Nau mai hoki mai and very warm welcome back to Cashmere High School for the 2023 academic year. I trust that you have had a relaxing summer break and are now looking forward to the year ahead.

The start of the year is always a highlight as our Year 9 Powhiri represents the traditions and ceremonies that mark the start of another Cashmere year. As the students’ energy fills the school every day, I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive community.

Our students’ NCEA results were released in mid January and yet again we have continued to gain exceptional results. Our Level 1 and Level 2 achievement results were the best on record, which when considered against the nature of that year, we should be very proud. For me, these results are the culmination of hard work and a commitment to our teaching and learning programme while also representing opportunities for our students to be able to pursue their chosen pathways.

In this increasingly competitive workforce, in which high functioning skills are required, the role of education has never been more important. Despite some commentators suggesting qualifications are overrated, research confirms there is a direct link between having high qualifications and enjoying a high standard of living and positive wellbeing.

For those students who have been disappointed with their individual results, the new academic year is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, bounce back and focus on their reflections to ensure this year is a better one.

This year we will renew our focus on our strategic plan that we hope will ultimately empower our communities for the better. The following is our Charter and strategic priorities:

Joe Eccleton
Principal