The Tyranny of Chronological Snobbery

One of my favourite authors C.S Lewis once warned us about the danger of chronological snobbery, that being “the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate of our own age and the assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that count discredited.”

In education, new trends and methodologies often emerge, promising to revolutionise the way we teach and learn. While I absolutely believe it is crucial to embrace innovation and adapt to the evolving needs of students, it's equally important not to dismiss time-tested educational practices solely because they are not the latest trend.

Education is a delicate balance between theory and practice, research and experience. Established educational practices have evolved over time through careful observation, research, and refinement. Disregarding these practices in favour of the latest trend, without due diligence of thinking, can undermine the quality of education and harm students' educational journey. Education is a complex field, and embracing new trends without scrutiny can lead to unintended consequences.

An example of this is the fanatical zeal some educators have taken to adopting certain practices such as modern learning environments despite the lack of evidence to suggest that these environments will positively impact student learning. I am even more concerned to hear of the slipping prioritisation of fundamental foundational learning such as literacy and numeracy. There are many changes occurring in the education sector regarding NCEA standards and the upcoming curriculum refresh, and it is important that the voice of experienced teachers, teaching in the classroom, are heard.

The education landscape is ever-changing, with new trends constantly emerging. It is crucial to investigate and evaluate these trends, however, it is equally crucial to approach these trends with caution and not discard time-tested educational practices simply because they are not the latest fad. By respecting the balance between the merging and the tried and true methods, we can maintain the integrity of education, safeguard student learning, and build upon the foundation of knowledge and experience that has been developed over generations.

Show Quest Winners 2023!

A big congratulations to all the students involved in Show Quest this year, particularly to Rosalie Defregger, Mya Fisher and Georgia Stokes, our student choreographers who produced this amazing performance. While I did not have the opportunity to see the final performance on the day, I was blown away by the amazing talent of our crew at the dress rehearsal. Winning this event is a massive achievement and our students should feel very proud!

Ron Chapman’s Assembly

Last Wednesday was a special day in which we welcomed back to Cashmere, to celebrate his 100th Birthday, former teacher and Principal, Mr Ron Chapman.

During our Year 12 Assembly, Mr Chapman was acknowledged not only for his impressive milestone, but also for his life of service. Mr Chapman was joined by previous principals, Mr John Murdoch and Mr Dave Turnbull. Congratulations to Mr Chapman!

COVE Award Winners

Well done to Sophie Wells and Angus Sevier who received COVE Awards over the last two weeks. Both of these students continue to impress staff and students with their leadership, involvement in school life and their dedication to their particular pursuits. Congrats!

House Quizmere

Last Thursday we held our annual Quizmere House Competition. Well done Rutherford for taking the honours in 2023!

Open Day 2023

Canterbury Secondary Schools Road Race

We had a number of students represent Cashmere at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Road Race at Hagley Park recently.

Congratulations to:

• Leo de Monchy 3rd Year 9 Boys
• Brynne Gordon 2nd Senior Girls
• Elspeth McGuinness 3rd Senior Girls
• Emily Watt, Becky Pratten, Eva Sewell and Millie Junge 2nd U16 Girls team

Adventure Racing

Congratulations to our students who gained fantastic results from the Hillary Challenge South Island adventure race in Geraldine over the weekend.

3rd place Kārearea: Hamish Sherratt, Max Groer, James Wright, Henry Lovegrove, Mya Bennett, Siobhan Maclennan, Cara Reid, Orla Dunlop

This team has secured a spot in the 5-day Hillary Challenge Nationals in Tongariro in October!

7th place Pīwauwau: Leo O'Neill, Finn van Keulen, Cam Gilbert, Hugo Knowler, Millie Palmer, Hannah Freeman, Isla Cook, Ruby Roy

9th place Kākāpō: Jacob Ridder, Jack Vetcher, Miro Luxford, Chris Watson, Grace Howell, Kyla Moore, Hannah Watt, Midori Cassidy

Canterbury Secondary Schools Squash Championships

We had four students represent Cashmere at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Squash Championships over the weekend. Congratulations to Olivia McCoy 13ZIB who won the girls A division!

Sports Leadership Conference

Our sports leaders had the privilege of attending the iSPORT foundation Lead with Character Youth Leadership Day at the Christchurch Town Hall. They were inspired by some amazing speakers including Richie McCaw, Arihia Bennett, Dan Carter, Dame Valerie Adams, Moses Mackay, and Dame Sophie Pascoe who lead them in developing their character to enable them to reach their full potential.

From the Archives

Aerial views of the school - year unknown

Who’s Who at Cashmere High - Issy Randall

Kia ora koutou, I am Issy Randall, and I have been a part of the whānau o Te iringa o Kahukura since 2019 when I supported the emerging Dance programme as a guest tutor, before being appointed full time in 2022 as the Cashmere High School dance teacher.

As a teacher I strive to create an inclusive environment where students feel valued in their work and ability. I believe in my classes students are seen as individuals and are supported not only as a student but as a human being. I always aim to share my passion and enthusiasm for dance with the intent to strengthen and uphold students’ full potential of the arts.

The thing I love most about teaching at Cashmere High is the sense of aroha within my dance classes and the community. The support, passion and drive the students share with each other enables them to accomplish so much more than they would do alone. I feel very fortunate being a part of extra curricular activities in the Dance and Drama department. Including being the choreographer for Jesus Christ Superstar 2022 and involved in our latest success of Showquest 2023 which we took away first place. I am really looking forward to continuing to see dance grow from strength to strength at Cashmere in the future.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - “Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many”.

See you at the NCEA Dance Showcase on Friday 13th October!

The Fortnight Ahead