News From Saint Kentigern College

In August, College students from Years 10 to 13 were privileged to welcome seven dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) to their classes to work alongside them in a workshop setting. Each workshop took a different focus with plenty of opportunity for students to ask questions about the life of a professional dancer. Among the visitors was one special guest, former Saint Kentigern student, Nathanael Skelton who graduated in 2002. Nathanael currently dances with the RNZB having recently returned from Europe where he began his career as a professional ballet dancer based in the United Kingdom. For Nathanael, the return to College was ‘coming full circle.’ When he attended Saint Kentigern, it was a boys-only College and dance was not a curriculum subject so Nathanael was surprised to see the changes since his time, especially the inclusion of a dedicated dance studio in the Sports Centre complex and to see dance offered as a curriculum subject.

This year the College held a special 40 Hour Famine fundraiser for World Vision as part of their continued partnership with the humanitarian organisation. World Vision celebrated their 40th anniversary and the College fund-raised the largest amount they have ever donated, a total of $83,127.00. The College had over 50 students and two staff members individually fundraise more than $500.00 each. These students were honoured into the ‘$500.00 Club’ at the final full assembly of Term 2, along with the top fundraising class and Service Council being recognised for their outstanding efforts. A cheque was then presented for $83,127.27 to two World Vision representatives.

Finally, congratulations should go to Andrew Chen who has achieved the top score in Year 9 for the New Zealand and Pacific International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Science Test. CAS, commonly referred to as the University of New South Wales competitions, is conducted annually in Australia and over 20 countries globally. These are independent skills-based assessments and school tests for primary and secondary school students in Computer Skills, English, Maths, Science, Spelling and Writing. Thus far we have results for Science and Computer Skills. Andrew’s top score achievement qualifies him for a medal from the University of New South Wales, along with a medal winner’s certificate which he will receive at a presentation ceremony later in the year. This is the third ICAS medal for Andrew having been top in Maths in 2012 and top in Science in 2013.

For more information on Saint Kentigern College, please go to http://www.saintkentigern.co.nz .