St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 3 Week 10
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
Term 3, we are out. This week, we had Year 11 Course Counselling and Year 11 retreat, and today, we finished the term with the School Cross Country and Caritas Talent Show. A reminder that NZQA summaries will be sent today, so make sure to check your inbox. Have a great holiday break!
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.
Term 4 Uniform
In Term 4, students are expected to wear their summer uniform.
Proper dress code: uniform
Attendance Matters
As we venture into Term 4, it is an excellent time to check in on your school attendance.
Every day matters!
2024 School Magazine
Kia ora whānau and students,
All students have been invoiced for this year's school magazine/yearbook.
These need to be paid before 30 November 2024. We are only printing enough for those who have paid by this date.
If you do not require the magazine, please contact the school office to have the charge removed from your account. We will advise when these are ready to be collected.
Ngā mihi
Is your child keen to go to uni?
Here's the rundown on how University Entrance (UE) works from NZQA
WHAT IS IT?
University Entrance is the minimum requirement to go from school to a New Zealand university. Being awarded UE also opens doors to tertiary study in other countries.
Once you have met the requirements for University Entrance, it will appear on your Record of Achievement.
TO BE AWARDED UE, YOU NEED:
NCEA Level 3
14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects
10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
5 credits in reading
5 credits in writing
10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
co-requisite Level 1 Numeracy unit standard 32406 or Te Pāngarau unit standard 32412, or
certain achievement standards.
MORE INFO
To find out more about UE and NCEA itself, head to the NZQA website: https://bit.ly/46SUh6a
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.
Subject selection for Years 11 and 12
Subject selection is now open until Friday, October 18th (Week 1, Term 4).
Attached are the instructions to complete this. Course Counselling for Year 11's is on this week.
If you missed out on a booking or want to discuss your options for 2025, please email Mr Smith, Mr Devereaux, Mr Herbst, Mrs Cooper or Ms Walshe.
Attached is a run through of the process within Edge.
Cambridge tutorials for year 11
Please see the attached Cambridge Exam Time Table as well as the optional Cambridge tutorials in the second week of the school holidays. Your young person received hard copies of these last week Tuesday (as well as their Individualised Exam Time Table).
There will be normal classes for students who are not sitting an exam during the first two weeks of next term. Students return to class after exams are completed each day (they are also expected to attend class beforehand if the exam is at 1PM).
Year 11 students are to wear normal school uniforms for the first two weeks of next term.
Please ensure your young person is on time each day (9AM for morning sessions and 1PM for afternoon sessions), as coming late may bar entry to the exam.
All exams are in the School Auditorium.
Please feel free to contact the school if you have any queries.
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
Science Wānanga at Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
We arrived after lunch on Monday, 16 September, at Te Rūnanga o Moeraki to a very warm welcome and pōwhiri for 6 SKC students and 15 WBHS students. We got to know everyone, settled in, played games and were put into groups - ready for Science learning!
During the ako sessions, Science ideas and concepts were taught in innovative and traditional ways using language, waiata, movement and hands-on activities.
The Science ako included neuroscience, the brain, geology, types of rocks, erosion, a visit to the Moeraki Boulders and chemistry - making ice cream from ice and salt.
Being immersed in Maori culture, learning, language, and waiata was really special for our students and teachers. Some great games, including rākau and actions, tested our reactions and helped us learn.
Staying at the marae was a great experience and lots of fun. Making new friends, learning, games, competitions, teamwork, cooperating and great food made the three days a truly memorable experience. To the team from the University of Otago, schools, and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki - ngā mihi nui.
Mel Smith High Performance Seminar
It was great to have Melissa Smith from Melissa Smith Total Wellbeing visit the Junior High Performance class yesterday.
Melissa spoke to the class about the different food groups and how to add to meals to make them more balanced.
Next term, she will discuss the importance of good nutrition for training and games.
Year 11 Retreat Day
Yesterday, 26th September, was our Year 11 Retreat Day.
Retreats are an excellent way to get our students away from the many distractions of their day, helping them focus and strengthen their relationships with themselves, others, God, and creation.
The theme for the day was "Practice Integrity and Build Trust." The day balanced spirituality, discussion, and fun.
Thank you to all the teachers involved in running the retreat, and to all the students for being truly present, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
School Cross Country 2024
Today, we finished term 3 with the School Cross Country event. It was a fantastic day to enjoy the fresh air outdoors.
How good to even see Mr Smith out there 🏃♂️
Well done to all involved, and thanks to Mr Mawson for the 📷s
School Events
Coming up in Term 4
Monday 14th October - Cambridge exams start
Thursday 17th October - Year 13 Transition Day
Tuesday 22nd October - Year 13 retreat
Thursday 24th October - National shakeout
Friday 25th October - Leavers assembly. Last day for Seniors
Thursday 31st October - Senior Prizegiving
Tuesday 5th November - NCEA exams start
Tuesday 5th - Thursday 7th November - Course Counselling Yr 10
Tuesday 12th - Friday 15th November - Junior Assessment
Sports
Coming up this term
Saturday 28th - 30th September - South Island & NZ Trapshooting
Coming up in Term 4
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd November - Aoraki Jnr Sports Week
Sunday 24th November - Willows Cricket
Sports and Cultural photos
If you would like to purchase photos of the sports teams or cultural groups you were involved in, please see the Teacher in Charge; they have the envelopes and order instructions for you.
These need to be returned to the school office by the 18th October.
Art and Cultural Events/Dates
Coming up this term
Saturday 28th - 29th September - Edmund Rice Conference
Coming up in Term 4
Saturday 26th - Monday 28th October - Caritas Challenge
Friday 1st November - All Saints Day
Saturday 2nd November - All Souls Day
Sunday 24th November - Christ the King & World Youth Day
Capture Waitaki Photography Competition
SKC Year 10 student Aiden Lilley, 14, recently participated in the Capture Waitaki Photography Competition, placing 2nd in the Category 13-18 years.
Aiden said, 'Me and my Father would go to the Roost Cafe a bunch when I was like 5, I get really nostalgic when we drive past there. It's one of my core memories from being a young kid'.
The judges said, “I love the angle the photo was taken from and the editing that’s been applied. You are immediately drawn to the writing and the reflection in the windows are quite aesthetically pleasing.
Fantastic photo Aiden, Congratulations!
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’.
Community Events/Notices
MTO presents: Broadway on Thames - Junior Edition - 3rd October
Musical Theatre Oamaru is proud to present Broadway on Thames - Junior Edition! On stage at the Oamaru Opera House for two shows on Sunday, 6 October. Attached is a poster we'd love for you to share around your workplace / in your newsletter etc. Show your support for the talented youth of Oamaru, gather a group and book tickets to see the show!
Broadway on Thames - Junior Edition will showcase some of Ōamaru's youngest musical theatre talent, performing some well known stage tunes from popular musicals including Matilda, Six, The Greatest Showman, and Sister Act.
With ages ranging from 6 to 18, it's a chance for tomorrow's talent to strut their stuff and sing their hearts out on Ōamaru's grandest stage.
Tickets are available now from the Ōamaru Opera House for the two shows at 11 am and 3 pm on Sunday, 6 October: https://oamaruoperahouse.co.nz/broadway-on-thames-junior-edition/
5-Day Teen Sailing Adventure! 30th September - 4th October
Embark on an Epic 5-Day Teen Sailing Adventure!
Calling all teens aged 14-18!
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that blends adventure, skill-building, and lasting friendships.
An Evening with Chelsea Winter - 17th October
Don't miss an exclusive evening with the celebrated cookbook author Chelsea Winter.
Hosted by Paper Plus Oamaru in conjunction with the Oamaru Lions Club for one night only.
All proceeds to Oamaru St John Ambulance
When: Thursday 17 October 2024
7:00 pm (doors open 6:30 pm)
Where: Loan & Merc, 14 Harbour Street, Oamaru.
Grab your tickets for just $20 at Paper Plus Oamaru, or email oamaru@paperplus.co.nz
Complimentary drink and nibbles on arrival.
Raffle on the night - bring some loose change.
Books are available to purchase on the night and have been signed by Chelsea!
Eftpos available
Understanding Your Brain – Building Resilience & Maximising Learning with Nathan Wallis - 17th October
Join Nathan Wallis - Host of the documentary "All in the Mind," host of the TV series "Kids Don't Come With a Manual," and co-host of the TV series "The Secret Life of Girls," Nathan Wallis, Aotearoa's renowned neuroscience educator, has been captivating audiences over 250 times per year to sell out events in New Zealand, Australia, and Internationally.
Understanding Your Brain – Building Resilience & Maximising Learning:
The concept of building resilience in our children is more and more at the forefront of parents' minds. Academic success is, in fact, a result of resilience and can mean very little without it. In this summary of the evidence and research around what resilience looks like, how it's fostered and which environments do it the best, Nathan will break down for parents (in his usual' straight from the hip' humourous style) exactly what we can do to facilitate our children developing resilience, increase their academic ability and enjoy an overall better quality of life. We will look at how our brains work as a basis for understanding how to achieve this. Relevant to parents/carers for all age groups – from newborns to teens!
Thursday 17th October 2024 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The event is now live on Eventfinda; here is the link:
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/.../nathan-wallis.../oamaru
Timaru Ten Run Event - 26th October
Save the date, 26th October!
Timaru Ten Run Event
Levels Raceway, Timaru
There's something for the whole family! We're very excited to have expanded our event to 5 km and walks this year.
For the 5km and kids' races, we will give spot prizes to the best-dressed, so get that tutu or Spider-Man suit out if you want!
Events will be spread out over the morning. The 10km is split into two groups to avoid congestion, as it's the Levels Raceway Track.
Register now https://timaruten.nz/#events
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 holiday break!
Ngā mihi
Shane Rees
Communications and Events