Year 13 Head of School

It is wonderful to see our Year 13 cohort stepping up as the leading students at our school and a particular mention must go to the outstanding work of those Year 13 Peer Leaders who have supported the transition to Cashmere High School for our new cohort of Year 9 students. In visits to classes, students are focussed on their studies and engaged in learning material. It is also pleasing to see students being role models for our juniors, assisting lost Year 9’s, and putting their hands up for extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. I would like to congratulate Year 13 students on their results in NCEA Level 2. An amazing 93.2% of our cohort achieved Level 2 NCEA in 2020. An outstanding result given the national average of achievement for NCEA Level 2 is 79.1%. These results reflect the effort both students and staff put in last year, in what was a very challenging time with disruption and uncertainty for periods of the year. As in Year 11 and Year 12, NCEA assessments get underway very quickly in 2021. Many subjects begin internal assessment work in the first two weeks of Term 1, and it is vital that students prioritise their learning from the outset of the school year. There are ‘pressure points’ in Year 13 where students will have several pieces of assessments due around the same time. Therefore, it is vital that students implement good time management skills and complete assignments early in order to seek feedback on their work. The long-awaited study break is now part of our cohort’s timetables and Year 13 students are permitted to leave school site at lunchtime and during their study break as needed. However, with this greater level of trust, comes greater responsibility. It is crucial that students prioritise being in class for every lesson possible this year in order to achieve the results of which they are capable. In learning from the first four years at Cashmere High School it should come as no surprise to this cohort that 2021 will throw up challenges and obstacles. Therefore, we will continue to use the theme of “be a jungle tiger, not a zoo tiger” in 2021. As always, adopting a growth mindset to learning is an imperative step to long term success as a learner. I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho - A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions. 2021 also presents more opportunities for Year 13’s to step outside of their comfort zones and actively contribute to the wider life of Cashmere High School. Getting fully involved in House events, fundraising initiatives, student groups, sports teams and music groups are fantastic ways to not only represent the school but make a real difference to our wider school community. I am looking forward to what 2021 holds for our cohort and to see them continue to grow and develop as outstanding young adults. Thank you again for your ongoing support as we move into what I am sure will be another successful year. As always don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries, concerns or feedback (bzh@cashmere.school.nz or 3374720). Hayden Beaumont Year 13 Head of School