St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 4 Week 5
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
This week our Juniors completed their exams, while our Seniors finished their second week of NCEA Externals and we also hosted a Rural Science day for Year 8 students. Please note that there will be a Paid Union Meeting for teachers on Monday morning, so school will start at period 3. Buses will run as usual, and supervision will be provided for those who need it in the library.
School Notices
- This is a friendly reminder that parents and caregivers must let the office know beforehand if students have appointments during the day: 03 437 1665 or 021 437 176.
- All students in Years 9-12 are not permitted to leave the school grounds during intervals and lunch breaks.
All Year 9-11 students must get caregiver consent to sign out during school hours. Caregivers can email or call the office to provide consent and reason for the absence. Students cannot sign out until the caregiver is reached.
Paid Union Meeting - 18th November
There will be a Paid Union Meeting on Monday morning, 18th November.
School will start at period 3 that day, buses will run as usual, and supervision will be provided for those who need it.
NCEA exams will run as scheduled.
St Kevin’s College – Single Sign On
As part of increasing the security posture of our school environment, St Kevin’s has recently
rolled out a centralised authentication platform via Microsoft Office 365.
This means a slight change to the way staff and students log in when using school systems such as
email.
When prompted to log into associated systems, there will be an extra step asking for your school
email address and password. These are the same details you use when at school to join the wireless
and log onto our shared computers.
All users are encouraged to self-register for Multi-Factor Authentication (aka.ms/mfasetup). As part of
this change, this additional security measure is enforced for all staff users only.
Kolourcare St Kevin's Sport and Cultural photos
If you wish to purchase 2024 St Kevin's Sport and Cultural photos, Kolourcare has just uploaded them to its website, giving all the students who have already finished for the year an opportunity to buy.
https://kolourcare.photoshelter.com/ > First album titled St Kevins Sport 24
Mountain Bike track closed
The mountain bike track is closed for maintenance until further notice.
Attendance Matters
As we venture into Term 4, it is an excellent time to check in on your school attendance.
Every day matters!
2024 School Magazine
Just a quick reminder that all students have been invoiced for this year's school magazine/yearbook. Please ensure payments are made by 30 November 2024 so we can print enough copies for everyone who has paid by then.
If you don't want the magazine, just contact the school office, and we will be happy to remove the charge from your account.
We willl also keep you posted about when the magazines are ready for pick-up.
SKC uniform shop
SKC desperately needs donations of any and all second-hand clothing for the SKC uniform shop. We especially need pants, shorts, white and blue shirts, and socks. Depending on their condition, we are able to buy back kilts, blazers, jumpers, soft shell jackets, and new PE tops.
Drop off at the shop on Thursdays (1-2 p.m) or the main school office.
For all inquiries, call Jane at 0211996525.
SKC Moke Jackets
The uniform shop is now selling wind and semi-waterproof SKC Moké student jackets.
These lightweight jackets have 90% Duck down lining, so you know they'll be toasty warm.
Available now from the uniform shop for $90.
Past few weeks at SKC
Rural Science Day - 14th November
Yesterday 21 Year 8 students from surrounding rural schools came to St Kevin's for a Science experience.
They had to work out who the "criminal" was by doing a range of tests on "evidence" left behind after an imaginary break-in. The students learned how to test for sugar, starch, and protein.
They also tested flame to identify different metals and chromatography on coloured pens.
Thanks to Mr Haig for leading the way and making it a fun learning time for all.
Marine and Freshwater Science program
Last week, we kicked off the Marine and Freshwater Science programme with 3 field trips.
On Wednesday, we went to Second Beach and Boatmans Cove in Cape Wanbrow. For those who don't know this area, it is one of the few places in the world to view the pillow lava formed by the now-extinct Oamaru Volcano. Also, it is nesting season for the Little Spotted Shags that nest on the cliff face. The students took the walk and climbed down to the beach in their stride, and we completed a Marine metre square survey that we will later upload to the Australasian database.
On Thursday, we visited the Moeraki Boulders and the Reserve at the lighthouse. The sea fog prevented the amazing views, but we were able to get very close to the red-billed gulls' nesting colony. We were privileged to have a very knowledgeable talk given by Rosalie, who looks after the penguin rescue https://www.penguinrescue.nz/ at Moeraki. It is a very busy time of year for them, with chicks hatching and preparations for the inevitable wave of avian bird flu.
On Friday, we visited Elephant Rocks and the Fossil Centre in Duntroon. The students learned about our unique local record of our ancient seas and the life that existed 20 - 30 million years ago.
Kapa Haka visit to Weston School
Last Wednesday Te Kapa Haka o Hato Kewene visited Weston School for a Kapa Haka wānaka.
Weston Kapa Haka students warmly welcomed us with a mihi whakatau followed by a shared kai.
Both schools then shared the meaning behind and the process of making their Kapa Haka uniforms before moving into groups to learn a new waiata and haka.
St Kevin's students taught the Weston Kapa Haka group the actions for Tau Ana and the Tika Tonu haka. We then came back together to share what we had learnt.
It was an awesome day for both Kapa Haka groups. Our students loved sharing their mātauraka with Weston students and are keen to do it again next year.
Well done to Brydon Manu for your awesome whaikōrero at the mihi whakatau!
Ka mihi nui ki kā tauira, kā kaiako hoki o Weston. Kai ruka noa atu Weston!
School Events
Coming up this term
Monday 9th - 12th December - Yr 10 Camp
Friday 13th December - Junior Prizegiving & Liturgy 11am
Sports
Coming up this term
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd November - Aoraki Junior Sports Week
Sunday 24th November - Willows Cricket
Monday 25th November - Rippa Rugby Tournament
Aoraki Volleyball 8th November
Here are the results for the AVA Volleyball games last Friday.
Snr Boys: Game 7:30 pm VS Geraldine High School Senior Boys. WON 3-0.
Snr Girls A: Game: 7:30 pm VS Craighead Senior White. WON 3-0
Snr Girls B: Game: 4 pm VS Mountain View High School Senior Girls leavers. WON 2-0
Fantastic job!
Art and Cultural Events/Dates
Coming up this term
Sunday 24th November - Christ the King & World Youth Day
Chess Tournament in Wellington 27th October
Over 200 invited chess players from across New Zealand gathered in Wellington on Sunday, 27th October, for the Chess Power Champions Trophy. Sunny Tian from SKC was among the participants.
It was a challenging day of chess featuring some of the best young chess players in the country.
Great job, Sunny!
Chess tournament at WBHS - 18th November
Attention SKC Year 9 and 10 Students:
If you're interested in playing chess for a day, join us on Monday, 18th November!
Please email Mrs Gower at jgower@stkevins.school.nz as soon as possible.
Event Details:
- Event: Oamaru Schools Summer Chess Competition
- Date: Monday, 18th November, Term 4, Week 6
- Venue: Waitaki Boys' High School Library
- Who: This is open to students from Years 1-10 of all skill levels from Canterbury and Otago. School uniform is preferred but not required. Only 80 spots are available!
- Sections: Players will compete in age-based sections.
Schedule:
- Players' Meeting: 9:45 a.m.
- Games Begin: 10:15 a.m.
- Prize-Giving: Aiming to finish by 3:00 p.m.
- Game Format: Each player has 15 minutes per game (15|0), so each game should last around 20-30 minutes.
Thanks,
Mrs. Gower
School TV
Exam Jitters
Every year, more and more emphasis is placed on achieving good results in exams causing many students to feel extraordinary pressure and having unrealistic expectations. This month on SchoolTV, families will find advice on how to help young people cope with the pressure and how students can work smarter to achieve the results they desire.
Exams are like a game. Once you know how to play the game, your chances of achieving great results rapidly increase. Families can learn how to assist their young people to maintain perspective and keep their sanity intact during exam time.
Diet, exercise and sleep all play an important part in helping a student balance a busy schedule and study smarter. Keeping stress levels to a minimum and reducing anxiety can be easily achieved through careful planning and having a supportive environment.
If you have any concerns about your young person, please contact the Pastoral Care team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.
Guidelines for Attitude to Learning
General philosophy.
The purpose of ATL feedback is so that parents and students can have real time information about how students are engaging in each subject.
The overarching objective should be to have ‘no surprises’ for caregivers.
ATL numbers should cover how students are working generally in relation to:
How they are developing the habits of an independent life long learner.
This means:
Teachers will be providing opportunities within classes for independent, differentiated learning opportunities.
ATLs will be used with the Junior reports. This will require additional weight to be given to ATL, meaning that periodically, a curriculum statement will be added to the ATL report. At the end of Term 1, the focus will be on setting goals and identifying learning challenges for the students so that we head things off before they become a problem.
Comments.
These should be specific and address immediate concerns or celebrate recent, specific achievements.
These should provide caregivers the opportunity to be able to participate in supporting their student.
These should be brief and accurate.
Only be provided for immediate and relevant issues.
What ATL’s are NOT.
They are not a method for punishing a student.
They are not a forum for diagnosing medical or learning issues e.g. suggesting a student is dyslexic
They are not a place for long term guidance such as large general statements about learning.
They are not a report which you must feel compelled to write every fortnight.
They are not a replacement for Dean involvement, discussions with HoF’s, phone calls to parents etc.
They are not a ‘restorative chat’.
Community Events/Notices
Network Waitaki Sports Awards
This is a reminder that NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the 2024 Network Waitaki Sports Awards.
Nominations are open to the end of November.
The Nominations are made online at the following link
Nomination guidelines here
We know many talented and high achievers in our sports in Waitaki.
We encourage you all to nominate your highest achievers and highlight not only your sporting code but also your amazing athletes, officials, and administrators.
The Awards will be held on 17 March 2025.
Categories are:
Female emerging talent (yr8 in 2024)
Male emerging talent (yr 8 in 2024)
Junior female sportsperson (under 18)
Junior male sportsperson (under 18)
Athlete with a disability
Female sportsperson
Male sportsperson
Masters sportsperson (50 years +)
Coach of the year
Team of the year
Services to sport
Official in sport
Oamaru Swim Club Fast Furious info
Oamaru Swim Club invites you to a fun night of festive swim racing!
There's an event for all levels, from beginners to experienced swimmers.
Warm up from 5.30 pm with racing starting at 6.00 pm.
Entry forms are available at the pool reception desk or use Google: FESTIVE Fast n Furious 22 Nov 2024
Please enter by Wednesday, 20th Nov 2024.
Email entries can be sent to oamaruswim@gmail.com
Aoraki Pasifika Festival - 23rd November
Aoraki Pasifika Festival will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at the Caroline Bay Soundshell. This vibrant celebration will showcase the rich culture and creativity of the Pasifika community, featuring a market filled with delicious Pasifika cuisine. Your involvement will greatly enrich the festival and resonate with Pasifika families in your area, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Should anyone in your community like to have a stall at the festival, please contact Fakafetai lahi lele at aorakipasifika@gmail.com or 022 018 4647
Registration: https://bit.ly/4001tvY
Paint a Victorian Masterpiece Contest
Oamaru Tongan Tennis Club Open Day - 7th December
This is an opportunity for our Pasifika students to get involved in a summer sports program, get active, have fun and stay fit during the summer season
Grass Court
39A Chelmer Street
Contact:
'Aisea Fifita 0210550804
Takau Toetu'u 02102237491
Musac Edge portal and app guide
We have an updated guide on how to use the Edge caregiver portal/app that allows you to view school information about your child(ren), and to pay school bills online if your school supports this. The portal & app gives you quick and easy access to the information for the children in your care and can receive announcements and notifications from the school. Please view the guide here
News to Share?
We love celebrating our students' success. Photos are always a bonus; please email these as Facebook Messenger compresses the quality!
Please let me know via email any relevant news we could share - srees@stkevins.school.nz
You can follow St Kevin's College on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Have a great weekend!
Ngā mihi
Shane Rees
Communications and Events