St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 5
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
This week, we unveiled the plan for St Joseph’s School to relocate to our site, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both schools. We also celebrated the blessing of our Tūrakawaewae Waitaki mural, a beautiful reflection of our connection to the land and community. Our Year 12 Geography students have been on their trip to Aoraki Mt Cook, making the most of this incredible learning opportunity. We also came together for our Commissioning Mass to celebrate the beginning of the new teaching year.
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.
Student stationery for 2025 is now available at the office!
Cash or Eftpos only, no account charges.
Prices include:
- Math Book: $2.70
- Exercise Book: $1.70
- Highlighter: $2.50
- Compass: $4.00
- Colouring Pencils (12-pack): $4.50
All profits go to Te Ngākau Nui, supporting our school community.
Attendance Matters
As we venture into Term 1, it is an excellent time to check in on your school attendance.
Every day matters!
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.
Love Teaching but Need Flexibility? Join Our Relief Team!
Are you a qualified primary or secondary teacher taking a break from full-time work?
Maybe you're at home with young children but miss the classroom. SKC is seeking relief teachers to join our supportive and welcoming school community!
✨ Stay connected to education without full-time commitment
✨ Be part of a great team and make a difference
Interested? We'd love to hear from you!
Send your expressions of interest to Jo Walshe at jwalshe@stkevins.school.nz to learn more.
School Photo Orders 2025
Kia ora whānau and students,
We have a new supplier for our school photos this year. Each student has received an envelope with ordering instructions. Orders must be returned to the office by Wed, 5th March. Payment can be made by credit card or cash (please ensure you have the correct change if paying by cash).
If you have any questions, please contact the college office.
Ngā mihi
Te Ngākau Nui Karaoke Event - Save the Date!
Saturday, 12th April
St Kevin’s College Auditorium
R18 Event
Get ready for a night of music, fun, and great prizes!
Prizes | Cash Bar | Raffles
More details coming soon—mark your calendars!
Principals Post
Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,
It has been an exciting week as we have shared the plans for the St Joseph's relocation with the community, and those of you with students at the College will know that work has begun to clear the site and relocate the Property Manager's workshop so that groundworks for that work can begin.
At the same time, we have been delving into our school's history in preparation for the 100th anniversary of our College. This has been an enlightening endeavour, and the more I read and explore our school history, the more I see those who have governed the College in the past, and indeed, those who have governed the whole of Catholic Education in North Otago have always done that in a very responsive and holistic manner.
St Kevin's College is an amalgamation of several schools. Originally, it was set up in 1927 with strong backing from Bishop Whyte and the Dunedin Diocese. There was already a boys boarding school for younger students in Oamaru called St Thomas' Academy (pictured). If we think about the transport arrangements which had to be made to get students from farms into the big smoke of Oamaru at that time, we can see why boarding schools were the choice of the day.
Girls were educated at St Thomas' between the time that the younger boys moved to SKC (yes, we did used to have year 7 and 8 students once) and before borders moved out to Teschmakers (formally known as St Patrick's Dominican Girls School) where they remained from the 1930s through until the merger with SKC in 1983.
The little school we now know as St Joseph's today began life as a few rooms in the Catholic Presbytery and was staffed by Dominican nuns. Later a school was built that was called St Patricks and run by two Chrisitan Brothers who commuted into the school from St Kevin's College. In 1973, this school was closed, and the younger students went to the newly established St Joseph's school while the older boys went to the St Kevin's College site, where a third school called St Johns was operated at the end of what was then a driveway which stretched out to what is now the main road.
Our latest iteration in placing St Joseph's School on our current site is part of a long standing tradition of doing what is best for our young people at a particular time. Right now, our focus and our reason for relocating the school is very much about making the most of our resources and being able to easily and simply develop our charisms, strengthen our Catholic identity and practically work together. We have a very strong vision for our future, and I, for one, am very excited about playing my part in this next chapter for Catholic Education in North Otago.
Have a great weekend
God Bless
Jo
2025 Term Dates and Holidays
- Term 1 Monday 27th January to Friday 11th April
- Term 2 Monday 28th April to Friday 27th June
- Term 3 Monday 14th July to Friday 19th September
- Term 4 Monday 6th October to Friday 5th December
2025 Public Holidays
- Good Friday: Friday, 18th April
- Otago Anniversary Day: Monday, 24th March
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 21st March until 2 pm, Monday 24th March) - Easter Monday: Monday, 21st April
- Anzac Day: Friday, 25th April
- King's Birthday: Monday, 2nd June
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 30th May until 2 pm, Monday 2nd June) - Matariki: Friday, 20th June
- Labour Day: Monday, 27th October
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 24th October until 2 pm, Monday 24th October)
Faith Facts
Week 5
| Sunday 23rd | Monday 24th | Tuesday 25th | Wednesday 26th | Thursday 27th | Friday 28th | Saturday 1st |
7th SUNDAY | St Gregory of Narek, abbot, doctor |
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a year of Jubilee with the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope', giving voice to his desire for the year to foster a greater sense of global sisterhood and brotherhood, solidarity with the poor, and caring for the environment.
Ash Wednesday next week.
Ash Wednesday is a holy day that marks the start of the season of Lent for the majority of the world’s Christians. Lent is a 40-day period that represents the Temptation of Christ, and the journey to Easter. Christians honour it by fasting, praying and taking part in daily devotional activity. Lots of people, including non-Christians, will choose to give up a bad habit or a vice for the period of Lent.
St Kevin’s Feast Day – 3rd June 2025
Join us for a Mass of Initiation as we celebrate this special day! Any student wishing to be baptised, confirmed, or receive their first communion is welcome.
📩 Contact Mrs. Herbst for details: jherbst@stkevins.school.nz
Laudato Si’ reflection 1st-2nd March 2025
Fast Fashion Damages Creation. Did you know that about 60 per cent of material made into clothing is plastic…” https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret
LS 203: “Since the market tends to promote extreme consumerism in an effort to sell its products, people can easily get caught up in a whirlwind of needless buying and spending. Compulsive consumerism is one example of how the techno-economic paradigm affects individuals”.
Lately at SKC
Marine Science Trip Part 2
On Friday February 21st, the International students continued their exploration of the Kakanui coastline with an exciting morning of surfing.
This was followed by visits to Campbell's Bay and Kakanui Beach Reserve, where they observed the impressive geology and dune vegetation and searched for fossils.
Some of our gap year students also participated in the surfing activities, and everyone enjoyed success under the guidance of Lindsey from Learn to Surf Kakanui.
We concluded the day with big smiles and delicious hot kumara chips.
Commissioning Mass 2025
On Wednesday, Bishop Michael visited Oamaru for the North Otago Commissioning Mass. Teachers and staff from the North Otago Catholic schools, St. Kevin's and St. Joseph's, gathered to celebrate the beginning of the new teaching year.
During the Mass, everyone serving within each Catholic school and college community was commissioned and blessed in their ministries.
We also welcomed our new teachers to the Catholic schools: Jack Souness, Annabelle Philps, Reuben Bosworth, and Trevor Griggs from St. Kevin's, as well as Nat Heather, Noldine Ilton, Tendai Chikowore, and Tivinia Misiloi from St. Joseph's.
Many thanks to Mr. Mawson for capturing the moments of the Mass!
Tūrakawaewae Waitaki Mural Unveiling and Blessing
On Wed, 28th February, we celebrated to formally bless the Tūrakawaewae Waitaki Mural, a stunning representation of identity, belonging, and connection to our whenua.
The college's Social Studies Department undertook this project through the Creatives in Schools programme. It has involved all of our junior students from 2024 and resulted in a series of nine panels placed around the upper quad, telling the story of North Otago from prehistoric times to the present day.
We extend a huge thank you to artist Ira Mitchell for bringing this vision to life alongside Sara Plunkett, Tim Hitchcock, and Michelle Buckham. Your creativity and dedication have made a significant impact. We also appreciate Ken McCallum for expertly installing the panels, allowing our school community to enjoy them, and we thank Bishop Michael for the blessing.
Thank you to everyone for helping the school celebrate this project. From those who worked behind the scenes with logistics and preparation to our speakers, our kapa haka group, Head Boy Louis, and the whole school for that haka, you made us proud in front of our artists and guests.
We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in bringing this artwork to life, and we look forward to seeing it inspire generations to come.
Thank you to student photographers Sasha Slee and Lucia Landau for capturing the blessing and to Michelle Buckham for the video and images that allow us to preserve this special moment.
Ngā mihi
https://www.stkevins.school.nz/muralproject2024
Tūrakawaewae Waitaki Murals
Blessing
Media Release
St Joseph's School to Relocate to St Kevin's College Site: A New Chapter for Catholic Education in North Otago
Kia ora friends of St Kevin’s and St Joseph's,
Exciting developments are underway for Catholic education in North Otago as St Joseph's School prepares to move to the St Kevin's College site. This relocation will bring the two schools under one combined Board, fostering a shared community, property, curriculum, and strategic goals.
The move has garnered support from both schools’ communities, the Bishop, the Catholic Education Office, and St Patrick's Parish. The schools share a Dominican charism and see the relocation as a positive opportunity for student transitions and educational growth.
Current Presiding Member of both Boards, Eugen Dupu sees only positive results from the changes.
“As the NZSBA Otago Regional Chair, I am aware of some schools that are struggling for Board members and Presiding Members. It makes sense for organisations such as the Catholic Education network to rethink their approaches to governance, deploy their stewardship resources efficiently and maximise the benefits for their students and the wider community.“ When asked if there was a risk of the primary school being subsumed by the College he replied, “No, I certainly don’t. In today’s educational landscape, ensuring that primary school students receive the essential building blocks for learning is critical to their success in later life. We see the two schools complementing each other. Together, our two institutions will combine their respective strengths—fostering a strong, growing, and connected community that allows every student to thrive.”
Both schools are exploring the Cambridge curriculum and see this as a point of difference which will provide greater choice for whānau. The Cambridge curriculum offers an alternative educational pathway to NCEA and is internationally recognised in over 169 countries.
Construction is hoped to begin at the end of this year, with renowned architect and SKC Old Boy, Desmond Prisk leading the project. Mr Prisk is currently working on the SKC Stables project and has also been the project manager for the current upgrade on the St Patrick's Basilica.
The future of the current St Joseph's site is being explored, with the hope that it will continue to support the school and parish. The Ministry of Education, the school Foundation, and the Diocese are all collaborating on this endeavour.
The new school will be a modern, warm, bright, and functional space with the capacity for up to 300 students, which will be completed in two phases of development, ensuring a bright future for Catholic education in the region.
Ngā mihi
School Events
Coming up this term
Tuesday 4th March - NCEA/Cambridge talk to Yr 11s
Wednesday 5th March - Otago Uni visit
Tuesday 11th March - Year 12 Retreat
Friday 14th March - Health and Safety course
Tuesday 18th March - Year 9 Retreat
Wednesday 19th March - Year 13 Bio trip
Thursday 20th March - Otago Polytechnic visit
Tuesday 1st April - Year 11 Retreat
Thursday 3rd April - Yr 12/13 Transition Day
Sports
St Joseph’s PE: Fun, Fitness, and Team Spirit!
Last Friday six of our Prefects were at St. Joseph's leading PE activities with three classes.
It was a valuable opportunity for our senior students to experience leadership in a different context and to connect with the students at St. Joseph's.
We look forward to returning over the next few weeks!
New Zealand Rowing Regatta Championships 2025
Congratulations to our St Kevin's College rowers who competed in the National rowing regatta as part of the Oamaru Rowing Club's highly successful campaign. It was an outstanding achievement with 16 A finals, 4 B finals, and a 9th-place overall ranking out of 33 clubs!
A special shoutout to our SKC rowers who made the podium:
- Men's Novice Coxed Eight – Cox: Greer Dickson (Gold)
- Women's Novice Coxed Eight – Summer Colombus, Payton Dickson, Laura Aker, Gemma Aker (Gold)
- Women's Novice Coxed Four – Summer Colombus, Payton Dickson, Laura Aker, Gemma Aker, Cox: Pippa McMillan (Silver)
- Women's Intermediate Coxed Eight – Indeg Jones-Hogan, Cox: Pippa McMillan (Silver)
- Men's Novice Coxed Quad Sculls – Cox: Isla Kappely (Bronze)
- Men's Club Coxed Eight – Paddy Spillane, Kouper Lynch, Cox: Greer Dickson (Bronze)
- Men's Novice Coxed Four – Cox: Greer Dickson (Bronze)
- A massive thank you to our incredible coaches, Ivan Docherty, Shane Carter and Tracy Marshall and the many supporters who cheered on our rowers throughout the competition.
We now set our sights on the next regatta in two weeks, where we will proudly compete as SKC.
2025 Athletics Day Champions
Congratulations to our 2025 Athletics Day champions!
- Under 14 Girls – Bailey Douglas
- Under 14 Boys – Jordan Wheeler
- Under 15 Girls – Tessa Laughton
- Under 15 Boys – Orlando Narruhn
- Under 16 Girls – Zara Wilson
- Under 16 Boys – Jimmy Miers
- Senior Girls – Hunter McLay
- Senior Boys – Louie Hose
A fantastic effort from all competitors—well done!
2025 Swimming Champions
Congratulations to our 2025 St Kevin’s College Swimming Champions!
- Under 14 Girls – Jasmine Hansen
- Under 14 Boys – Angus Burk
- Under 15 Girls – Macey Stratford
- Under 15 Boys – Orlando Narruhn
- Under 16 Girls – Hannah Burke
- Under 16 Boys – Connor Southee
- Senior Girls – Frankie McDiarmid-Jones
- Senior Boys – Neight Fraser
- Champion House: Treacy
Well done to all our swimmers for their efforts in the pool!
2025 International Track Meet (ITM)
Last weekend's International Track Meet at Nga Puna Wai in Christchurch was an incredible experience for Year 12 student Jack O'Neill!
Jack had the opportunity to race alongside Tiaan Whelpton, New Zealand's fastest man, in the 60m final, finishing with a time of 7.72 seconds—just 0.94 seconds behind Tiaan. He also competed in the Men's 100m B Final, clocking 11.79 seconds.
A highlight of the day was meeting and capturing moments with both Tiaan Whelpton and Zoe Hobbs, New Zealand's fastest woman. It was a fantastic experience and a day to remember!
Coming up this term
Sunday 2nd -3rd March - Taieri Cricket exchange
Sunday 2nd March - Aoraki Triathlon
Tuesday 4th March - Aoraki Senior Girls Volleyball
Thursday 6th March - Aoraki Senior Boys Volleyball
Friday 7th - 9th March - SISS Rowing
Wednesday 12th March - Aoraki Athletics
Wednesday 12th - 13th March - St Thomas Cricket exchange
Saturday 22nd March - SISS Touch
Saturday 22nd March - SISS Mountain Biking
Monday 24th -30th March - Summer Tournament Week - MAADI Cup
Thursday 27th March - Aoraki Croquet
Thursday 27th March - NZSS Triathlon
Friday 28th March - NZSS Triathlon NZ Mixed Relay
Friday 4th - 6th April - SISS Athletics
Tuesday 8th April - Senior Quads
Rugby Registration 2025
For those students wanting to play rugby at SKC this year, NZ Rugby has a new registration and scoring platform called Rugby Xplorer, which requires all players, coaches, and managers to create a profile. From there, students and management will be able to register to their club. I am working through the process with North Otago Rugby, but in the meantime could you all create a profile. Below is a 2 minute YouTube clip to explain how this can be done:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcjP-8UVvZY
There is also an app that will need to be downloaded on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for scoring during the season. If you search 'Rugby Xplorer', it will pop up. Once you have created your profile, you should be able to link it to your app. The 3 dots on the bottom right are where you can view your profile and register to St Kevin's College Rugby. You can also register on the following link (this needs to be done once your profile is created):
https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/choose-registration?name=St%20Kevin's%20College
Are You Interested in Coaching Rugby in 2025?
St Kevin’s College is seeking passionate and dedicated coaches for the following teams:
- Boys Under 16.5
- Boys Under 14.5
- Girls St Taki Under 18
- Girls St Taki Under 15
If you'd like to be part of our coaching team, please email Mr. Smith, TIC of Rugby, at csmith@stkevins.school.nz to register your interest.
Support the SKC Senior Boys' Rugby Team on their Fiji Tour!
Support the SKC Senior Boys' Rugby Team on Their Fiji Tour!
Help the team by purchasing firewood:
- Pine: $105 per cube
- Poplar: $90 per cube
To place your order, please contact: jfowler@stkevins.school.nz
Enjoy free delivery within the Oamaru town boundary!
Deliveries are expected in late March.
St Kevin's College Golf Day
Join us for a fantastic day on the green while supporting the SKC Senior Boys Rugby tour to Fiji!
Venue: Lower Waitaki Golf Club
Date: Sunday, 6th April
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Format: Ambrose teams of 4
Prizes: Longest Drive & Closest to the Pin
Entry Fee: $200 per team
Food & Refreshments:
A BBQ will be available throughout the day, along with refreshments.
Post-Golf Activities:
Enjoy a cash bar, food, raffles, and an auction!
All proceeds will support the SKC Senior Boys Rugby tour to Fiji in July.
To enter your team email: csmith@stkevins.school.nz
Arts and Culture
The SKC Chapel Choir Movie Fundraiser
SAVE THE DATE!
The SKC Chapel Choir is hosting a movie fundraiser to help us get to The Big Sing!
Movie: Tinā
Date: Thursday, 13th March at 7 PM
Location: Riviera Cinema, Thames Street, Oamaru
The best part? Tinā is about The Big Sing, and we are raising funds for our trip there!
Stay tuned for ticketing details.
School TV
Sleep
As the school year is about to begin it is timely to consider our holiday sleeping routine. Young people today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many young people, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a young person’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a person's growth, learning ability and overall well-being. Sleep is vital to a young person's overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.
Sleep also strengthens a young person’s immune system and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Young people who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.
In this edition of SchoolTV, families will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a young person's health and wellbeing.
If you have any concerns about your young person, please contact the Pastoral Care Team/Dean or our school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Sleep edition of 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
🎭 Join Musical Theatre Oamaru for Oliver! 🎶
Musical Theatre Oamaru is bringing the classic musical Oliver! to life at the Oamaru Opera House from 10th - 19th July, and we're looking for passionate performers of all ages (7+) to join us!
We're looking for singers, actors, dancers, and gymnasts who love the spotlight and backing choir members and musicians for our full orchestra.
🎟 Info Evening:
📅 Monday, 3rd March
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Oamaru Opera House Ink Box
Come along to learn more—whatever your interest, we'd love to see you!
📢 Auditions:
📅 Friday, 7th March - Sunday, 9th March
📄 Audition info packs available at www.mto.org.nz
For further details:
📧 production@mto.org.nz
📱 Facebook: Musical Theatre Oamaru
Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible production! 🎭✨
🏍️ Danseys Pass Trail Ride 2025 🏍️
📅 Sat, 22nd March 2025
📍 Danseys Pass
Get ready to take on 165km+ of epic tracks with 6 tracks for all abilities at this legendary event! Whether you're a seasoned rider or starting out, there's something for everyone.
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly atmosphere
🚵 Join 20,000+ riders who've tackled this iconic ride
Visit www.danseyspasstrailride.org for more info.
Proudly powered by our Track Sponsors.
🔥 Don't miss out—mark your calendars!
Papakaio School 2025 Fundraiser
Battle of the Bikers Ride - 15th March 2025 - Willow Park
Compete against other schools to take out the title.
How to score and represent your high school:
- Lap Crushers: Every lap earns 1 point for your school.
- Team Power: Each team entry gets 5 bonus points.
- Solo Legends: Individual riders score 10 points for their school.
- Chill Points: Every entry on the Easy Rider track earns 1 point.
Register online from 1st January 2025 at www.papakaio8hour.nz.
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