Hostel Visit To Loch Liard

After some initial concerns over the weather the Hostel took a trip up to the Loch on Sunday. All in all a great day was had by all, with many finding the water to be refreshingly invigorating.

A big thank you to the Robins, Conlan, Anderson and Jarvis families for bringing their boats up to the Loch and taking all who were keen for a ride.

Argentinian AFS

St Kevin's College is excited to be a part of the AFS Exchange Programme this year and we have already welcomed Year 13 student Cecilie Muller from the Faroe Islands in Denmark. Arriving shortly is Facundo Briones, a 16 year boy from Salta in Argentina. The youngest of four children Facundo is a keen rugby player and we would be grateful to hear from any families who would be able to assist with hosting him during his stay. If you are able to help please contact Russell Dixon at the College.

Library Block Preview

With the smell of fresh paint still lingering our students are enjoying the clean lines and open spaces of the newly finished Library Block. As part of the refurbishments started at the end of last year it is exciting to see this part of the project completed. Our thanks go to all of our staff and their helpers who have worked so tirelessly to re-assemble the books and resources.

Mufti Day Success

Following the Christchurch Earthquake Food Bank Appeal delivery on Wednesday the College was very proud to be able to present a cheque to the local branch of the Salvation Army as part of their national Salvation Army Earthquake Appeal. A total of $2000 was raised by students as a result of the mufti day last week. Thank you to everyone for their generosity.

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.

Kavanagh Cricket

Congratulations to our 1st XI Cricket team who batted and bowled to victory over their Kavanagh College rivals. With a run total of 284 the St Kevin's batters set the pace, backed up by a bowling attack that saw Kavanagh all out for just over 200. Well done boys!

ICAS English Exams 2011

We encourage able Year 9 and 10 English students to compete in the ICAS English exams.

Spelling : $7.50 (entries close 24 May)

Writing - Persuasive : $17.50 (entries close 24 May)

English : $7.50 (entries close 5 July)

Student can register their names with Mrs Powell or their English teacher. The entry fee will be charged to student's accounts. Students will sit the exams during school time in June and August, with each exam lasting 60 minutes.

Food Bank Appeal Donations

Thank you to all those who donated so generously to the Christchurch Earthquake Food Bank Appeal. There was an overwhelming response and yesterday our Special Character Prefects Sian Waters and Oliver Hanning lead a group of Senior Students who delivered all of the donated items to St Joseph Primary School for distribution throughout the Waitaki District.

Well Spoken

Congratulations to Deputy Head Boy Oliver Hanning who won the Jill Walker Prize for Excellence in the use of Language and Expression in a New Zealand speech exam. Oliver is continuing the tradition of strong public speakers at St Kevin's College.

Ugly Shakespeare

There were peels of laughter from the College Auditorium when The Ugly Shakespeare Company paid us a visit, delighting our students with a comical compilation of "As You Like It", "Much A Do About Nothing" and "All's Well That Ends Well". Sponsored by the University of Waikato they do a annual New Zealand Schools tour giving a light hearted introduction to the works of Shakespeare. And it would appear that there is a local tie to the actors with one of them having been taught speech by our very own Mrs Karen Austin.

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

National Remembrance

There was a moment for quiet reflection when the College gathered on the Magee Lawn to remember all those effected by the Christchurch Earthquake on 22 February with prayers followed by two minutes silence. Mr Olsen led the reflection with Oliver Hanning and Maeve Ryan reading prayers. We extend a very warm welcome to all of the students who have joined the St Kevin's Family from Christchurch. We hope that your are made to feel supported at this time. Every attempt is being made by staff to make your lessons challenging, relevant and productive.