"Excellence is never an accident. It is the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives." – Attributed to Aristotle.

Recognising Success: Year 9 and Year 10 Prizegivings

On Wednesday we celebrated the achievements of our Year 9 and Year 10 students at their respective prizegiving ceremonies. We had an unprecedented number of parents attending and supporting their children; thank you. These events highlighted the diverse successes and growth of our students, as well as the values of effort, resilience, and excellence that lie at the heart of Cashmere High School (see below for premier awards recipients).

For our Year 9 students, this year marked an important beginning—laying the foundation for their high school journey. They explored new opportunities, built friendships, and navigated challenges, developing skills that will serve them well in the years ahead. As they move into Year 10, they are encouraged to embrace new activities, take on challenges, and continue building a strong sense of pride and community.

For Year 10, the focus was on recognising excellence in both quality and effort. As they prepare to step into the senior school, students were reminded of the importance of taking responsibility for their studies and actions. This rite of passage into Year 11 signals a time for growth, maturity, and building habits that will set the foundation for future success.

Thank you to all who helped make these events so special and congratulations to our award winners.

Have a wonderful festive season and relaxing holiday – we thank all parents and caregivers for partnering with us to bring about such great outcomes here. We look forward to seeing all our students refreshed and ready for school in 2025.

Mehe kirihimete,

Ngā mihi,
John Stradwick
Principal

Premier Award Recipients

Valiant Adventure Sports

Our Junior Adventure Racing team competed in Tongariro National Park recently. An enormous effort from all of them to finish 5th Nationally, with a special mention to Hannah Watson who was named top female motivator on the tournament 'Dream Team'. Thank you to the staff and parents who commit to these events and support our students.

Outstanding Athletic Results

Over the weekend of 6–8 December, we had a number of students competing at the NZSSAA Championships. These athletes exemplify true dedication, working tirelessly and giving their absolute best in every competition.

There were some incredible results:

• Leo de Monchy: 1st place in Boys Junior 3000m (8:51.93)

• Pera Gordon: 1st place in Junior Girls Pole Vault (2.8m), with Ashlee Hazlett taking 2nd and Isla Vick 6th in the same event

• Junior Mixed 4x400m Relay: 1st place (4:01.31) – Team members Pera Gordon, Samuel Wild, Paris Edlin, and Leo de Monchy

Congratulations to all our athletes for their outstanding achievements!

Welcoming Our New Advancement Manager

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Cashmere High School’s new Advancement Manager, Rachel Eadie. Through a rigorous selection process, Rachel stood out for her exceptional commercial acumen, networking expertise, and deep commitment to the Cashmere community.

Rachel currently serves on multiple local and national boards and brings extensive experience in fostering successful partnerships and achieving meaningful community outcomes. She is the Deputy Chair of the CHS Board of Trustees, CHS alumnus, and also volunteers as a parent representative on the school’s Kahui, which focuses on equity and excellence for our Māori students. Her strong understanding of our community’s needs, combined with her dedication, makes her an outstanding choice for this key role.

The Advancement Manager position, established by the CHS Foundation, represents an important step in driving targeted advancement and fundraising initiatives for Cashmere High School. As this is a newly created role, Rachel will focus on developing strategies that effectively engage our community and stakeholders.

We are excited about the expertise Rachel brings and the positive impact she will undoubtedly make. Please join us in warmly welcoming Rachel as she begins this exciting new chapter at Cashmere High School.

Celebrating Legends: Honouring Our Long-Serving Staff

At Cashmere High School, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable contributions of four outstanding educators who, together, have dedicated an incredible 110 years to our school. Whaea Miriama Setterington (Te Reo Māori), Karen Kennedy (HOF Technology), Grant Bartley (HOD Music) and Michelle Dalrymple (HOF Mathematics and Statistics) have each played a pivotal role in shaping our school’s culture, inspiring countless students, and leaving a lasting legacy through their passion and unwavering commitment.

Grant Bartley, with 20 years of service, has been the cornerstone of our music department. From his exceptional skills as a conductor and accompanist to leading international music tours, he has enriched the lives of students and staff with his musical brilliance. Michelle Dalrymple, also marking 20 years, has transformed mathematics and statistics education, earning national recognition and inspiring her faculty with her leadership and expertise. Karen Kennedy, after an incredible 30 years, has encouraged a passsion for design and architecture in her students while fostering a warm, supportive faculty culture. Finally, our beloved Whaea Miriama Setterington has been the heart of Cashmere High School for an extraordinary 40 years. Her wisdom, care, and dedication to tikanga Māori have nurtured generations of students and staff alike. We were privileged to have Whaea Mereana Selby, a former CHS staff member and CEO of Te Wānanga o Raukawa attend our long service celebration to speak and present Whaea Miriama with tāonga to acknowledge her service.

These four exceptional educators epitomise the very best of Cashmere High School. Their service, dedication, and leadership continue to make our school a better place for all. We thank them for their unwavering contributions and look forward to celebrating their ongoing impact for years to come.

Mr. Paul Weggery Named a 2024 ASB Good Sort

We are delighted to announce that Mr. Paul Weggery, a valued member of the Cashmere High School staff, has been named one of 2024’s ASB Good Sorts by 7 Sharp. In a heartwarming surprise, Mr. Weggery, while acting as Santa at the Senior Citizens' Annual Christmas Party, was ambushed by 7 Sharp host Hilary Barry and her film crew.

Mr. Weggery was nominated by our junior students for his outstanding dedication to charity work, particularly his long-standing support for the Hoon Hay Food Bank. His efforts to give back to the community have made a significant impact, and it’s wonderful to see him recognised for his selfless contributions. The full story will air on 7 Sharp on Friday, December 20th, on TV1. Be sure to tune in and watch as we celebrate Mr. Weggery’s remarkable commitment to helping others.

Update: Board Of Trustees Casual Vacancy Filled

Due to an earlier vacancy within Cashmere High School’s Board of Trustees a new parent representative was selected by the Board as per NZSBA process.

If you are on the school roll and would prefer a by-election option please register your name by emailing the Board Secretary at boardsec@cashmere.school.nz with the subject line ‘By-Election’.

We will get back to your email after 28 days of this notice being published.

Key Start Dates 2025:

• Thursday 23rd January: School office re-opens

• Monday 27th January: Y13 re-enrolment 9.30am

• Monday 27th January: Y12 re-enrolment 11.00am

• Tuesday 28th January: Y10 re-enrolment 10.00am

• Tuesday 28th January: Y11 re-enrolment 11.30am

• Wednesday 29th January: STAFF ONLY DAY

• Thursday 30th January: Y9 Pōwhiri 9.00am

• Friday 31st January: Y9 & Y10 start on timetable 8.45am

• Monday 3rd February: All year levels are at school starting 8.45am