ANZAC Day Service

Today we held an ANZAC Day service at school, to remember all those who served our country in times of war. ANZAC Day, the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, was the first day of conflict and an important part of New Zealand's history.

With a heartfelt thanks and tremendous pride, we recalled the names of the past pupils of St Kevin's College, who died serving our country, and joined in prayer to honour their souls. 

As the whole school gathered outside, the Waitaki District School's Pipe Band played and the ANZAC wreath was laid at the Grotto. The bugle bellowed as the flag was lowered to half-mast and restored to full, after which we each laid a poppy at the feet of Our Lady in the Grotto. 

We would like to give thanks to the Air Training Corps and members of Waitaki District School's Pipe Band for joining us for our service.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Growing Green Fingers

Over the school holiday our greenhouse has been assembled and is now ready to use for the Practical Science course. Throughout this course students have been learning various gardening skills and different ways of growing plants. The greenhouse will be used for the 'container growing' aspect of the course. 

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Better Never Stops

"Better never stops" was the theme of Sir Graham Henery's address today at the Rotary district conference being held this weekend in Oamaru. Sir Graham shared insights gleaned from being a top-level coach on the world stage.  Thank you to Cara Tipping-Smith and local Rotarians for inviting our student leaders and budding leaders to attend this inspiring event.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

As I write my final blog for the term, I have been reflecting on the many rich learning experiences and opportunities to grow, that the College has provided for our young people this term. I am immensely grateful to the many people, in a range of roles, that have gone the extra mile for students, at a personal cost of time, petrol or money. This motivation to help is embodied in our values and reflected in our relationships.

We saw this community spirit and support in action at last weekend's Catholic Secondary Schools Tournament. To come away with the winning trophy was an added bonus. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such an enjoyable occasion. Pictured above are senior leaders with Mr Smith, holding some of the trophies.

The welcome mihi whakatau.

The hockey boys are showing potential early in the season.

On Wednesday we had our talented swimmers competing at the Aoraki Swimming Championships. Thank you to Jo Gilbert, Mr Farrell and Mrs Clapperton for arranging transport and supporting our participation. It was pleasing to see a number of records tumble along with many individual PB's.

The swim team outside the Ashburton pool

Today we celebrated an Easter Liturgy, as on Friday our staff are working with renowned educator, Mel Stopford, from Evaluation Associates,  as part of our involvement with the Whitestone Community of Learning. Thank you to Mr Mullally and Fr Wayne for your contribution.

We wish everyone a safe, happy and holy Easter and look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday 29th of April.

Manaaki te atua ia koutou

Ngā mihi nui

Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

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Hostel Happenings

Trip to the Highlanders
Last Friday night a large group of students and staff attended the Highlanders match against the Hurricanes. Despite the close loss for the Highlanders, the night was enjoyed by all.

Year 12 & 13 Hostel Whanau Social Evening
This is being held in the Castle on Friday 3rd May and will follow the Student Lead Conferences at School. We look to hosting as many year 12 & 13 families as possible. Invitations have been sent to families via email. If you have not received one please email Justin Fowler.

Hostel Renovations
The builders have been in this week to start on the renovation/building work at the hostel. This work will take place over a number of stages and we look forward to progress being made

Hostel Closed for the Holidays
The Hostel is closed for the school holidays and will be open again on Sunday 28 April at 2pm. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Respected Kevinian Passes

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gavin McLean, celebrated historian & prolific author.

Gavin attended St Kevin's College from 1971 to 1976 and went on to gain a PhD in History from Otago University. He has been the Senior Historian for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage for more than 20 years. His main areas of professional interest are constitutional, war and heritage history. He was also a Life Member of the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust.

WW100 Perspectives with Gavin McLean - First World War troopships

He has published widely on everything from shipping histories to the story of the New Zealand governor-generalship. This is his third literary anthology, the others being Whare Korero: Best of Reed Writing (2007) and The Penguin Book of New Zealanders at War (2009, co-edited with Ian McGibbon and Kynan Gentry). His most recent book is The White Ships: New Zealand's First World War Hospital Ships.

May he rest in peace.

Aoraki Swimmming Success

The Results are in from yesterday's Aoraki Swimming for 2019.

4 records were broken by St Kevins Swimmers - Elenoa Asi, Corbin Fraser (2) and Danny Gilbert. Congratulations on this awesome achievement.

Top 3 placings a for the SKC Swimming Team

Girls Team Scores
2nd St Kevins

Boys Team Scores
2nd= St Kevins

Boys U14 100m IM
1st Corbin Fraser

Girls 15 & Over 100m IM
2nd Tiana Mansfield
3rd Iessha Mansfield

Boys U14 & Under 50m Free
1st Danny Gilbert
3rd Corbin Fraser

Girls 15 & Over 50m /Free
1st Iessha Mansfield

Boys 15 & Over 50M Free
3rd Charlie Gilbert

Girls 14 & Under 200m Free
3rd Elenoa Asi

Boys 14 & Under 200m Free
1st Danny Gilbert

Boys 15 & Over 200m Free
1st Charlie Gilbert
2nd Halalova Asi

Girls 15 & Over 200m Medley Relay
2nd St Kevins

Boys 15 & Over 200m Medley Relay
2nd St Kevins

Girls 14 & Under 50m Back
2nd Elenoa Asi

Girls 15 & Over 50m Back
1st Tiana Mansfield

Girls 14 & Under 100m Back
1st Tarona Taafaki

Girls 15 & Over 100m Back
1st Tiana Mansfield

Boys 15 & Over 100m Back
2nd Charlie Gilbert
3rd Mannix Fraser

Girls 15 & Over 200m IM
3rd Jocelyn Fellowes

Boys 15 & Over 200m IM
2nd Halalova Asi

Girls 14 & Under 50m Breast NR 38.38
1st Elenoa Asi

Boys 14 & Under 50m Breast NR 33.99
1st Corbin Fraser

Girls 15 & Over 50m Breast
3rd Mequa Smart

Girls 14 & Under 100m Breast
2nd Elenoa Asi

Boys 14 & Under 100m Breast NR 1:14.03
1st Corbin Fraser

Girls 15 & Over 100m Breast
2nd Mequa Smart

Boys 15 & Over 100m Free
3rd Halalova Asi

Boys 14 & Under 50m Fly NR 29.29
1st Danny Gilbert

Girls 15 & Over 50m Fly
3rd Jocelyn Fellowes

Girls 14 & Under 100m Fly
2nd Tarona Taafaki

Boys 14 & Under 100m Fly
1st Danny Gilbert

Girls 14 & Under 200m Free Relay
2nd St Kevins

Girls 15 & Over 200m Free Relay
2nd St Kevins

Boys 15 & Over 200m Free Relay
2nd St Kevins

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

You're Nicked!

A group of Year 13 students, who are exploring the NZ Police force as a career option, were very fortunate to meet with Detective Sergeant Hannah Booth and new recruit Sam Thompson (an old boy of SKC).

They discussed career pathways and the attributes required for this challenging, but very rewarding, career. Students were also treated to a tour of the station. We thank Hannah and Sam for sharing their valuable time and expertise and hope that some students elect to join these great role models in the future.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Lincoln University Liaison Visit

Olivia Taffs, Lincoln University Liaison Officer, visited St Kevin's College today. She gave an informative oversight of Lincoln University to the Year 13 students, who were interested in future tertiary studies in the Agricultural sector.

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Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The Year 13 Biology class had a productive trip to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary. During the overnight camp, students carried out investigations into different aspects of the native plants at the sanctuary, gaining NCEA Level 3 credits.

 

Orokonui Ecosanctuary is the flagship biodiversity project for the South Island, where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators. A predator fence surrounds 307 hectares of Coastal Otago forest, pests have been removed, habitat enhanced with weed control and planting, and many rare and endangered species re-introduced.

Thank you to Mrs Hesselin and Mr Ryan for organising the field trip and the parent helpers for supplying the transport. Also thanks to educators from the University of Otago Botany department, for assisting students in their investigations.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

National Race Unity Hui

Our Year 12 student, Joel Kunnethedan, represented the Waitaki district in the National Race Unity Youth Hui held in Wellington last weekend. The Hui explored the theme of 'Speaking for Justice, Working for Unity'.

Participants had a chance to help test a new app, to help migrant youth settle and make connections in New Zealand communities. Thank you, Joel, for putting your time and efforts into such an important matter!

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Moeraki Marae Visit

Our Year 11 students visited the Moeraki Marae recently, to learn all about Māori culture. Nola Tipa of Te Rūnanga O Moeraki Marae, educational advisor of Ngāi Tahu, ran the session for the day.

Nola taught all about the 6 main aspects of Māori culture, kotahitanga (unity), whānaungatanga (family), tohungatanga (knowledge), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), wairuangatanga (spirituality) and rangatiratanga (leadership). Students were able to relate these to our own FIRE values of family, integrity, respect and excellence.

After a lovely walk around Moeraki, visiting the Māori cemeteries, students reflected on what they had learnt throughout the day, and reiterated this in small group performances. 

We are fortunate to have a good working relationship with the Rūnanga, and are very thankful for being invited to visit the Marae. To show our appreciation, the students performed our school haka for Nola.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Pasifika Treasures Exhibition

Recently, the Pasifika Treasures Exhibition was held at the Opera House here in Oamaru. Mrs Plunkett, our Head of the Arts, attended the exhibition with 9 of our students who had art work in the show.

Year 9 students created lino prints and Year 10 students created screen printed tote bags. All work had an environmental message, focused around the Pacific Islands. The artwork was for sale and overall $140 was made, which will be donated to the Pasifika Community!

It was lovely to catch up with Ilaisipa Tahaafe, an ex-student of St Kevin's College (pictured below), who is now in her first year of teaching at Oamaru North School.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Catholic Secondary Schools Tournament

The sun has been shining for the Catholic Secondary Schools Tournament, hosted this year here at St Kevin's College. We are proud to announce that St Kevin's College were the winners this year!

Thank you to all students from Roncalli College, Verdon College, Kavanagh College and St Peter's College for taking part. Also thanks to all staff for organising and running the event. Check out the SKCSports Facebook page for more photos.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Not Just on the Fields!

The Catholic Secondary Schools Tournament is back in full swing today. Behind the scenes there are people working away diligently to keep us informed about the results of all matches.

Using modern technology and computer wizardry Mr Gower, Mrs Burton and Carter Andrew make sense of all the number crunching, so we are kept up-to-date. Thank you!

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Flying Gumboots

Our Young Farmers Club had a sausage sizzle at lunchtime on Friday followed by an inter-house gumboot throwing competition to raise money for the I am Hope charity. A strong southerly breeze made throwing a challenge but an enthusiastic crew supported by Mrs Eatherley raised awareness for this important mental health initiative.

Pictured are some of the finalists with some captured mid-flight.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

1737, Need to talk? - Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor

Depression.org.nz - 0800 111 757 or text 4202

Lifeline – 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here.

Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

thelowdown.co.nz – Web chat, email chat or free text 5626

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825.

Hostel Happenings

Hostel Redevelopment
Building work is to start next week on the redevelopment of the hostel at the current site of the boys hostel. This work will be carried out over a number of stages, to ensure we can still use the hostel while the work is completed. It is great to get things started after a long time of planning.

End of Term
There is a teacher only day next Friday, so the hostel will be closed for the holidays from 4.30pm on Thursday next week until 2pm on Sunday April 28.

Year 10 Breakfast
As their treat for the term, the Year 10 girls went out for breakfast with their hostel mentor, Becky. Everyone had a lovely time and went to school very full!

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This week's assembly celebrated some of the pinnacles of sporting achievement from the term. The Under 18 Novice Four had their Maadi trophy and medals presented.

The South Island Secondary Athletics Championships achievements from the competition in Nelson were recognised:

• U14 800m 12th Matthew Woodhouse and 13th Camden Burge
• U14 1500m 11th Matthew Woodhouse
• U15 100m 8th Jed Jabagat and 13th Archie Mitchell
• U15 High Jump 4th and 5th Long Jump Jed Jabagat
• U15 Shotput 5th Archie Mitchell
• U19 1500m 4th and 2nd U19 3000m Max Yanzick

The certificates for the Oamaru Multisport Club South Island Secondary Schools Triathlon and Duathlon Championships were presented:
Charlie Gilbert, Josh Bryant & Max Yanzick 3rd Senior Boys’ Team

Amy Coutts 2nd Senior Girl was attending the Biology Trip.

This Sunday and Monday we are looking forward to hosting the Catholic Secondary Schools Tournament. We welcome our community to support our winter sports teams as they have their first games of the season.

Manaaki te atua ia koutou

Ngā mihi nui

Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

Scripture Reading Results

On Tuesday 2 April the annual SKC Catholic Scripture Reading competitions were held in the College Chapel. Speech Therapist Mrs Anna Sillibourne proved to be a most competent adjudicator who had the unenviable task of determining each year levels winners. The results from the Scripture Reading Competitions for each year level were as follows:

 Y9 placings
1st Sam McCarthy
2nd Samuel Plieger
3rd Ianna Abuyabor

Y10 placings
1st Vince Vidallon
2nd Cushla Bridges
3rd Alexis Cuaresma

Y11 placings
1st Rhea Ratgali
2nd Joseph Spillane
3rd Seth Sinclair

Y12 placings
1st Rogan-Joe Sloan
2nd Joel Kunnethedam
3rd Bethan Ardouin

Y13 placings
1st Nicholas Pleiger
2nd Serena O’Brien
3rd Caleb Jopson

Hot off the Press!

Congratulations to the team of contributors and editors involved in the production of the annual magazine. Lana from Creativity Plus has done a superb job with the graphic design and printing. Thank you to all involved.

The magazine had been distributed to those who ordered a copy via the school office. 

Leaver's copies are being posted home.

Mooove to the Mackenzie

On Tuesday the Year 12 Agriculture and Geography students took part in a combined field trip to the Mackenzie Basin. They were looking at sustainable use of environments, changing land use, and possible careers in farming, aquaculture and agri-tourism.

Thank you very much to our dairy farm managers Richard and Nicola, Josh of High Country Salmon, and to Jackson of The Wrinkly Rams, for generously spending time with us and answering all of our questions. Also, thank you to Mrs Eatherley for organising the trip, and to Mrs Buckham for the photographs.

   

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>

St Edmund's Visit

On Monday, the College hosted the touring St Edmund's College rugby team from Ipswich.  They played our Under 16 rugby squad in a preseason match after school. This is the fourth year that St Edmunds, a fellow Edmund Rice school has visited. The boys were billeted by team members and have taken the opportunity to visit Oamaru's historic precinct and local attractions. We wish them safe travels.

Keep up to date with College news by visiting our News Blog >>