Friday, November 27, 2015

Principal's Post

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Riding up Thames Highway as a pillion passenger on a 1800cc Suzuki motor cycle in leathers is not on my normal Tuesday afternoon agenda. The White Ribbon family violence campaign asked local Principals to do just that, highlighting the importance of healthy family relationships in our community. The riders were warmly welcomed to the College with a haka and mihi followed by cup cakes and a drink for the road weary travellers. The riders have been working their way around the South Island visiting schools and communities and we wish them well on their journey.

Strategic planning and staff appointments for the 2016 year have been this week's focus for the Board of Trustees and Senior Management team at the College.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:
  • Mr Craig Smith - HOF Physical Education 
  • Mrs Hayley Ambler - Biology and Year 10/11 Co-Dean 
  • Mrs Margaret Burton - Dean of Vocational Guidance 
  • Mrs Phillippa Sutton - Fixed Term Science/Maths for 2016 
  • Mrs Victoria Blair - Year 12/13 Co-Dean 
  • Mr Nick Bristow - Teacher of English 
Congratulations on your appointment and we look forward to you joining the St Kevin's Family.

Our congratulations also to Mrs Janette Potter who has been appointed the Deputy Principal of Kaikorai Valley College in Dunedin. She commences in 2016.

Please keep the Year 9 Activity Week and Year 10 Retreat permission forms coming in to the office.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

Thursday, November 26, 2015

SKC Christmas Appeal


Our junior students were a credit today, raising over $300 for the SKC Christmas Appeal with a mufti day and lunchtime sausage sizzle. The money will be used to make up Christmas hampers for those in need within our community this holiday season.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Y10 Camp Kayaking Safety


Year 10 Camp preparations are under way and today students have been under the watchful eye of Mr Haig who has been teaching them kayaking safely - in this case how to get out of your kayak if you get into strife and the signals for asking for assistance!

A reminder that with less than two weeks to go, permission slips should be handed into the school office or completed via the permissions portal on the school website. Likewise, payments can be made at the office or through the School Payments page on the Parent Portal. Thank you.

White Ribbon Ride 2015



There was a distinct rumble as the White Ribbon Ride rolled into SKC yesterday afternoon as part of their annual nationwide ride to raise awareness and speak out against family violence.   The ride is a powerful reminder about the effects of violence on our families and communities but provides us with inspirational stories of courage and change.

The riders (with one certain Principal on board) were greeted with the College Haka before students and staff were challenged to think about their own personal relationships with their friends, family and teachers/students at school.  Are they respectful?    The cupcake efforts were shared among all those present after which everyone took the opportunity to admire the bikes close up.

Thank you White Ribbon NZ for including the College in this important initiative.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Orientation 2015



Over the past two days classes have been a little fuller than normal with our visiting Year 8 students spending "a day in the life" at SKC and taking an active role in classes and school activities.  See you all for the first day of term in 2016!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Tongan U20 Selection

A week after returning home for the Christmas holidays Kelepi Funaki trialed for the Tongan U20 rugby side, and has been selected for a four nation tournament which begins in Fiji in a week. The winner of this tournament continues on to play in a second tier international tournament in Zimbabwe during April. Congratulations Kelepi!

White Ribbon Ready

Juniors were joined by our Y8 Orientation students today as they prepared some tasty treats ahead of the White Ribbon Rider's visit tomorrow afternoon.   The afternoon tea has become a tradition over the last couple of years.  The riders will arrive at the College at about 1.20pm.

West Ham Elite International Academy


When Y12 student Rosie Pope attended the national West Ham Academy up in Auckland during the last school holidays, little did she know that it would lead to an invitation to the Westham Elite International Academy in London!  Held in April 2016, there will be a week of intense football sessions, as well as inductions over a nine day period.  The Auckland Academy saw Rosie as one of only two girls out of 15 in her age group.  However the London Academy will be an all girl affair, with the boys travelling in March.  Congratulations on this amazing opportunity!!!!!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

With junior examinations completed, staff are busy marking scripts and writing reports. Thank you to the many helpers who have acted as reader writers during the junior examinations. These roles are important but are not funded by the Operations Grant. Staff and community goodwill allow students to access the curriculum in a meaningful way and enjoy success at a personal level.

At our assembly on Wednesday, we reflected on the events in Paris and had a moment's silence for the victims of these terror attacks. As a special character school it is important for staff to help unpack these events for students, so that they gain some insight into the geopolitical and religious issues being confronted in places like Syria. We encourage students to seek to understand a global perspective as they strive to become citizens of a very turbulent 21st century world.

This week we have also completed some updates to our website. The following pages have been added to give more curriculum overview:

  • Confucius Classroom
  • Broadcast Academy
  • Equestrian Academy
  • Primary ITO Academy
  • Trade Training
I would encourage you to visit these pages to refresh your understanding of these courses. There are an amazing number of opportunities that are available with the partnerships we have established.

Caregivers of Year 9 and 10 students: please get the student permission forms into the office for Y9 Activity Week or Y10 Camp and Retreat, or go to the permissions portal on the College website.

Finally, please keep the Ryan family in your prayers as Mrs Ryan recovers from surgery.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

ONE WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM

One Way Traffic System

Please remember our One Way Traffic System which operates Monday to Friday during the time periods 
8.30-9.30am and 3.00-4.00pm.  
All vehicles are required to travel
IN via the Taward Street entrance 
and OUT through Redcastle Road.  

This allows for a safer flow of traffic when students are walking and biking around parking areas and using the main College driveway.  It also reduces the risk of accidents with wider vehicles and buses.

We also encourage parents and caregivers to drop students off to school either at the Taward Street and Redcastle Road entrances or closer to Gym area to avoid dangerous congestion at the entrance to the Administration Block.

Haka Ready

Year 9 and 10 students gathered in the Gym this afternoon to hone their haka presentation ahead of the White Ribbon Riders visit to the College next Tuesday.  Thank you Mrs Plunkett, Levi, GypsyMae and Tivinia for your help and pointers.

SKC Project Runway Continued

From the America's to Egypt, the land of the pharaohs, King Tut and the mighty sphinx.  Such was the design brief for our Year 13 Textile students during SKC Project Runway 2015.

KIMBERLEY ALLAN
Kimberley's full lined pure new wool navy cape is perfect for the discerning woman wanting a queenly touch to her winter attire.  Inspired by the bulrushes which protected Moses, this beautiful garment is designed to protect it's wearer from the cold and from any accusation of not being fabulous!

HANNAH KEITH
Hannah was inspired by the sand of Egypt when she designed this three pieced outfit with cowl neckline.  Taking its colouring from the sand and its lines from the windswept landscape, the look is completed with the hand printed belt in the shimmering blues of the Egyptian sky.

GEORGIA-KATE BLAIR
Georgia designed a full length black dress fit for Cleopatra herself.  This gorgeous special occasion dress is heavily embroidered at the front with cut away panels at the back.  The geometric designs reflect the symmetry of the ancients with the ease of transition from day to night with an appliqued detachable collar.

AYSHA HIRAMA
Aysha captured not only the look of ancient Egypt in her choice of colour but also the feel.  Made from turquoise linen this dress moves with the body with a long silhouette and a machine embroidered bodice and cut out neckline.

OLIVIA CAMPBELL
Olivia really pushes the Egyptian barge out with this gorgeous full length gold and navy special occasion dress.  Capturing the dark allure of the evening Nile, this dress plays on colour and shape with its dramatic gold hues and sunburst bodice.

HOPE NERI
Hope presented a wedding dress for Project Runway.  The dress is made from Cream Oyster satin and is created in two pieces.  The bodice boast hand printed designs reminiscent of the paparys plants of Egypt, which reflect the flowing shapes of the mermaid skirt.

Thank You Lions

Riley Chandler is heading away on the Spirit of Adventure tomorrow which will see her spend 10 days on the ship travelling from Auckland to Napier.  Riley would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Lions Club who have helped her fund this exciting adventure.  Have a great time!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS

The Uniform Shop is open every Thursday 12.30-1.30pm. 
The last day for 2015 will be on Thursday 3 December. 

The shop will be OPEN on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November from 1-2.30pm.

Extra opening hours for 2016:
Wednesday 27 January 3-7pm
Friday 29 January 11am-2pm
Sunday 31 Janaury 10am-2pm

The St Kevin's College Uniform shop accepts donations of uniform clothing in good condition.  
We offer payment for some items; eg kilts, blazers, PE tops, jerseys.  
All profit from the Uniform Shop benefits the students at SKC.

Home & School Christmas Truffle Orders

The Home & School are set for a busy weekend of truffle making but there is still time to place late orders!!

Fantastic as gifts for friends and family, or even as a treat for you!

$5 per dozen (money with orders please)

To order contact Mandy Farrell - 027 381 4436 (tiernach24@xtra.co.nz)


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Heads Down

There was lots of nervous energy at the College yesterday as junior end of year exams got under way!  

Friday, November 13, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

The College campus is a considerably quieter place this week with the NCEA examinations in full swing and juniors preparing for their end of year examinations. It is pleasing to receive generally positive feedback about the NCEA papers; with most of the students I have talked to feeling they have been well prepared in the lead up to these public examinations. Thank you to the many staff who have gone the extra mile to provide special revision classes and tutorials over the final term.

On Wednesday at the junior assembly, Mr Ryan briefed students about course requirements for 2016. Year 10 students are being encouraged to take courses rich in Literacy, Numeracy and Science credits. As the NCEA system has developed, these credits are no longer solely found in English, Mathematics and Science. It is important that as students build their courses, that they give careful consideration to keeping their options as open as possible. As an example, not taking a science course at Level 1 (Science or Agriculture) closes off a huge number of options or forces students to do catch-up courses in later years.

With this in mind, the Year 9 students heard that their core course will have all the essential learning areas of the national curriculum built into it, preparing students for any of the NCEA paths in Year 11. Students with a particular strength will be able to specialise in their particular interest while still keeping options open. This gives them the best of both worlds.

Exciting developments to be aware of are the call for members to join the Rocket Club run by Mr Haig and the Robotics Club being established by Dr Maret.

On Monday we farewelled the first of our international students as they return home for Christmas. Hikari and Clement took the opportunity at the international dinner to gave a final thank you present to Mrs Campbell. We wish these young men every blessing as they head to university.


Monday also bought the announcement of Holly Malcolm's selection for the Thai /NZ Language and Cultural Exchange Programme sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington.  You can read more about the exchange in this week's blog and we wish Holly all the best as she prepares for this exciting opportunity.

Finally, caregiver’s of Year 9 and 10 students need to get their permission forms into the office for Y9 Activity Week or Y10 Camp and Retreat, or go to the permissions portal on the College website.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi
Paul Olsen, Principal

SKC Project Runway 2015 Up Close

The success of SKC Project Runway is just reward for the work and dedication of Mrs Mellor and her textile students.  In 2015 the design brief was very specific and all of the final garments had to have interesting features based on the set cultural theme for either Y12 or Y13.  All garments had to be approved by the major stakeholders (SKC Management Team).  This week we introduce the students behind the Y12 creations.

The design theme for Y12 was Ancient Mayan with a modern Mexico influence, meaning students drew influences from the colourful and heavily decorated designs of the South Americas.  Motifs included heavy floral patterns and birds, woven fabrics and geometric shapes indicative of the stories of the ancient peoples and their architecture.

SKYLA BLAIR
Skyla created a bright orange and yellow cocktail or party dress.  The garments is made in satin with an appliqued godet skirt (additional filled in pleats on the skirt).  Blue accents add contrast and a cheerful touch of the Americas to complete the piece.

JOSHUA CUNNINGHAM
Josh's cheeky little two piece combines dramatic burgundy with large box pleats.  It can carry you from the stage to the after party in dramatic fashion.
 

NATALIE PRESTON
Natalie presented her take on dark burgundy with a two piece outfit to dress up or down as you might see fit.  The skirt fabric embodies the Mayan theme with delicate lines of orange, yellow and pink shot through it on the vertical .  The taffeta top is decorated with twin needle embroidery.

BRITTANY TIFFEN
Brittany's gorgeous pink asymmetrical skirt is overlaid with ruched organza.  This is a pretty and whimsical take on the Mayan theme, embracing the ideals of youthfulness and fun with applique flowers dancing across the front of the piece.
 

SOPHIA ALALOTO
Sophia created a more traditional piece.  This beautiful cloak is fully lined with pure wool, just right for the cold desert nights.  The machine applique celebrates strong geometric themes indicative of the South American Indians.  The fur collar finishes the garment with a splash of luxury.
  

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Thai Language And Cultural Exchange

There is an exciting summer ahead for Holly Malcolm who has been selected as one of seven students nationwide to take part in the Thai/NZ Language and Cultural Exchange Programme for 2016.  The programme is sponsored by the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington to promote people-to-people links between Thailand and New Zealand, and to enhance the English language proficiency of Thai secondary school students.  Holly will spend four weeks with Thai host families and through day to day interactions with her Thai peers provide them with the opportunity to learn and improve their English conversational skills.  For Holly, this will be an amazing cultural experience and we look forward to hearing all about it in the New Year.  Congratulations and safe travels!

Y10 Camp

Year 10 Camp will be held in the last week of the term and once again students will be able to experience four days in the Hopkins Valley.  Please read the attached information carefully and return your permission slip by 30 November (or go on line via the permissions portal).  Payment should be made to the school office or you may pay through the "school payments" page on the parent portal.  If you have any concerns or queries please contact Mr Collins.

STUDENT CAMP INFORMATION

Monday, November 9, 2015

English Novels

Please remember that all English novels need to be returned ASAP. These novels are:
Trash
Letters from the Coffin Trenches
Tomorrow when the war began
I am not Esther
Mr Pip
The Hunger Games
Noughts and Crosses
Animal Farm
The Kite Runner
Lovely Bones
One Thousand Splendid Suns
Gone Girl

Thank you
Mrs Evans

Friday, November 6, 2015

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Congratulations to the Year 13 Leavers who graduated on Monday evening and to the Award winners who were recognised at Prizegiving.
This annual celebration of excellence is an opportunity to report to the community, thank staff and supporters and farewell those who are leaving. This year we farewell a number of long serving staff: Head of the Arts Faculty, Mr Burton, and Drama teacher Mrs Newton,retire at the end of the year. Head of the Physical Education and Health Faculty, Miss Janelle Casey and Dean of Vocational Pathways, Mrs Joy Jackson, move to new opportunities. Geography teacher, Mr Rooney is taking a year's sabbatical. We wish you every blessing for the future in your new roles and adventures.
.
I am pleased to announce the following appointments:
  • Mr Craig Smith - Head of Physical Education
  • Mrs Plunkett - Head of Arts
  • Mrs Ambler - Teacher of Science
We look forward to working with our new staff in the new year.

This week we also commissioned our new high speed wireless internet capability. This delivers wifi to mobile devices and will provide the backbone service for the "bring your own device" program we are embarking on for 2016. Following on from Mr Ryan's BYOD evening, you may like to consider a "Chrome Book" as a Christmas present this year. This will allow students to take full advantage of the learning opportunities being provided at the College. 

Finally this week, year 10 students are making plans for the camp and retreat in the last week. Please ensure that permission slips returned to the office and payment is made on the caregiver portal, before camp. If you need financial assistance, please contact Mr Collins next week.

Hei konā mai i roto i ngā mihi

Paul Olsen, Principal

3D Poetry

Mrs Blair's Y9 English class put a three dimensional spin on their latest poetry assignments.  Students were given the challenge of choosing an object and then writing a poem from the viewpoint of that object.  The colourful and creative boxes reflect the environment in which that object is usually found.  With everything from dancing pumps, to horses and motorbike helmets it was a very interesting display!

Cambridge Exams Under Way

The first of the Cambridge English examinations were held this week and it was a relieved group of Y10 students who emerged from yesterday's exam.  They continue next week and we wish them, and all of our students sitting end of year NCEA examinations, the very best!

Mitchells Hut Make Over

Trampers who venture up Mt Dasher will have new bunks in which to rest thanks to Mr Fulton and student Josh Botting.  The bunks, which were constructed in the Mtech room, were dismantled and transported to Mitchells Hut by local hunters for all to enjoy.


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Senior Prize Giving And Graduation Mass


On Monday evening the College community gathered for the 2015 Senior Prize Giving and Graduation Mass.  It was an occasion in which celebrating the academic success of our students and the Kevinian journey of our graduating students was key.  Our Top Six for 2016 were announced .... they are:
Head Boy - Max Stewart
Head Girl - GypsyMae Harihona Harrison
Deputy Head Boy - Mark Whittet
Deputy Head Girl - Ellen McAtamney
Deputy Head Boy Special Character - Thomas Pickles
Deputy Head Girl Special Character - Niamh Farrell

Sporting Blues were presented to Amber Cunningham (Cricket), Georgia-Kate Blair (Trap Shooting), Reuben Mihaere, Charlie Wallis, Molly Kay and Georgia Dyson (Rowing) and the TopV Boys Basketball Sqaud (Basketball).  A Pennant was presented to Caitlin Middlemiss for Gymnastics.

Scholarship certificates were presented to Brady Kingan, Jack Sinclair, Brittany Caldwell, Julia Fauth, Georgia Haggerty, Sydney Telfer, Mitali Singh and Sean Daly for their success in gaining university or Polytechnic scholarships for study next year.  Congratulations to all of our award winners and in particular Georgia Malcolm (Proxime Accesit to the Dux) and Mitali Singh who was named Dux of the College for 2015.

Thank you to Rebecca Ryan Photography for these great images - visit our Facebook page to view them all

Level 1 - First In Class
Holly Malcolm - Religious Studies, Business Studies, 1st = Science
Jacqui Malcolm - English (Allan Cup), 1st = Science, 1st = Art
Charlotte Page - Alternative English
Adam Sew Hoy - Maths, History
Ella Sanderson - Agriculture
Levi Emery - Physical Education
Jared Hardy -Material Technology
Jayde Pickworth - Graphics, 1st = Art
Stan Papaioannou - Information Technology
Ellie Monk - Food Technology
Emma Fox - 1st = Art
Tom Sinclair - Geography
Emma-Kate Newlove - Music

Level 2 - First In Class
Max Stewart - 1st= Religious Studies
Emma Middlemass - Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, 1st= Religious Studies
Ashley Pink - English, Geography
Jazmin Parker - Alternative English
Kate Nally - Media Studies
Mitchell Lowen - Maths: Algebra & Calculus, Physics
Moriah Tyrrell - Maths: Statistics
Meg Knowler - Agriculture
Sophia Alaloto - 1st= Physical Education
Rose McCarthy - 1st= Physical Education
Sean O'Brien - Graphics
Brittany Tiffen - Fabric Technology
Sinamaru Whippy - Information Technology
Georgia Firman - Food Technology
Rosie Pope - 1st= Art
GypsyMae Harihona Harrison - 1st= Art
Josh Cunningham - Drama
Pierce McLeod - History
Jase Ryan - Vocational Pathways

Level 3 - First In Class
Mitali Singh - Religious Studies (Teschemakers Prize), English, Chemistry, Art
Sydney Telfer - Media Studies, Maths Statistics, Biology (Teschemakers Prize), History
Charlie Wallis - Maths Calculus
Jack Sinclair - Physics
Brittany Caldwell - Agriculture, Economics
Brady Kingan - Physical Education
Josh Macaulay - Material Technology (Mitre 10 Prize)
Shaun Andales - Graphics, Music
Georgia Kate Blair - Fabric Technology (Ivy Pollard Memorial Prize)
Brooklyn Johnston - Food Technology, Drama
Kimberley Allan - Art Sculpture
Julia Fauth - Classical Studies
Lily Webster - Geography

Sprecial Prizes
Dux of College (Br MM O'Connor Plate) - Mitali Singh
Proxime Accessit to the Dux (McCone Cup) - Georgia Malcolm
College Captains Teschemakers Trophy - Sydney Telfer
College Captains Bill Higgins Memorial Trophy - Brady Kingan
Junior Application and Participation (Langley Cup) - Ella Hitchcock
Senior Application and Participation (McCarthy Plate & Paperplus Prize) - Ilaisipa Tahaafe
Junior General Excellence (Bill Nolan Cup) - Holly Malcolm
Senior General Excellence (McKechnie Cup) - Sydney Telfer
Most Outstanding Pasifika Female - Ilaisipa Tahaafe
Most Outstanding Pasifika Male - Antonio Misiloi
DJ Mulheron Sciences Cup - Georgia Malcolm
The Rotary Club of Oamaru for 1st Aggregate in Y11 - Holly Malcolm
The Rotary Club of Oamaru for 1st Aggregate in Y12 - Emma Middlemass
Champion Academic House (John McCarthy Cup) - Magee
Champion House for 2015 (Redcastle Cup) - Treacy
Y13 Christian Leadership (Br C Marlow Cup) - Julia Fauth
Y13 Christian Leadership (Br BJ Lauren Cup)) - Jack Sinclair
Ryan Moynihan Memorial Affability Award - Ilaisipa Tahaafe
Otago Polytechnic Principal's Leadership Award - Connor Ryan
Dominican Tertiary Award - Quin Paterson
North Otago Masonic Lodges' Scholarship - Samuel Ball
Altrusa Margaret Crombie Memorial Tertiary Award - Georgia Malcolm
Mana Pounamu Teina Award - Reuben Mihaere
Mana Pounamu Tuakana Award - Quin Paterson






Tuesday, November 3, 2015

School Magazine

This Friday (6 November) is the LAST DAY to place your order and pay for the 2015 SCHOOL MAGAZINE.

Early Morning Dedication

Check our Molly Kay, Brytnee Firman, Caitlin McCoy, Abbey Mabon and Janaya Allan up bright and early for 6.30am harbour training Monday morning. Amazing water and some fantastic training going on, our Coach Neville Hill was very impressed. Keep up the great work SKC Row Team.


Scarfing Dinner


The senior A & B squad had a great night last Thursday at the annual SKC scarfing dinner. Receiving a scarf at St Kevin's College is a privilege and an honour and there is a very difficult criteria to achieve this.   Well done to all the girls who were presented with scarfs as well as all the netball players at St Kevin's College for a great year.