St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 2 Week 8
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
Amazing that we're nearing the end of Term 2 already!
Today officially marks the start of winter here in New Zealand and the shortest day of the year. At least after today, they get longer.
This week, we had several Year 11s on a Geo graphy trip, the Caritas Civvies Day, where the school raised $409.76 to help the students of Holy Trinity School in Papua New Guinea with vital classroom equipment. Fantastic job, SKC!
Today, some of our Year 11 students are taking their first Practice Exams for Cambridge exams.
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.
Attendance Matters
As we venture into Term 2, it is an excellent time to check in on your school attendance.
Every day matters!
NCEA Level 1 Review Survey
Researchers at the Education Review Office (ERO) are doing new research about NCEA Level 1. They want to know about your child’s learning and assessment this year because some recent changes to NCEA Level 1 have occurred.
Your answers can help with future decisions about the NCEA qualification and support for the school.
Please help by completing the survey at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSZ2RPR
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.
Sibling Enrolment at St Kevin's College
Dear families, please ensure that enrolments for siblings of students already attending St. Kevin's College are submitted prior to the enrolment cut-off date.
Having a sibling at the college does not guarantee automatic entry. Please ensure that application forms are completed and sent to the school office in a timely manner to avoid disappointment.
Domestic applications for 2025 day students close on Friday, 5th July, 2024. Families will be notified of the outcome of their applications during Term 3, 2024.
Late enrolments will be placed on a waiting list, and contact will be made if space is available.
Ngā mihi
The Senior Leadership Team
St Kevin's College
NCEA study tips from students
Here are some handy NCEA study tips from students for students; please share them with your student/s to help them prepare.
Meet students, hear their study advice and learn about the tools they use for success in NCEA exams.
Ngā mihi
Past few weeks at SKC
NZ Chamber Music Competition
On the 7th June, a group of students from North Otago secondary schools travelled to Dunedin to perform in the NZ Chamber music competition of the Otago district at Marama Hall. The group was made up of Milan Beattie, Mei-Li and Anika Hayes (WGHS), Noah Fifita (WBHS), and Rory Bailey (SKC).
They performed two pieces, 'Monsters Inc. Theme' and 'Take Five,' and were awarded highly commended.
They have been selected to attend the regional finals in Christchurch this Saturday.
It was a lot of fun, and they are looking forward to the finals!
An Afternoon with Alby Hailes
On Sunday SKC Netball held a fundraising afternoon with ex-pupil Alby Hailes.
It was a pleasure to listen to Alby share his journey from his time at St Kevin's College to life as it is now. He gave us insight into his life balance of work, winning the Great Bake Off in 2021, and writing a cookbook, "Good Vibes."
We got to sample his most delicious Tahini, white chocolate & boysenberry brownie, and he shared with us how to prepare a pre or post-game snack, Bircher Muesli, along with numerous tips and advice on how to Feel Good Food.
A very clever and talented young man who inspired us all in some form and made for a most enjoyable Sunday afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported this event.
If you could not attend the day and are interested in learning more about Alby Hailes, his book is available here: https://www.albyhailes.com/cookbook.
School Events
Coming up this term
Friday 21st June - Thursday 27th June - Cambridge Practice Assessment Week
Kapa Haka and Big Sing Bake Sale
On Wednesday the 26th June, the Kapa Haka group and Big Sing Choir will be holding a fundraiser bake sale to raise money for our events in Ōtepoti. The Kapa Haka rōpu hopes to attend Polyfest in Term three, and the Big Sing Choir will be returning to Dunedin in 2025.
We kindly request that each whānau of the Kapa Haka and Big Sing students contribute one baked item for sale.
This could be a cake, loaf, tray of muffins, or fudge.
- Food Safety: Please provide information about the ingredients in your baking, e.g., whether it contains wheat flour, eggs, dairy, sesame seeds, lupin, soy, or nuts.
- Please wrap your baking using cling film or an appropriate food-safe cover.
Drop off the baking in the art room (room 10) before school on Wednesday, 26th June.
The bake sale will take place during morning tea in the Arts Quad.
Cambridge Practice Assessment Week
Year 11 students in Cambridge classes will sit the first Practice Exams round in weeks 8 and 9.
- Week 8 and 9: Friday the 21st of June - Thursday the 27th June
- Students wear school uniforms as per usual.
- Normal classes will run when there are no exams.
- There is NO study leave this week.
- The exams are in the Auditorium.
- Students are to be ON TIME for their exam. An attendance roll will be taken.
- Students are to ensure that they bring along relevant equipment for each exam.
Term 2 Holiday Dates
Friday 28th June - Matariki
Sports
SKC 1st XI Cricket Fundraiser
SKC 1st XI Cricket is selling Poplar wood ready to burn to raise funds for their Australian tour later in the year.
$80 per cube
Free delivery within Oamaru.
For orders, please email csmith@stkevins.school.nz
Holiday Basketball Training Programme July
The programme will run in the upcoming July school holidays.
Coaching Sessions will be held at the St Kevin's College gymnasium (Monday 8th July to Wednesday 10th July)
This programme has been designed to enable young players (Years 7 - 8) in the Waitaki district to access high quality and specialised coaching without having to travel out of the area.
St Kevin's College Basketball head coach Jacob Fowler will lead the programme, assisted by members of the St Kevin's College Top V Basketball team. This is a fundraiser to help the Top V Basketball team attend the South Island Secondary Schools tournament in September.
There is a special "Girls Only" session available for those girls who would like to attend this session.
Please complete the following form to register for the July holiday basketball training programme. The focus will be on specialist and up-to-date basketball training, developing ball handling, dribbling, and passing skills in a fun and supportive environment.
You can choose which sessions (two-hour sessions) you would like to attend at $20 per session.
Payment needs to be made before attendance at the session(s) please.
Scan the QR code to register or visit stkevins.school.nz/bbtrainingprogramme to reserve your spot, as space is limited.
Art and Cultural Events
Winter Warm Up
Join our Winter Warm Up donation and help us fight hunger one donation at a time. Your generosity can change lives!
All donations are helping those in need in Dunedin!
Things you can donate:
Hygiene Products
Canned Food
Dried Food
Household Care Products
To donate, bring your items to the redcastle room (room 24).
Make sure you get a tick next to your class.
The class with the most donations gets pizza!
For more info, please contact Leilani.
Caritas Civvies Day
The Caritas Crew is pleased to announce that SKC has raised $409.76 for our annual Caritas Civvies Day, which took place on Thursday.
This year's money will help the students of Holy Trinity School in Papua New Guinea, who need vital classroom equipment such as desks and chairs, as well as books and writing materials. We are still accepting donations, and every contribution makes a difference, no matter the size.
If you would like to donate, you can do so via the following link:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/ycc-day
Our school code is 1573996 if you would like your donation to be linked to our school's contribution.
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
Having the Alcohol Discussion
Having the Alcohol Discussion
With the upcoming school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of these past years behind them.
To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, families are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion - no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is crucial to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be.
Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, families can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.
This Special Report offers a series of discussion points to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier.
If you have any concerns about your young person's well-being, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-having-alcohol-discussion-nz
Community Events/Notices
Youthtown Free Guitar & Keyboard Workshops
Youthtown will be running free guitar and keyboard workshops during the July School holidays for students in years 7-10.
If your student/s are interested, please get in touch with kale.sandri@youthtown.org.nz
Spaces are limited!
https://www.youthtown.org.nz/oamaru
Otago Tertiary Information Evening - 26th June
If you missed the info days last month, you still have an opportunity to learn what it’s like to study at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic.
- Hear about the Otago overview.
- What the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic can offer you.
- Accommodation. Life in a residential college.
- Admission, scholarships, costs, support.
- Study options. Humanities, Business, Sciences and Health Sciences.
Wednesday 26th June, 7 pm
The Inkbox Theatre, Oamaru Opera House
For further information: 03 479 8247
liaison@otago.ac.nz or 0800 762 786
liaison@op.ac.nz
Waitaki Residents Survey Now Open!
Have your say and be in to win $500!
The Waitaki Residents Survey is now open. We’re asking for your opinion on how Waitaki District Council has done in the last year, and by filling out the survey you go in to win a $500 Prezzy Card.
Our resident's survey lets us know what you think and helps us work better for you in the future. You can find the survey on the Waitaki District Council website or at letstalk.waitaki.govt.nz
Thank you for helping us to help you!
Bushtown Waimate - 13th July
Strapping Workshop
Sport Waitaki is holding a strapping workshop with Mike Stewart (Physio) on Wednesday, 3rd July.
Come along and learn some simple strapping techniques from Mike, which you can take back to your team.
Waitaki Boys Auditorium on 3rd July. Starts at 7 pm
$20 cash (this will cover the cost of the tape you will use on the night)
Active Kids Waitaki Holiday Programme July
Rec Centre Active Kids Holiday programme - Active Kids Holiday Programme - Monday 8th to Thursday 11th July 2024, mornings from 9.30 am-12.30 pm. Only $10 per child per day, or $36 for four days. Primary / Intermediate age. REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
https://www.sporty.co.nz/waitakicrc/Active-Kids-Holiday- Programme/REGISTRATION
(If the link does not work, please go to our website's Active Kids Holiday programme and click on Registration. Thanks).
Thanks to local sports clubs and volunteers who make this programme possible!
Rec Centre group fitness
Rec Centre group fitness options to suit all levels and all training needs: strength, cardio & flexibility.
We have a broad range of programming, including 7 different Les Mills classes, hour-long and 30-minute express classes, bootcamps and individual training options.
Come and check out our friendly, affordable options. Indoor courts available for hire, and lots of activities including basketball, taekwondo, rock climbing, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, roller skating, and much more.
Check us out https://www.sporty.co.nz/waitakicrc/Home
Winterfest 2024 - 15th - 18th JULY
WINTERFEST 2024 is HERE!
We have some cool stuff planned!
Not only are we going to Cardrona, an internationally renowned ski field with various jumps, but we also have options for activities in Queenstown (gondola, luge & aquatic centre). Plus, we have a live band and guest speakers from all over the USA who will be with us for the four days. Bring the gear listed below, some good mood, and let's have some fun! To top it up, games, laughter, dance, music, movie night, fun speakers & staying up late (don't show parents this bit) are a few of last year's highlights that will carry on. You might have heard a rumour about a tradition of jumping into the freezing lake on the last day morning-not wrong ;-)
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
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