Important Update to St Kevin's College Community

 Kia ora Kevinians and supporters of the College

It is with regret that the St Kevin’s College Board announces that Mr Paul Olsen has tendered his resignation as Principal of St Kevin’s College effective from the start of the 2022 year. Mr Olsen began his tenure as Principal at the school in 2010 and has, over the course of the past two years, also worked as Lead Principal for the Whitestone Kāhui Ako - Community of Learning. 

Mr Olsen has had a long association with Catholic education having served as Principal of Verdon College in Invercargill from 2007 - 2010 and having served St Kevin’s College previously as Deputy Principal from 2001 - 2007. He is continuing to support Catholic Education in his new role as Manager of the Catholic Education Office for the Otago Southland Diocese where he will continue to put his many and varied talents to good use across a wide range of areas; including assets and curriculum. 

Throughout his time at St Kevin’s College, Mr Olsen has created an environment which has a strong pastoral focus with an emphasis on the teaching of values and inclusiveness. He guided the College through the changeover of ownership from the Christian Brothers to the Dunedin Diocese whilst keeping the founding vision of Edmund Rice, of education without barriers, as a key focus. Mr Olsen’s desire to articulate his vision for the Special Character of the school saw him lead the development of the FIRE values framework (Family, Integrity, Respect and Excellence) and embed this doctrine as the basis for establishing Restorative Practice at the school which has been in effect for the past six years. 

Mr Olsen’s selfless dedication to community has seen him involved in a variety of areas including being the Chair of the Safer Waitaki Coalition since its inception in 2013. He is also President and Musical Director of the Waitaki District School Pipeband since 2005. Mr Olsen has been involved in a variety of different community projects over the years, the most recent having been the development of a community bike track behind the College.  

Whilst filling the role of Principal of the College with a candidate of 

Mr Olsen’s calibre will not be easy, the lengthy lead in time allowed in this transition period will certainly help in ensuring that the good work Mr Olsen has done in the school will be continued. It is with a great deal of gratitude that the College acknowledges that Mr Olsen will still be involved with the school in his new role. We wish him every success in his future endeavours. 

On behalf of St Kevin’s College Board

Eugen Dupu
Presiding Member

Farewell Mr Tony Mullally

Today we said farewell to Old Boy and long serving staff member Tony Mullally.

 
Tony leaves us to become the HOD of Religious Studies at St Thomas of Canterbury in Christchurch, after teaching at St Kevin's College for 24 years.

 
During his time here he has taught Graphics and been Director of Religious Studies, and has also spent some time coaching Junior rugby teams.

 
Tony has had a large influence on the lives of St Kevin's College students, past and present. We wish you all the best Tony, your energy and passion for everyone in this school will be missed.

Farewell to Gap Student Michael Mugona

Last week our hostel students performed the school haka as we said goodbye to Michael Mugona, one of our Gap Students. Michael is returning home to Zimbabwe and will then head to the US to study sports medicine next year. 

Thank you Michael for your help in the hostel, and also for your hard work in coaching our boys First XI Football team. 

We wish Michael all the best in his future endeavours.

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.

Farewell to Obirin High School Students

Our Obirin High School students left on Sunday to return home.

Their week days were busy with ESOL classes but our visitors also had the opportunity to get out and about, exploring the Waitaki District and some of what it has to offer!

The farewells began at assembly on Wednesday where the Obirin students were presented with certificates. A mini basketball tournament between the students and the SKC Junior Boys and Girls basketball teams followed on Friday.

Once again, a BIG thank you to those who have hosted students in their homes.

We wish our new friends all the best!

Acting Principal Blog

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

What a positive way to end the week. Students discussing and leading their own conferences getting involved in their own learning. Having conducted these conferences myself with my own whanau group they are strengthening and very empowering. All vested parties working together to bring about valid learning outcomes.

Our Obirin friends depart this weekend. A special thank you to all the hosts, teachers and buddies who have worked to make the trip so worthwhile.

On Monday the school is closed for teacher training.

I wish you a pleasant and restful weekend.

God bless

Ngā mihi nui


Kerry Ryan

Principal's Comment

Kia ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College

This week the telltale signs that we are close to the Waitaki Interschool could be heard during lunch breaks. The traditional Haka and Chants have been dusted off and practised with passion.

I captured this shot of our Head Boy, Seth Humphries, tutoring our year 9 boys in the finer points of the Haka.

Last week we held a farewell for Mrs Anne Flett who is a long term kitchen staff member after 32 years of sterling service. On behalf of the College Board of Trustees, staff and students, I would like to formally thank Anne for her years of diligent service to our College community.

In preparation for my upcoming Ministry of Education sabbatical in term three, I am pleased to announce the following staffing arrangements:

• Mr Ryan will become the Acting Principal
• Ms Walshe, the Acting Deputy Principal
• Senior management will retain their existing job roles with the exception of Mr Ryan who will share his existing work with Mr Herbst who will be "Senior Master" for the term.

Finally, I would like to wish our seniors all the very best for the Ball this Saturday evening. It is a gala occasion, requiring detailed planning and preparation. Thank you in anticipation to Ms Walshe, our Home and School team and the student ball committee for your hard work and attention to detail.

Manaaki te atua ia koutou

Ngā mihi nui
Paul Olsen, Tumuaki

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