St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 3 Week 7
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
It was a busy week again for SKC with Tournament Week throughout the regions. Our students have played incredibly well and we are super proud of them all for representing our school. Wins and losses throughout the week but great effort from everyone and some final games for several Year 13 students. A massive thanks to all the TICs, coaches, staff and parents who have helped out.
Another big thank you to everyone who attended Man Of Steel last week and a huge thanks to the staff, students and parents who helped.
School Notices
- Permissions and Payments for the St Thomas Interschool are due
- Up to date ATLs have been published and are available to view through the Edge app
- This is a friendly reminder that if students have appointments during the day parents and caregivers must let the office know beforehand. 03 437 1665 or 021 437 176
- Also, students in Years 9-12 are not permitted to leave the school grounds during intervals and lunch breaks.
Whanau Reading Initiative
Do you want to have an opportunity to win $ 1,000.00 for your family or $500 for your students by the end of the year?
Hopefully, that got your attention!
Over the past year, we have been thinking about the problem of how to support families to develop their student's reading abilities. For most families with students of secondary school age, reading is something that is done by the student independently and it can be a struggle to get them to engage.
We invite families who would like to participate in this programme to collect a copy of the booklet from the office. There are 20 activities in the booklet which range from ice breaker conversation starters to how to analyse text.
The activities are designed to be able to be used with any reading material your student is interested in.
Once you have worked through the activities, please date and sign the back page so your students can register for their reading badge at the office and go into the draw for themselves and their families at the end of the year.
This is a first attempt.
All feedback is welcome!
This Week at SKC
Amazing painting by ex SKC student Georgina Houston!
On Tuesday, Georgina Houston visited SKC and talked to the Year Nine Art class about her paintings. Georgina graduated from St Kevin's in 2021 and is currently in her second year at Otago University studying Zoology.
She achieved three straight Excellence grades for her portfolios at Levels 1, 2 and 3 while she was at St Kevin's and these hang on the wall in the Art room. Georgina has continued to paint while she is studying. She loves painting landscapes and horses. Her recent acrylic painting was donated to University College and hangs on the hall of residence wall.
Georgina spoke about the specific acrylic painting techniques that she uses and the enjoyment that she gets from spending time painting. Her goal is to be able to paint full time and sell her work. We believe she can do this!
Thank you Georgina for your visit, we loved seeing your work and hearing about your passion for painting!
Mrs Plunkett and the Year Nine Art Class.
School Events
Sunday 3rd September - Tuesday 5th September - Yr 13 Tourism trip
Tuesday 5th September - Cambridge information evening 7 pm
Monday 11th September - Year 9 Art trip
Monday 11th September - Sports and Cultural photos
Thursday 14th September - Year 10 Art trip
Thursday 14th September - Student Board Rep Elections
Monday 18th September - Friday 22nd September - Assessment Week
Sporting Events
Tuesday 5th September - St Thomas Exchange
Cultural Events
Thursday 7th September - Choral festival 7pm
Tuesday 12th September - Fiefia evening
Thursday 14th September - Polyfest
Oamaru Choral Society
Come along and support some of the SKC staff members performing the music of Marianna Martines with the Oamaru Choral Society.
Saturday 16 September 2023, 2 pm
St Patrick's Basilica, Reed Street, Oamaru
This mass is being performed for the first time in the South Island
Entry by koha (donation)
School TV
Respectful Relationships
Fostering a nurturing environment of respectful relationships within your family holds the key to not only harmonious living but also improved academic outcomes for your children. As families, embracing the art of teaching young people about respect at a young age sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy interactions and empathetic understanding. It will help cultivate a positive environment where communication flourishes, conflicts are resolved constructively, and bonds are fortified.
Teaching young people to respect themselves and others will open up avenues for both personal growth and academic achievement. Fostering an environment where respect is not just a word, but a practiced behaviour, will empower young people with essential life skills. Effective communication, active listening, and the art of compromise will provide your young people with a solid foundation that will transcend family interactions and help them collaborate effectively with peers, teachers and the broader community.
Equipping young people with an understanding of healthy versus unhealthy relationships is an important aspect of their development. It will guide them to make informed choices, foster positive connections, and set boundaries that contribute to their emotional wellbeing. Understanding the nuances between healthy and unhealthy relationships provides children with the essential tools to navigate their social world, build self-esteem, and cultivate meaningful relationships.
In this edition of SchoolTV, learn how to empower young people in healthy interactions to embrace differences and forge connections that honour their self-worth.
Here is the link to the Respectful Relationships edition of SchoolTV
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.
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Extra Curricular Events
The Otago eSports tournament
Timelords
Congratulations to two of our eSport teams League of Legends, The Otago Champions, and our Rocket League team, SKC Fire, who placed 7th in New Zealand.
Awesome guys!
Network Waitaki Scholarships
Network Waitaki is a major employer in the region, and we are responsible for keeping more than 13,000 power connections humming.
In order to provide this excellent service, we are always on the lookout for talented young people to join our vibrant team and start a career with us.
As you may already know, every year Network Waitaki invests in young people, with our scholarship programme by which participants can receive a contribution of up to $7.500 per year towards a Degree or $5000 per year towards a Diploma that is relevant to our business including but not limited to:
• Electrical Engineering
• Geographical/Geospatial Information
• Information Technology: Computer or Information Systems • Commerce or Accounting
• Other fields related to new and emerging technologies
Printable applications can be found at www.networkwaitaki.co.nz/scholarships.
Our 2023 Scholarship Programme will be closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, 22nd September.
Science Scholars Programme at The University of Auckland
Science Scholars is a flagship programme of The Faculty of Science of The University of Auckland, designed to provide exceptionally motivated students with a unique platform to immerse themselves in a world of scientific discovery and collaboration. Our aim is to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to make a meaningful impact in Science.
By joining the Science Scholars Programme, students will gain access to:
1. Exclusive Research Opportunities: having the chance to work alongside our distinguished faculty members on cutting-edge research projects spanning various scientific disciplines.
2. Tailored Learning: Our programme offers specialized seminars, and hands-on experiences that go beyond the standard curriculum, allowing students to delve deeper into their areas of interest.
3. Networking and Mentorship: Scholars will interact in a tightknit community of like-minded peers and have the chance to be mentored by experienced academic staff active in the scientific community, fostering growth and connections.
4. Engaging Events: We host regular and exciting events tailored to Science Scholars students and guest lectures that provide a platform for scholars to engage with current scientific debate and advancement.
5. Recognition and Scholarships: Exceptional performance within the programme will lead to recognition and scholarship opportunities that pave the way for further academic pursuits.
We believe that your school's science enthusiasts possess the potential to excel within our Science Scholars Programme. By promoting this initiative among your top year 13 high school science students, you'll be providing them with a gateway to a world of possibilities, setting them on a path to become leaders in their chosen scientific fields.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Davide Mercadante at davide.mercadante@auckland.ac.nz
Fundraising Events
Maheno School fundraiser
Heli-biking fundraiser for Maheno School and Cure our Ovarian Cancer, November 11th 2023.
Heli-bike the 800m descent from the peak of Mt Misery over 15km through Glencoe run and the Herbert forest mountain bike tracks.
The Glencoe Gravity Base Camp is located 25 minutes south of Oamaru on Reid Rd, Herbert.
Food, coffee and a bar will be available.
Hub and Sprocket will have a bike repair station and there will be facilities for bike cleaning.
Request to hold a Fundraising Event
If you wish to hold a fundraising event for school sports or recreational activities please follow the appropriate channels by completing this form.
Community Events
𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
To celebrate 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 (3rd to 9th of September), in partnership with Oamaru Cinema our Pasifika group “Talanga a Waitaki” is inviting you to celebrate Tongan Language Week by coming along to watch a private screening of RED WHITE, AND BRASS at 6:30 pm on Thursday 7th September.
This film is hilarious! Suitable for all ages it is a feel good celebration of spirit and passion! ”Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga vs. France Rugby World Cup game – even if it means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.”
The cost is just a donation when you pick up your tickets from the school office starting on Monday 28th August (CASH ONLY). There will be raffles available at the cinema as well. The money collected will be for our group to help with homework club and Polyfest.
Get in fast as there are only a limited number of tickets available. So be quick and secure your tickets, you do not want to miss out.
Love Your Library
This September, Waitaki District Libraries are offering new members the chance to win one of four $50 Prezzy cards.
New members can sign up in person, or through the Waitaki District Libraries website. There will be a weekly draw of the new members.
The six Waitaki District Libraries are host to a world of resources, and your library card is the key to unlocking them. By signing up to the library, you can borrow books but also get access to our e-book and e-audio collection on the Borrowbox platform.
For more information check out the Waitaki District Libraries website at:
https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Libraries/
Antioch Camp - 22nd-24th September
Antioch empowers taiohi / young people to recognise the incredible person God has created them to be. This weekend camp is a time to explore faith and journey together into prayer and the sacraments. It is also a time to make new friends, play games, listen to inspirational speakers, ask big questions, make music, and much more!
Antioch aims to inspire, encourage, and equip young people to be the church of today and disciples in their communities.
The Great Waitaki Brick Build-Off
The Oamaru Library has a brand new competition coming up on September 23rd, and they're currently looking for teams to apply to be a part of the fun!
You don’t need to be an experienced LEGO builder, The Great Waitaki Brick Build-Off competition is for everyone. And with teams comprising one adult (18+) and one or two children, it’s a great chance for some whanau bonding!
If you’d like to be part of the competition you can grab an application form from the display just inside the front doors of the Library; or download it from the website: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Libraries/Events-Activities/The-Great-Waitaki-Brick-Build-Off or simply print off the copy attached to this email Applications close 5.00pm Friday September 8.
Checkout their Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1032104374628654
2024 Fully Funded Outward Bound Courses for students with disabilities
Enrolments are now open for the following Outward Bound courses for secondary school students with physical disabilities. These courses run once a year in January and April.
These courses are fully funded. The only cost to students is getting a pre-course medical done by a GP and getting themselves to and from Picton via bus, ferry, personal vehicle or air.
These 6-8 day courses are based in the Marlborough Sounds. Students build confidence, resilience, and make new friends through activities such as sailing, waka ama, ropes course, and camping.
YOUTH HORIZONS 2024
A 6 day course for youth with an intellectual disability (16-21yrs)
Sat 6 – Thu 11 Jan 2024
(Supervision on flights from Auckland and Ferry from Wellington is provided for this course)
LEAPS & BOUNDS ACTIVATE 2024
An 8 day course for physically disabled youth (13 to 16yrs) to attend with a parent or caregiver
Sun 7 - Sun 14 April 2024
YOUTH ACTIVATE 2024
An 8 day course for physically disabled youth aged 16-17 years
Sat 20 - Sat 27 April 2024
To find out more see www.outwardbound.co.nz/adapted or contact us:
Email: adapted@outwardbound.co.nz
Freephone: 0800 688 927
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
Got any News to Share?
We love celebrating our students' success. Photos are always a bonus! 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