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