Debating Champions | Rowing Success | NZQA Information

Informed Debate – Principal’s Message

Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Cashmere High School - Te Iringa o Kahukura.

A thriving, free society depends on robust, informed debate. The ability to engage in intellectual discourse, challenge ideas, and defend viewpoints with evidence is the foundation of democracy, innovation, and progress. However, meaningful debate does not begin with mere opinion—it begins with deep knowledge. Without a rich, rigorous foundation of understanding, arguments become empty, and discussion loses its power.

Debating is one of the highest forms of intellectual engagement, sharpening critical thinking, strengthening public speaking, and cultivating the essential skill of constructing well-founded arguments.

We are proud to celebrate the success of our Senior Debating Team, who displayed exceptional skill, going undefeated in seven rounds to become the Canterbury Senior Debating Champions. Their achievement is a testament to the power of preparation, teamwork, and the ability to construct compelling arguments under pressure.

A special thank you to our dedicated teachers, Mrs. Deborah Amos, Ms. Kendra Burgess-Naude and Miss Alice Mitchell, whose support has been instrumental in shaping our students into champions.

Ngā mihi nui,
John Stradwick | Principal

Canterbury Senior Debating Champions

Cashmere has a proud tradition of debating. It involves teamwork, a high level of communication skills, and logical reasoning. With only 30 minutes to prepare for each debate and speaking times of six to seven minutes, the pressure was on all debaters at the Canterbury Regional Tournament held at the University of Canterbury. 

Our CHS Gold team (Hanna North, Anouk Hector-Taylor and Naomi Wilson) broke into the semi-finals as the only team on five wins. They went on to beat St Andrews’ College in the semi-final, and St Margaret’s College in the final, affirming the moot: This House would, in New Zealand, create opt-in youth electorates for candidates and voters under 30 years old. It was an amazing achievement to win all of their seven debates in the tournament and become the Canterbury Senior Debating Champions.

Cashmere Rowers Among the Best in the South Island

Cashmere High School Rowing has achieved an outstanding milestone, finishing as the 5th best school in the South Island—one of the strongest results in the school’s history. With 15 A finals and 5 B finals, the squad’s performances across the weekend demonstrated the hard work, determination, and continuous improvement of all rowers.

A school record was set with four South Island titles, marking a historic achievement. The team secured the Girls U17 (GU17) Single and Quad titles for the first time ever, successfully defended the GU18 Quad title, and reclaimed the GU15 Double title, last won in 2022.

This success would not have been possible without our dedicated coaching staff, parents, sponsors and leadership from our Director of Rowing, Mr. Adrian Riepen. Their commitment has played a crucial role in ensuring the team is well-prepared and able to compete at such a high level.

Congratulations to all rowers, coaches, and supporters for an incredible achievement!

Important NZ Qualifications Information - Term 1

This essential update (HERE) provides important information on assessment extensions, authenticity rules, and key expectations for students completing NCEA assessments. It outlines when extensions can be granted, the importance of submitting original work, and the consequences of plagiarism. Parents and students should review these guidelines to ensure they meet NZQA requirements and understand the support available if needed. Any queries please email Miss Laura Martin - Principal's Nominee for NZQA matters mil@cashmere.school.nz.

Support Cashmere at Polyfest 2025

Come and experience the South Island’s biggest celebration of Pasifika culture at Polyfest 2025. This event brings together Canterbury secondary schools to showcase Pasifika culture, language, and identity through song and dance.

Our Cashmere High School's Pasifika group is on stage from 9:00 AM. Mr Tavita Tuia, alongside staff, parents, and students, has been working hard to prepare for this special event. Details: Saturday, 22nd March 2025 at North Hagley Park Special Events Area. Free Entry.

Year 10 Parent Meeting Information 

For information on dates and how to make bookings please click HERE
Interviews are held at Cashmere High School on Thursday 20th March, 4.30pm - 7pm or Tuesday 25th March, 4.30pm - 7pm.

Volleyball Championships

Our volleyball teams are in action this weekend at the Canterbury Volleyball Championships, running from today until Sunday. With four teams competing, these games are especially important for our A teams as they prepare for the National Championships at the end of the month.

If you have time, come along and show your support—our teams would love the encouragement. Click HERE for the schedule.

Key Dates

To keep up to date with what is happening in sport, arts and service please refer to the online calendar on the website HERE