St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 5
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
What a fantastic day to conclude the week! The weather is perfect for the school swimming sports. We had a great week with our Commissioning Mass and SKC Cricket team winning the McSkimming/Smith Trophy. Congratulations to the boys!
We've had our hostel team touring Central Otago, ending their tour this weekend at the Wanaka A&P show. You can find us at B7, B8, B11, and B12 stalls sharing SKC school and hostel life, along with our Alumni, who are also hosting a get-together this Saturday, March 9th, at 7 pm at the Urban Grind. Come reminisce and catch up.
Last weekend, our SKC rowers achieved excellent results at the SISS rowing regatta, and this week, our volleyballers competed at the Aoraki Senior Champs.
Past few weeks at SKC
Central Otago Hostel Tour
This past week, the SKC hostel team travelled through Central Otago on a tour, discussing all things St. Kevin's College, hostel living, and what it means to be a Kevinian.
It's always great getting out and amongst the wider whanau and community.
We hope to see some of you at SKC in the future.
International Student Marine Biology Day
On Friday, 1st March, the International student Marine Biology class went on a day trip to Campbells Bay, Kakanui.
The students gained an awareness of what it means to be a recreational stakeholder by combining a morning learning to surf and the afternoon exploring the local coastal features.
Many thanks go to Soul Surf and Skate for making this possible.
Commissioning Mass
On Tuesday, 5th March, Bishop Michael commissioned the St Kevin’s and St Joseph’s staff during a combined Mass in the chapel. Our annual commissioning Masses give us the opportunity for our two schools, the diocesan office, our parish priest and Bishop Michael to come together and make public our commitment to the Catholic community of North Otago.
It is also a time to give thanks for the commitment of all staff in our Catholic schools and to ask Jesus to be with us as we help our students become learners and followers of Christ.
We pray that the Holy Spirit unites us this coming year as we tackle the many changes ahead.
Coastal Orientation day
On Friday, February 23rd, we had our Coastal Orientation day for the International Student Marine Biology class.
We visited Moeraki and explored the boulders and Lighthouse Point.
Year 13 Biology Trip
On Sunday, February 25th, the Year 13 Biology class and seven international students visited the Marine Science Centre at Portobello for their annual "Crab Camp".
It was a jam-packed 3 days, incorporating a shore study before embarking on the practical investigation into an aspect of crab behaviour.
The International students could also take in the Science Centre, including the Tropical House, being present for the new butterfly release and a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Colony. As always, we were all very grateful for the relative tranquillity of Quarantine Island for our overnight stays.
It is always a great joy as a Teacher to see our excellent students respond to the challenge of what is quite a demanding schedule so early in the year.
Spark Awards
Congratulations to our first group of Year 9s to receive a Spark Award on Monday, 4th March!
Spark Awards are for those who go above and beyond and contribute positively to the life of the College.
Well done, Stirling, Warren, Orlando, Riki, Ariana, Gwen, Eve and Michael!
School Notices
- 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.
School Magazines
There is still a significant number of 2022 & 2023 School Magazines waiting to be collected from the school office.
If you have already paid for either of these yearbooks and have yet to receive them, please remind your child to pick them up from the office during break times or before/after school hours.
"A message from Jack Sutherland that they now have boys' back socks in stock."
A statement regarding 'After Parties' for the families and public of North Otago.
In consultation with the NZ Police as part of their 'Prevention First' strategies in North Otago/Waitaki, we, as the Principals of St Kevin's College and Waitaki Boys and Waitaki Girls High Schools, would like to address the phenomena of 'After Parties' in our community.
'After Parties' are informal gatherings of young people following significant events on school calendars, such as Athletics, Swimming, Sports, Graduation and School Balls. These events involve alcohol, and frequently, alcohol is supplied to minors at these events.
We wish to make it very clear that none of the three secondary schools in North Otago sanction or have anything to do with the organisation of these events. These are entirely run by the students themselves or parents and caregivers. None of the schools give permission for their names or brands to be used in any of these events, and no school resources are used.
We wish to caution parents and caregivers against running events of this nature for the following reasons.
Firstly, every year, significant school staff time and resourcing are put into dealing with incidents that flow on from these events, for example, sexual assaults, issues with motor vehicles and cases of assault or theft. Whilst schools do not condone or run the events, they inevitably end up having to give up their time to support young people in the resultant negative situations.
Secondly, with the rise in popularity of drugs such as MDMA and methamphetamine in Oamaru, it is naive to believe that just because students are not drinking too much (for example, some parties have a limit of four cans) that, they are not using other substances at these events or preloading to the point of being out of control or interacting with members of the public who are.
Thirdly, if school staff attend these events in their capacity as teachers, they place themselves at risk with the Teachers Council of NZ. Therefore, schools do not condone staff involvement at these events, narrowing the pool of available adults.
Lastly, we would caution the parents of caregivers running these events that the liability for students' well-being is squarely on the shoulders of those hosting. Any death or injury related to the party or the supply of alcohol to minors may result in prosecution.
Please support our young people by refraining from running these events.
Jo Walshe, Sarah Hay, Darryl Paterson
School Events
Coming up this term
Sunday 10th - 11th March - Roncalli exchange
Tuesday 12th March - SADD group meeting
Monday 1st April - Smallbore Postal Shoot
Sunday 7th - 8th April - Senior Quads Gore
Sports
Coming up this term
Saturday 16th - 17th March - SISS Touch
Monday 18th - 23rd March - Maadi Cup
Friday 22nd - 24th March - SISS Mountain Biking
Friday 5th - 7th April - SISS Athletics
2024 Meridian SI Secondary Schools' Champ results
Congratulations to our rowers who once again battled trying conditions in Twizel last weekend while competing at the SISS rowing regatta.
You did us proud, with many of you making it into the A and B finals.
The following final results were achieved.
A finals
Boys Under17 single sculls
Nye Jones-Hogan 4th
Paddy Spillane 6th
Boys Under 17 double sculls
Nye and Paddy 4th
Boys Under 16 double sculls
Kobe Narruhn and Kouper Lynch 2nd
Boys Under 18 single sculls
Cody Marshall 7th
Boys Under 17 coxed quad sculls
Nye Jones- Hogan, Kobe Narruhn, Orlando Narruhn, Paddy Spillane, cox Henry Robinson 7th
Boys Under 16 single sculls
Kouper Lynch 6th
B finals
Boys Under 18 double sculls
Cody Marshall and Jacob Harrison 1st
Girls Under 18 Novice coxed four
Hannah Burke, Marei Grebe, Kayleigh Lucey, Indeg Jones-Hogan, cox Quinn Andersen. 2nd
Congratulations
Art and Cultural Events
Thursday 28th March - Sponsor a child mufti day
2024 National Youth Art Awards
The National Youth Art Awards entries will be open on 11 March.
This award and exhibition are attended by schools throughout Aotearoa, and over 300 students and young artists entered.
A new drawing prize has also been added this year, so there is plenty of opportunity and choice for any artist between 13 and 25 years old in 3 age categories.
Below is the entry form, with all the details.
Public Holidays
Monday 25th March - Otago Anniversary
Friday 29th March - Good Friday
Sunday 31st March - Easter Sunday
Monday 1st April - Easter Monday
Tuesday 2nd April - Easter Tuesday
School TV
Sleep
Young people today have extremely busy schedules, with ever-increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child's development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a young person's growth, learning ability and overall well-being. Sleep is vital to a child's overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.
Sleep also strengthens a young person's immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Young people who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.
In this edition of SchoolTV, families will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child's health and well-being.
If you have any concerns about your young person, please get in touch with our Pastoral Care Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Sleep edition of SchoolTV
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 for the Hungry Horse on the following dates:
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.
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/Notices
Weston School Rogaine
A family-friendly team event similar to orienteering but with a twist. You design your own course to suit your ambitions and abilities. Collect as many checkpoints as you can within the timeframe.
Saturday, April 6th, 2024
Register your interest here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/weston-school-rogaine-tickets-843455808027
Follow updates on our Weston School Rogaine Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/WestonSchoolRogaine
Talk Teeth
Is your TEEN now at High School?
From Year 9, your Teen will see a local Dental Provider for their dental care in Otago.
This remains FREE until they turn 18, even if they have left school.
21st Century Life Skills
This unique programme is designed to cultivate essential Life Skills
Open to 13-19 year olds.
April 20th-21st, 2024, at The Business Hive.
For more information and to register, go to https://amandafleming.co.nz/21stc-register.
Bushtown Waimate Veteran Champion Axemen
Bushtown Waimate Hosts Veteran Australian & New
Zealand Axemen Test Series & Historic "Steam Up" Rally
Come along and enjoy this unique opportunity to see ex-world-champion Australian
& New Zealand Axemen in Action here in Waimate at Bushtown Heritage Site!!
Some 60+ Veteran Axemen will be competing in an exciting Trans-Tasman
Test Series competition, combined with a historic annual "STEAM UP" event
featuring traditional sawmilling by steam, vintage machinery, Edwardian heritage, and
much more! A family day out! Follow the event on NZAA and Bushtown's Facebook
FRIDAY 8th 4th March pm - 7 pm: Gold Coin Entry donation
Woodchopping competition - 1st Test of 3 Test Series
(Licensed Bar + Food Stalls)
+
SATURDAY 9th March 9.30 am - 5.30 pm $20 Adult Kids Free
SUNDAY 10th March 9.30 am - 5.30 pm $20 Adult Kids Free
Woodchopping competition - 2nd & 3rd Test Series + Steam Up Rally
with traditional sawmilling by steam - vintage machinery & engines
Military display + Edwardian Heritage + Traditional Crafts + Kids
Activities - Trailer Rides + Food & Drink Stalls No dogs plea
Recycle a Device workshop
Recycle a device teaches valuable tech skills to refurbish laptops for whanau то keep.
Saturday 16 March, 9 - 3 pm
Scottish Hall, Tyne Street,
Oamaru
Repair Cafes - March
Are you a qualified electrician?
Can you fix bikes, mend clothes, sharpen tools, fix jewellery or do general repairs on woodwork, furniture or other household items?
Or are you just passionate about the right to repair and would like to help at a great community connection event?
To register your interest, email:
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 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