St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 6
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
It’s been a busy week at SKC. Our girls' and boys' volleyball teams competed in the Aoraki Secondary Schools Championships, and we marked Ash Wednesday with a school Mass. To finish off Week 5, some of our students are completing a First Aid course, while our SKC rowing team are representing at the SISS Rowing regatta.
Good luck to all our students competing!
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.
ATLs
The first round of ATLs has been published!
Parents can now view and check their child’s learning habits and progress through the Parent Portal
Pacific Families Information Evening
Everyone is invited to our Pacific Families Information Evening on Monday, 10th March at 6:30 PM in the St Kevin's College Library.
This evening, we will connect and explore the potential for a Pacific cultural performance group.
Refreshments are provided.
For more information please get in touch with Mrs Dooley tdooley@stkevins.school.nz and Mr Devereaux jdevereaux@stkevins.school.nz.
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.
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!
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 6
| Sunday 2nd | Monday 3rd | Tuesday 4th | Wednesday 5th | Thursday 6th | Friday 7th | Saturday 8th |
8th SUNDAY | ASH WEDNESDAY | DAY OF PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND VIOLENCE |
Lent 2025 resources, centered on the theme "Restoring Hope: Your Compassion in Action / Kia Puawai Te Tūmanako."
This transformative journey aligns with Pope Francis's Jubilee Year theme of being "Pilgrims of Hope," inviting us to actively embody love, compassion, and hope in our daily lives.
In 2017, the NZ Catholic Bishops drew our attention to the need to pray in the face of violence by introducing a day of Prayer and Penance for victims of abuse and violence. While this day is to be the first Friday of Lent each year, let us make prayer in the face of violence a habit.
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 for First Sunday in Lent.
‘Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the
Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.’ [ Luke 4:1-2]
So many choices to make in life. What is life-giving for us and for all of God’s
creation?
‘… integral ecology takes ‘us to the heart of what it is to be human… if we feel
intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up
spontaneously. The poverty and austerity of Saint Francis [ of Assisi] were no mere
veneer of asceticism, but something much more radical: a refusal to turn reality into
an object simply to be used and controlled.[LS 11]
‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.’ [ Luke 4:7]
Lately at SKC
Ash Wednesday Mass
Today's Ash Wednesday Mass marked the beginning of the Lenten Season.
The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday serve as a reminder of our mortality and our relationship with God. They symbolise our shared need for His grace. Thank you to everyone who participated in today's Mass.
Our choir sang beautifully, and Father Fredy's message encouraged us to share our time and gifts with others through almsgiving and prayer. He also urged us to practice self-discipline by giving up one or two luxuries during fasting.
It was wonderful to see many parishioners celebrating Mass with us today.
A special thanks to Mr. Mawson for capturing this Mass for us.
Caritas Justice Chat
On Thu, 6th March, the SKC Caritas group joined the Justice Chat, bringing together students from multiple schools for a meaningful discussion on social justice.
The session began with a prayer, setting the tone for a reflective and engaging experience. Each school responded to three thought-provoking questions independently before sharing insights with the broader group. Following these discussions, we explored the significance of the Jubilee Year.
We are deeply grateful for each school's inspiring contributions and look forward to incorporating these ideas into our initiatives in 2025!
Wānaka A&P Show
We're at the Wānaka A&P Show!
Come visit us at Site A14! We’re excited to reconnect with our SKC whānau, catch up with past students, and meet future families who are eager to learn more about St Kevin’s College.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
School Events
Coming up this term
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
Coming up this term
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
Aoraki Senior Girls Volleyball
A fantastic start to Term 1 for our girls' volleyball teams! 🏐🔥
At the Aoraki Secondary Schools' Girls Volleyball Championship on Tue, 4th March, SKC Red claimed 1st place in the A Grade, while SKC Blue secured 3rd place—an outstanding effort from both teams!
Well done to all the players and coaches for your hard work and dedication.
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):
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!
Purchase your tickets from https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/14876?
School TV
Drug & Alcohol Use
Many parents and families are concerned about the use of alcohol, as well as other drugs, as their children grow up. For young people, a one time or infrequent use of alcohol or drugs can unfortunately result in tragedy such as unintentional injuries, homicide or even suicide. Young people who use alcohol and drugs before their brain is fully developed, are often at greater risk of future addiction.
Research has shown that a young person’s brain keeps developing until they are in their mid-twenties, making alcohol more harmful than previously thought. Even the casual use of certain drugs can cause severe health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Parents will often feel overwhelmed when having to deal with substance abuse issues. However, they are encouraged to lead by example and set behavioural boundaries for their young people.
In this edition of SchoolTV families and whānau will learn how to deal with the issues surrounding drug and alcohol use and the impact it can have on a young people's development. Alcohol and drug use can lead to serious problems such as poor academic performance, loss of friends, behavioural issues and even lasting legal problems.
If you have any concerns about your young person, please contact a member of our Pastoral Care Team for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Drug & Alcohol Use edition of SchoolTV
https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/newsletter/drug-alcohol-use
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
Ethically Kate is coming to Oamaru!
Join Ethically Kate and her husband Tim for a FREE Q&A session at The Collective Café, Harbour Street, on Monday, 17th March, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM.
Kate is a passionate Kiwi educator, author, and advocate for sustainable, joy-filled living. She will share insights from their nine-year sustainability journey and discuss how mindful living benefits both people and the planet.
Bonus: Participate in a fun audience game sponsored by sustainable brands and take home some eco-goodies!
RSVP to JOT Waitaki at jotwaitaki@outlook.com to register your interest.
Let's come together for a conversation that inspires positive change!
Weston School Rogaine
Mark your calendars for a fun and adventurous day on Saturday, April 5, 2025! The Weston School Rogaine is a family-friendly team event similar to orienteering, where you design your own course based on your ambitions and abilities.
Event Details:
- Map Handout: 9:00 AM
- Rogaine Starts: 10:00 AM
- Rogaine Finishes: 1:00 PM
- Location: A farm near Windsor, North Otago (20 minutes from Weston School)
- Postponement Date: April 6 (in case of bad weather)
Categories:
- Year 7/8
- Year 9/10
- Year 11-13
- Family/Open
Registration Fees:
- $10 per student
- $15 per adult (plus booking fee)
- Teams of 3-4
How It Works:
Collect as many checkpoints as possible within the timeframe while traveling on foot with a map. It's a great way to challenge yourself, enjoy the outdoors, and support Weston School!
Register Now!
Online registrations close on March 30. Scan the QR code or sign up at [rogaine@weston.school.nz](mailto:rogaine@weston.school.nz).
Don’t miss out on this exciting fundraising event for Weston School. Gather your team and get ready for a day of adventure!
Oamaru Performing Arts Society 86th Annual Festival
Event: Oamaru Performing Arts Society 86th Annual Festival
Dates: Fri, 16th May – Sun, 18th May 2025 (Thu, 15th May may be used if required)
Venue: Oamaru Opera House, Thames Street, Oamaru
- Auditorium: Ballet, Tap & Highland Dancing, Musical Theatre
- Ink Box: Speech, Vocal & Instrumental
National Young Performer Awards Nominee Classes:
- Acoustic Instruments
- Speech
- Modern Dance
- Troupes
- Musical Theatre
Key Dates:
- Online entries open: 7 pm, Wed, 5th February 2025
- Entries close: Fri, 14th March 2025 (No late entries accepted)
- Trophies must be returned by: Sat, 1st March 2025
- Return to: Mrs Nelunka Ormandy, 66 Wharfe Street, Oamaru 9400
- Fine of $50 per trophy for late returns
Contact Email: oamaruperformingarts@gmail.com
Full General Conditions for Competitors in the attached PDF.
2025 Jazz & Blues Talent Quest
Get ready to showcase your talent at the Harbour Street Jazz & Blues Talent Quest! Whether you are a musician, performer, or just love to have fun, this is your chance to shine.
Date: 22nd March 2025
Location: Main Stage, Harbour Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
Categories:
- Musical Talent: Compete for a chance to win a recording session at Sublime Studios!
- Other Talent: Amaze the crowd with your unique skills.
- Fun Categories:
- Best Jazz Hands Interpretation
- Best Air Instrument Impression
Over $1500 in Prizes!
Open to All Ages
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate jazz, blues, and talent!
For more details, visit: www.harbourstreetfestival.com
🎭 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