St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 4 Week 6
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
This week several students took a trip to the NZ Marine Science Otago Studies Centre in Portobello, Dunedin, for the Mighty Molluscs and Intertidal Investigation. With one week left of the NCEA exams, we are on the home stretch. This weekend, we have our Cricket boys' heads up to participate in the annual Willows Cricket fixture, where they will play for the Bob Wills Trophy, honouring Bob, who passed away this year. Best of luck boys'.
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.
St Kevin's Summer Close down dates
Our school will be closed for the summer break from 18th December, with the office reopening on 20th January.
Wishing you all a relaxing and sunny holiday!
St Kevin’s College – Single Sign On
As part of increasing the security posture of our school environment, St Kevin’s has recently
rolled out a centralised authentication platform via Microsoft Office 365.
This means a slight change to the way staff and students log in when using school systems such as
email.
When prompted to log into associated systems, there will be an extra step asking for your school
email address and password. These are the same details you use when at school to join the wireless
and log onto our shared computers.
All users are encouraged to self-register for Multi-Factor Authentication (aka.ms/mfasetup). As part of
this change, this additional security measure is enforced for all staff users only.
Kolourcare St Kevin's Sport and Cultural photos
If you wish to purchase 2024 St Kevin's Sport and Cultural photos, Kolourcare has just uploaded them to its website, giving all the students who have already finished for the year an opportunity to buy.
https://kolourcare.photoshelter.com/ > First album titled St Kevins Sport 24
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 will be happy to remove the charge from your account.
We willl also keep you posted about when the magazines are ready for pick-up.
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.
Past few weeks at SKC
Junior Chess Tournament
Oamaru Schools' Summer Chess Tournament was held at WBHS on Monday. It was open to anyone in from Year 1 to 10.
70 players, including Isabelle Hyslop, Kean Misayah and Thomas Sinclair of SKC participated. It was a fun day of chess.
Well done to everyone who took part, and thanks to Greg Familton and WBHS for hosting.
NZ Marine Studies Centre Trip - 18th November
On Monday eight Year 10 students, Benya Dogterom, Rheanna Coscos, Harriet Carter-Trotman, Aiden Lilley, James Gower, Rojan Marcos, Shawn Rivera, and Ryley Stevenson, along with our three international students, Consti, Pauline, and Emma, took a school trip to the NZ Marine Studies Centre in Portobello for the Mighty Molluscs and Intertidal Investigation.
The day began with introductions and a health and safety briefing, followed by an insightful discussion on animal adaptations and the significance of studying the intertidal zone. Equipped with their materials, the students conducted a shore survey. They established transect lines and documented plant and animal species within 10 quadrats along each line. Part of the activity involved carefully overturning rocks to observe the organisms underneath, ensuring the rocks were returned to their original positions afterwards.
After lunch, the focus shifted to adaptive radiation and molluscs. The students explored the Centre's tank room, identifying molluscs and interacting with various sea creatures like sea stars, anemones, and more. This hands-on experience was a highlight for many.
The session culminated in a fascinating comparative dissection of squid and mussels, which deepened the students' understanding of molluscan adaptations. The programme provided a comprehensive and enriching experience, allowing the students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical exploration.
The students appreciated the valuable insights gained during the day and their enhanced understanding of marine life and its remarkable adaptations.
Thank you, Mrs Laraga, for the report and photos!
School Events
Coming up this term
Monday 9th - 12th December - Year 10 Camp
Friday 13th December - Junior Prizegiving & Liturgy 11am
Sports
Coming up this term
Sunday 24th November - Willows Cricket
Monday 25th November - Rippa Rugby Tournament
Art and Cultural Events/Dates
Coming up this term
Sunday 24th November - Christ the King & World Youth Day
School TV
A Special Report: Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping have quickly gained popularity, especially amongst teenagers. Manufacturers of these products are deploying sophisticated marketing campaigns in an attempt to glamorise and promote smoking to young people.
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapour produced by the heated nicotine liquid of an e-cigarette or vape pen. Many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking as it is often formulated with flavourings to appeal to younger users. Be aware that e-cigarettes stating 0 mg of nicotine, may still contain nicotine. It is a highly addictive substance that can slow the brain development in kids affecting their memory, concentration, learning and mood. The short and long-term health effects of vaping remain unknown.
Studies have shown that young people who have tried vaping, are more likely to smoke tobacco products later in life than young people who have not tried vaping. As e-cigarettes leave little odour, they are particularly easy to conceal and use discreetly in public places, even in schools.
In this Special Report, families will be provided with the facts relating to e-cigarettes and vaping, whilst also highlighting the potential dangers.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your young person, please contact our Pastoral Care Team or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/ecigarettes-and-vaping-nz
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
Network Waitaki Sports Awards
This is a reminder that NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the 2024 Network Waitaki Sports Awards.
Nominations are open to the end of November.
The Nominations are made online at the following link
Nomination guidelines here
We know many talented and high achievers in our sports in Waitaki.
We encourage you all to nominate your highest achievers and highlight not only your sporting code but also your amazing athletes, officials, and administrators.
The Awards will be held on 17 March 2025.
Categories are:
Female emerging talent (yr8 in 2024)
Male emerging talent (yr 8 in 2024)
Junior female sportsperson (under 18)
Junior male sportsperson (under 18)
Athlete with a disability
Female sportsperson
Male sportsperson
Masters sportsperson (50 years +)
Coach of the year
Team of the year
Services to sport
Official in sport
Oamaru Swim Club Fast Furious info
Oamaru Swim Club invites you to a fun night of festive swim racing!
There's an event for all levels, from beginners to experienced swimmers.
Warm up from 5.30 pm with racing starting at 6.00 pm.
Entry forms are available at the pool reception desk or use Google: FESTIVE Fast n Furious 22 Nov 2024
Please enter by Wednesday, 20th Nov 2024.
Email entries can be sent to oamaruswim@gmail.com
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
Paint a Victorian Masterpiece Contest
Oamaru Tongan Tennis Club Open Day - 7th December
This is an opportunity for our Pasifika students to get involved in a summer sports program, get active, have fun and stay fit during the summer season
Grass Court
39A Chelmer Street
Contact:
'Aisea Fifita 0210550804
Takau Toetu'u 02102237491
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