St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 4 Week 2
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
This week, we had the Year 13 retreat, National Shakeout, our traditional Stayers vs Leavers Rugby match, with the leavers taking out the win and another successful Filipino group food fundraiser.
Labour Day is Monday, so enjoy a long weekend and see you all on Tuesday.
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.
Year 13 Graduation Mass and Prizegiving practice times - Thursday 31st October
Graduation Mass practice 1.15 pm in the Chapel.
Senior Prizewinners practice 2.15 pm in the Auditorium.
Graduation Mass starts in the evening at 6.30pm in the Chapel, and will be followed by the Senior Prizegiving in the Auditorium.
Course Counselling bookings are open for Year 10 going into Year 11 for 2025
Parents and caregivers need to attend these events.
SKC Year 11 Handbook
stkevins.school.nz/enrolment/senior-curriculum
Please follow the link for booking times:
schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/pyxza
Mountain Bike track closed
The mountain bike track is closed for maintenance until further notice.
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
Just a quick reminder that all students have been invoiced for this year's school magazine/yearbook.
Please ensure payments are made by 30 November 2024 so we can print enough copies for everyone who has paid by then.
If you don't want the magazine, just contact the school office, and we'll be happy to remove the charge from your account.
We'll also keep you posted about when the magazines are ready for pick-up.
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.
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
This week at SKC
Year 13 Retreat
On Tuesday, the Year 13 students visited Teschemakers for their annual retreat. The theme for the retreat was Sent - Moving On.
The students had a great time reflecting on their experiences at St Kevin's, discussing their aspirations for the future and writing messages of gratitude and encouragement to each other. Father Fredy then led us through a liturgy about letting go and moving on.
It was a wonderful day, and the retreat highlighted the importance of community and how each and every person at St Kevin's College has helped our Year 13 school leavers get to where we are now.
Thank you to all the teachers involved in running the retreat and to all the students for their positive participation.
SKC Caritas Crew
On Wednesday the current and future leaders of our school Caritas Crew gathered to thank Aeshika Karki (aka Chhamu) for completing five years of service with our group.
Since 2020, Aeshika has helped organise and run everything from Service Day poster-making and baking to Civvies Days and the Caritas Challenge.
Her quiet enthusiasm and growing experience in leadership have been much appreciated, and Aeshika will be missed. She has been a fantastic role model, and she leaves this volunteer group in good hands.
New Zealand ShakeOut
On Thursday morning, several of our students participated in the New Zealand ShakeOut, our National earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.
Remember, in an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold.
More info here: getready.govt.nz/involved/shakeout
Filipino School Group Fundraiser
On Thursday, our Filipino school group had a fantastic time hosting another food sale filled with delicious Filipino delicacies!
We want to extend a big thank you to everyone for your wonderful support!
Stayers vs Leavers Rugby match
Well done to the SKC Leavers, who took out the traditional Stayers vs Leavers Rugby match fixture today. Conor Waldron scored in the last play of the game to get the win!
Year 11 and 12 End of Year Liturgy
Today our Year 11s and 12s concluded their final day at school with an End of Year Liturgy.
School Events
Coming up this term
Thursday 31st October - Graduation Mass and Senior Prizegiving 6.30pm start
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
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd November - Aoraki Junior Sports Week
Sunday 24th November - Willows Cricket
Art and Cultural Events/Dates
Coming up this term
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
Art Competition!!
The Waitaki District Youth Council is looking for some art to put on a mural at the SkatePark in Oamaru.
The theme is Waitaki; draw something that you believe is special to Waitaki. If you are one of the selected winners, your art will be drawn by an artist and displayed to the public.
Once you have finished your art, you will need to get it to the Waitaki District Council office, either by mailing it to Private Bag 50058, Ōamaru, New Zealand 9444, dropping it into the office by hand, or by scanning or taking a picture of it and sending it to lkingan@waitaki.govt.nz
This needs to be done by Friday, the 1st of November. Good Luck!
School TV
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 the Pastoral Care team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.
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
Social 6's Cricket League for High School Girls
North Otago Cricket is thrilled to announce a social 6's cricket league for high school girls.
Teams will consist of 6 players and the games will be played with softball- no special gear or prior experience is necessary.
Each game lasts only 45 minutes to an hour, and participation is free.
This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more girls to get involved in cricket in North Otago while providing a fun activity for them over the summer! Games will be held on Mondays after school, from 3:30/3:45 PM to 4:30 PM
Here is the link to register: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/register/c25fc4
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
Aoraki Pasifika Festival - 23rd November
Aoraki Pasifika Festival will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at the Caroline Bay Soundshell. This vibrant celebration will showcase the rich culture and creativity of the Pasifika community, featuring a market filled with delicious Pasifika cuisine. Your involvement will greatly enrich the festival and resonate with Pasifika families in your area, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Should anyone in your community like to have a stall at the festival, please contact Fakafetai lahi lele at aorakipasifika@gmail.com or 022 018 4647
Registration: https://bit.ly/4001tvY
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