St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 8
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
It was such a short week! On Wednesday, we had the Stations of the Cross Liturgy, the Year 12s went on a bike trip, and we ended the short week with a mufti day, collecting funds for the child we sponsor and the Trinity Junior Cricket match.
Have an awesome Easter break, and remember that Tuesday is a public holiday, so we'll see you all on Wednesday, April 3rd.
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.
Cathconnect
Dear Families,
The Catholic Education Office, which collects fees for students in Catholic schools, is using a new system this year called Cathconnect.
This system went live last night, generating an invoice for families for school fees.
As the system is brand new and has to interface with an older manual system, not all information is accurate.
Over the next month, the office will work through the system, ensuring that records are corrected.
Until this is done, the Catholic Education Office asks that any issues be emailed to them at dues.cdd@cathconnect.nz so that they can work through them methodically.
Please do not use phone calls or messaging systems.
Note: Cathconnect only delivers invoices, not statements, as the previous system did.
Warm regards
Jo Walshe
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.
School Photos are in!
PhotoLife has emailed them their students' unique Key Codes so they can view and purchase 2024 School Photos online.
They are currently offering free delivery to school, but this offer will expire at midnight on Sunday, 31st March.
If they don't receive an email, please make sure to check their trash/spam folder.
Illness at the College
Dear Families,
We are experiencing a stomach bug here at the College, which may or may not be related to Covid, which we are also seeing.
We have sent several students home; today, we also lost five staff members to illness.
Can we please ask that you do the following:
Please encourage students to use hand sanitiser over the next couple of weeks and, as always, wash their hands.
Keep students at home if they complain of flu-like symptoms or stomach bugs.
Finally, continue to keep students at home for a minimum of 24 hours after a stomach bug. This includes sporting or cultural events.
In this way, we can help to contain viral outbreaks such as the one we are currently experiencing.
A lack of relief teachers means that there is a risk of closing the College when Covid or other illness outbreaks occur.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Ngā mihi,
The SLT
Past few weeks at SKC
Stations of the Cross Liturgy - 27th March
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis, commemorate Jesus's passion and death on the cross.
Today, Wednesday, 27th March, our prefects did a fantastic job leading the school through the 14 stations, each depicting a moment on Christ's journey to Calvary.
Thank you, Mr Mawson, for the 📸s
DOE Bronze Tramp to Chinaman's Hut 21st - 22nd March
On Thursday, the 21st of March, 17 eager adventurers set out for an overnight expedition to Chinaman's Hut through Dansey's Pass.
A dozen team members were completing their Adventurous Journey section of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and the remainder were international students from Germany exploring our great outdoors.
The tramp passes through farmland into a small rocky river valley that heads towards the local landmark, Mt Domett. After a couple of hours and a splash in the river for some, the team arrived at the quaint stone hut, which generations of St Kevin's College students have camped next to. Ex-staff member Mr Russell Dixon told the story of the ongoing restoration of the hut by past staff and students dating back to the 1970s.
After tents had been set up, a few enthusiasts braved the Matagouri bush spikes and climbed up to a superb viewpoint behind the hut. Back at the camp, dinnertime was an opportunity to put culinary skills into action, enjoy a game of cards and finally snuggle into sleeping bags as the temperature dropped after sundown. The local possums provided some entertainment during the night, but good planning ensured all the food was intact in the morning, which dawned with a purple hew on the hills.
After a leisurely breakfast, the group wandered up the river to explore the upper basin. A few deer were spotted as we practised bolder hopping in the river, which was in excellent condition. At the viewpoint, it was time for a rest, snack and drink. A few blisters were taped, and the journey back home commenced.
Lunch at the hut was welcome, and after the tents were packed up, the challenges of the river journey were faced again with lighter packs but tired muscles. The car park was a welcome sight after a rewarding and challenging mission.
Many thanks to Mr Dixon, Mr Olsen, Ms Cooper, and our drivers for a superb couple of days in a very special part of our country.
School Events
Coming up this term
Sports
Coming up this term
Friday 22nd - 24th March - SISS Mountain Biking
Monday 1st April - Smallbore Postal Shoot
Thursday 4th April - St Thomas exchange
Friday 5th - 7th April - SISS Athletics
Sunday 7th - 8th April - Senior Quads Gore
Results from the final day of the 2024 Maadi Cup Regatta
Boys Under 16 double sculls A final
Kobe and Kouper - 7th
Boys under 18 single sculls B final
Cody - 1st
Boys under 18 double sculls B final
Cody and Jacob- 3rd
Boys Under 17 coxed quad sculls B final
Nye, Kobe, Orlando, Paddy and Cox Henry - 5th
Boys under 16 single sculls A final
Kouper - 8th
Well done, team, you have ended the season with fantastic results.
The rowing squad would also like to take this opportunity to thank, first and foremost, Coach Ivan Docherty for all the many hours you dedicate to us every season.
Big thanks to Tracey Marshall and Anna Spittle for everything you do for us! Mr. Devereaux, your support and encouragement, especially this past week, means a lot.
A massive shoutout to the caring parents this week - Sarah Rhodes, Dave Robertson, and Jeff Spillane - and all the other parents who have looked after us at regattas throughout the season. Thank you!
Last but not least, thank you to our families, friends and SKC supporters. Rowing is a big part of our day for 6 months of the year, and we couldn't do it without your support.
Rugby
Rugby Registrations are now open.
If your son or daughter has not yet registered, please register at this link to register
We are also looking for people to coach the boys under 16.5 team and another coach for the girls under 15 team. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Justin Fowler at jfowler@stkevins.school.nz
St. Thomas trip Permission Slips and Payments
If you plan to join the St. Thomas trip next Thursday, 4th April, please turn in your permission slips and payments by Wednesday the 3rd.
We wouldn't want anyone to miss out, so don't forget!
The bus departure times have changed for the following teams only.
Snr Basketball, Jnr Football, and Snr Football depart at 5.45 am.
Art and Cultural Events
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
Friday 29th March - Good Friday
Sunday 31st March - Easter Sunday
Monday 1st April - Easter Monday
Tuesday 2nd April - Easter Tuesday
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’.
School TV
Bullying
Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online via various digital platforms and devices and can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying.
Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.
In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information in this edition of SchoolTV. If you have any concerns about your young person, please contact their Dean or Esther, our Student Advocate, for further information or seek medical or professional help.
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying
Fundraising Events
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
Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy event
Registrations are open for the Veterinary Centre Whitehorse Big Easy event on Sunday, 7th Apr.
Our event has a category for everyone, with courses for all ages and abilities. With a massive range of walking, running, and MTB events, competitors can go BIG or go easy.
The great thing about the Big Easy is that 100% of entry fees go to selected charitable causes and to develop the awesome network of tracks in the Waimate District.
For updates, follow us on Facebook or our website.
Oamaru Bricktopia Show 2024
The Oamaru Bricktopia Show, the third LEGO Show to be held in the area, will be on April 13th and 14th, the first weekend of the school holidays. This year, the show will be held in the Scottish hall.
We run a LEGO building competition for children, and we encourage them to create something to display at the show, and they could win a LEGO prize. Details are attached on the poster.
There will be LEGO activities for kids and adults, as well as a display of LEGO models and wonderful creations from exhibitors.
This is a charity event, and the proceeds will go to the Oamaru Mental Health Support Charitable Trust.
Wild Dunedin Festival 19-28 April
This year's festival has 140 events and nature-related activities for all ages all over the city.
With discounted deals on albatross, penguin and boat trips, kids go free at Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Larnach Castle, films, crafts, scientific talks, garden tours, a walk around Sutton Salt Lake and guest Suzy Cato; a lot is happening.
Complete programme and bookings here http://www.wilddunedin.nz
Herbert Forest Walking Tracks Open Day
Sunday 21st April
Guided Walks through Swallows and Podocarp Tracks (1-4hrs)
Bring water, snacks, and sturdy footwear or boots.
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Middle Ridge Rd/Queens Rd junction in Herbert Forest.
Follow the signs from the SH I Breakneck Rd turnoff.
North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club Inc.
Autumn Holiday Programme
Waitaki Museum Te Whare Taoka o Waitaki
Tuesday 16, Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 April 11 am – 2 pm
Drop-in holiday sessions are suitable for a variety of ages. Explore the clay crafts, design techniques, and fashions of Temuka Pottery with hands on activities for families.
museum@waitaki.govt.nz
Forrester Gallery
Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 April, 11 am-2 pm
Drop-in activities| no need to book| adult supervision required| free
Join educator Liz King in Under Pressure a Te Taiao| environment exhibition in the wonderlab.
Learn about our environment through art with a different activity each day.
gallery@waitaki.govt.nz
Totara Estate
565 Alma-Maheno Highway, SH1 8kms South of Oamaru
Saturday, 27 April 2024
1 pm – 4 pm Free entry
Have a go at digging, cleaning, sorting and analysing artefacts with assistance from a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga archaeologist.
Wear old clothes as water and dirt will be involved!
No booking is required; just come along and join in. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on the day.
We will go ahead, rain or shine, and if the weather is poor, activities will be moved to one of our historic buildings.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
https://culturewaitaki.org.nz/
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.
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