St Kevin's College News and Reminders Term 3 Week 5
Kia ora whānau and friends of St Kevin's College,
What great weather we have had, spring is just around the corner. Evenings are lighter, it's fantastic!
This week our 1st XV were victorious in their win against Mt Hutt, well done boys.
We gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, our School show is in its final week of rehearsals, and we can't wait. Make sure you book your tickets NOW!
Our week ended with Otago and Canterbury Uni planning courses and the Waitaki Careers Expo.
School Notices
- Up to date ATLs have been published and are available to view through the Edge app
- This is a friendly reminder that if students have appointments during the day parents and caregivers must let the office know beforehand. 03 437 1665 or 021 437 176
- Also, students in Years 9-12 are not permitted to leave the school grounds during intervals and lunch breaks.
Te Ngakau Nui
Te Ngakau Nui is a parent and community run group that fundraises to support St Kevin's school. We have a small but dedicated committee that helps to run the Uniform shop and organise other fundraising events.
So far this year donated money towards the refurbishment of the Office, we have purchased a new BBQ for groups within the school to use for fundraising, as well as providing money to purchase 'Write that Essay' for all students at the school.
We raise funds through a major biannual fundraiser - Mr North Otago last year and also an ongoing fundraiser by providing helpers for the Hungry Horse a café run at the Oamaru Race Course.
We need helpers to help out on Sunday 20th of August from 10 am to 6 pm.
We can work in two hour shifts -
10:30 -12:30 - Prepare food and get the café ready.
12:30 -2:30 - Serving customers and making sure food is ready
2:30 - 5 pm Serving and cleaning up.
Students are welcome to help for Service Hours.
If you can help please let Sam Growcott know -0212931158 or email tengakaunui@stkevins.school.nz.
Whanau Reading Initiative
Would you like the chance to win $1000.00 for your family or $500 for your students at the end of the year?
Hopefully, that got your attention! Over the past year, we have been thinking about the problem of how to support families to develop their student's reading abilities. For most families with students of secondary school age, reading is something that is done by the student independently and it can be a struggle to get them to engage. We invite families who would like to participate in this programme to collect a copy of the booklet from the office. There are 20 activities in the booklet which range from ice breaker conversation starters to how to analyse text. The activities are designed to be able to be used with any reading material your student is interested in. Once you have worked through the activities, please date and sign the back page so your student can register for their reading badge at the office and go into the draw for themselves and their family at the end of the year. This is a first attempt. Feedback is welcome!
This Week at SKC
SKC vs Mt Hutt Rugby Game 15th Aug
Congratulations to our 1st XV, who played a fantastic game on Tuesday, against Mt Hutt College and took the win 40- 27.
Great sportsmanship all around.
A big thanks to Diana Flores for the 📸's.
Assumption Mass
This week we gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This feast highlights Mary's close connection to Jesus and her exemplary life of faith. It also reminds us of the hope of eternal life and the promise of salvation. Our recently confirmed students were each presented with a set of Rosary Beads at the conclusion of Mass.
School Events
Friday 25th August - Monday 28th August - Hostel Closed
Monday 28th August - Teachers Only Day
Sunday 3rd September - Tuesday 5th September - Yr 13 Tourism trip
Tuesday 5th September - Cambridge information evening
Monday 11th September - Sports and Cultural photos
Monday 18th September - Friday 22nd September - Assessment Week
Sporting Events
Monday 28th August - Saturday 2nd September - Tournament Week
Tuesday 5th September - St Thomas Exchange
Cultural Events
Thursday 24th - Friday 25th August - School Show
Thursday 7th September - Choral festival
Musical Production - Man of Steel - Tickets now on sale
Man of Steel is an action-packed musical spoof and a spectacular show of heroically super proportions. This musical is the entertaining battle of our Super Hero and Heroine over the evil Countess Olga and her motley henchmen. It is full of fun, with fast-moving action and larger than life characters.
Dates: Thursday 24 August 2023 & Friday 25 August 2023
Extra Curricular Events
The Rotary National Science & Technology Forum
Applications for consideration to attend the January 2024 Rotary National Science & Technology Forum are due to your local Rotary Clubs by Monday 21 August 2023.
https://rotarysciencetechforum.wordpress.com/
For year 12 Phys, Chem , Bio students see attached forms
Science Scholars Programme at The University of Auckland
Science Scholars is a flagship programme of The Faculty of Science of The University of Auckland, designed to provide exceptionally motivated students with a unique platform to immerse themselves in a world of scientific discovery and collaboration. Our aim is to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to make a meaningful impact in Science.
By joining the Science Scholars Programme, students will gain access to:
1. Exclusive Research Opportunities: having the chance to work alongside our distinguished faculty members on cutting-edge research projects spanning various scientific disciplines.
2. Tailored Learning: Our programme offers specialized seminars, and hands-on experiences that go beyond the standard curriculum, allowing students to delve deeper into their areas of interest.
3. Networking and Mentorship: Scholars will interact in a tightknit community of like-minded peers and have the chance to be mentored by experienced academic staff active in the scientific community, fostering growth and connections.
4. Engaging Events: We host regular and exciting events tailored to Science Scholars students and guest lectures that provide a platform for scholars to engage with current scientific debate and advancement.
5. Recognition and Scholarships: Exceptional performance within the programme will lead to recognition and scholarship opportunities that pave the way for further academic pursuits.
We believe that your school's science enthusiasts possess the potential to excel within our Science Scholars Programme. By promoting this initiative among your top year 13 high school science students, you'll be providing them with a gateway to a world of possibilities, setting them on a path to become leaders in their chosen scientific fields.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Davide Mercadante at davide.mercadante@auckland.ac.nz
MacDiarmid Institute Discovery Camp and Nano Camp 2024
NanoCamp and DiscoveryCamp for current Year 12 and 13 secondary school students are hugely popular and highly contested. The four-day, all-expenses-paid residential programmes give students the opportunity to learn about nanoscience through lectures and lab experience with MacDiarmid Institute investigators. DiscoveryCamp is designed specifically for Māori and Pacific Island students, while NanoCamp is open to any students with a strong academic background and passion for science. We sent you four posters in mid-July (two for each type of camp), along with a cover letter explaining the details of the camps, so that you can pass along the details to your eligible students. If you did not receive these, please let me know and we can arrange for them to be re-sent. We have also attached copies of the posters to this email (PDF and JPG format) so that they can be distributed in your school newsletter if that is appropriate.
Applications for DiscoveryCamp and NanoCamp 2024 will close on 27th August 2023, and we would encourage your students to apply shortly if they are keen to attend. In order to apply, students simply need to visit our website at: https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/what-we-do/into-the-community/discoverycamp-and-nanocamp/. From there they will be able to get further information and make an application. There are also videos from previous camp attendees, as follows:
- https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/videos/eden-talks-about-discoverycamp-2020/
- https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/videos/mariah-talks-about-discoverycamp/
- https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/videos/macdiarmid-institute-nanocamp-2019/
- https://www.macdiarmid.ac.nz/news-and-events/videos/discoverycamp-2018/
Please note that applicants must be in year 12 or year 13 at the time of application. If you or your students have any questions regarding the camps or the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at macdiarmidnano-discoverycamp@vuw.ac.nz.
School TV
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual's brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.
Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.
Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, well-being and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, families can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.
Learning more about neurodiversity equips families with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent young person.
Here is the link to the Neurodiversity edition of SchoolTV
Community Events
Junior Squash Training
Oamaru Squash Club will run training sessions on Wednesday's 3:30-4:30 pm, starting 23rd of August.
Multicultural Day - 25 August
Antioch Camp - 22nd-24th September
Antioch empowers taiohi / young people to recognise the incredible person God has created them to be. This weekend camp is a time to explore faith and journey together into prayer and the sacraments. It is also a time to make new friends, play games, listen to inspirational speakers, ask big questions, make music, and much more!
Antioch aims to inspire, encourage, and equip young people to be the church of today and disciples in their communities.
The Great Waitaki Brick Build-Off
The Oamaru Library has a brand new competition coming up on September 23rd, and they're currently looking for teams to apply to be a part of the fun!
You don’t need to be an experienced LEGO builder, The Great Waitaki Brick Build-Off competition is for everyone. And with teams comprising one adult (18+) and one or two children, it’s a great chance for some whanau bonding!
If you’d like to be part of the competition you can grab an application form from the display just inside the front doors of the Library; or download it from the website: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Libraries/Events-Activities/The-Great-Waitaki-Brick-Build-Off or simply print off the copy attached to this email Applications close 5.00pm Friday September 8.
Checkout their Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1032104374628654
2024 Fully Funded Outward Bound Courses for students with disabilities
Enrolments are now open for the following Outward Bound courses for secondary school students with physical disabilities. These courses run once a year in January and April.
These courses are fully funded. The only cost to students is getting a pre-course medical done by a GP and getting themselves to and from Picton via bus, ferry, personal vehicle or air.
These 6-8 day courses are based in the Marlborough Sounds. Students build confidence, resilience, and make new friends through activities such as sailing, waka ama, ropes course, and camping.
YOUTH HORIZONS 2024
A 6 day course for youth with an intellectual disability (16-21yrs)
Sat 6 – Thu 11 Jan 2024
(Supervision on flights from Auckland and Ferry from Wellington is provided for this course)
LEAPS & BOUNDS ACTIVATE 2024
An 8 day course for physically disabled youth (13 to 16yrs) to attend with a parent or caregiver
Sun 7 - Sun 14 April 2024
YOUTH ACTIVATE 2024
An 8 day course for physically disabled youth aged 16-17 years
Sat 20 - Sat 27 April 2024
To find out more see www.outwardbound.co.nz/adapted or contact us:
Email: adapted@outwardbound.co.nz
Freephone: 0800 688 927
Request to hold a Fundraising Event
If you wish to hold a fundraising event for school sports or recreational activities please follow the appropriate channels by filling out this form.
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
Got any News to Share?
We love celebrating our students' success. Photos are always a bonus! 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