St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 3 Week 9
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
Just one week left of Term 3 and for our Seniors, it is all go with next week being Assessment Week.
This week we had Sports and Cultural photos, Years 9 and 10 Art trips, Polyfest and our Head Prefects received ODT Class Act awards in Dunedin.
School Notices
- 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.
Course Counselling Year 11 and 12 students
Course Counselling for Year 11 and 12 students is next week for those who would like to discuss options for 2024.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
Subject Selection for these students opens next Monday, 18th September and closes Friday, 13th October.
Please refer to the booking sheet that has been shared with your young person for times that are available, if not please contact Mr Herbst or Mr Smith for more info.
Student Election Results 2023
St Kevin's College School Board
Student Election Results Declaration
Student representative votes:
Name Votes
Davies, Hana 29
Fellowes, Lloyd 61
McGeown, Bridie 38
Mestrom, Molly-May 36
Robinson, Henry 81
Whiston, Kristiana 66
Invalid Votes 4
I hereby declare the following duly elected:
Robinson, Henry
Signed
Dee Hayes
Returning Officer
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
Class Act Awards 2023
The ODT Class Act awards ceremony in Dunedin this week was attended by Prime Minister Hipkins and honoured the most outstanding students from schools in the southern region.
Well done to SKC Head Boy Shreysh Adhikari and Head Girl Mackenzie Klemick on being recognised for your outstanding achievements.
The future is all yours.
Senior A Netball v First XV Annual Match
On Thursday, the Senior A Netball team played the First XV in the annual netball vs rugby match.
This year the win went to the netballers 26-22
Great game!
Tourism Studies field-trip to Queenstown 2023
4th - 5th September
Our senior Tourism students and our International students spent three days travelling and experiencing the "jewel in the crown" of NZ's tourism industry, "from both sides of the counter".
Staying at Arrowtown Holiday Park, not only did they complete many of the adventure tourism challenges in the region, they also spoke with staff about such topics as the types of job opportunities available in the tourism industry, background and experience needed, how to find accommodation and what to expect when choosing tourism as a career.
They were also hosted by premier tertiary training provider QRC, which offers diplomas in adventure tourism management and hospitality management, and micro-credentials in machine learning for the tourism industry.
We had such a great time. As you can see the weather was pretty much perfect!
Video by Michelle Buckham.
Year 9 & 10 Visual Art Trip to the Forrester Gallery - 11th & 14th September
This week the Year Nine and Ten Visual Art classes visited the Forrester Gallery to view the Burns Memorial Exhibition.
Every year schools from around the Waitaki rohe enter student work into the exhibition. This year we had some very talented and hardworking students whose work was chosen.
Congratulations to Jasmine McLaren, King Melecio, Toby Peters, Nasa Pasoni, Elliot Flanagan, Diego Gibbs, Greer Dickson, Anna MacRae, Jemima Riley-Duddin, Janelle Casitas, Sophia Mawson, Mia Hope, Chris Barrientos, Levi Cunningham and Markus Cubilo for making it into the exhibition!
The Year Nine and Ten students loved visiting the gallery to see what the other schools had been up to with their creations and having a go at the drawing activities.
Ngā mihi rau ki ngā ihu oneone o te whare whakaatu toi, Elizabeth King, ko Rosalie Elliffe, nā kōrua mātou i whakaohooho.
A big thanks to Liz and Rosalie from the Forrester Gallery for inspiring us and providing the free bus. Thank you also to Ritchies Transport for getting us there and back all in one lesson and thanks also to our amazing Learning Assistants and Arts Co-ordinator for helping with supervision.
The exhibition is on until the 29th October.
Te toi whakairo, ka ihiihi, ka wehiwehi, ka aweawe te ao katoa. Artistic excellence makes the world sit up in wonder.
Sara Plunkett.
School Events
Monday 18th September - Friday 22nd September - Assessment Week
Sports
This Sunday, 17th September, the St Kevins Trap Shooting Team are co-hosting the North Otago Interschool Shoot, held at the Waimate Aerodrome, just off State Highway 1.
Starting from 9am our team will be hosting and competing against various schools from Southland/Otago and Canterbury.
If you, or someone in your family is curious to see what Trap Shooting involves, come out and have a look, and support our team in the process!
This is the last chance to cheer on our team before they head to Nationals in Hamilton on the 22nd of September.
Saturday 23rd September - Monday 25th September SI & NZ Trapshooting
2023 TSNZ Inter-Secondary Schools Inter-Island Match - 10th September
Last Sunday St Kevin's entered two teams in the 2023 TSNZ Inter-Secondary Schools Inter-Island Match.
St Kevin's College # 1
- Charlotte Elliott 269.05
- Blake Taylor 270.04
- Oscar Collins 269.04
Team total 808.13 placing 26th out of 33 teams
St Kevin's College # 2
- Harriet Carter-Trotman 267.05
- Marcello Milne 272.01
- Owen Elliott 219.01
Team total 758.07 placing 31st out of 33 teams
Great work guys
Cultural Events
Tuesday 19th September - Fiefia evening 5pm
North Otago Pasifika Fiefia evening
North Otago Pasifika Cluster Invites You To Their 2023 Fiefia Night
When: Tuesday 19th September, 5-8 PM
Where: Waitaki Rec Centre
Come and experience performances, celebrations and kai.
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
Exam Jitters
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 their Dean or our Student Advocate Esther for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/exam-jitters
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Extra Curricular
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
Hungry Horse Cafe - Te Tgakau Nui (SKC Home and School) Fundraiser
Hungry Horse - a cafe run at the Oamaru Race Course
We need helpers to help out on Sunday 17th September from 10am to 6 pm.
We can work in two hour shifts -
10:00am -12:30pm - preparing food and getting the café ready.
12:30am -2:30pm - Serving customers and making sure food is ready
2:30pm - 5 pm Serving and cleaning up.
We will also need helpers for the Hungry Horse on the following dates:
Sunday 15th October 10:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9th November 12 pm - 7:30 pm
Wednesday 13th December 12 pm- 7:30 pm
Wednesday 24th January 10:30 am -6 pm
Sunday 4th February 10 am -6 pm
Wednesday 6th March 12 pm -7:30 pm
Sunday 24th March 10 am -6 pm.
Students are welcome to help for Service Hours.
If you can provide support please let Sam Growcott know -0212931158 or email tengakaunui@stkevins.school.nz.
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.
The Dunedin Brick Show
The Dunedin Brick Show is a very popular event for children of all ages.
We would love to see children of all ages enjoying themselves creating with LEGO, admiring the fantastic LEGO displays.
The show is being held at the MoreFM Arena, Edgar Centre on September 30th and October 1st.
This show is a charity event and proceeds from the show this year will be donated to The Otago Youth Wellness Trust.
North Otago Mountain Biking Chocolate Fish Race Series
North Otago Mountain Biking's Spring Series of the Chocolate Fish Race is locked in!!!
Dates: October 1st , October 15th and October 29th
Where: Oamaru Reservoir
Time: Registration 9.30 am
Who: ANYONE!!
Kids race first starting at 10 am and then adults at 10.30 am
Price: $2 for all
Come for one or enter all of the races and be in to win the overall series
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
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