembly will be held on Wednesday 26 February in the College Auditorium to recognise the academic achievement of 99 students who surpassed the benchmark required to gain a Merit or Excellence Endorsement in NCEA. College Academic Blues will be awarded to those students who achieved an Excellence Endorsement.
Of students sitting:
  •  NCEA level 1, 86% passed with a total of 25 receiving a Merit Endorsement and 18 an Excellence Endorsement. 
  •  NCEA level 2, 76% passed and of those students who were completing a full level 2 course 82% gained level 2. There were 22 Merit Endorsements achieved and 6 Excellence Endorsements.
  • NCEA level 3, 76% passed and of those students who were completing a full level 3 course 85% gained level 3. There were 21 Merit Endorsements achieved and 7 Excellence Endorsements.
This excellent series of results is a credit to the hard work of both staff and students and a reflection of the values based education at the College. I am incredibly proud of the gains that we continue to make as a school community and with over double the number of Excellence Endorsements at Level 1 on previous years these results confirm St Kevin’s College as the leading educator in North Otago. 

Finally, I would like to reiterate the College's position on community organised parties. The College does not organise or condone these gatherings. They are private functions outside the jurisdiction of the College. As a school with Family and Integrity as our values, I urge parents to check out the details personally and make an informed decision appropriate to their circumstances.

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal


Dominican (Excellence) Awards Assembly

Dominican (Excellence) Awards Assembly
Wednesday 26 February 
1.10pm in the College Auditorium

We invite our College Community to join us for a special assembly to recognise those students who have surpassed the benchmark in order to achieve Merit or Excellence Endorsements in NCEA.  

Athletic Sports Day


It's been a great day at the College for the 2014 Athletic Sports Day with an array of house colours to bolster the spirits of students competing for house points and places in the College Athletics team, which will travel to the Otago Athletics Competition in Dunedin next month.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Aoraki Tennis

Last week a team of 12 students traveled to the Aoraki Tennis Tournament and the mixed doubles team came away with a second placing for their efforts!  Thomas Pickles, Akena Frisby, Max Stewart and Kate Caldwell were presented with their certificates at assembly this week.  Congratulations.


Cavalcade 2014

Nicole Dowling and Georgina Wallis took to the saddle and joined other riders on the annual Cavalcade.  There was time enough for a quick photo on day two at Trotters Gorge.

Swimming Sports And Champions

The results are in for our Champion Swimmers for 2014!  There was a great house spirit at the Swimming Sports last Friday and the weather was exceptionally kind on the day.  The Championship Swimmers competed on Tuesday after school to give the last lot of points and confirm placings.  

Congratulations to our Champions for 2014:
SENIOR BOYS - Josh Macaulay
SENIOR GIRLS - Isobel Ryan
U16 BOYS - Regan Holland
U16 GIRLS - Francziska Yanzick
U15 BOYS - Angus Macaulay
U15 GIRLS - Georgia Dyson
U14 BOYS - Jaxson Piner
U14 GIRLS - Molly Kay


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Flying The SKC Flag

It looks like a fine day at the Maniototo Show.  Fergus Smith, Scott Weir and Sara Gunnarsdottir accompanied Ms Walshe to Ranfurly to fly the St Kevin's flag, following on from a great visit to the Southern Field Days in Waimumu by Mr Dixon, Ms Taylor and Logan Chandler last week.  Keep an eye out for the SKC banner at the North Otago A&P Show this weekend!

Port Macquarie Pacific Coast Slam

Basketball at St Kevin's College is continuing to go from strength to strength.  Following in the footsteps of Yr13 student Helena Graham, two of our new Yr9 students also traveled to Port Macquarie as part of the U15 South Island Team which competed in the Pacific Coast Slam in January.  Georgia Oakes, Laura Preston and their team mates came 5th in their division, beating the North Island team.  Congratulations girls! 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Chinese Exchange Meeting

Chinese Exchange Meeting
Thursday 6 March
3.30pm in the College Library

Hong Hu from the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury will be at the College for a Parent and Student Meeting for all students taking part in the exchange to China.  

Waitangi Day Hostel Trip


The annual Hostel trip to Loch Liard at Lake Aviemore is as popular as ever and this year the weather played it's part for a glorious day on the water.  

Friday, February 14, 2014

Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinian's and Friends of the College

Welcome back to the new school year here at the St Kevin's. As predicted, the weather is starting to settle now that holidays are over and we are lucky to have a fine day for our swimming sports.

It was a pleasure to meet so many parents and caregivers at last evening's "Meet the Staff Evening", today at the Swimming Sports and last week at the Investiture Mass. We value the opportunity to make these links so early in the year.

Visitors to the College will notice that there have been a number of large trees felled along the driveway. It is a relief to finally have these health and safety concerns dealt with. On the property front, the administration quad has had a make over with a rearrangement of offices and signage as well as the addition of a small meeting room adjacent to the Deputy Principal's office. The Art Room has had the old dark room opened into a usable space and we are preparing to paint the roof of the main building in a more general upgrade. It was a pleasure to be able to show Br Lauren, the proprietor of the College, the progress we have made during his visit this week.

Congratulations to our newly appointed student leaders. I am looking forward to working with this group of talented and enthusiastic young people. I took the opportunity at last Wednesday's Year 13 Retreat to remind our senior's that they are all leaders and role models for the College community. With the swimming today and the Athletic Sports next week, there are plenty of opportunities to put their skills to work.

As we begin the new summer sports season, can I remind parents to call the office with their password for the e-permission portal on the website. As we have to deal with a large number of permission forms, it is vital that we know that authentic permission is being given for participation for each of the activities. The office can help you with the process if you are not sure.



May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Pacific Coast Slam Basketball Tour


During the January 2014 school holiday period Helena Graham competed in the 13th Pacific Coast Slam Basketball Tour held in Port Macquarie, Australia as a member of the U17 NZ South Rimu Girls team.

The tour campaign for this team was a huge success as they made the final.  They played an epic semi-final against Western Reds to make the final where they were beaten by NSW Kookaburras.  Overall Helena was the top points scorer for her team during this tournament.

This NZ South team showed great team spirit and team dedication which helped them achieve at this great level. This 2nd Place result equals or betters any other NZ U17 Girls previous results in this same tournament.  This is a huge accomplishment.  The Australian teams are fiercely competitive and the rivalry between the two nations is always hard fought.  Congratulations!

Year 12 Retreat

2014 Year 12 Retreat
Sunday 2 / Monday 3 March

Permission letters have been shared with all students and are to be returned to school by Wednesday 26 February.  
Alternatively you may use the e-permissions portal on the 
College website: 

CLICK HERE to view and/or print the permissions letter.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Inaugural Mass - Leaders Investiture


Today the College celebrated the appointment of our Student Leaders at the Leaders Investiture Mass.  After a blessing by Father Wayne the badges were presented to the 2014 leaders and we were delighted to have Mrs Karen Austin return to be part of the presentation as a fitting acknowledgement of her significant contribution to the College.  She was joined by staff, the Student Leaders and their families and past pupils for an afternoon tea function in the Castle.  

Congratulations to our Student Leaders for 2014:
Head Girl - Isobel Ryan
Head Boy - Christopher Kearney
Deputy Head Girl - Merekite Wahitapu
Deputy Head Boy - Isak Gunnarsson
Deputy Head Girl Special Character - Kaleisha Jones
Deputy Head Boy Special Character - Logan Chandler

Hostel Head Girl - Georgina Wallis
Hostel Head Boy - Isak Gunnarsson
Hostel Deputy Head Girl - Sara Gunnarsdottir
Hostel Deputy Head Boy - Logan Chandler

Clancy House Head Girl - Georgia Holland
Clancy House Deputy Head Girl - Nicole Dowling
Clancy House Head Boy - Brodie Flannery
Clancy House Deputy Head Boy - Jaishiv Narayan

Magee House Head Girl - Sara Gunnarsdottir
Magee House Deputy Head Girl - Georgina Wallis
Magee House Head Boy - Parewhero O'Brien-Harrison
Magee House Deputy Head Boy - Matthew Vocea

Treacy House Head Girl - Lucy Tyrrell
Treacy House Deputy Head Girl - Kate Wedge
Treacy House Head Boy - Cole Ryan
Treacy House Deputy Head Boy - Jacob Coghlan

Whyte House Head Girl - Megan Tessier-Varlet
Whyte House Deputy Head Girl - Rose Anderson
Whyte  House Head Boy - Mitchell Bolstridge
Whyte House Deputy Head Boy - Logan More


Rowing South Island Club Championships


The South Island Club Champs were held on the 1st/2nd February on Lake Ruataniwha Twizel and St Kevin's College Rowers raced in 10 A finals and 2 B finals.  Racing conditions for both days were near perfect and the highlights were most definitely the medal winning performances with Sydney Telfer and Georgia Dyson winning their gold in the Nov Double by three boat lengths before Sydney went on to combine with Tiana Mihaere in the U17 Double with a nail biting win over the Burnside crew.  Congratulations to all of the crews on an outstanding array of results:

Gold Nov Double Sydney Telfer & Georgia Dyson
Gold U17 Double Sydney Telfer & Tiana Mihaere
Bronze U15 Four Kalas Taukamo & Adam Sew Hoy
5th Kalas Taukamo & Reuben Mihaere in U15 Double – A Final
5th Julia Fauth U17 Single – A Final
6th Charlie Wallis & Adam Sew Hoy in U16 Double – A Final
6th Georgia Dyson & Ellie Monk in Nov Quad – A Final
7th Charlie Wallis U16 Sinlge – A Final
8th Charlie Wallis ,Kalas Taukamo, Reuben Mihaere & Adam Sew Hoy in U16 Eight – A Final
8th Sydney Telfer U17 Single – A Final
2nd Tiana Mihaere U17 Single – B Final
6th Kalas Taukamo, Reuben Mihaere & Adam Sew Hoy in U16 Quad – B Final

Welcome Powhiri


Wednesday marked the first day of school for all students at St Kevin's College and the morning began with a powhiri for the 2014 Year 9 intake and our other new students who have started at St Kevin's.  The day continued with special assembly where candles were lit as part of a liturgy presentation.

We are pleased to welcome three new staff members to St Kevin's College; Miss Blair to the English Dept, Ms Sutton who is teaching Biology and we welcomed back Mr Nyika to the Social Sciences Dept.  He will also be teaching Religious Studies.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Welcome Year 9

Our Year 9 students for 2014 have had a frantic first week at the College.  What a fine looking group of Kevinians!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

NZ Marist Secondary Schools 7's Tournament

Good luck to the team who will be heading to the NZ Marist Secondary Schools 7's Tournament in Wellington this weekend.  A total of 12 teams will be competing in this inaugural invitational event with the College being one of only three from the South Island.  Past pupils, ex-staff and our College Community based in the Wellington area should head to the new artificial turf at St Patrick's College on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to enjoy some top level sport and support the boys in their quest for success!

Monday, February 3, 2014

Emerging Netball Star

Year 13 student Merekite Wahitapu is one of thirty girls selected for the New Zealand Talent ID prgramme for Netball South Squad covering the Southland and Otago area.

Merekite has been a part of the College Senior A Netball Team since Year 10 and will attend block weekend training sessions throughout the year providing her with opportunities for selection to top regional competition teams.



St Kevin's College Netball Club are looking for coaches of all ability levels for the 2014 season.  If you would like more information or an application please go to the netball website or contact Athena Evans:
https://sites.google.com/a/stkevins.school.nz/redcastle-netball/

Powhiri Welcome

At 9am on Wednesday morning the school will welcome all of our new staff and students to the College with a Powhiri in the Auditorium where our 2014 Year 11 students will perform the College Haka.

CLICK HERE to view the words to the St Kevin's College Haka.