CHS Newsletter - February 7th, 2025
A Strong Start to 2025 | NCEA Excellence
As we settle into the new school year, I am pleased to report an exceptionally smooth and focused start. Students are engaged, connecting well, and already immersed in their learning. At Cashmere High School, we believe that content is king; as a knowledge-rich education builds on prior learning, deepens understanding, and challenges students to think critically every day.
NCEA Results
Our 2024 senior exam results reflect Cashmere High School’s commitment to academic excellence, with achievement rates at NCEA levels 1-3 surpassing both national averages and those of similar Equity Band (decile) schools.
NCEA Level 1: 83% pass rate (National: 45%, Similar Schools: 38%*)
NCEA Level 2: 90% pass rate (National: 73%, Similar Schools: 84%)
NCEA Level 3: 84% pass rate (National: 68%, Similar Schools: 82%)
University Entrance (UE): 63% (National: 48%, Similar Schools: 69%)
These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication of our students, the expertise of our teaching staff, and the strong academic culture at Cashmere High School. Of particular note are our Level 1 NCEA results, especially considering the significant changes made by the Ministry of Education to the assessment. Our teachers worked incredibly hard to support our students through these changes. (*Some schools have withdrawn from the Level 1 qualification.)
University Entrance (UE) will be a key focus over the next five years. At Year 13, we expect all students enrolled in a UE programme to prioritise this qualification, ensuring they leave with strong options for university and beyond. (NB: The UE qualification requires gaining NCEA Level 3 with a minimum of three UE-approved subjects, each with 14 or more credits.)
Student Leadership & School Culture
I also extend my thanks to our Year 13 Peer Support Leaders, who have played a vital role in welcoming and mentoring our Year 9 students. The leadership they display today will help shape the future of our school—just as our new Year 9 students will, in time, step up as seniors in 2029.
This week, I had the opportunity to address our Year 9 students at their assembly, highlighting the importance of building their education on Cashmere High School’s Four Pillars: Academics, Arts, Service, and Sport. A broad, holistic education not only develops knowledge but also the character and intellect needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
A special mention goes to our Cashmere rowing squad, which recently delivered an outstanding performance in Twizel, securing gold, silver and bronze medals —a fantastic lead-up to the NZSS and Maadi Cup regattas.
Have a great weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
John Stradwick
Principal
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Rowing Club Championship Success
The South Island Club Championships at Lake Ruataniwha saw a strong performance from our rowing squad, with every crew member showing notable improvement. The team secured an impressive medal haul, including the GU19 Quad title for the second consecutive year and the GU16 Quad title for the fourth year in a row.
In a historic achievement for the school, both the Girls’ and Boys’ Eights medaled at the same regatta. The Novice Boys’ Eight also marked a significant milestone, securing their first-ever race win and crossing the finish line triumphantly.
This success reflects the dedication and hard work of our rowers, coaches, and support team as they continue to build on the school’s strong rowing legacy.
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Who's who? Introducing our Heads of School (HOS)
Our Heads of School oversee pastoral care and support the students in their respective year levels. For Years 9–11, they are supported by an assistant. Their email addresses are listed below for any communication you may wish to make.
Year 9 | |
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Ms Victoria Minehan | Ms Rebecca Abbot (Assistant HoS) |
Year 10 | |
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Mr Brett Cox | Mrs Lisa Book (Assistant HoS) |
Year 11 | |
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Mrs Jo Stewart | Miss Sarah Millar (Assistant HoS) |
Year 12 | Year 13 |
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Mr Nick Milward | Mrs Aysha Beer |
Introducing our Heads of Faculty (HOF)
Our Heads of Faculty oversee curriculum. They provide leadership in ensuring high-quality teaching and learning.
Creative & Performing Arts | Science | |
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Mr Shaun Edwards-Brown (Acting) | Mr Chris Trewern | |
Physical Education & Health | English | |
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Miss Tessa Te Kahu | Mr Brett McKersey | |
Mathematics & Statistics | Technology | |
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Dr Michelle Dalrymple | Mrs Leanne Cropp | |
Social Sciences | Languages | |
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Mr Nick Moyle | Mrs Lylian Carrasco | |
Student Support | ||
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Mrs Anja Naughton (Acting) | ||
Junior Potential - Year 9 Assembly
We commenced the year with our regular Principal's Assemblies, starting with our Year 9 cohort. It was a notable start, as we celebrated the outstanding potential of our incoming students, in particular those who were awarded our annual Year 9 entrance scholarships for excellence in academics, leadership, music, arts, and sports. Congratulations to Maeve Adam, Tomoki Filshie, Bronte Fitzhardinge, Ruby Leckey, Zach Ormandy, and Om Patel.
Our junior school assemblies also involve group singing, and the music department, along with student leaders, taught the waiata Ko Te Whirika.
Principal's Assemblies are formal occasions held twice a term for each year level in our outstanding facility, the Performing Arts Centre (PAC), while regular Head of School (HoS) assemblies take place in the gym.
The Year 9 students should be proud of their start to their high school journey. They have been punctual, wearing the correct uniform, and demonstrating a positive attitude toward learning.
Key School Events
To keep up to date with what is happening in sport, arts and service please refer to the online calendar on the website HERE
Thurs-Fri 13-14 Feb. - Year 10-13 Photos
Sat-Sun 14-15 Feb. - Student Council Camp (Boyle River)
Mon 17 Feb. - Afterschool Sport begins this week
Thurs 20 Feb. - Year 9 Parent Interviews (registrations coming next week)
Tues 27 Feb. - School House Athletics Day
Safety & Rule Reminders
Students getting off buses must always cross at the lights—this is especially important at the Cashmere Road and Crichton Corner stops.
When crossing the road, remove earphones to stay aware of your surroundings and traffic.
Correct uniform must be worn at all times.
For safety, bikes and scooters must be walked to and from the school gates.
No cellphone/headphone use during school hours—from the first to the last bell.
If you walk your dog on campus, it must be on a leash at all times.