Year 9 Head of School

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa, It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to parents, caregivers and our new Year 9 students for 2021.

I hope the first experiences of Cashmere High School have been positive for you all and that your ākonga have settled into their classes well. Cashmere High School sets high expectations of all its students in order to create the positive learning environment that allows our students to excel and I have been very impressed with the high standards already set by the new Year 9 students.

As you would have heard at our Powhiri as well as our Year 8 Parents evening last year there are a vast array of opportunities at Cashmere for students to explore. From sports to arts to service in the community. It is up to the students to put their hand up and get involved rather than out and expect opportunity to be given to them. I strongly believe that the key to making the most of secondary schooling is to get involved in the wider life of the school. This involvement allows students to make new connections, expand their friendships, learn new skills and build the resilience needed to be successful in all that they do.

It is awesome to see even within the first couple of weeks, a number of students already putting their hands up. We have had Niamh Cooper place 2nd in the 500m sprint during the Corsair Bay Ocean Swim Race in late January. This is a brilliant achievement considering Niamh was racing against swimmers much older than her. Thomas Newsom is also striving for his personal excellence at the National Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships. Thomas will be heading off to compete at these in March and we wish him all the best. These examples of excellence and taking opportunities are wonderful examples of what makes Cashmere High School such a great environment for our students.

I want the legacy of this year group to be one of reaching for the highest standards and not settling for the mediocre. The challenge I laid down to them at our Powhiri was;

Whaowhai te kete mātauranga

Fill the basket of knowledge

I will support this cohort to grasp every chance to add to their basket of knowledge both in and out of the classroom. I expect the current high standards set by the year group, in regards to behaviour and attendance, to continue for the remainder of the year. It is essential that students arrive to class ready and willing to learn and conduct themselves in a respectful manner. These expectations help to foster a successful learning environment where students can develop and grow into people of good character.

Thank you to the parents and caregivers for the support that helps to ensure the success of the year group. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you over the next five years. Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries either by email, wkt@cashmere.school.nz or phone 03-337 4722.

Nāku iti noa, nā

Tom Wilkinson

Year 9 Head of School