Friday, September 27, 2019

Acting Principal Final Blog

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

The end of term is here. Senior Examination week has come to an end, and students can now take some time off to rest and recharge for the final 4 weeks next term.
Week 9 ended with the Celebration of Sport, and it was an excellent evening. I was very proud of how many of our students were represented. The school teams were there to support their members receiving prizes.
Please take note of calendar dates next term because the term starts as always very busy.

Finally, I would like to thank my staff and support of the student leadership team as my time as Acting Principal comes to an end. Mr Olsen is back next term after completing his sabbatical.
I wish you all a pleasant and restful holiday break.

God bless
Ngā mihi Nui
Kerry Ryan

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Chinese Language Week 2019

Did you know it's Chinese Language Week this week? Here is a short video of Miss Zeng our Mandarin teacher with a couple of basic greetings!


Aoraki Mountain Biking Champs 2019

Check out this awesome shot of Josh Bryant on his way to 2nd in the Enduro Race at the Aoraki Mountain Biking Champs on the 14th September.

Well done to Kelvin Benny, Yi Tao Sun and Carter Andrew who also competed. A big thanks to all those who organised a great event!


Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Kidney Kids Can Fundraiser

You may remember us posting a while back about cans being collected by the school Leo club. The money from the sale of the cans goes to help the Kidney Kids Support Group of NZ who support children with kidney disease. These cans were handed over to Trish Hinton from North Otago Lions to go for sale.

The boxes shown represent about 3 weeks of collecting at school and we will continue this as it is a great way to recycle, as well as benefiting others. Thank you to the students who have made the effort to put their cans in the pink bins, keep up the good work!


📷: Sara Plunkett

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Farewell to Mr Russell Dixon

At the end of this term we farewell Mr Russell Dixon 😪. With Seniors off with school exams this week, the school performed a haka on Friday to honour and show their respect for a wonderful man who has been such a big part of College life through the years.

Mr Dixon has been associated with St Kevin’s College for 36 years in total. There were five years as a boarder and 31 years as a member of staff, Board of Trustees, and School Counsellor.

During his time at the College he crossed paths with many of the students as he coached rugby; ran the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme; organised most student charity collections locally, led the Spirit of Adventure Trust; helped Otago aspirants gain entry to the Residential Hall of their choice; coached boys and girls Softball; represented the staff on the Board of Trustees; as well as made himself available for every outdoor adventure, field trip, every retreat, and every initiative possible.

We wish Mr Dixon all the best in his future endeavors.










New Basketball Coaching Programme

Have you seen the Total Basketball Oamaru Facebook Page?

This programme has been designed to enable young players (Years 7 - 10) in the Waitaki district to access high quality and specialised coaching without having to travel out of the area.

Former Otago Nugget and Basketball Coach Mitch Mcrae is the Head Coach of the Programme.

Coaching Sessions will be held at the St Kevin's College gymnasium.

Please follow the link below to complete the following form to register for the basketball summer training programme. The programme will focus on specialist basketball training, working on developing ball handling, dribbling and passing skills.

Space is limited and you can either choose to attend all seven sessions (two hour sessions) for $175 or select which sessions you would like to attend at $25 per session. Payment needs to be made before attendance at the session(s).

Bookings are open until 1 November 2019.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc78wsFOeEsEjXg-gOFmSIOf2pDMKw1GMeC-dCv6xMDU-S3VQ/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0NBe31Z4yifcv80Ux9m9avK8UshVQd3kw9oKCzeexc21oTkQsUY8tlMPE

Monday, September 23, 2019

Home and School Fundraiser- Dads 'N Drag

Get your tickets! Tables are selling fast!


Sunday, September 22, 2019

SADD Combined Fundraiser

The Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) groups from all three local high schools combined to run a fundraiser and information day at the Warehouse on Saturday.

The weather was ideal for a barbeque, and the group was buoyed by much support from SKC staff, students and parents. $351 profit was raised, and these funds will go towards the production costs of a banner the students are designing. This permanent banner is planned to be erected by the Oamaru police station in early 2020.

The SADD students are currently working together to produce this road safety message as a public service to the wider community.


Celebration of Sport 2019

Sporting excellence was highlighted last night with the 2019 Celebration of Sport Awards evening. We were delighted to have so many friends and families join us for the occasion. Guest speaker, NZ Blacksticks star Kelsey Smith spoke to the audience about following your dreams, about backing yourself and most importantly, enjoying the moment. She also presented the Premier Awards to our winners:

– Junior Sportsman (Boyle Cup) – Ben Kay
– Junior Sportswoman (Camellia Cup) – River Cunningham
– Senior Sportsman (Donovan Cup) – Max Yanzick
– Senior Sportswoman (Margaret Breen Cup) – Hannah Cunningham
– Outstanding Student Contribution – Annie Metcalfe
– Outstanding Sportsman (Carrickmore Cup) – Max Yanzick
– Outstanding Sportswoman (Kearney Family Cup) – Hannah Cunningham



Mr Ryan was pleased to be able to award Sporting Blues to the following students –

– Jack Andrew – Basketball
– Under 18 Girls Novice Quad – Ruby Macaulay, Jaimee Trainor, Ruby Bradley, April Linares-Fontona, Annie Metcalfe- Rowing
– Tupou Fifita – Rugby
– Emily McCoy – Hockey
– Hannah Cunningham – Rowing
– Duran Cooper – Basketball
– Max Yanzick – Athletics and Cross Country

There was a new award presented in the Rugby section- the Best Back for the 1st XV will now have a new cup, the Russell Dixon Cup. Mr Dixon is retiring from school at the end of the term. He has been an integral part of the rugby family at SKC, having played for the 1st XV during his time at school, and coached various teams for the past 32 years. We gave a special thank you for his contribution to the school and the rugby club. 


  A huge thank you to Nic Plieger who was our MC for the evening, and to Mrs Plunkett for these great photos. Thank you to Mr Smith and all the other helpers on a great night.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Sabbatical Update

Kia ora College Family

After a term of reading, research and school visits, I am currently in the final write-up phase of my sabbatical project. The focus has been to explore strategies to support the development of an authentic local curriculum promoting student-centred learning at St Kevin’s. I am pleased to be able to report that there are a number of best-practice ideas that we are looking at to help our students to become "life-ready" and fully engaged in their learning.

The Board of Trustees have given approval for two developments:

Offering specialist options to students at Year 10. These will be half-year courses that prepare students with the specialist skills needed for NCEA in Year 11. Plans are well underway between Technology, Arts and Language Faculties.

All year 12 and 13 students will do a personalised course on Fridays aimed at meeting their own pathway needs. Monday to Thursday will be normal 6 subjects for 4 periods which gives ample opportunity to gain the 60 credits required for NCEA.  Friday will focus on customised courses that can either enhance the number of credits and options for students or give students extra tuition and time to consolidate their Monday to Thursday Course. 

Some of the exciting offerings include:

-University Papers and scholarship classes for students heading to tertiary study.

-Opportunities to explore careers and build their Work Ready Passport.

-Pre-trade courses in Timaru and Oamaru for those who want to prepare to do one of the Trades.

-Special distance learning courses that prepare for other pathways.

-Duke of Education Qualifications.

-Young Enterprise Scheme.

-Languages and other exciting options.

-There are a range of other support-options to consolidate the Monday to Thursday traditional offering.

We are currently in the consultation phase and I welcome feedback as we develop these exciting offerings for 2020. It is important that we support St Kevin’s College students to keep up with the best of develops and preparing them to take their place in a challenging world.

Na mihi

Mr Olsen

Acting Principal Blog

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

In a busy week, we covered a lot of ground. The Christian Brothers handed over the ownership of the school to the Bishop of Dunedin on Monday. The ceremony was very moving, and I think a fitting service to the vast number of students who have been educated at St Kevin's college over the last 92 years. 






Tuesday night was so much fun as the crowd were entertained and informed by the Mid Autumn Chinese festival. Best of all we all got Mooncake and wontons.

Dr John Kliesman, Head of Research and Director of The Nathaniel Centre was at the school on Wednesday, presenting and discussing Ethics with our RST classes. 

We ended the week with an excellent haka for Mr Dixon and of course the Celebration of Sport tonight.

I wish you all a pleasant and restful weekend.

God bless
Ngā mihi Nui
Kerry Ryan

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Past Sporting Blue Recipient- Logan Docherty

And last but not least for our past Sporting Blue highlights is Logan Docherty! Logan received his sporting blue for Rowing last year, and he was also the Outstanding Sportsman of the College.

His achievements included; Most Improved Male Novice (2017), Training and Attitude Cup (2017), Most Improved Junior Rower (2017), South Island Secondary Schools Boys U16 Single Sculls Bronze (2017), finalist in the category of Rowing at the Aoraki Secondary Schools Sports Awards (2017). New Zealand Rowing Nationals Men’s U19 Double Sculls Bronze (2018) and Outstanding Sportsman of the College (2018).

Logan went on to be named Network Waitaki ‘Team of the Year’ for his results at the New Zealand Rowing Nationals. Following that, Logan was successful at National trials-being selected in the New Zealand U21 Rowing Team. Where he claimed Gold in the Men’s Coxless Quad Sculls and Gold in the Men’s Eight. He and his team winning the ‘Rusty Robertson’ Trophy for New Zealand for the first time in five years. Recently he has been selected into the Otago Senior Men’s squad to compete in the Interprovincial Competition in October 2019.


Mid-Autumn China Night

On Tuesday night we had 70 people from St Kevin's College, St Joseph's and the community attend our Mid-Autumn China Night.

We had dances, singing, traditional Chinese garb and cultural activities and games. Traditional Chinese food was also provided.

Thank you to everyone that came along to celebrate Chinese culture. A big thank you to all those that were involved in the organisation of the event.





Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Past Sporting Blue Recipient- Courtney Kerin

Our next SKC Sporting Blue past recipient to highlight is Courtney Kerin! Courtney received a Sporting Blue for Kayaking in 2010.

During her time at school Courtney came 1st in the Junior Women and 4th in the Women sections at the Freestyle Nationals/NZ Team Selections. She also came 1st in both the Junior Women and Women sections of the NZ Freestyle Kayak Series.

Courtney gained selection in the New Zealand Junior Freestyle Kayaking team, travelling to Augsberg in southern Germany for the Freestyle World Cup where she placed 3rd in the Junior girls event. Her successes saw her awarded the Kayaker of the Year at the Aoraki Secondary School Sports Awards. She was also awarded the Junior Sportsperson of the Year at the Waitaki Sports Awards.

Instead of returning to St Kevin's College for Year 13, Courtney was offered a scholarship to the New River Academy- a travelling school with a focus on kayaking, with some study and a dose of different cultures along the way, taking her to Uganda, the US and Canada.

Courtney travels to the US every year and competes in the pro circuit in freestyle and creek racing, as well as some SUP [stand up paddleboarding] events. Since 2010, she has competed in every kayaking World Cup and World Championship, winning three medals– two bronze and a silver. She was also selected as one of only six athletes in the world to represent freestyle kayaking at the 2012 London Olympics.


St Kevin's College Ownership Changes Hands

After 92 years as proprietor of St Kevin’s College, the Christian Brothers have transferred ownership to Bishop Michael Dooley and the Diocese of Dunedin.

On Monday we welcomed our guests alongside the College to honour the change of ownership. A big thank you to Bishop Michael for the smooth transition and officiating the ritual handover ceremony.

📷: Michelle Buckham








Past Sporting Blue Recipient- Matt Saunders

Our next SKC Sporting Blue past recipient to highlight is Matt Saunders! Matt received Sporting Blues for Rugby in 1999 and 2000.

During his time at school Matt was in the 1st XV and was named Best Back (1999), was in the North Otago U18 Team and Hanan Shield Secondary Schools Team, made the South Island Secondary Schools Team, was named the North Otago Youth Player of the Year (1999). He made it to the final NZ U19 trial but unfortunately had to pull out due to injury. He also went to Canada with the NZ Youth Tour.

In 2000, at just 17, Matt made his first-class debut when when he lined up at Centre in North Otago's Ranfurly Shield game against Waikato. On that day he marked All Black Keith Lowen.

Since leaving school Matt played another two seasons with North Otago, then transferred to the Otago Rugby Union in 2002. He went on to play 37 games for Otago, and 36 games for Southland in the then Air New Zealand Cup, which included helping Southland with a historic Ranfurly Shield triumph in 2009. He also played 34 Super Rugby games for the Highlanders. Matt spent time coaching Southland B, and was also the Academy Manager for Rugby Southland where he helped nurture the best young talent in the province. 


Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Year 12 Ag Trip

The Year 12 Agriculture class visited a dairy farm and a sheep farm in Glenavy last week, in order to gather information for their NCEA assessments.

We thank Murphy's Dairy farms (Bruce and Rob) and Digger and Lynn McCulloch for giving up part of their busy days to share a wealth of knowlege with us.


Monday, September 16, 2019

Past Sporting Blue Recipient- Jane Watson



Our next SKC Sporting Blue past recipient to highlight is Jane Watson!

Jane received Sporting Blues for Netball in 2005 and 2006. During her time at school Jane made the Otago U19 Netball Team, the Otago NPC B team, the South Island Secondary Schools Tournament Team, was a reserve for the NZ Secondary School Camp, made the Rebels Development team, and the NZ U19 Tournament Team.

Jane has gone on to play over 100 National League games (and counting), playing for the Tactix between 2012-2014, Southern Steel between 2015-2018 then returning to the Tactix where she became captain of the side in 2019; in 2017 she was named the ANZ Premiership Player of the Year; made her Silver Ferns debut against the England Roses in 2016; was part of the Silver Ferns World Cup winning side in 2019 and now has 37 caps; in 2019 she took a clean sweep of the major Tactix awards being named player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and the Member's Player of the Year.


Waitaki Trampolinists Target National Titles

Well done Josh Collins!

"It is Josh’s first time competing at the national event. The St Kevin’s College pupil has only been trampolining for two years, but has made remarkable progress in a very short time.

This year, he has stepped up to the 15-16 age group and won bronze medals at the CSG Classic and Upper South Island championship."

Click here for the full article:

http://www.oamarumail.co.nz/sport/waitaki-trampolinists-target-national-titles/

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Sport and Cultural Photos- Thursday 19th September

The St Kevin’s College 2019 Sport and Cultural Photos will be taken on Thursday 19th September.

Here is the link to the time schedule.

Please be in the Auditorium 10 minutes before the stated time to get ready for your photo.


Students are to wear sports uniform for the photo. If you do not have a sports uniform please wear your No. 1 uniform.

Click here to see the photo schedule:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hgvZG_uLUjMjfLckxvNuvraLRFYDyiqgzHhnFbzhmHs/edit?ts=5d7d9d17&fbclid=IwAR2dNX6KevyPehe32XJuqAuGfLWUeJsjc5WExuqIB2yE60GXQqIK5ZU73u4

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Active Pupil Making a Difference

"Caleb Jopson is one of the national leaders for Students Against Dangerous Driving.

Along with the 12 other student leaders, Caleb helps create initiatives to promote safer driving and share them throughout New Zealand."

Nice work Caleb!

Click here for the full article:

http://www.oamarumail.co.nz/community/active-pupil-making-a-difference/


Friday, September 13, 2019

Otago Polyfest 2019

Our Pasifika group travelled to Dunedin yesterday to take part in the Otago Polyfest 2019.

We had 24 performers and musicians involved and they looked stunning in their bright blue which matched their energetic performance.

Well done to everyone who took part. A big thank you to Mrs Tina Dooley, Mr Sam Tatupu and April for accompanying the group. April also took the awesome photos!

A big shout out to Talanoa Palu for sewing many of the costumes at the 11th hour and Veronica Kauapa for her outstanding leadership. Also to members of Veronica's family who helped with the choreography.




Acting Principal Blog

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Time is fleeting. The term is moving so fast. This week is no exception and next week looks very busy as well. Keep a close eye on the notifications and the calendar.

Thank you to the whanau who attended the Year 10 NCEA course planning night on Tuesday. I hope it was of help. Our Pasifika Group performed at Polyfest last night and represented the school well. As always thanks need to go to the hard-working staff who support these endeavours.

In the Board of Trustees meeting this week the Trustees approved some exciting changes to our delivery of curriculum next year. Year 10 will move to a 6-month semester system in their option subjects. The courses will be designed as fusions of curriculum areas to allow broad coverage and increase interest and engagement. Mr Olsens sabbatical report and research in other schools across New Zealand have informed us of best practice and proven pedagogy.
I look forward to preparing our Year 10 students even better for their NCEA years.
Senior students in Year 12 and 13 will move to a Pathway Friday Program. A large number of students in the school already have alternative programs on Friday. Next year, the whole group will move to a model that will allow for supervised in-depth study in chosen areas. This could include Scholarship English or passion projects in a technology area, for example. We will seek student input as to how this day might look so they can maximise the opportunity.


Please watch for the credit summary reports due out today these will appear in inboxes and be available on the MUSAC Parent Portal.

I wish you all a pleasant and restful weekend.

God bless
Ngā mihi Nui
Kerry Ryan

Past Sporting Blue Recipient- Craig Smith

Next Friday 20th September is our Celebration of Sport evening. As we lead up to the event, we are going to highlight past pupils who received a Sporting Blue at school, who then went on to achieve higher honours in the sporting arena.

Who best to start with than our current HOF of Physical Education and Health and Head of Sport Mr Smith! Craig received a Sporting Blue for Cricket in 2001. His achievements included: North Otago Cricketer of the year, Otago U17 Cricket Team and named most outstanding player, New Zealand U17 Cricket Team (paper team), Australian Christian Brothers Cricket Tournament top bowler.

Craig went on to be selected for the New Zealand U19 Cricket Team and played in the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh; played 45 games for the Otago Volts including being part of the first Otago squad in 20 years to win the State Shield Final; and spent time playing club cricket in England in the Liverpool Cricket League.


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Chinese Moon Festival Evening

Join us for a night of traditional Chinese culture between 7-8pm next Tuesday evening, 17th September.

The evening will include Chinese games, catwalk (Chinese clothes) and food at the end (in the Food Tech room).

All are welcome!


Monday, September 9, 2019

Strong Performances at Tournament Week

With sports teams competing from Invercargill all the way up to Nelson, the Kevinian spirit was spread far and wide last week. Well done to all of the students who represented the College!

Here are our fantastic results across all codes:

- Boys 1st XI Football: 4th at the Linwood Tournament in Dunedin out of 20 teams.

- Girls 1st XI Football: 6th at the Lotto Sportswear Tournament in Invercargill out of 15 teams.

- Girls 1st XI Hockey: 2nd at the Jenny McDonald Cup in Cromwell.

- Boys 1st XI Hockey- Competed well and had some close finishes in the Coaches Cup in Ashburton finishing 14th.

- Girls Senior A Netball: 10th at SISS in Nelson out of 80 teams!

- Boys Top 5 Basketball: Won gold at the South Island 'A' Tournament in Greymouth. Also well done to Bethany Pope who had a fantastic week reffing, including the final game.

- Girls U15 Rugby Team: Won 2 of 4 games at the Girls U15 Highlanders Tournament in Dunedin.

A huge thank you to all coaches, managers, parents and supporters who not only helped out during the week, but have been there throughout the season leading up to these events. Well done SKC!

Be sure to head over to the St Kevin's Sports page for more photos from throughout the week.

SKC Football
SKC 1st XI girls hockey
SKC Netball
SKC Basketball
SKC Rugby

















Friday, September 6, 2019

Acting Principal's Blog

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Class Act Awards yesterday with Rata and Seth. The room was packed with proud families and local dignitaries. The Prime Minister delivered a timely and insightful speech and gave our students their awards.
The next couple of weeks are hectic here at school. NCEA information night next Tuesday at 7pm, the Christian Brother hand over of St Kevin's on the 16th, Chinese night on the 17th, Celebration of Sport on the 20th and then week 10 is Assessment Week. Keep an eye on the calendar.

Students need to be aware of how crucial the senior assessment week is to them as a backstop for any compassionate considerations at the end of the year. Getting good grades now can really pay off if you cannot sit the end of year exams.

We have had some very pleasing results at tournament week.

I wish you all a pleasant and restful weekend.

God bless
Ngā mihi Nui
Kerry Ryan

2019 Class Act Recipients



The Otago Daily Times Class Act initiative identifies and celebrates the excellence of young people in Otago and Southland.

A big congratulations to our 2019 recipients Seth Humphries and Rata McMullan!

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/school-news/class-act-2019-st-kevin%E2%80%99s-college


Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Young Farmers Club

St Kevin's College has a Young Farmers Club which has about 20 members that meet every Tuesday lunchtime in the Ag room. It is run by a committee of student leaders, assisted by Mrs Eatherley and Bridget Huddleston of Young Farmers.

The club organises activities such as farm skills, field trips, guest speakers and socials with other schools. Recently Alan Harvey came and spoke to our Young Farmers Club. Alan represented Aorangi at this years Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Alan spoke about what he loves most about his job, namely being the variety, and gave sound advice to the students about doing what they are passionate about, being open to opportunities and always having goals in mind, both short and long term.

Thank you Alan for taking the time out of your busy day to come and see us!


Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Olivia Mavor- Highland Dancing Queen!

A big congratulations to Year 9 student Olivia Mavor, who has been excelling in her Highland dancing.

At Easter she won the Under 14 age group at the Hastings Highland Games, one of the major comps on the dancing calendar.

She then went on to have success at the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships which were held in Blenheim 11-14 July.

In the Junior competition, Olivia competed in 8 dance events in the 12 and Under 14 section alongside 35 competitors from around the country.

Olivia finished with the most points and was awarded the Overall Champion Sash and trophy for the 12 and Under 14 age group.

She was also awarded the trophy for the Best Irish Work from any competitor Under 14. A big highlight was receiving a scholarship for $500 for the most points for any competitor aged 10-14.

Olivia also competed in the Under 16 section where there were over 40 competitors with Olivia dancing up an age group and being one of the younger competitors in this section.

Olivia placed in 8 of the 10 events, and finished with a ranking of 10th overall.

Outstanding Olivia! And also taught by her mum and past pupil Kimberley Mavor (nee Rae).


Monday, September 2, 2019

2019 Singing Festival

The 2019 Singing Festival was held last Thursday night and like always it was another fantastic display of talent by our students.

A big thanks to our Judging Panel for the evening - Olivia Gonzales (Music Teacher WGHS), Simran Sadler (WGHS Student) and Kaleb Hayes (WBHS Student). A big thank you to Mrs Foster for her organisational expertise, the Audition Judges, College staff, our House Captains and the night's techie Isaac Steel.

Well done to everyone who participated and a big congratulations to our top performers listed below.

House Choirs

1st Magee

2nd Whyte

3rd Treacy

4th Clancy

Top Conductor – Kayleigh Gill (Clancy)

Top Accompanist – Yi Tao Sun (Clancy)

Junior Girls Solo: Georgina McCarthy

Junior Boys Solo: Dev Pandya

Duet: Serena O’Brien and Bethan Ardouin

Song in Language Other Than English (LOTE): Sivaenga and Kaliopeta Katoa

Senior Girls Solo: Destiny Jabagat

Senior Boys Solo: Ethan Downing

Group: Ethan and the Magee Musketeers

FINAL HOUSE POINTS – Participation and Placings

1st Whyte

2nd Clancy

3rd Magee

4th Treacy

Cheers to Sara Plunkett who captured these great photos.

If you were unable to attend, you can view footage of the evening here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GV4Xiaa_t4&feature=youtu.be