NZ Air Force Band

On Tuesday, 40 of our students enjoyed listening to the NZ Air Force Band present a concert at the Opera House. They played favourites from the Star Wars movies, The Greatest Showman, the Lion King and took the audience on a quick trip round the world with an amazing array of instruments.

Past Pupil Mads Harrop Records Debut EP!

Past Pupil Mads Harrop is using her musical talent in more ways than one.

Mads has been studying Music, with a focus on studio production and composition at Otago University, and recently recorded her debut EP at Studio Sublime in the Waitaki Valley.

Her track Contagious World is on high rotate at Auckland's 95bFM and if you head to their website 95bfm.com/top10 and vote for the song, there's a good chance it'll end up in the top 10, a huge achievement!

Contagious World is available on iTunes, Spotify and at madeleineharrop.bandcamp.com

Check out the story in the Oamaru Mail to read more!

https://www.oamarumail.co.nz/community/music-strikes-a-chord/

Dunedin Symphony Orchestra Music Education Tour

At the end of last term we were lucky to have Jen Cattermole and Sandra Crawshaw from the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra music education tour come and visit us.

The tour involved a talk and workshop around one of the pieces the DSO is performing in August, called 'From the Southern Marches' by local composer Anthony Ritchie. Because the piece is about the history of Otago right from first contact between Maori and Pakeha, it uses Maori musical instruments (taonga puoro). 

They brought with them taonga puoro, for the students to listen to, learn about, and play. They also spoke to us about how the piece links to the history of the Otago region.

Otago Polyfest 2018

Our Pasifika group travelled to Dunedin on Thursday, September 13 to take part in the Otago Polyfest 2018. The group of 16 students performed a variety of pieces at the event including chants from Tuvalu, Fiji and Somoa and Tonga. The performers' stood out in stunning bright blue which matched their energetic smiles and attitude. Well done to everyone who took part. A big thank you to Mrs Tina Dooley, Mr Sam Tatupu and Mrs Sarah Clapperton for accompanying the group.

          

From the SKC auditorium to Forsyth Barr Stadium

Year 11 student, Isaac Steel, had the exciting opportunity to work with Southern Lights on Saturday, September 1, as they worked behind the scenes to bring Pink's Beautiful Trauma concert to life. Isaac can often be found in the SKC auditorium manning the sound, lights and live stream. But the concert gave him the first-hand experience with Pyrotechnics. What an awesome opportunity!

Singing Festival 2018

The SKC Auditorium was alive with the sound of music on Thursday, August 30, as the annual Singing Festival took place.

The quality of this years' performers was very high and judges Mrs Bridget MacKenzie, Chantelle Bradfield-Stranger from WGHS and Jacob McGeown from WBHS admitted to a bit of difficulty with their final decisions. Well done to everyone who participated and a big congratulations to our top performers listed below.

Junior Girls Solo - Cassidhe Harrop
Intermediate Girls Solo - Destiny Jabagat
Duet - Cassidhe Harrop & Ethan Downing
Senior Girls Solo - Molly Kay
Senior Boys Solo - Noah Martin
Group - "Last Minute"
Song in a Language Other Than English - Tupou Fifita
Top House Conductor/s - Anna Craig & Alex Gibbons
Top House Accompanist - Serena O'Brien
Top House - Treacy

Thanks to Ms Plunkett and student photographer Ellie Graham for taking photos, and to Isaac Steel for manning the sound and lighting desk, and organising the live stream. See all the evenings' photos here.

Principals Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,

Last evening, a packed auditorium resounded to the talented voices of both choir and individuals at the annual Singing Festival. Finely crafted harmony in the House Waiata was nicely complemented by the passion displayed in the various renditions of Abba classics. The evening is a celebration of homegrown talent and is truly student-led. Thank you to our Prefects who have led by example and encouraged students to step outside their comfort zone. Behind all of the student work has been our committed staff team, lead by Mrs Foster. Staff have each brought their talents to the evening: creativity, inspiration, technical support and administrative support, mentoring and presence. Thank you to our staff on behalf of an appreciative community.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the St Taki Girls Rugby end of season function. St Taki is the highly successful combined banner under which St Kevin's and Waitaki Girls' High School play. The Under 15 and Under 18 teams are a credit to both schools, with the Under 15 girls placing second in their competition. Thank you to our coaches and long-serving parents Mr Guyton and Mr McAtamney.

Finally, we wish those heading away to winter tournament fixtures all around the South Island next week, safe travel and every blessing.

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

Singing Festival Live Stream Link

How awesome is it that we can live stream our school events?! If you would like to watch the Singing Festival from the comfort of your computer desk, click on the link below. The event starts at 7pm NZ time.

A New Keyboard for SKC Musicians

A big thank you to The Ruby Marris Trust, who's kind donation has enabled the SKC music department to purchase a new electronic keyboard. Both staff and students are thrilled to be able to make music on such a beautiful instrument! 

Abbey Mabon and Kachamas Mangmee try out the new electronic keyboard.

A Standing Ovation to our Mamma Mia team

Congratulations to all SKC staff and students who were involved in the Musical Theatre Oamaru's production of Mamma Mia! Members of the College were found on stage, in the orchestra pit and as part of the tech team. The show was bright and energetic, with theatre-goers from near and far praising everyone's efforts. Well done!

From left: Tiernach Farrell, Charlotte Ramsey, Bethan Ardouin, Isaac Steel, Bailey Collins, Tarras Weir, and Ursula Scott.

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

On Thursday, we farewelled Ms Cathy Keep after 9 years' of service to the school. She was honoured with a full-school haka, acknowledging her hard work, commitment and joyful attitude. We wish you all the best for your exciting new position.

PICTURED: The school perform a haka for Ms Cathy Keep

Mrs Nicola Simpson will be taking on her role until a permanent position can be found. Mrs Simpson has a background in Journalism and the Creative & Performing Arts, and we are excited to have her on board. She can be contacted at nsimpson@stkevins.school.

Our Mandarin teacher, Mr Leon Lee, treated us to a magical cello performance at Mass on Friday. Mr Lee played You Raise Me Up, accompanied by Mrs Trudy Foster on the piano. It was a truly gifted performance.

Finally, congratulations to the SKC Young Enterprise team, whose recycled paper fire brick won "The Pitch" in Timaru on Thursday. The event is a Dragon's Den-like competition where Young Enterprise teams in Timaru and Oamaru pitch their business ideas to a group of investors. The team, Year 13 students Broady Taylor, Liam Elliot, Daniel Ruddle and Cameron Dodd, competed against 6 other secondary school teams and took out the top prize of $200. Well done boys!

May God bless you all
Paul Olsen, Principal

SKC Students go Mamma Mia

Russell Dixon, Musical Theatre Oamaru's Mumma Mia director, dropped by today to say hello to his SKC cast, crew and orchestra members. Several students, and a staff member, will be treading the Oamaru Opera House boards from July 13-21. He is pictured here with Mr Farrell (Harry), Tarras Weir (Ensemble), Bailey Collins (Backing Vocals), Bethan Ardouin (Lisa), Isaac Steel (Technician), Ursula Scott (Orchestra/Band) and Charlotte Ramsey (Ali).

Tickets for the show can be purchased at The Oamaru Opera House, or at the link below.

http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz/event/details/180115/mamma-mia 

Creative Communities Helps Kick Off Polyfest

Some of our Polyfest students, along with Mrs Dooly, want to say THANK YOU!

Plans for the Pasifika Group and Polyfest 2018 got a real boost with support from Creative Communities NZ and a generous grant of $450 (+GST) which will pay for the group's costuming this year!  Students spend months fundraising to get themselves to Polyfest every year and this grant will make 2018 a little bit easier.

Teacher And Student

Kaylee Bell is at the College this afternoon performing a free concert for students.  Our own Mrs Foster taught Kaylee music at Waimate High School!

90th Reunion

The long weekend saw 350 Old Boys, Old Girls and staff return to Redcastle for the St Kevin's College 90th Reunion.  Beginning with a jovial Meet and Greet on Friday evening, Saturday morning saw the Old Girls v Students netball game at 10.30am and the Old Boys v students rugby-10's kick off on Murray Field at 11.30.  Mr Olsen addressed all of the attendees at the Official Welcome after lunch before our College Prefects proudly showed off the College and all of it's recent (and not so recent) developments over the years, stopping at the Redcastle for decade photos and an afternoon tea hosted by the Home & School.  The formal Dinner and Dance was the main function of the weekend and the Dining Room was full of music till the wee hours.   A Memorial Mass was held on Sunday before the Farewell Lunch, with Br Murray having the honour of planting the Reunion Memorial Tree.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE MEMORIAL MASS AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE IN THE COMING DAYS!!!

We share part of Mr Olsen's speech from the Sunday Lunch and again express our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organisation and running of all of the weekend's functions.

"It is my final duty of the weekend to thank a number of people who have made the reunion possible.
Firstly Ms Catherine Keep the Reunion Coordinator. Your hours of dedication have truly paid off. We are grateful for the time you have spent on this task. You can finally relax knowing you have done a splendid job.
Secondly Mrs Sandra Olsen, my long suffering wife and Alumni Coordinator. Thank you for managing the enrollments and pulling it all together.
Pozzobons Catering for Friday's nibbles, a superb meal last evening and today’s lovely luncheon.
My loyal and supportive staff, our Student Leaders, College Prefects who acted as tour guides, talented students and passionate Home & School for your generous contribution to the reunion.
All the suppliers, entertainers, helpers and behind the scenes teams that have made this event possible.
To you THANK YOU
Finally I wish to thank you, our guests, for your ongoing support of this fine College. Without your help and support through attendance at these type of events and membership of the College Foundation, the College would be shadow of its former glory." - Paul Olsen

Polyfest Preview

Our Pasifika Group head off to Polyfest tomorrow but gave us a preview of their performance at assembly today.   Polyfest Otago undertake this two day festival each year and our students have spent many hours practicing and fundraising to be able to participate.  We wish them all the best and thank them for sharing with us today.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Singing Festival 2017

The 2017 Singing Festival was held last night and it was standing room only as students, friends and family packed the Auditorium!!  With over 50 auditionees fronting up to the Music Room over the past week, it was a hard task to select the finalists to perform on the night and we say well done to everyone who gave it a go.  Our thanks to our Judging Panel for the evening - Lilly Downing (WGHS), Gordon Ley (WBHS) and Georgia Wallace.  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, along with his off sider Jason Shieffelbein.   Thank you also to Madeleine Harrop who shared her original song "Medicine", a national finalist in the Play It Strange Lion Foundation Songwriting Contest.

RESULTS FROM THE EVENING:
Winning House Choir - Whyte House
Best Conductor - Whitney Cleveland
Best Student Piano Accompanist - Serena O'Brien
Junior Girls' Solo - Cassidhe Harrop
Junior Boys' Solo - Ethan Downing
Song in LOTE - Bethan Ardoiun
Senior Girls' Solo - Tivinia Misiloi
Senior Boys' Solo - Reuben Mihaere
Small Group - Leyanne Monoy, Nichole Bautista, Johanna and Carl Alegado

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM MS KEEP AND MRS CLAPPERTON OF THE EVENINGS FESTIVITIES!

Medicine

Congratulations to Y12 student Madeleine Harrop who was named as a finalist in the Play It Strange - Lion Foundation Songwriting Contest with her original song "Medicine".  Well done Madeleine!!    

The overall winner hailed from Westlake Girls High School in Auckland.

Pat Kraus

Pat Kraus joined us for assembly yesterday.  He is an Auckland musician who has been described by the Listener as 'a national treasure' and 'one of the most quietly important people making music in New Zealand'.  Pat is in Oamaru at the invitation of Mrs Plunkett and will be working with a small group of students on a Creativity Technology Sound Workshop this afternoon.  

Blackboard Tuesday

Blackboard Tuesday came inside today and the Music Suite became a great place to enjoy the musical talents of our students.  Thanks Mrs Foster for opening this space and encouraging music and performing within our school!

(Thanks too to Clark Ewing for these great photos - check out the Facebook page for more)