Term 2 was yet another busy and successful term for the Year 13 cohort. Academic reports indicated that the vast majority of students are achieving strong results and making a positive impression in their classes.

It has also been extremely pleasing to see so many Year 13 students immersed in the wider life of the school through things such as sport, music groups, house events, and the humanities council.

Some notable mentions from Term 2 among the cohort include:

• Our COVE Award winners for Term 2; Josh Bruce-Campbell, Emma McLean, Jayden Rosanowski and Oakley Inkersell. These students have demonstrated our school values over their time at Cashmere High School and it is wonderful to be able to acknowledge this through our COVE Award.
• Sophie Hartshaw for being awarded the Rotary Young Totara Award. This fantastic achievement acknowledges Sophie’s leadership and ‘service beyond self’ at Cashmere High School and our local community.
• Charlie Hazlett was awarded the Canterbury Athletics Association ‘most outstanding athlete’ in Term 2. A fantastic recognition of the training and hard work Charlie puts in to his athletic endeavours.
• Waimalie Rupene and Wairaamia Taratoa-Bannister for standing at Manu Korero. The girls did an amazing job representing our Kura and Wairaamia was placed first in the senior English section of the competition.
• Hannah Daniell and Louie Howell both placed in the top 10 for the Future Problem Solving world championships in Term 3 yet again reinforcing the strength these two students have brought to the programme over their time at Cashmere High School.
• Amélie MacKay represented New Zealand at the Oceania Mountain Biking Championships in Australia in Term 3 gaining 2nd and 3rd Placings in her races.
• Thomas MacGibbon was selected to represent New Zealand at the world Canoe Sprint championships in Portugal and he will travel there after spending time as a training partner at the Tokyo Olympics in Term 3.
• Friday Morning Coffee (Nic Blackie, Jono Blackie, Will Hanlon, Ezra Howell and Jules Hlavac) once again took out the top prize at the Ara Jazz Quest in 2021 as well as multiple individual prizes.
• This term we had over 60 Principals Awards across our Principals Assemblies. This is simply amazing and recognises the depth and breadth of student achievement and service across our cohort.

As we begin to look beyond life at Cashmere High School, it is important to consider that the time at this school is not just about gaining an academic qualification, but also, developing a strong character. Qualities essential for any pathway after Cashmere include resilience, adaptability, and integrity. Term 3 will see a focus for the cohort on reflecting on character. It is a big wide world beyond this school and it is vital that students have a ‘can-do’ attitude to solving problems and managing times of difficulty. The challenge is for students to be ‘jungle tiger, not a zoo tiger’ when considering options beyond school, facing personal challenges and when engaged in the learning process.

Term 3 is also about academic achievement. Senior Examinations are in Week 4 and 5 and students need to be well prepared for these. Clarifying any areas of uncertainty with their teachers, having a study plan, attending tutorials and doing homework are all very important tools in enabling students to achieve personal excellence.

It is great to see Year 13 students balancing academic endeavours with extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities. I am looking forward to this year continuing to be a successful year both inside and outside the classroom.

As always if you have any concerns or queries don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly by phone (3374720) or email (bzh@cashmere.school.nz).

Hayden Beaumont
Year 13 Head of School