As we conclude the 2023 academic year I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Cashmere High because of the outstanding people we have involved in our wider school community.

As the Principal I have the privilege of travelling between the different elements of the Cashmere experience and seeing our students in a wide range of contexts. As I reflect on the year I acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of our students both individually and collectively as well as our determination to forge our own sense of institutional excellence. For us education has a higher purpose. Everything that we do, everything that we learn, we hope, will empower our communities for a better future.

Ko Te iringa o Kahukura ko te korowai matauraka ō tātou tīpuna.

Year 9 and Year 10 Prizegiving

On Friday we concluded the school year with our Year 9 and Year 10 Academic Prizegivings. Thank you to the parents and whanau who were able to attend. It was a great way in which to finish off the year.

Congratulations to all of our students who received awards on Friday, in particular to those who received our special awards and premier awards.

Year 9

• Graduation Cup - Isobel Whitaker
• Leadership Cup - Elana Weaver
• Citizenship Cup - Tom Chisam
• All Round Excellence Cup - Pieta Bennett
• Academic Cup - Kahutaiki Calman

Year 10

• Graduation Cup - Sansha Arora
• Year 10 Citizenship Award - Nevannah Ashworth
• Charlotte Bubbins Memorial Cup for Services to the School Community - William Cropp
• All Round Excellence Cup - Millie Junge
• Academic Cup - Clementine Bruce

Te Pukenga Prizegiving

Our Te Pukenga Complex Needs Unit celebrated the end of the year in great style with their Prizegiving; acknowledging the wonderful accomplishments of our students.

Pasifika Fiafia

Friday, 1st December, we held our Fiafia night to celebrate the achievements of our Pasifika students. While our Pasifika student population is very small, they contribute so much energy and vibrancy to our school. Congratulations to all the prize winners and a big farewell to our Year 13 students.

Year 8 Whanau Hui

Thank you to all of our Māori whanau who attended our Year 8 Whanau Hui. This was a great opportunity to meet the parents and extended family of our incoming cohort of students arriving in 2024. Thanks to our Māori student leaders who helped host the event.

Senior Citizens Party

In 1956 we started a tradition of hosting an annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party with the idea of bringing our communities together. 67 years later we continue that tradition.

Junior Activities Day

Last Wednesday we had our Junior Activities Day. Thank you to all the staff involved in supporting this event, particularly our Heads of Houses and House Captains.

French Exchange

Senior French students Ryan Johnson, Isabelle Muller-Wild, Hazel Bown and Mila Peeti are off to spend three months in France at Lycée St Michel, our sister school in Château-Gontier, north western France. Safe travels!

Young Enterprise Awards

Congratulations to Alex Boot & Sophie Brand who were presented with the Young Enterprise Award for Best Social Enterprise (a profitable business that provides a social good).

Staff Food Bank Delivery

A big thank you to the one and only Mr Paul Weggery who has been organising deliveries to the Hoon Hay Food Bank throughout this year. This has been a fantastic initiative of his and he has supported staff to donate food, games, toys, linen, Christmas baking, and even vegetables. This will make a real difference for many struggling families so they too can have a Merry Christmas.

CHS Music Primary Schools Tour

Last week we had our annual Primary Schools tour. It’s always such a joy to take our Concert and Stage Bands on the road into the community to inspire that next generation of musicians. Many of our own band members went to these schools and it’s great for them to able to give back and show their old teachers how far they have come.

Farewell Mandy and Jill

At the conclusion of 2023 we have fare welled two long serving staff members Mandy Yogi & Jill Lowe who have both served over 30 years at Cashmere High School. Both Mandy and Jill have left an incredible lecgacy and we will miss them dearly. We wish them all the very best in their next chapter.

From the Archives

Here's a throwback to our 1962 Girls' Life Saving Team

Who’s Who at Cashmere High School - Jonathan Kettle

Tēnā koutou katoa, my name is Jonathan, and I work in the Technology faculty at Cashmere High School, teaching Multi-Materials and Design Architecture and Product.

Having completed my training at the University of Canterbury last year, 2023 has been a highly rewarding first year of teaching. I've been welcomed by a friendly staff, who all bring passion for their subjects, and an equally fantastic group of young people - our students. I enjoy teaching all things Technology but have a particular interest in design that solves problems and improves people’s lives. Guiding students through authentic Technology projects to achieve this has been very fulfilling.

Prior to teaching, I worked as a Design Engineer across various industries. A claim to fame is my work at Dyson, where I did the concept design work for a vacuum cleaner-head that is currently sold worldwide.

I have lived in Ōtautahi Christchurch for a little over four years now, and as someone who loves the outdoors, I face the good problem of choosing which hobbies to do in my spare time. I enjoy surfing, snowboarding, tramping, and rock-climbing, among others. I also help with the rock-climbing club at school.

I’m already looking forward to starting more design and making projects with the students next year. It is likely another Technology exhibition evening will be held in 2024, and I encourage you to attend and see for yourself the fantastic work our budding young designers, architects, engineers and makers create.

Ngā mihi – Thankyou

Key dates for 2024

• Tuesday 23 January
  School office re-opens for 2024

• Thursday 25 January
  9.30amYear 13 re-enrolment in PAC
  11.00am Year 12 re-enrolment in PAC

• Friday 26 January
  10.00amYear 10 re-enrolment in PAC
  11.30am Year 11 re-enrolment in PAC

• Monday 29 January
  Staff Only Day

• Tuesday 30 January
  9.00am Powhiri for Y9, international students and new teachers in PAC

• Wednesday 31 January
  8.45am all Years 9-13 to attend Form Class to receive their timetables then normal timetable

Thursday 1 FebruaryNormal timetable