St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 1 Week 7
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
This week has been packed with exciting events! We hosted our Pacific Group Information Evening, our Year 12 students attended their retreat, and students took part in the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Trip, the St Thomas Cricket exchange, and Aoraki Athletics. We had a Health & Safety course to finish the week, and our Drama students headed on a theatre trip.
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
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
- Otago Anniversary Day: Monday, 24th March
(The hostel will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 21st March until 2 pm, Monday 24th March) - Good Friday: Friday, 18th April
- 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 7
| Sunday 9th | Monday 10th | Tuesday 11th | Wednesday 12th | Thursday 13th | Friday 14th | Saturday 15th |
9th FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT | (Anniversary of election of Pope Francis, 2013) |
1st week of Lent
Lent is a season of simple living. As the entire Church prepares for the great celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery in the Easter Triduum, Catholics make special efforts to pray, do penance, and do good works. Every day of the forty-day Lenten season is an opportunity to live simply and prepare for Easter.
When we talk about the Paschal Mystery we are referring to God’s plan of salvation which was fulfilled through four events in Christ’s life. Those four events are His Passion (his suffering and crucifixion), death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
Paschal. It comes from the Hebrew word PASACH which means to PASS OVER. This refers, of course, to the first Passover when the Lord passed over the homes of the Israelites while striking down the firstborn of Egypt.
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
Lately at SKC
Edmund Rice Leadership Weekend
The five Edmund Rice Schools of New Zealand gathered in Dunedin from the 21st - 23rd February for the annual Edmund Rice Leadership Weekend.
Liston College and St Peter's College flew in from Auckland, while St Thomas of Canterbury in Christchurch joined St Kevin's College for the drive to Trinity Catholic College in Dunedin.
The weekend focused on leadership formation for their roles and the Edmund Rice story.
A highlight was the Blues vs Highlanders, with a bit of North vs South rivalry.
Year 12 Geography Trip
At the end of February, our Year 12 Geography class visited Aoraki Mt. Cook to study the natural and cultural landscape as part of the AS Cambridge and NCEA programs.
The trip included conducting surveys with locals and tourists in the Twizel Town Centre, visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum, participating in an evening astronomy session, and receiving an introduction to the area from the Department of Conservation.
We also explored some geographic features while hiking at the Red Tarns.
Workplace First Aid Course 2025
Last Friday Vocational Pathways students and several staff members completed a comprehensive Workplace First Aid course. This essential training equipped participants with life-saving skills, preparing them for real-world emergencies.
The course covered CPR techniques, the stable side position, and spinal injury precautions. Participants also learned how to manage choking incidents, severe bleeding, strokes, heat exposure, and poisoning cases.
This training is a vital prerequisite before students begin their work experience placements, ensuring they are prepared to act confidently in an emergency. These skills enhance personal safety and make them valuable contributors to any workplace.
Spark Awards
Our first round of Spark Awards was given out on Tuesday at our Year 9–11 assembly.
Well done to our young people who go above and beyond!
Year 12 Retreat
On Tuesday our Year 12 students participated in a retreat to deepen their understanding of our Special Character and their faith journeys. At St. Kevin's, each year's level retreat centres around a key theme.
The theme for Year 12 is "Challenge," which encourages students to live with courage, integrity, and justice, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
We thank Father Fredy for joining us at lunchtime and leading a meaningful reconciliation liturgy and Year 12 student Toeafiafi Halalele for the 📸s
EREA Visit
On Thu, 13th March, we welcomed representatives from Edmund Rice Education Australia as part of their visit to the five Edmund Rice schools in New Zealand.
The visit began with a full mihi whakatau to warmly welcome Dr Michael Slattery, President of the EREA Council and Trustees, Dr Liam Smith, National Executive Director of EREA, Jo Hart, Director of Formation and Culture for EREA, and Cathy Harrison from the Edmund Rice Formation team in New Zealand.
This visit provided an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen ties between Edmund Rice schools across the Pacific, reinforcing our shared commitment to faith, learning, and community.
Year 12 Geography trip
Our Year 12 Geography trip to Aoraki Mt Cook was an unforgettable experience!
Exploring our incredible region and creating lifelong memories along the way.
School Events
Coming up this term
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
Thursday 10th April - House Haka/Waiata competition
Sports
Coming up this term
Monday 24th -30th March - Summer Tournament Week
Friday 4th - 6th April - SISS Athletics
Tuesday 8th April - Senior Quads
2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track & Field Championships
Congratulations to James Miers (Jimmy) and Jack O'Neill for their outstanding performances at the 2025 Jennian Homes NZ Track & Field Championships, held at the Caledonian Ground in Dunedin from March 6th to 9th.
James Miers (Jimmy) earned a bronze medal in the Javelin with an impressive throw of 47.80 meters, securing 3rd place.
Jack O'Neill had an excellent meet, achieving the following times:
- 100m – 11.92 seconds
- 200m – 23.98 seconds (Personal Best)
Jack was also part of the Otago 400m relay team, which finished 4th with a time of 45.08 seconds.
Well done, Jimmy and Jack! We are proud of your accomplishments on the national stage!
High Performance Sport Skills Sessions
Our High Performance Sport skills sessions are well and truly underway at the College! Our Junior High Performance and Senior Sports Performance classes are working with coaches from around the region to upskill in their specific codes, focusing on each sport's technical and tactical aspects.
Thank you to North Otago Rugby Development Officers Jason Forrest and Josh Phipps, Liam Direen, Jacob Fowler, David Rzoska, and Carmen Brenssell for sharing your expertise with our students!
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
School TV
SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture
Young people today are growing up in a world where exposure to other people's lives is constant. Through social media and other platforms, they are regularly presented with curated highlights - from flawless holiday photos and academic milestones to the latest fashion trends and fitness achievements. This continuous stream of idealised content fuels what is known as comparison culture, where self-worth is often measured by how someone stacks up against others.
For children and teenagers, who are still figuring out who they are, this culture can be particularly damaging. Constantly comparing their appearance, achievements, or social standing to friends, influencers, and even strangers can lead to unrealistic expectations and a skewed sense of self-worth. This relentless need to measure up can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and anxiety - undermining both confidence and emotional wellbeing.
It's vital that parents and caregivers understand how deeply comparison culture can influence a young person's self-perception and sense of value. Left unchecked, it can foster perfectionism and a dependence on external validation, where a 'like' or comment becomes the measure of their worth.
The good news is, families have a powerful role to play in helping young people navigate these challenges. This Special Report will help you empower your young person to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world and embrace their own unique path.
Here is the link to your Special Report https://stkevins.nz.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-social-media-comparison-culture-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
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
🏍️ 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