Redcastle News- New Edition

Check out the latest edition of the Redcastle News!

A Big Thank You to the Senior Journalists for this new edition which covers articles from life both pre and in lock down.

Click here to read:

http://williamfrogley.wixsite.com/redcastlenews

Student Representative Election for the Board of Trustees

Student Representative Election for the Board of Trustees

Nominations are invited for the election of one Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.

Nomination forms can be obtained from the school office.

Nominations close at noon on Friday, 30th August 2019 which is 14 days before the election date and may be accompanied by a signed candidate’s statement.

The voting roll is open for inspection at the school and can be viewed during the hours the office is open.

There will also be a list of candidates’ names for inspection, as they come to hand, on the St Kevin’s College Blog, Student Noticeboard and the e-newsletter.

The poll closes at noon on Friday, 13th September 2019.

Signed
Dee Hayes
Returning Officer

School Strike for Climate

As part of the second Global School Strike for Climate last Friday, students from St Kevin's College, Waitaki Girls' High School and Waitaki Boys' High School participated in a climate change rally at Waitaki Girls'.

The School Strike for Climate is an international movement of school students, refusing to attend classes and instead taking part in demonstrations, demanding action to prevent further global warming and climate change.

"We are striking from school to tell our politicians to take our futures seriously and treat climate change for what it is - a crisis. Politicians can show us that they care by taking urgent action to move New Zealand beyond fossil fuels and get the job done of moving us to 100% renewable energy for all."

As part of their rally, students put forward critical climate change questions that need addressing to Deputy Mayor Melanie Tavendale and Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean.

Well done guys, keep up the good work!

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

Ways to Wellbeing

Last week some of our Year 13 students were busy organising a wellbeing hui, to see how we can improve wellbeing in our school. We are looking for opportunities to engage with positive mental health strategies, to work as a family by having older students mentor younger students, and show that it is cool to be kind!

A poll was held to gather all students' ideas and give everyone a chance to be heard. Ideas were then voted on and narrowed down later in the week.

This is a completely student led initiative and a special thank you goes to Cara Anderson, Deputy Head Girl, for all your hard work in this!

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

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

Congratulations to the students representing our College at the Aoraki Secondary Schools Athletics competition held on Wednesday. Max Yansick's 1st place in the 3000m was outstanding. His new record of 8. 55. 55 will take some beating. Thank you to Mrs Clapperton and Mrs Plunkett for their organisation.

This afternoon, the College took time during period 6 to discuss ways that we can improve wellbeing at St Kevin's. This has been an initiative lead by the student leaders and Year 13. During the week a list of areas to work on were put forward for consideration and then refined, ready for discussion today.

Thank you to both staff and students for the commitment you have shown to building a schoolwide culture that supports wellness. We cannot tackle every challenge, but we are making a genuine attempt to improve systems and structure for the better.

Finally, all the best to those keen trampers heading off into the hills for their Duke of Edinburgh adventurous journey. Hopefully the weather will hold and you will have an enjoyable trip, without too many blisters.

Manaaki te atua ia koutou

Ngā mihi nui

Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

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

Young Enterprise

The SKC Young Enterprise team have finished the year off with a well-earned 2nd in the Aoraki regional competition. The team took their recycled fire bricks to the final regional competition at Timaru's Ara on October 30th, where they competed against six other teams. After presenting their product to a panel of judges, the team won the Innovation Prize - $250 worth of Whitcoulls vouchers - and came 2nd overall for the Spirit of Enterprise, narrowly missing out on the national finals in Wellington. They were also the only group to sell products on the night.

The team, Year 13 boys Daniel Ruddle, Broady Taylor, Cameron Dodd and Liam Elliott, have had a prosperous year as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme, winning over $1600 worth of prizes as the various competition. Well done boys!

A big thank you to Mr Tim Hitchcock for his leadership, support and organisational help and to Mr Alan Grant for his help with the grinder that was used to make the bricks.

BOT Student Representative Election results

There was a good voting turnout for the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for 2019. Over 3/4's of the College voted. Each candidate brought their unique style and personality to the campaign. Well done to all the candidates that participated.

The Board of Trustee Student Rep Election Results are as follows:-

Total Votes: 382

Cara Anderson 137
Francesca Black 129
Nathan Cundall 87
Cameron Yeoman 21

Invalid Votes: 8

I hereby declare Cara Anderson duly elected:

Signed




Sue McErlane

Returning Officer

BOT Student Representative Nominations

STUDENT NOMINATIONS FOR 2019 BOT STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

At the close of nominations on Friday 7th September 2018, there were 4 valid nominations received for the 2019 Board of Trustee Student Representative:-

• Cameron Yeoman 
• Francesca Black 
• Cara Anderson 
• Nathan Cundall

Their Personal Statements are shown below.

Signed,

Sue McErlane 

Returning Officer

Cameron Yeoman 

Board of Trustees Student Rep. Nominee - Personal Statement:


Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa, My name is Cameron Yeoman and I’m a year 12 student studying at St Kevin’s College. I have been nominated to run as a Student Representative for the B.O.T of SKC. My key attributes that I can bring to this role, are integrity, leadership and my ability to communicate with all students on different levels as proven by my awards within cultural endeavour at the school.

If elected, I will level the playing field and treat everybody's points of views and suggestions as equals, while doing this applying my best leadership skills to conveying these ideas to the board trustees to get the best possible outcomes.

Over my last four years at the college, I have proven my leadership skills through successful running of events and earning gold service award for voluntary work, within the community. If given the opportunity to represent my fellow students I will do my best to uphold the values of the school and seek the best possible outcomes for students.
Francesca Black 

Board of Trustees Student Rep. Nominee - Personal Statement:

I am Francesca Black, a year 12 student here at the College and I am interested in becoming the Board of Trustees Student Representative for 2019. I have always been interested in being a leader, with being Head Girl at St Joseph’s Primary School, and taking on service work throughout this year in order to achieve the Service Awards. In my past years at the College, I have also taken part in sporting endeavours, where I have enjoyed working with people within the school and the wider community.

I believe that it is important that all student voices are heard within the College and I would like to take an active approach to this role and ensure that the student voice remains alive for the upcoming year. I am also interested in viewing school life from a different perspective, and using this to the advantage of not only the school as a whole, but in particularly, the lives of those within the school community. I would like to contribute to making this school a better learning environment for our students through this opportunity, and this is why I am interested in becoming the Board of Trustees Student Representative for 2019. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to seeing where this opportunity takes me.

Cara Anderson 

Board of Trustees Student Rep. Nominee – Personal Statement:

I think that it’s really important for students to be able to have a voice in the future of our school, as well as for us to have insight on its direction. I want to do this for experience, the understanding and for the chance to do something that could, potentially, have a positive impact on our school family and community. I want to be able to make quiet voices heard and understood, to offer perspective on topics that otherwise may not be touched on at all.

As a member of the Youth Council, I’ve already gained understanding of the conduct and importance of such meetings, as well as gained insight into how they can work for and help to improve our community.

I think accountability is important, working my best to try and complete work and goals to high standards. While holding high ambitions, I am also able to look at things objectively, working my best to set out realistic goals that can help to achieve what I want in the long run. I have a genuine interest into the inner running of things and feel that not only will I be able to apply skills that I currently have to this position, but will also be able to gain valuable new skills I will be able to apply all thought my life.

I am able to not only communicate my own ideas, but to listen to their thoughts and help to convey them and their significance. I believe in the importance of giving voice to those that are otherwise voiceless and feel that I would work with dedication to let them be heard. Beyond this, I feel that at the core of it, I would be a good candidate for Student Board Rep. because I genuinely care about our family, our future and our values.

Nathan Cundall 

Board of Trustees Student Rep. Nominee – Personal Statement:

My name is Nathan Cundall and I believe that I should be chosen to be on the board as a Student Representative because I am trustworthy, I get things done and I am a hard worker who pays attention to my surroundings and what goes on around the school.

I am 17 years old and I enjoy fishing computers, English, History and making things. I enjoy fishing, running, gym and biking in my free time. My favourite classes are English, History and M Tech.

I have never been on the board before or ever done a job like it before but I would like to give it a try and experience it for myself. I have always had an interest in these sorts of things but I have never given it a go. I am a people person and I like to socialise with others. Therefore, I believe I should on the board for this position.

I have good leadership qualities as I like to take charge and enjoy leading and working in groups. I am European, Fijian and Indian so therefore I would love to represent the students on the board.

Welcome Matt Simpson - SKC Student Advocate

Last week we welcomed Matt Simpson to the College in the role of Student Advocate. Mr Simpson has a background in teaching and education, and has taken up the non-teaching role of Student Advocate and Alternative Education. He will be on hand as a mentor and support person to assist students with their academic goals, NCEA queries and study issue.
Mr Simpson is available Monday to Friday from Period One to Period Five and can be found in the Staff Workroom. Contact Matt at msimpson@stkevins.school.nz 

Signing For SADD

Today in the admin quad the SADD team from WBHS arranged a visual and inspiring message for students and encouraged them to write their names as a sign of their committment to safe and responsible driving.   

BOT Student Representative Nominations

The following students have been nominated for the 2017 Board of Trustees Student Representatives. They will speak at next week's Assembly, Wednesday,14th September.  Voting Papers will be given out at next week's Assembly. Please complete your voting paper and drop it into the Voting Box at the office.   Voting Day, Monday 19th September 2016.  2017 BOT Student Rep. will be announced on Monday 26th September.

Belen Mino
Fergus Watt
Harriet Hanning
Iva Jame Nelson
Holly Malcolm

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOMINEES 

Retreats For 2016

As our Year 10 students ready themselves for their annual Camp & Retreat next week, we would like to take this opportunity to give parents and caregivers a heads up about retreats that are happening early on in Term 1 next year.

Year 9 - Wednesday 3 Feb, held at the College (there is no charge for this)
Year 13 - Tuesday 9 Feb, held at The Homestead (approx $35)
Year 12 - Thursday 11 Feb, held at Teschemakers (approx $30)
Year 11 - Thursday 25 Feb, held at Moeraki (approx $30)

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.

Heads Down

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

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!

Student Elections

Voting for the Board of Trustees Student Representative will be held next week.  This is a great opportunity for students to see the democratic election process in action!  The candidates for this year put their best foot forward this week when they spoke at Assembly.  Good luck to Jibi Kunnethedam, Kieran Ryan and Salena Xie!

Special Character

Lead by the Student Leadership Team the liturgy at this weeks Assembly focused on Fair Play and how we represent ourselves in the sporting and cultural areas of our community. The Special Character of the College ensures that we continue to challenge and nurture our students to live by their Christian values both on and off the sports field.

"Loving God, help us to see your presence in those we meet on the sports field and in our cultural activities. May we always respect them and follow the Golden Rule - Treat others as you would like them to treat you. Amen."

Christchurch Inspiration

The College continues to welcome students from Christchurch into the St Kevin's family and we take this opportunity to share the inspirational words of hope from Alice McAtamney who joined us earlier this week:

Space

Floating

Floating in a dark endless place

No up, no down

No green grass, no blue sky

So many unknown places you can end up in

But there is the stars,

Little glimmers of hope

Scaring away indecision

And replacing it with order

It might not be so bad that space is endless

It means there can be endless possibilities

Infinite chances to make things right.

Student Voice

This Survey is the first in a series that will allow students to have their say about a number of aspects of College Life.

The format is simple -

• what works and should be continued

• what doesn't work and should be stopped

• what might work and should be started.

Your feedback will be treated confidentially.


Please click on this link to take you to the Survey Form.


P Olsen
Principal