Kia ora and welcome. It is my absolute pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of our parents, caregivers, whanau and students in 2024’s Year 9 cohort. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the powhiri on Tuesday 30th January, to welcome new students, whānau and staff alike.

The transition to high school can be a daunting prospect for many, but, thanks to the wonderful support of their teachers and peer leaders, I am sure the students will quickly settle into life here at Cashmere. It is a good time to remember the importance of first impressions. I would hope that the students start the year with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, backed up with a respect for their teachers and peers. Positive choices and kindness towards each other set the scene for a safe and successful voyage into high school.

Cashmere High School is a wonderful school, filled with an array of exciting and vibrant opportunities. It is my hope that this year’s cohort take full advantage of these opportunities and strive for their own personal excellence.

Congratulations to our Year 9 Scholarship Winners:

•  Year 9 Leadership Scholarship: Ziva Bull, Erik Misnyovski, Katie Wooster, Chloe Haig
•  Year 9 Music Scholarship: Erik Misnyovski
•  Year 9 Sports Scholarship: Will Denison
•  Year 9 Academic Scholarship: Raven Dopheide

He kai kei aku ringa
There is food at the end of my hands.

This whakatauki, mentioned in the powhiri, is a reminder to students to go out and make things happen, not sit and wait for them to happen. Students here at Cashmere will be presented with an amazing variety of opportunities; however, it is up to them to seize them and make them their own. Here at the school, we expect our students to live out our COVE values - Citizenship, Opportunity, Vibrance and Excellence - and there will be plenty of chances to do so as the year goes on. I am looking forward to seeing how this cohort will live out our COVE values in the years to come, and what legacy they will leave on the school.

Here at Cashmere High School we have high expectations of our students, academically, behaviourally, with their attendance, and in the way they wear their uniforms. We expect that our students come to class ready to listen and learn, and that they conduct themselves respectfully. These expectations foster a positive learning environment and provide a solid foundation from which they have the opportunity to be successful during their time here.

I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to learning more about each student. So far the start of the year has gone smoothly, with students making a positive start to their high school journey and showing respect, kindness and a willingness to learn. I wish them luck in the weeks ahead as they settle down to new routines, make new friends, take up new and exciting opportunities and make positive choices.

Many thanks to the parents, whānau and caregivers who have given their time, energy and support in making the start of year a successful one. I have already met a lot of you and look forward to working together over the coming years. Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries: cxb@cashmere.school.nz.

Noho ora mai,
Brett Cox | Year 9 Head of School