On Monday I read, with a sense of sadness, the media coverage regarding the sexual harassment survey completed at Christchurch Girls’ High school, a survey which highlights that too many of our young people are being subjected to sexual harassment and sexual assault.

This survey also highlighted that many of our students are normalising this type of behaviour, and that some of our students are having to change their lives to manage sexual harassment.

Some of you may think that what happened in that survey does not apply to us, and I would be naïve to think that everything is perfect here at Cashmere High School. There is no doubt that there are instances of this type of behaviour occurring at our school and we need to do more to confront this issue.

We have an opportunity, with over 2100 students in this school, to think about who we are as an institution and what we stand for. I don’t have all the answers at this stage and I appreciate this is a complex issue. However, I am of the conviction we need to do better in this space. I mihi to the students who have bravely come forward as a result of this survey.

Manu Korero

On the 18th June four of our whanau students stood at Manu Korero and delivered their whaikorero in what is the major event in the Maori Secondary Schools calendar. A big whakamihi to Waimalie Rupene, Wairaamia Taratoa-Bannister, Denver Stirling and Rena Oliphant. 

Careers Evening - Passion, Purpose and Pathways

On the 17th June we held our inaugural Careers Expo. It was great to see so many students and their whanau attending the event. The purpose of this event was to provide our students with information, provocations and ideas about possible future careers. 

Hospitality Students

A number of our staff recently enjoyed the food, hospitality and service during some of our Hospitality students’ assessments.

Jazzquest Success!

Last week we had four combos entered in the Ara Music Arts Jazzquest Combo Competition. Each group performed a 20 minute set then had a 1 hour workshop with the Ara tutors, followed by performing at the Gala Concert at the Piano on Friday night.

We had another very successful year, picking up several awards!

Bronze Award - The Lounge Lizards 
Silver Award - The Sophazz 
Silver Award - Lord of the Funky Goats 
Gold Award - Friday Morning Coffee 

Individual Awards:
Best Guitarist - Jake Milne
Best Trumpet Player - Nic Blackie
Best Drummer - Jono Blackie
Best Pianist - Jules Hlavac
Best Saxophone Player - William Hanlon
Best Original Composition - 'Latina Barista' by Jules Hlavac

AND

Overall Best Combo - Friday Morning Coffee

Leadership Conference

On the 29th June, 19 of our Year 12 students attended the annual Christchurch Leadership Conference. This was a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to a range of speakers and workshops. Our Head Girl, Wairaamia Taratoa-Bannister also sat on a panel and discussed her perspectives on leadership and service. 

Connecting with our Sister School - Kurashiki High School

Unfortunately due to COVID travel restrictions, we have been unable to visit our sister school in Kurashiki, Japan. However, this has not stopped us from keeping in touch, albeit through the platform of zoom. These connections are very important as they provide our students with a much needed global perspective.

Serving Our Community

Keeping with our school vision of ‘empowering communities’ it is fantastic to see students involved in service around the school. Our Student Council recently organised a big Can Drive for the Salvation Army to assist them in their support of families in need. Also we had a number of students involved in the annual 40 Hour Famine. 

Celebrating Student Success

The last fortnight has seen a number of students achieving outstanding success. A big whakamihi to Ruairi Boyd, Josh Bruce-Campbell and Emma McLean who were awarded COVE awards at recent Principal’s Assemblies. Also, a special mention to Amelie Mackay and Thomas and Natasha MacGibbon who have been competing on the world stage in their respective sports, and to Louie Howell and Hannah Daniels who have placed in the top 10 in the world in the Future Problem Solving World Final. 

Staff Appointments

Head of Service - Laura Power

Assistant Sports Director - Ben Buckendahl

Head of School 2022 - Nick Millward

Who’s Who at Cashmere High School

Ko Jemma tōku ingoa
Nō Ōtautahi ahau
Ko tōku Aoraki maunga

Ko tōku Rakaia awa
Ko Te Iringa o Kahukura toku kura
Ko te Ngai Toi toku kaupapa whakaako

My name is Jemma Eilken and I am an Art and Painting teacher here at Te Iringa o Kahukura. I have been at Cashmere High School since 2015 and throughout that time it has been an absolute privilege to pass on what I have learnt and am so passionate about.

I love being in the classroom with our ākonga; playing, experimenting, creating and having a laugh and a bit of a boogie while we do it. Seeing what our ākonga create and the confidence and joy that it brings them is the greatest reward. The Art Rooms are a small community of vibrant creatives which provides students with a safe space to explore their interests. Art gives us meaning and helps us to understand the world around us. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! 

The Fortnight Ahead