Te wiki o te reo Māori - why it matters to us at Cashmere

This week we have taken time to shine a light on the importance of one of our national languages, te reo Māori. This week also reinforces to me the importance of ensuring that our students have a level of bicultural competence.

I believe that our school and our communities are better off embracing the uniqueness of being a bicultural nation. Firstly, I believe we have a moral duty to fulfil the principles of the treaty of Waitangi that is encapsulated in partnership, but secondly there is a pragmatic consideration.

The reality is our students are going into a different New Zealand than when I left school. Cultural competency is now valued as an important dispositions to possess as highlighted by a recent business, innovation and employment study.

But being bi-cultural does not mean we disregard the other diverse cultures that we have in New Zealand. For me biculturalism is a stepping stone or a lens into multiculturalism. If we can learn to appreciate someone else’s culture we will be able to appreciate others.

Unfortunately, despite the great progress we have made as New Zealanders, we still experience shocking cultural disparities in our health care, education, incarceration rates, housing the list goes on. Most of our most conservative demographic predictions show that Maori and Pasifika will make up a significant proportion of our population in 2050. If the majority of our population lack a genuine voice, if they face challenges others don’t, if we are unable to solve issues of equity, then what will New Zealand look like? How will our communities function?

To be bicultural means a partnership. It is the beauty of bringing together two worlds. It enriches us as a nation, it is a gift.

As the Principal of Cashmere I am well aware that we are working with the future leaders of our community. It is so important that we provide them with the skills, ambition and capacity to serve and lead our communities. Because in the end, that is what schools are about.

Ko Te iringa o Kahukura ko te korowai matauraka ō tātou tīpuna.

Maatangi Whenua Geographic Skills Competition

In early August, five Year 11 Geography Students attended the Maatangi Whenua Quiz at the University of Canterbury. There were 19 teams from around Canterbury entered in this competition. The students were tested on their ability to read maps, identify flags of different countries and had to answer general geography knowledge questions. At the end of the competition Tom Freedman, Ash Dasler and Daniel Smith finished in 1st Place bringing home the shield. 

Architectural and Product Design Exhibition

On the 7th September we held our Architectural and Product Design Exhibition. This was an opportunity for our students to share the excellent work they have been creating throughout the year. A big thank you to all our friends and whanau who came along. Our students as well Mrs Kennedy and Ms Martin appreciated your support.

Property Development

Planning is underway for the construction of a new technology and innovation centre. This building will include 14 teaching spaces and will house subject areas including, commerce, architectural and product design, digital technologies, textiles and fashion, multi materials and electronics. We are delighted to be working alongside Athfield Architects who have a long standing relationship with Cashmere High School. We are hoping to commence construction at some stage next year.

Year 12 and year 13 Principal’s Assembly

Over the last two weeks we have held Year 12 and Year 13 Assemblies. If you want some perspective as to how fast the academic year is going, it was the last Assembly for the Year 13s! The Year 13 Assembly was particularly memorable as we handed out 85 awards across numerous areas of the school, a reflection of this fantastic year group and all the great things they do around the school and our community.

Congratulations to Tilly Harris, Millie Roy and Paul Pringot, who were each awarded COVE Awards.

Head of School Appointments

We are delighted to announce the appointment of two Heads of School, Mrs Jo Stewart and Ms Victoria Minehan. Mrs Stewart will lead the 2023 Year 9 cohort through to Year 13 in 2027, while Ms Minehan has been appointed to replace Ms Margaux Hlavac as the Head of School for the 2023 Year 12 cohort. I am delighted to be able to make these appointments as they are two outstanding teachers with a passion for pastoral care. 

World Vision Award

On Wednesday Cashmere were presented with awards to acknowledge 40 years of supporting World Vision and for raising over $10,000 in 2022. A big mihi to all students involved in supporting this kaupapa. It is great to see students with a real sense of service wanting to support people who are less fortunate.

Theatre Sports Champions

Once again Cashmere has taken out the Court Theatre’s secondary school senior Theatre Sports competition! A big congratulations to Polly Daniels, Toby Hull, Fynn Skelton and Isaac Macdonald.

Basketball Nationals

Congratulations to our Senior A Boys and Girls basketball teams who have both qualified for the National Tournament in Palmerston North later this month. This is the first time in 10 years since the girls have qualified.

Rugby U15 Success

Our rugby programme has continued to build over the last few years, both in participation and in results. It was wonderful to attend the U15s final and watch our boys beat Christchurch Boys High School 34-27 to win the division 2 trophy. These students have worked really hard throughout the season. It was a great way to finish.

Seniors vs Leavers Rugby Game

It was great to carry on the tradition of our annual Seniors vs Leavers rugby match last week. It was a game played in great spirits and it was a fantastic way to farewell our departing Year 13 players.

Production

We are almost sold out, thank you for your support. We are looking forward to seeing you at the shows. 

From the Archives

In tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, here she is visiting Cashmere High School

Who's Who at Cashmere - Mrs Victoria Minehan

Ko Tūtoko te mauka tīpuna
Ko Makaawhio te awa
Ko Uruao te waka
Ko Te Tauraka Waka a Māui te marae
Ko Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio te hapu
Ko Kāi Tahu te iwi
Nō Te Tai Poutini ahau
I tipu ake au ki Hokitika
He kaiako Ingarihi ahau ki Te iringa o Kahukura
Ko Victoria Minehan tōku ingoa

Kia ora! I have been teaching English at Cashmere since 2017. I grew up on the West Coast in Hokitika and moved to Christchurch to attend university. Except for a few years in the UK, Christchurch is where I have spent the majority of my time over the last 15 years and I have grown to appreciate the Port Hills, the Canterbury coastline and all they have to offer.

I love teaching at Cashmere because of our wonderful staff and students. Teaching English allows such a wide range of topics to be covered and I enjoy using various texts as a starting point to challenge people’s diverse perspectives on issues. This ability to think critically is so important in our world today and facilitating these discussions, and seeing the growth that comes from them, is one of the highlights for me in the classroom.

With their developing sense of service, ability to manage busy schedules and willingness to engage in activities, our rangatahi impress me every day. Moving into the Year 12 Head of School role in 2023 will allow me to support our students’ growth in not only these areas, but their academic excellence and future pathways as well. I do feel very privileged to take on this position and look forward to creating positive connections with students, whānau and staff.

The Fortnight Ahead