St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 11
- School Notices
- 2025 Term Dates and Holidays
- Faith Facts
- St Joseph’s School Board and St Kevin’s College Board Governance Facilitator Survey
- Lately at SKC
- Cambridge at SKC
- School Events
- Sports
- School TV
- Guidelines for Attitude to Learning
- Community Events/Notices
- Edge portal and app guide
- News to Share?
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
It’s been a rewarding final week of Term 1 at St Kevin’s College. Our students proudly represented the College at the Senior Quads Tournament, while our Mafu o le Pasifika group gave a powerful performance at Ardgowan School. We also welcomed whānau to an informative NCEA/Cambridge evening, aimed at supporting students as they plan their academic pathways. The term concluded with a reverent Stations of the Cross Mass, bringing our community together in reflection before the break.
School Notices
Hello Hail – A Fresh New Look for Our Newsletters!
From the start of Term 2, St Kevin’s College will be launching a brand-new newsletter platform using Hail – a modern, user-friendly system designed especially for schools.
We’re excited to be joining Hail and can’t wait to share our stories in a more engaging and accessible way. With Hail, our newsletters will be easier to read on any device, with vibrant images, interactive content, and a much more reader-friendly way to explore the stories that matter most to you.
It’s all about making it easier for our community to stay informed and connected.
Keep an eye on your inbox in Term 2 for our first edition using Hail – we think you’ll love the new look!
Student Led Conferences – Friday 2nd May
Kia ora students and parents,
Our first round of Student Led Conferences for 2025 will take place on Friday, 2nd May, from 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
These conferences will follow the following format:
- Student-led discussion – your child will lead the conversation about their learning, with their teacher there to support and guide the discussion.
- Teacher input – teachers will act as mentors, helping to focus the conversation and summarise key decisions or next steps.
Please note: School will be closed in the morning to allow teachers time to prepare.
School will be closed for all students on this day, unless they are attending their scheduled conference.
If you're unable to attend on the day, you're welcome to get in touch with your child's teachers directly.
Bookings can be made here:
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/s4sx8
The staffroom will be available for whānau to relax in between appointments.
Ngā mihi
Winter Uniform Reminder
As we head into Term 2, just a gentle reminder that winter uniform is required from the first day back.
Boys – Please wear your school tie and keep shirts tucked in. Year 9–11 wear blue shirts, while Year 12 and 13 continue with white shirts.
Girls – Winter uniform includes your tie, a long-sleeved shirt, and navy socks.
- 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.
Up-to-date ATLs are now available through the Parent Portal here
2025 School photos
Kia ora parents and caregivers,
School photos are now ready for collection from the College office.
Please remind your student/s to collect theirs during break times only.
Student stationery for 2025 is now available at the office!
Cash or Eftpos only, no account charges.
Prices include:
- Math Book: $2.70
- Exercise Book: $1.70
- Highlighter: $2.50
- Compass: $4.00
- Colouring Pencils (12-pack): $4.50
All profits go to Te Ngākau Nui, supporting our school community.
Attendance Matters
As we venture into Term 1, it is an excellent time to check in on your school attendance.
Every day matters!
ANZAC Day Parade – Friday 25th April
We encourage as many students as possible to participate in the ANZAC Day parade during these school holidays.
Students will meet at 10.15 am at the traffic lights opposite Woolworths, dressed in their full Number 1 uniform.
This is a meaningful opportunity to represent St Kevin’s College and honour the legacy of our servicemen and women.
Let’s show strong SKC support on the day.
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.
Comes with its own bag and packs down for minimal space.
Love Teaching but Need Flexibility? Join Our Relief Team!
Are you a qualified primary or secondary teacher taking a break from full-time work?
Maybe you're at home with young children but miss the classroom. SKC is seeking relief teachers to join our supportive and welcoming school community!
✨ Stay connected to education without full-time commitment
✨ Be part of a great team and make a difference
Interested? We'd love to hear from you!
Send your expressions of interest to Jo Walshe at jwalshe@stkevins.school.nz to learn more.
2025 Term Dates and Holidays
- Term 1 Monday 27th January to Friday 11th April
- Term 2 Monday 28th April to Friday 27th June
- Term 3 Monday 14th July to Friday 19th September
- Term 4 Monday 6th October to Friday 5th December
2025 Public Holidays
- Good Friday: Friday, 18th April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21st April
- Anzac Day: Friday, 25th April
- King's Birthday: Monday, 2nd June
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 30th May until 2 pm, Monday 2nd June) - Matariki: Friday, 20th June
- Labour Day: Monday, 27th October
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 24th October until 2 pm, Monday 24th October)
Faith Facts
Week 11
| Sunday 6th | Monday 7th | Tuesday 8th | Wednesday 9th | Thursday 10th | Friday 11th | Saturday 12th |
FIFTH SUNDAY of LENT |
What is the triduum?
The triduum is a period that begins on Holy Thursday and ends at the conclusion of Easter Sunday.
It encompasses the evening of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday.
The term “triduum” means “three days” and refers to any three-day observance. The triduum during Holy Week is also known as the “paschal triduum” or “Easter triduum.”
O God of Creation, you have blessed us with the changing of the seasons.
As we enjoy the autumn months, may the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest.
St Kevin’s Feast Day – 3rd June 2025
Join us for a Mass of Initiation as we celebrate this special day! Any student wishing to be baptised, confirmed, or receive their first communion is welcome.
📩 Contact Mrs. Herbst for details: jherbst@stkevins.school.nz
Laudato Si’ reflection for 12th - 13th April
Carrying out The Way of the Cross for our Common Home
The Way of the Cross can be traced to St. Francis of Assisi. As Francis brought the
experience of the Holy Land home, we bring the Way of the Cross home to our local
place of natural beauty. Reflecting on the sufferings of Jesus at each station, we
raise the Cross of Christ to remind us that our sister, Mother Earth—our common
home—belongs to God, and we ask for strength and unity to care for God's creation.
See the link: https://franciscanvoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Ecological-Way-of-the-Cross-Copy.pdf
St Joseph’s School Board and St Kevin’s College Board Governance Facilitator Survey
Kia ora koutou,
I am writing to you as an Independent Facilitator contracted by the Ministry of Education to support the St Joseph’s School Board and St Kevin’s College Board governance consultation process. You can learn more about my work here.
We are wanting to hear from you about which governance approach you think will best support both schools on the co-located campus.
A short video has been prepared to provide you with background information about this process, the proposed combined Board model, and the potential benefits of this approach. You will hear from the St Joseph’s School and St Kevin’s College Principals about which approach they think is best as well as insights captured at the recent consultation evening.
You can watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGu_qRJoaRk
The short survey asks you a few questions to help clarify what whānau and the wider community from each school think about the future of school governance at the co-located campus. This includes which approach you think is best, how you think school governance can support St Joseph’s School and St Kevin’s College to retain their unique identities, and any questions or concerns you may have. Your feedback will be used to provide recommendations to the Ministry of Education about which school governance approach best meets the needs of St Joseph’s School and St Kevin’s College on the co-located school campus.
Please follow this link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JGRFW7R
The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Your answers can be as brief or as detailed as you like. The survey link will remain open until Tuesday 15 April 2025.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the consultation process further please contact me via email - gabrielle@dandgconsulting.co.nz
Ngā mihi nui,
Gabrielle Wall
Independent Facilitator
Lately at SKC
Exploring Local Wildlife and History – International Students in Oamaru
It’s been a busy and exciting couple of weeks for our International Students!
On Friday, 28th March, our Marine Science group headed to the Oamaru Penguin Colony to learn about the ecology of our local penguins. The students enjoyed a guided tour, sketched seals and the shag colony at Sumpter Wharf, and explored the Oamaru Lookout and Bushy Beach.
Thursday, 3rd April, saw the group return for an unforgettable evening penguin viewing. Over 200 little blue penguins made their way home through the surf, navigating waves, seals – and even a lively hare!
To round things off, last Friday, the students visited Totara Estate. They stepped back in time to learn about Oamaru’s early history and the pioneering shipment of New Zealand’s first load of refrigerated meat. The visit finished with a traditional afternoon tea – scones included – and a fun lesson in pouring the perfect cup of tea.
Mafu o le Pasifika Visit to Ardgowan School – Wednesday 9th April
Our Mafu o le Pasifika group proudly represented St Kevin’s College at Ardgowan School, performing three traditional dances for students, parents and the wider school community.
We concluded with a powerful haka, which left the younger students in awe of our performers.
Afterwards, we were invited to share kai with everyone present – a beautiful moment of connection and hospitality.
A big thank you to Ardgowan School for hosting us so graciously.
House Haka & Waiata Competitions
On Thu, 10th April, St Kevin’s held its much-anticipated annual House Haka and Waiata Competitions. In the weeks leading up to the event, our Houses – spurred on by their passionate House Prefects – were seen practising at every opportunity. Their dedication certainly showed on the day!
This year’s standard was incredibly high, and our students showed outstanding respect throughout this important school tradition. The passion, pride, and unity were clear to see, and our judges were hugely impressed by the level of performance.
We also received some valuable feedback on how we can aim even higher in future – an exciting challenge for 2026!
Congratulations to our winners:
House Haka
1st – Treacy
2nd – Whyte
3rd – Clancy
4th – Magee
Waiata
1st – Whyte
2nd – Treacy
3rd – Magee
4th – Clancy
Best Leader
1st – Whyte
2nd – Magee
3rd – Clancy
4th – Treacy
A huge thank you to our judges: Nola Tipa, Ana Fa’au, Lincoln Brosnahan and Ben Winders. Your thoughtful feedback and kind words were greatly appreciated.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s competition!
Cambridge at SKC
Considering Cambridge at St Kevin’s College?
Mr Herbst shares insight into the subjects available.
What’s Cambridge really like?
Hear straight from our students as they answer your questions and share their experiences with the Cambridge pathway at St Kevin’s College.
School Events
Coming up in Term 2
Wednesday 30th April - ANZAC Service - period 4
Friday 2nd May - Student-led Conferences
Sunday 4th - 6th May - Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Trip
Thursday 8th May - Open Day
Sports
Congratulations, Mele!
A massive well done to Mele Fangupo, who placed 2nd in the Girls Javelin Throw Under 14 (500g) at the 2025 SISS Athletics, held from Friday, 4th to Sunday, 6th April.
With a fantastic throw of 26.07m, Mele represented St Kevin's with pride and determination. What an awesome achievement!
We're incredibly proud of you!
SKC Rugby Ambrose Golf Tournament
On Sunday, SKC Rugby hosted an Ambrose Golf Tournament to raise funds for the Fiji rugby tour in July.
A big thank you to those that entered a team and congratulations to 'The Put Togethers' on their win and to 'Toko Uso' for their second place.
Special thanks to the Lower Waitaki Golf Club for using their course and facilities.
Finally, thank you again to the parents who helped out on the day, the sponsors, and those who donated prizes. It all goes a long way to getting the boys to Fiji.
Senior Quads Results – Tue, 8th April
Senior Quads Results – Tue, 8th April
On Tuesday, several of our students headed to Dunedin to take part in the Senior Quads tournament, competing against Trinity, Verdon, and St Peter’s. It was a fantastic day of sport and school spirit – here’s how the results played out:
Results by Sport:
Hockey – 2nd
Boys’ Basketball – 1st
Girls’ Basketball – 1st
Netball – 2nd
Boys’ Football – 1st
Girls’ Football – 1st
Rugby – 1st
Overall Placing
1st – St Kevin’s (15 points)
2nd = St Peter’s and Verdon (10 points each)
4th – Trinity (9 points)
Fantastic results – especially given the classic Dunedin four seasons in one day! A huge well done to our students for representing St Kevin’s with pride and determination.
A big thank you to all the coaches and managers who supported our students throughout the day – your time and dedication is truly appreciated.
Coming up in Term 2
Monday 5th May - Aoraki Golf
Wednesday 7th May - Roncalli exchange
Friday 9th May - Aoraki Swimming
Support the SKC Senior Boys' Rugby Team on their Fiji Tour!
Support the SKC Senior Boys' Rugby Team on Their Fiji Tour!
Help the team by purchasing firewood:
- Pine: $105 per cube
- Poplar: $90 per cube
To place your order, please contact: jfowler@stkevins.school.nz
Enjoy free delivery within the Oamaru town boundary!
Deliveries are expected in late March.
School TV
Vaping and E-cigarettes
Vaping and e-cigarettes have rapidly become a concerning trend among young people in Aotearoa, with sleek devices and sweet flavours making it all too appealing.
Originally promoted as a tool to help smokers quit, vaping has found its way into schools, social settings, and even bedrooms - often out of sight of parents and whānau. Recent studies show a worrying rise in regular use among students, with many unaware of the real risks involved. Far from being harmless water vapour, vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals and high levels of nicotine, even when marketed as 'nicotine-free'. These substances can impact brain development, increase anxiety, and even trigger lifelong addiction.
In this special report, we explore the facts around vaping, drawing on the latest research and national data to highlight why this issue can't be ignored. We encourage all parents and whānau to start open conversations early and provide practical advice on how to approach the topic without shame or judgement. With education, empathy and strong support networks, we can help young people make safer, healthier and informed choices.
Here is the link to your Special Report 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
Thinking about a career in the Police?
The New Zealand Police are hosting a Recruitment Evening on Tuesday, 15th April at 6 pm at the Oamaru Police Station.
Come along to learn more about what a career in the Police force could look like for you.
For more information, please email: Jay.Morriss@police.govt.nz
Country Kidz Sports – Easter Monday at the Fairlie A&P Show
The 127th Mackenzie Highland A&P Show is hosting the Country Kidz Sports event on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, and it will be packed with fun and friendly competition.
Organised by the Ag classes from Geraldine and Mackenzie Colleges, along with the Mackenzie Young Farmers Club, this event is a fantastic opportunity for students to compete in fun modules as a team — and even take home a challenge trophy for their school.
Details:
- Fairlie A&P Showgrounds
- Teams of three, wearing the same coloured top
- Bring good footwear and a drink bottle
- Check the show programme or Office map for the location
- No entry fee
Age Groups:
- Class 1 (Ages 7–9)
- Report by 9:50 am, modules begin at 10:00 am
- Class 2 (Ages 10–13)
- Report by 11:20 am, modules begin at 11:30 am
Entries close: Fri, 4th April 2025
Submit entries by post to:
Country Kidz, Jodi Payne, PO Box 53, Fairlie 7949
Or by email to: mackenzieapsociety@gmail.com
Enquiries: Jodi Payne – 021 713 033
Email: mackenzieapsociety@gmail.com
Free Composting Workshops – Learn How to Create Great Compost
Waste Free Waitaki is offering two free composting workshops at the Waitaki Community Gardens. Whether you're just starting out or want to improve your composting skills, these hands-on sessions will help you make great compost at home.
Workshop options:
Sat, 3rd May or Sun, 4th May 2025
1 pm – 3 pm
Waitaki Community Gardens
Spaces are limited, so be sure to book early.
To reserve your spot or to find out more, email wastefreewaitaki@waitaki.govt.nz or phone 03 433 0300.
School Holiday Rafting Adventure!
Looking for a fun, action-packed day out during the school holidays?
Peel Forest Outdoor Centre is running a Rafting Adventure for young people aged 10 and up. This classic Lower Rangitata Grade 2 trip includes rafting, river safety skills, and heaps of fun games on the water – perfect for beginners and a great way to build confidence.
Date: Wed, 23rd April
Time: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $85 per person
Ages: 10+
Spaces are limited, so head to peelforestoutdoors.org.nz to book now!
Pathfinders Gymnastics Club Quiz Night
Get your thinking caps on and join us for a fun-filled evening at the Pathfinders Gymnastics Club Quiz Night! Expect laughs, quick-fire cash raffles, and the draw for our special Mother’s Day raffle.
Date: Monday, 12th May 2025
Venue: Northstar Restaurant & Bar
Time: Be seated by 6:15 pm; quiz starts at 6:30 pm
Cost: $10 per person (teams of 4–6)
Spaces are limited, so RSVP by Friday, 9th May, by emailing pathfinders.funding@gmail.com
Come along and support a great cause!
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 school break!
Ngā mihi
Shane Rees
Communications and Events