School Examinations

As we move into the next fortnight the key focus for our seniors will be their subject examinations. It is important that students understand when their exams will be and seek any clarification needed from their teachers. While these examinations are being held during class time they will still be under the same expectations and guidelines as the NCEA examinations at the end of the academic year.

Industrial Action

It was great to see an end to the protracted dispute between the Ministry of Education and the Post Primary Teachers Association regarding pay and working conditions.

Science Fair

On Thursday the 27th of July we held an event to recognise what our students had achieved in the Science Fair. Judging was carried out the night before with the help of student teachers from the University of Canterbury, Jon Hickford from Lincoln, David Winters also from UC, Grant Bennett from Ara, and Annalesise Faint and Piki Skerrett-white from Puhoro.

Our guest speaker for the evening was George Buchanan from rocket lab, who is an alumnus from Cashmere.

Year 9 Overall

• 1st Rope Busters - Sam Cook (9DRD)
• 2nd Noise vs. Coordination - Lola Harris, Pieta Bennett & Mia Spencer-Morgan (9DRD)
• 3rd Does Exercise Affect Resting Heart Rate? - Kahutaiki Calman (9TNE)

Year 10 Overall

• 1st True or Poo - Clementine Bruce (10FLS)
• 2nd Getting a Grasp on Grass - Anna Carter & Aurora Collier-Lowe (10NMG)
• 3rd Say Goodbye to Yellow Teeth - Emma Lovegrove (10SDM)

Best in Fair (Combined Overall)

• 1st Rope Busters - Sam Cook (9DRD)
• 2nd True or Poo - Clementine Bruce (10FLS)
• 3rd Getting a Grasp on Grass - Anna Carter & Aurora Collier-Lowe (10NMG)

Performing Arts Success

Congratulations to our Stage Band who performed in the big band section of Jazzquest 2023 taking out a GOLD AWARD. 

It was great to see “Sandfly” continue their rockquest success by making the National Top 30. 

Also our amazing Showquest crew continued their success, they have been awarded Runner Up for Best Choreography in NZ and 4th Overall in NZ, ZM Choice Award.

Of note it is the first time that we have taken out the regional titles for Rockquest, Jazzquest and Showquest in the same year!

School Formal

Last Friday we held our Senior Formal at the Wigram Airforce Museum. This event was a special occasion and was attended in large numbers by our Year 12 and Year 13 students. The theme of the Formal was a throwback to the 1970’s. The students were exceptionally well behaved throughout the Formal. Special thanks to the Formal Committee for their superb organisation.

House Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Sheppard House who won the 2023 Spelling Bee House Competition last week.

COVE Award Winners - Lucy Hudson and Ellie Cooper

We were delighted to award Lucy Hudson (Year 12) and Ellie Cooper (Year 13) COVE Awards at recent assemblies. Both Lucy and Ellie have been outstanding in their service around the school and in the community. While both are multi-talented and involved in a wide range of activities, it was their demonstration of service for others that stood out. Congrats Lucy and Ellie.

Sporting Success

Cross Country Success: Angus Siever

Congratulations to Angus Sevier (Year 12) who has continued his amazing success to win gold in the U18 Cross Country at the NZ champs in Taupo. It was also great to see Alumnus Cameron Avery, who won the Senior Men’s Title.

Canoeing Success: Natasha MacGibbon

Natasha (Y13) has achieved outstanding success at the Junior World Championships in Italy. She raced in the U18 section where she placed 5th K1 1000m in the final, and she placed 6th in the K2 500m. Well done Natasha!

Passing of John Murdoch

It is with sadness that we share the passing of one of our previous principals, Mr John Murdoch (1981-1991). Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, RIP.
Kua hinga he totara i te wao nui a Tane - A totara has fallen in the forest of Tane

He is pictured here attending one of our assemblies last term.

From the Archives

First Assembly 1956

Who’s Who at Cashmere High School - Luke Hulston

Ko wai au?
Kia Ora Koutou Katoa
Ko Aōraki te maunga
Ko Waimakariri te awa
Ko Ngati Pākeha te iwi
Nō Ōtautahi ahau
Ko Connor taku tama
Ko Hulston tōku whanau
Ko Luke toku ingoa

My name is Luke Hulston and I started at Cashmere in 2020 with the Physical Education and Health Faculty. The reason I started education was because I found a passion in teaching others skills and sharing the experiences that I have had for the betterment of others. I am privileged to be a part of this faculty as there are always challenges and new learning opportunities everyday, which has helped shape the teacher I am today.

Outside of school, I am lucky enough to have a small whānau, my partner Kim and 7 month old Connor being very supportive of all the aspirations I have. My partner is also a secondary teacher, however recently redirecting her career after being appointed the role of engaging women in high performance sport with high performance sport New Zealand.

When I am not teaching I play Volleyball at representative level, most recently for the New Zealand Volleyball team the ‘Volleyblacks’ and compete occasionally on the disc golf tour of New Zealand. Both of the sports I play are for various reasons. Volleyball is competitive and team orientated, while disc golf is great for seeing new parts of the country and staying active outdoors. My goal is to play as many different courses as I can, at the moment I have currently played 44 different unique courses across New Zealand and Australia and I am hoping to increase this over the next few years. 

The Fortnight Ahead