He manako te kōura i kore ai

A crayfish won’t jump in your net, just because you wish it in there

Nau mai, haere mai and a very warm welcome back to Term 2. I hope you managed to relax and recuperate from Term 1, and spend time doing things you love with the people you love.

This term we welcome two new students into our Year 13 cohort, I know you will make these students feel welcome and help them to settle into Cashmere High School.

The whakatauki above speaks to the difference between wanting something, and having it. At times, the distance between those two things can be quite far but there is good news: you have the power to close the gap. The bad news is, you have the power to close the gap. This means that it is your actions that determine that outcomes, you can either sit and wish, or you can do what’s required for the outcomes you want. This year is a crucial one. It’s where you continue putting your plans into motion and, hopefully, work towards your goals that will set you up for the next few years. Wanting Level 3 or University Entrance isn’t enough, it needs to be supported with a way of being that breeds success: seeking support, meeting deadlines, attending all classes, and being persistent with challenges. By doing this regularly, you will catch your crayfish!

It was so wonderful to have a Principal’s assembly at the end of last term where we were able to formally congratulate and acknowledge a number of students for their outstanding efforts in Future Problem Solving, 2021 Scholarship exams, dragon boating, sailing, rowing, language championships, service, football and volleyball. A special mention of Alannah McGuiness and Kaia Jorgenson who have both been selected for the Southern United Premier Women's Hockey team. Congratulations to Jack Gormely, Alexa Kearns, Jessica Cournane and Joseph Davidson-Labout who have been selected to exhibit in the Creator’s Room. Amelia Cunningham, Keira Hill and Alex Wenmoth have all been selected to play in the Canterbury Under 19 Rep B basketball team. A big congratulations also to Yusi van Dam and Kian Donkers who were part of the team who won the 2021 Chatham Cup in March this year. Best of luck to Annabel Bligh who, is currently on her Mountain Bike World Cup tour in Europe. Good Luck!

And a final nga mihi nui to Johan Roberts who recently placed as the top ranked male athlete in the world in the 16-17 age-group in his recent CrossFit competition.

I am proud of how this cohort has navigated the complexity of Term 1. It would be naive to suggest that these challenges might not be found in Term 2, however, the way in which you have dealt with the disruptions of being in and out of classes due to being unwell or isolating, working from home for a week in addition to managing school/work/extra-curricular commitments is nothing short of admirable. I know the flow-on effects from this has caused stress at times, and feelings of being overwhelmed. If you are in this situation, or find yourself feeling this way in the future, please reach out to the relevant staff to ensure that you are supported.

The formal committee for the 2022 formal is up and running already. They have some wonderful ideas and have already put in some hard work to start creating a night to remember. More information about this will be sent out later in Term 2. The 2022 Yearbook planning is also underway, as well as leaver’s gear, so there are lots of things happening behind the scenes. There will be more information sent out about these at a later date. In the meantime, I’d like to extend a big thank you to those students who are working hard to make these things happen, it is so very appreciated!

As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns or queries bea@cashmere.school.nz or 337 4726.

Aysha Beer
Head of School | Year 13