Principal's Fortnightly Kōrero
Rethinking What We Mean By Diversity
Learning is a complex human experience, and I am convinced that the richer the dialogue, the richer the cultural setting, the more diverse the opinions in the room, the better the learning. My hope is that Cashmere is always a place that not only values diversity of identity, but also values diversity of thought, opinion and beliefs.
Times are changing and recently I have spent a lot of time reflecting on this change. As power, influence and wealth transfer from one generation to the next, different expectations and aspirations will inevitably come to the fore. These aspirations will, I believe, be informed by the shift in generational wealth, the consequent empowerment to implement social and political objectives, the power of influence driven by the exponential growth in technology, and the concerns regarding the environment.
At the centre of all of this will be the incoming generation’s prioritisation of inclusivity and diversity. Of course there are many ways in which to think of diversity. I often think people view diversity through a very narrow lens and associate it with just gender, socio-economic and ethnic make up. However, diversity can be much broader than this and can also reflect different values, intellectual perspectives and political/social/religious persuasions. I would argue that despite Cashmere High School being a school in which most of our students are socio-economically privileged, come from similar cultural backgrounds, and are relative to most other schools, ethnically homogenous; we are diverse and inclusive.
Schools are microcosms of their communities and as we become increasingly more diverse this should be reflected in our schools. A teenager's school years should be incredibly rich and incredibly enlightening years. A context of learning informed by diversity will be of great value to our students.
NCEA Changes
This year one of our strategic priorities is the implementation of the NCEA changes at Level 1. This is a major focus for our teachers, and it has been time consuming and complex managing these changes. I thank the brilliant work of our staff, in particular our Heads of Departments and Heads of Faculties, who have been doing a great job ensuring that our academic programmes are in great shape. I also thank the Cashmere NZQA team of Ms Martin, Mr Squire and Mr Smith who have been working tirelessly, supporting and facilitating this change programme.
Last Friday we received communication from the Minister of Education that the MOE will be delaying implementation of the new Level 2 and Level 3 NCEA qualifications by two years. This will mean that for 2024-2027 the current settings will remain in place (using the new NCEA Level 1 and the existing Level 2 and Level 3) before the introduction of Level 2 in 2028 and Level 3 in 2029.
The primary reason for this delay is so that they can rephase and re-order the Change Programme, developing the Y11-13 curriculum for each subject area before designing Achievement Standards.
Key actions that will be undertaken over the next two years include:
- A review of the new NCEA Level 1 will be undertaken by the Education Review Office documenting key learnings.
- There will also be a review of other aspects of the NCEA Change Programme, including the methods for external assessments, periods of study leave, and moderation practices.
- The senior secondary curriculum for Y11-13 students will be developed.
- An implementation plan will reflect learnings from ERO’s evaluation of Level 1.
- NCEA Level 1 (improved) and NCEA Level 2 will be fully implemented by 2028.
- NCEA Level 3 will be fully implemented by 2029.
Strategic Planning - Focus Groups
Over the last few weeks I have begun a series of focus groups to test our strategy and to get a better understanding of how we are performing as a school. We have started off with two student ‘think tanks’ in which we have been looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for our school community, now and into the future. Next term we will expand these groups to include parents and staff.
Sheilah Winn Success
A big congratulations to our students who performed at the annual regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare festival. One of our five minute pieces, taken from Hamlet, was chosen to represent Canterbury at the National Festival in Wellington, making this the 8th year out of 9 that we will represent at the national festival. Thanks to Mr Ussher who has been coaching, teaching and supporting our students.
Relay for Life
Last Saturday a number of our staff and students took part in the ‘relay for life’ event held at Lancaster Park. This is a great community event that involves taking turns relay style walking/running around a track in remembrance of those who have suffered from cancer and to celebrate with survivors; it also raises funds for the Cancer Society. Thanks to all of our staff and students who participated. A special thanks to Ms Glading who was instrumental in organising our involvement. Also to Grace Billings, Ben Loughlan, Jaimeson, Arkless, Arthur Norman, Lucy P Moore and Greta Prince who walked more than a half marathon during the twelve hours. Year 13 Molly Callaghan was also the youth ambassador for the Christchurch Cancer Society who did a fantastic job.
Assemblies - COVE Awards
Over the last two weeks we have been able to celebrate a number of student achievements across the breadth of the school. A special mention to Anouk Hector-Taylor, Molly Callaghan and Jasmine Cox, who each received COVE Awards.
Equestrian Success
Recently we had the Canterbury Interschools Dressage competition out at the National Equestrian Center at McLean Island. Congrats to our team of Fern Wilkinson, Eva Hillier, Grace Billings and Danielle Vickery who placed 6th in the Dressage competition.
Takahanga Noho Marae
Last week our senior students had the opportunity to attend Takahanga Marae. It was a great opportunity for our students to be immersed in Te Ao Māori and to experience a variety of culturally significant activities.
Pop Rocks - Music Event
From the Archives
1966 CHS School Prefects
Who’s Who at Cashmere High School- Kyle Knowles
Kia ora, my name is Kyle Knowles and I have been teaching for 6 years and am now onto my second stint at Cashmere High School teaching Geography and Social Studies. I started my career here before having two years teaching at Motueka High and Hutt Valley High, then returning in 2023.
I didn’t start out wanting to be a teacher. All through high school I wanted to be a journalist, which I ended up doing post university. However, it turned out that wasn’t for me and I ended up jumping around a number of jobs including working in the Spark call centre and moving boxes in a distribution warehouse before deciding to head back to University to train to be a teacher. This change in career has been a successful one and I am thoroughly enjoying teaching at Cashmere where the staff and students make it a great place to work.
Outside of school I have a passion for the outdoors and love tramping, which has shown me some of the most incredible parts of New Zealand. I also enjoy sports, particularly football and cricket which I have helped coach at Cashmere, including both boys and girls 2nd XIs and helping out with various cricket teams.
CPG Event: Tertiary Pathways Panel
Date: Tuesday 7th May 7pm - 8.30pm.
Venue: Cashmere High School, Performing Arts Centre (PAC)
The Fortnight Ahead
