St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 10

Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College, 

It’s been a full week at St Kevin’s with our Year 12 Bike Trip, Year 11 Retreat, and Year 12/13 Transition Day.

With just one week left in Term 1, we’re looking forward to Senior Quads on Tuesday, the NCEA/Cambridge Information Evening for parents on Wednesday, and finishing the term with our Haka/Waiata Competition on Thursday.

We’ve also seen some fantastic results from our summer sports teams, most of which have now wrapped up, and we’re now shifting our focus towards the winter season.

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.

Cambridge/NCEA Information Evening

Join us at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, 9th April, in the School Library for an information session about Cambridge and NCEA pathways.
This evening is open to all parents and whānau but will be especially relevant for those with students in Years 11 and 12.

We'll be covering:

• How the Cambridge programme works for Year 11 students
• The Year 12 AS Cambridge programme
• How students can gain NCEA credits through their Cambridge classes

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! 

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 10

This week, we begin the second part of Lent.
We ask more and more deeply to be with and like Jesus. 
We desire to celebrate the approaching mystery of our salvation with greater freedom and greater joy.

As we approach the school holidays, it may be a time to think and pray about Pope Francis’s prayer theme for this month.

For the use of the new technologies
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

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

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest news from the Diocese! Click the link below to read the March edition.

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://youtu.be/_OXJpO0VCOA?si=3tqkUVHK-dOhgWq6 

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

Principals Post

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,

Yesterday we ran the first of our series of three transition days aimed at year 12 and 13 students. This first day was focused on money and economic health. We were fortunate to have been donated a copy of 'Money Made Simple' by Sam Stubbs (Simplicity NZ) for each of the students, and a number of high-profile local people supported the day, including Jeremy Holden from our Council, the team from LJ Hooker, Berry and Co Law, Gilchrist Building, the staff from Westpac bank Ross Robertson and Eugen Dupu from our Foundation and our own Mr. Trevor Griggs. From further afield, we had people from Otago Women's Refuge, The PPTA union, Tim Foley from New Era and my beautiful niece Leanne Ross from Net Safe.

These wonderful people all answered the call because they believe, as I do, that a large part of having a successful, productive and progressive country going forward is ensuring that our young people understand economic power and how to use it, as well as having a really strong understanding of how economic independence gives us freedom and options. In a nation where we are seeing a major issue with homelessness which is affecting new demographics such as women over 50, it is really important that our young people are aware of how they can leverage their earning potential, protect themselves and put themselves in the best position to thrive.

We covered the topic of economic abuse and how, in an abusive relationship, the control of money can block the means of escape. We looked at banking and how to save effectively; we looked at the process of buying a house and, importantly of understanding how relevant your reputation is when you are trying to rent. We looked at online scams, not only scams but also the manipulation of images and the way in which they affect your emotional response to purchasing. Finally, we heard from the panel of experts about the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.

This was one of those things where we continued to throw the information at the wall with the hope that some of it would stick. I never want our young people to walk away from our school and be able to make the claim that we 'never told them' about the important things in life.
We are finishing the term on some nice 'highs' with our two rowers having done themselves proud at Maadi Cup, our PE class having come back from the bike trip reasonably intact, and now the sun is shining. 

We will finish the term with the Stations of the Cross on Friday, 11th April, at 2:10. 

You are welcome to join us for this beautiful liturgy.

God Bless
Jo

Lately at SKC

A Day of Waiata and Whanaungatanga at Moeraki Marae with Marlon Williams

Last Wednesday six students from our Kapa Haka group, along with Mr Bosworth and Mrs Plunkett, travelled to Moeraki Marae for a special wānaka with acclaimed musician Marlon Williams. Ahead of his upcoming tour to London and New York, Marlon is giving back to his roots, performing across marae and connecting with local rakatahi.

We were warmly welcomed with a pōhiri, followed by a shared kai, before diving into the kaupapa of the day – learning two of Marlon's waiata: Rere Mai Ngā Rau and Kei Te Marama. Marlon shared the stories and inspiration behind the songs, then patiently taught each part to St Kevin's, Waitaki Boys' and Waitaki Girls' High Schools students.

Tahu News joined us during the day, and we welcomed them with a mihi whakatau. After a few more run-throughs and student interviews, preparations began for the evening concert.

As guests arrived, Justin Tipa officially opened the event before Marlon took the stage, performing a range of his waiata. The concert ended on a high note with a collaborative performance of the two waiata featuring Marlon and all the rakatahi involved.

It was a memorable day of connection, culture, and song — and a privilege for our students to be part of it. We're proud to have been included in such a meaningful kaupapa.

Keep an eye out for Marlon's new album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, set to release on Friday, 4th April.

🎵 Listen on Bandcamp: https://marlonwilliams.bandcamp.com/album/te-whare-t-wekaweka

📺 Coverage from Tahu News: https://www.facebook.com/TahuNews/

The SKC Kapa Haka rōpū would like to give a big mihi to everyone who made this experience possible.

Ka mihi nunui ki a Marlon Williams, James Wyllie-Miln, Nola Tipa, Justin Tipa, kōutou kā kaimahi o Moeraki Rūnaka.

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Congratulations to our SKC students!

We’re proud to celebrate our St Kevin’s College students who have been elected into leadership roles on the Waitaki District Youth Council for 2025.

Kezia Pestell has been elected as Chair, Leilani De La Ford as Deputy Chair, and Adrianna Dowling and Franz Lauglaug as Administration Officers.

Your leadership and commitment to youth voice in our district is something to be proud of – well done, team!

Year 12 & 13 Transition Day

On Thursday, our senior students took part in an Economics and Finance Workshop – the first of three Transition Day workshops to be held throughout the year.

The focus was on building real-world knowledge around economic power and control, banking, renting or buying a house, spotting scams, and included a Q&A session with local employers, union representatives and lawyers.

A big thank you to Sam Stubbs from Simplicity for generously providing copies of his book  Money Made Simple for our students – a valuable addition to the day’s learning.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us in making this workshop such a success.

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 this term

Wednesday 9th April - NCEA/Cambridge talk to parents 6.30 pm
Thursday 10th April - House Haka/Waiata competition period 5

Sports

Coming up this term

Friday 4th - 6th April - SISS Athletics
Tuesday 8th April - Senior Quads

Volleyball Season Wrap-Up

Congratulations to Toe Halalele, who has been selected for the Otago Senior Champs 2025 Tournament Team—an incredible achievement!

Aoraki Volleyball – Semi-Finals  
Date: Friday, 21st March  
- Senior Boys vs. RONC Boys A – It was a tough game; SKC came up short.  
- Senior Girls A vs. CDS Senior A – SKC won a nail-biter, 3-2!  
- Senior Girls B vs. TGHS Senior White – A dominant win for SKC, 2-0 (25-6, 25-16).  

Aoraki Volleyball – Finals  
Date: Friday, 28th March  
- Senior Boys vs. GHS Senior Boys – SKC won 3-2, placing 3rd overall.  
- Senior Girls A vs. RONC Girls A – SKC won 3-1, securing 1st place overall.  
- Senior Girls B vs. CDS Queens – SKC won 2-0, also taking 1st place overall.  

Amazing effort from all our teams—what a fantastic way to finish the season!  

📸 Senior Girls A and Senior Boys

Maadi Cup 2025 – Final Summary

What a week it was for our St Kevin’s College rowers at the Maadi Cup 2025! Our athletes showed grit, determination and true SKC spirit across multiple events at Lake Ruataniwha.

Kouper kicked things off in the Under 17 Single Sculls, placing 2nd in his heat to progress to the quarter-finals, where he placed 3rd and secured a spot in the semi-finals. He wrapped up his week with an impressive win in the B Final – an outstanding result!

Paddy was strong in the Under 18 Single Sculls, finishing 2nd in his heat and progressing through the quarter-finals and semis with determination. With a time of 8:04.67, Paddy earned his place in the A Final, finishing 5th overall – placing him among the top scullers in Aotearoa!

The boys joined forces in the Under 18 Double Sculls, winning their heat and advancing straight to the semi-finals. Their powerful performance continued, and they finished 4th in the A Final, just shy of a medal.

Congratulations to Paddy and Kouper – your hard work and passion have made St Kevin’s proud! 

Sandalwood Trophy

On Wed, 2nd April, our Equestrian Team – Zara Wilson, Imogen Luke, Macee McDonald, and Alice Ransby – braved wet and slippery conditions to compete in the Sandalwood Trophy Aoraki Secondary Schools Event in Waimate.

Despite the challenging weather, the girls gave their all and produced lovely dressage tests. Congratulations to Zara and Blu, who placed 2nd in their section for Dressage, and to Macee and Milo, who completed both the Dressage and Show Jumping phases.

The team showed fantastic support and encouragement for one another throughout the day. It was a valuable learning experience and a great display of determination.

A huge thank you to Lorraine Ward-Smith for generously giving up her time to support the team and assist with their Dressage.

Year 12 PE Mountain Biking Trip

From Mon, 31st March to Wed, 2nd April, our Year 12 PE students participated in the annual mountain biking trip to Central Otago. They tackled tracks in Naseby, Deans Bank, and Sticky Forest in Wānaka based in Alexandra.

Alongside the physical challenge, students gained valuable insights into Risk Management and Social Responsibility – both key focus areas for their upcoming internals.

Thank you to Mr Hose, Carmen Brenssell and Mr Smith for their support and guidance over the three days!

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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.

St Kevin's College Golf Day

Join us for a fantastic day on the green while supporting the SKC Senior Boys Rugby tour to Fiji!

Venue: Lower Waitaki Golf Club
Date: Sunday, 6th April
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Format: Ambrose teams of 4
Prizes: Longest Drive & Closest to the Pin
Entry Fee: $200 per team

Food & Refreshments:
A BBQ will be available throughout the day, along with refreshments.

Post-Golf Activities:
Enjoy a cash bar, food, raffles, and an auction!

All proceeds will support the SKC Senior Boys Rugby tour to Fiji in July.

To enter your team email: csmith@stkevins.school.nz

School TV

Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives–for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Here is the link to your Edition https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/cybersafety-nz

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

Weston School Rogaine

Mark your calendars for a fun and adventurous day on Saturday, April 5, 2025! The Weston School Rogaine is a family-friendly team event similar to orienteering, where you design your own course based on your ambitions and abilities.

Event Details:  
- Map Handout: 9:00 AM  
- Rogaine Starts: 10:00 AM  
- Rogaine Finishes: 1:00 PM  
- Location: A farm near Windsor, North Otago (20 minutes from Weston School)  
- Postponement Date: April 6 (in case of bad weather)  

Categories:  
- Year 7/8  
- Year 9/10  
- Year 11-13  
- Family/Open  

Registration Fees:  
- $10 per student  
- $15 per adult (plus booking fee)  
- Teams of 3-4  

How It Works:  
Collect as many checkpoints as possible within the timeframe while traveling on foot with a map. It's a great way to challenge yourself, enjoy the outdoors, and support Weston School!

Register Now!  
Online registrations close on March 30. Scan the QR code or sign up at [rogaine@weston.school.nz](mailto:rogaine@weston.school.nz).

Don’t miss out on this exciting fundraising event for Weston School. Gather your team and get ready for a day of adventure!

Oamaru Steam & Rail Steam & Stories – April 2025

Catch up on the latest from Oamaru Steam & Rail, including platform upgrades, special charters, and community highlights. 

Have-a-Go Day

Curious about trying a new sport? Come along to our Have-a-Go Day—a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to get involved!

Sun, 6th April 2025

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Waitaki Rod and Gun Club, 32 Hayes Road, near Kurow

BBQ lunch provided

Experience a fun-filled day of outdoor activities and learn more about this exciting sport. All welcome!

For more details, contact Stephanie Moore – 021 564 016.

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 weekend! 

Ngā mihi
Shane Rees
Communications and Events