Monday, October 31, 2016

Down Hill Success

During the holidays 3 boys from SKC competed in the South Island Secondary Schools and NZ Secondary Schools Mountain Bike race in Dunedin with some great results from 180 riders across 67 secondary schools.

Josh Bryant, raced in the under 15 boys, coming 8th in the Super D for the South Island, with a New Zealand Secondary school placing of 9th. He also came 12th in the DH, for the South Island Secondary Schools and New Zealand.

Tony McCone, raced in the under 16 boys, he raced in the DH and came 13th in the South Island and New Zealand Secondary Schools

Finn Sillibourne, raced in the under 17 boys, he raced in the DH and came 11th for the South Islands and a New Zealand Secondary School 13th placing.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Congratulations to the students and families of all those who recieved awards in last Thursday's Celebration of Culture. It showcased our finest arts and cultural achievements. There is a lot of work that goes into an evening such as this and I would like to acknowledge and thank our Assistant Principal Jo Walshe, Arts Co-odrinator Cathy Keep and the support team of staff and students who brought us an evening of excellence.

This week the Education Review Office sent us the confirmed report which I am tremendously pleased with. The hard work of the BOT and staff over the last five years has been recognised in the granting of a four to five year review, which is the highest endorsement. You can read the report here.

As seniors enter their last formal week of study, I would encourage caregivers to discuss their latest school report with them. It should have been emailed to you recently. This last week is an opportunity to focus them on any issues raised in relation to the upcoming external examinations.

Some parents are telling me that students do not need to gain many credits from the externals to get NCEA. I would suggest that comments from students such as "I do not need to study as I already have enough credits to pass" should be answered with "Gaining the minimum is not helping you to reach your potential". We need to recognise that NCEA sets a low bar for most of our students. An important goal for the majority should be to gain Merit and Excellent endorsements and subject endoresements. Please encourage them to aim high and work hard till the end.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Edmund Rice Service

Throughout the year students have volunteered service in a number of way in our community.  Iona Rest Home has benefited from raised garden beds and their residents have enjoyed the company of visits from students.  This week at assembly we acknowledged this service with the presentation of Edmund Rice Service Awards.  Congratulations to the following students:
Amy Hunter, Ami Wallis, Holly Malcolm, Ella Hitchcock, James Caldwell, Jarred Hardy, Simon Lilicama, Georgia Lightbody, Brittany Weir, Niamh Farrell, Georgia Dyson, Levi Emery, Riley Chandler, Alex Kircher, Iva Jame, Harriet Hanning, Jacqui Malcolm, Ella Sanderson, Emma Fox, Kate Caldwell, Mark Whittet, Billy Cheung, Katelyn Bradfield, Imogen Brew, Imogen Brown, Akira Mishima and Charlotte Page.

Federated Farmers Scholarship

We were joined at assembly this week by Kirsty Stratton, ANZ Agribusiness Relations Manager (North Otago) who presented Emma Middlemass with the Federated Farmers ANZ Scholarship.  Emma plans to study Veterinary Studies at Massey University next year.  Congratulations!

Central Otago Lakes Scholarship

Congratulations to Pierce McLeod and Riley Chandler who have been awarded a Central Otago Lakes Trust Scholarship which will help with their tertiary studies next year.  They were presented with their scholarships at a special awards ceremony.  Well done!

Friday, October 21, 2016

Deputy Principal's Message

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

The College has been a hive of industry this week as we come into the final couple of weeks before the commencement of NCEA examinations.  Students should have settled into their extra study in order to be well prepared and are also reminded about good sleeping and eating habits to ensure they have every success during a time that can be stressful.

There was a great turnout to the NCEA Pathways Planning Evening on Tuesday, such that we relocated to the larger Auditorium.  I hope that parents, caregivers and students found the information helpful in navigating the NCEA waters and that it prompted discussions at home about course selections and career paths.  Our staff, in particular Year Level Deans, Careers and Guidance staff, are always available to field any questions and queries so please contact the office if you would like to speak to someone.


Also on this week was our Celebration of Culture Awards which showcased the depth of The Arts and Culture at St Kevin's.  We have a very proud tradition of Culture at the College and I would like to thank the staff and members of our community who work with and support our students to ensure that this continues.  In particular, I would like to thank Ms Jo Walshe for her work in organising last night's event and the students who performed for us.  I was delighted to present a Cultural Blue to GypsyMae Harihona-Harrison and congratulate all of our award winning thespians, musicians and artists.

May God bless you


Kerry Ryan, Deputy Principal

Celebration of Culture 2016

The College Community was treated to a cultural spectacle last night as the Celebration of Culture hit the Auditorium stage.  The evening kicked off with a vibrant performance by the girls from the Pasifika Group and was followed by a variety of cultural items, including dance, music, speech and a scene from the recently staged The Importance of being Earnest, where Josh Cunningham revived Lady Bracknell to Mark Whittet's John Worthing.  The Cultural Awards were presented before the our Design students presented their amazing garments and a performance from Joel Kunnethedan to close the evening.  Congratulations to all of the award winners and performers, with a special thank you to Ms Walshe for her work to co-ordinate the evening.  

Premier Award Winners:
Contribution to Culture Junior Female (Keep Family Cup) - Bethan Ardouin
Contribution to Culture Junior Male (Musical Theatre Oamaru 60th Jubilee Cup) - Jonte Kydd-Law
Premier Cultural Female (Karen Austin Cup) - GypsyMae Harihona-Harrison
Premier Cultural Male (Jibi Kunnethedam Cup) - Mark Whittet
Cultural Blue for 2016 - GypsyMae Harihona-Harrison

Aoraki Rowing Regatta


Nine athletes from St Kevin's competed at the Aoraki 1000 mtr rowing regatta in the weekend as part of the Oamaru Club.  The first Regatta of the new season produced some very good results, almost all athletes made it to finals on the Sunday, with Hannah Cunningham getting first in the U16 Girls Single, and then an impressive 3rd rowing up an age level to get 3rd in U17 Girls Single.   Jack Andrew did well to finish a close 4th in the U16 Boys Single.  Logan Docherty and Max Smith combined well to compete in 6 races on the Saturday and make it to 6 finals for Sunday, collecting two 2nd and a 4th. Unfortunately the wind blew up on Sunday which didn't allow the last few races to be rowed.  The last race in these conditions was Shea Direen and Roshni Crow to get an impressive 5th in very trying conditions. To all athletes well done, next Regatta Ashburton 26th and 27th November.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

NCEA What Is It???

What a great and informative evening on Tuesday at our NCEA Pathways Planning Night.  For those of you who were unable to attend, and for those who have asked for a re-cap, please find the link to the presentation below.


Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Earnest Wrap Up

The two night season of The Importance of Being Earnest can be deemed an absolute success!  Once again, on Friday the audience were treated to an elegant evening of theatre and food!  Congratulations to Ms Walshe and all of the Senior Drama students involved in the play on witty and high quality performances on both the Thursday and Friday evening.  Well done to the Home & School on array of tasty supper appetizers and the beautiful transformation of the Auditorium, and thank you to the team of girls who came and helped them with service.  A big thanks to Isaac Steel and Jason Shieffelbein for their technical support and for helping with all manner of jobs at the end of each evening!  Thank you to Raelene Guthrie from Razers Edge for some beautiful Victorian hair styles.   A special thank you and mention to our Earnest Sponsors who have supported The Importance of Being Earnest as a Home & School fundraiser from the onset - Presence on Harbour, The Oamaru Opera House, Musical Theatre Oamaru and the team from The Victorian Wardrobe.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Principal''s Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

During the holidays, I attended the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Principals Congress in Kolkata, India. This was a gathering of 200 education leaders from 22 countries. The focus was to share international best practice that supports our Edmund Rice charism. As part of the immersion experience, I visited schools in Shillong and have included some images from Providence School which is run by the Christian Brothers for students at the margins.


On my return it has been a pleasure to catch up on some key student sporting achievements that occurred over the holidays. Congratulations to our boys basketball squad who have once again won the national title and our trap shooting team who have won national honours. Please refer to the following blog articles for more details.

As we begin the final term, I would urge caregivers of senior students to focus them on examination preparation and keep distractions to a minimum. Thank you for your support.

May God bless you
Paul Olsen, Principal

Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough Notification

We have had an outbreak of whooping cough in our community which we need to let parents and caregivers know about. If your child has any of the following symptoms, we advise that you seek medical help.

At first, whooping cough has the same symptoms as the average cold:
Mild coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Low fever
You may also have diarrhoea early on.

After about 7-10 days, the cough turns into “coughing spells” that end with a whooping sound as the person tries to breathe in air.

Because the cough is dry and doesn't produce mucus, these spells can last up to 1 minute. Sometimes it can cause your face to briefly turn red or purple.

Most people with whooping cough have coughing spells, but not everyone does.

Infants may not make the whooping sound or even cough, but they might gasp for air or try to catch their breath during these spells. Some may vomit.

Thursday Performance

Last night a lucky audience was treated to a sophisticated evening of classical theatre as the Senior Drama students presented The Importance of being Earnest as part of their NCEA assessment for the year.  The Home & School have come on board to create a Supper Theatre as part of their invaluable fundraising efforts for the College and they catered a stylish supper, fit for high society!  Thank you to all those who have supported them by purchasing tickets, and to our Earnest Sponsors for their support of the students - The Oamaru Opera House, Musical Theatre Oamaru, The Victorian Wardrobe and Presence on Harbour.

The Friday night cast will hit the stage this evening, with Ceilidh Brookes playing the part of Lady Bracknell, Emma-Kate Newlove as Gwendolen and Alex Gibbons as Cecily.

Solid Swim Performances

Our swimmers made a splash with the Oamaru Swim Club at the NZ Short Course Nationals held in Auckland over the school holidays.  Penny Keeling claimed a silver medal in the 800m Freestyle in the Girls 13yrs, as well as three other top ten placings.  Tiana Mansfield won bronze in both the 100m and 200m Backstroke for the Girls 15yrs and Charlie Gilbert took silver in the Boys 13yrs 1500m Freestyle,  Tandia Gooch had a great swim meet in the Girls 16yrs, as did Jaxson MacDonald-Piner in the Boys 15yrs who claimed five top ten placings.  Well done team!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

The Importance Of Being Earnest

The Senior Drama presentation of The Importance of being Earnest opens this evening for an exclusive two night season.  As part of their NCEA assessments they have brought the Home & School on board to create a supper theatre fundraiser.  The Auditorium has been transformed into an elegant and intimate theatre, befitting of this classic play.  Thank you to all those who have bought tickets to support the Home & School and the theatrical arts at the College.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

National Basketball Champions 2016

Also during the holidays, Basketball teams traveled to Palmerston North to compete at the National Secondary Schools A Basketball Tournament.  They aimed high and the boys, with Hamish Robertson's amazing basketball coaching, ended up with the silver wear and a national title.  To top it off - Peng & Matt made the tournament team - then to any doubters - BBNZ picked Matt Brien as the MVP of the tournament.  Not to be forgotten, the girls were a credit to themselves and the College as they took to the court alongside some tough competition!  Congratulations everyone and a big thank you to coaches, managers and supporters who traveled with the teams.

National Shooting Success

Well done to the Girls and Boys shooters from St Kevin's College who competed at the Secondary School Nationals and South Island Champs in the holidays. Best of the boys was Clark Ewing who was highest scorer from all Secondary Schools in the Central South Island area and ending up 4th equal overall at the Nationals.  For the Girls, a big congratulations must go to Jess Fraser who finished 1st in the Ladies Single barrel at Nationals.  All the shooters shot extremely well in difficult conditions.