Aoraki Sports Awards

On Friday 5 November 47 Students, Parents and Staff traveled to Timaru for the Annual Aoraki Sports Awards. It was a fantastic evening with all in attendance enjoying the occasion and the College congratulates all of our students who were finalists.

St Kevin's College students bought home 8 category winners:

Reubyn Bisschops - Triathlon , Courtney Kerin - Kayaking, Zac Aitken - Swimming, Tim O'Malley - Cricket, Georgia Wallace - Darts, Albert Hailes - Tennis, Holly Edmonston - Cycling, Wade Guthrie - Hockey.

These awards are a fantastic achievement on the Secondary School Sports stage.

Baptism at the College Mass

The whole congregation at the Sunday College Mass on 7 November had a moving sacramental experience when Father Wayne baptized the following four students : Karla Weller, Lydia Inglis, Hayley Wearne and Takatanga Madambi. We all supported the baptismal candidates by renewing our Baptismal Promises as a group and the candidates were presented with certificates and Baptismal candles. The Edmund Rice Singers provided themed music for the occasion.

Duke of Edinburgh Achievements

Last weekend Y11 Silver Duke of Edinburgh students Jack Dwyer, Isaac de Buzyer and Sam de Buyzer embarked on a tramp into the Dingle Burn Valley. After a cool crossing from the Ahuriri on Friday night over the pass into the Dingle Valley, the weather was stunning for both Saturday and Sunday. There are stories to tell of frosty mornings, fish that were caught and personal satisfaction crossing the 1400m pass. A great weekend had by all!

Heartland Rugby Has Heart

Our Year 12 boarding girls became cheer leaders for the day when North Otago took on Wanganui in the grand final of the Heartland Championship playing for the Meads Cup. Great to see that they must have been effective as North Otago came out victorious!

Hostel Busy Bees

Last Saturday we had a great turnout of parents for our spring working bee. It was wonderful to receive so much support and a lot was achieved, both at the Boys and the Girls Hostel. There were also a lot of boys and girls who also pitched in and helped and this was great to see. We were fed and watered fabulously by Kirsten and her helpers in the kitchen. I'd like to thank those who came along; I found it very heartening. For those present it was also a great opportunity to meet Justin and Rachel in a relaxed atmosphere afterwards at the BBQ.
Jo Ann Van der Salm

Year 13 Rite of Passage Retreat

On Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of joining the Year 13 student leavers as they gathered in the Dean O'Reilly Lounge at the Basilica for a Rite of Passage Retreat. After a barbeque meal, Mr Mullally and Mr Farrell engaged the students in a number of activities that encouraged them to reflect on their time at St Kevin's College. The groups shared the highs and lows together with the amusing and nostalgic. I have included a slide show of my photographs.

Aoraki Junior Tennis

Congratulations to our Junior Mixed Tennis Team who competed recently at the Aoraki Junior Tournament in Timaru. This team won the Mixed Team competition by beating Waimate in the Final. The Team was made up of Katherine Hope, Nicole Duncan, Logan More and Jacob Coghlan.

NZ Honours Students

St Kevin's College is very proud this year to acknowledge our New Zealand Sporting Honours Students. This year has seen the College with 15 students gaining New Zealand Honours in their respective sporting codes which requires students to have gained a top 3 placing at a National event. The training and hard work needed for this level of success is a credit to them and we congratulate the following students on their efforts:

Reubyn Bisschops (Triathlon), Courtney Kerin (Kayaking), Isobel Ryan (Swimming), Zac Aitken (Swimming) Stacey Kerin (Trampoline), Holly Edmonston (Cycling), Eilee Robinson, Johannah Kearney, Caitlin Kearney, Bethany Robertson, Loren Haggerty, Lucy Fauth, Brittany More, Georgia Tangney, Sophie Moynhan (U16 Girls Rowing Eight)

Courtney Kerin as a New Zealand Kayaker also gained a 3rd placing at the World Champs In Germany earlier this year.

Cricket Coach Learns New Skills

Richard Turner, the College 1st XI player coach has been enjoying learning to drive a tractor. Richard has come to St Kevin's from Lancashire, England, where he has captained the Fulwood & Broughton Cricket Club 1st XI for the last three seasons. A top order batsman and fast medium bowler he has a BA with honours from Lancashire University and is also a level two qualified ECB coach.

Richard is joined by 19 year old Gagan Singh from the Netherlands, who will be with us until the end of the year. We hope that they both enjoy their time in New Zealand.

Cricket Field Slow to Recover

The Murray Field cricket pitch has required extensive reconstruction after the ravages of flood and winter rugby use. The wicket will not be available for use this season. Consideration is being given to the long term status of the wicket, which has been an on going financial issue for the College. As there has been a dramatic increase in local water rates following the upgrade in town water quality, we are mindful that it is a precious commodity. We are developing a water management plan for the fields which aims to preserve the quality of the pitch but does not include watering the fields over summer.

Traffic Safety Improved by Tree Replacement

The conifers along the northern boundary are being replaced with more suitable plantings to improve visibility at the Redcastle Road entrance. Replanting with more open species will alleviate concern about the reduced traffic visibility caused by the growth of the dense shrubs. Pictured admiring the work of Mr Mark Watson, our Grounds person, are neighbours Mrs Dorene Mavor and Mr Peter Johnston. Mr Johnston has kindly offered to contribute to the replanting work which will eventually have the added bonus of providing improved shading for this area. The increased visibility is already evident from the Redcastle Road approach.

Music News

With an abundant of musical talent at the College, practical music exams are high on the agenda for many students at present. Leading the path to success is Year 13 student Ellis Li who has passed his Grade 6 Piano exam through the Trinity Examination Board. We offer our congratulations to Ellis and look forward to hearing results from other music students.