Year 10 Head of School
Whāia e koe iti kahurangi
Strive for something of great value to you
A warm welcome back to all our returning Year 10 students, and a special welcome to students who are new to Cashmere this year. I hope you all had a relaxing and refreshing break over summer.
This whakatauki connects to my message in our Year 9 prizegiving at the end of 2020. This year, I encourage you to express your individuality through our COVE values of Citizenship, Opportunity, Vibrancy and Excellence - putting your ‘I’ into our values, to find your ‘voice’. The idea is that what is of value to you as individuals is also of value to our community - so that your being the best you can be, helps make our wider community stronger and better.
2020 was an eventful start to high school for the Year 9 cohort. The vast majority of students had prepared well and completed their Junior examinations to a high standard. Outside the classroom, there were a huge number of students involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Congratulations to Ben Evans and Morvern McDaid, who were our final COVE Award recipients for 2020 in Term 4.
As per the symbolism of our Lymphad boat on the school crest, this year I encourage you as Year 10 students in 2021 to be focused on being part of the larger crew here in the Cashmere waka, doing your best while ‘onboard’ and exploring the opportunities by having a go at some of what is on offer. Be kind and helpful to the new cohort of Year 9 students, and be inspired by our senior students. Continue to build your good habits and positive attitudes, as these qualities will ensure that Year 10 is the foundation for success in NCEA. This year, our students have access to the web-based MyMahi app, which assists students with shaping personal goals and planning future pathways and career aspirations. Form teachers will be sharing some fantastic resources from this platform with our students, which will help to enhance student self-awareness and self-management skills.
Students who establish mature attitudes towards their learning and solid work habits through Year 10 will be those who enjoy success in Level 1 NCEA next year. The support surrounding our students at home in terms of work habits and self-management skills is essential to their well being, and I thank parents and caregivers for your efforts.
Our pastoral team for Year 10 is enhanced this year by a new role, Yr 10 Assistant Head of School. I am delighted to have Mr Nick Milward bringing his energy, wisdom and experience to the team.
Congratulations to Amelia O’Connell Gerard and Tanaki Fasi-Smith who are our Lead students for Year 10 in 2021. This year, there are more opportunities for students to step up into leadership roles and participate in the co-curricular aspects of Cashmere High School. The simple dictum applies across all arenas: social, cultural, sporting and academic – you get out of your experiences what you put into them. Aim for no regrets and go for it!
Please contact with me if you have any questions, concerns or feedback. Email: hvm@cashmere.school.nz or direct dial 337 4711.
Margaux Hlavac