Our 125-Year Celebration, held on Friday 7 November, was an outstanding success and a significant milestone for Cashmere Primary Te Pae Kererū. The events throughout the day and evening were well attended, warmly supported, and created a genuine sense of celebration, pride, and connection across our community.

Overview of the Day Programme

The daytime events were extremely positive and were well attended by both past and present members of our school community.

• Welcome Assembly & Kapa Haka:
  A powerful, formal yet welcoming opening that set the tone for the day. Our Kapa Haka group represented the school superbly and received strong praise from attendees.
  
  

• School Tours:
  Conducted by our Y8 student leaders, these were a highlight for many past pupils and staff. The tours showcased our current learning environments and generated rich conversations and memories.
  
  

• Morning Tea:
  A warm and social opportunity for reconnection. Feedback noted the friendly atmosphere and everyone appreciated the opportunities to connect and chat.
  
  

• Cutting of the 125-Year Cake:
  A special moment led by our eldest past pupil, Sir Peter Skelton, who attended the school in 1944 at age 5. This was a real highlight, capturing the living history of our school.
  
  

• Tree Planting Ceremony:
  Held with the whole school present, this was another key moment that connected past and present. The ‘Manuka’ tree was planted by our youngest and eldest student in the school.
  
  

• Student Involvement:
  Current learners played an important role through:
  
  

  • Participation in the tree planting, whole school get together (sausage sizzle, iceblock and badge)

  • Contributions to the 125-Year Time Capsule

  • Participation in the whole-school aerial photograph on the field  (“CPTPK”). This was taken on Monday and organised by a group of Year 8 mathematicians.
    

Their involvement was significant and appreciated by guests.

Evening Social Event

The evening social was exceptionally well received. The atmosphere was relaxed and engaging, with:

• Live jazz music
  Drinks, nibbles, and quality food

• A strong turnout from past students, staff, whānau, and community members

• Many positive comments about the tone of the evening and the opportunity to reconnect
  

Overall, the evening function struck the right balance between formality and celebration.

Acknowledgements

We extend sincere thanks to:

• Our Organising Committee (Barbara, Clare and Gavin), staff and community volunteers

• Sondra Davoren - for initiating the  125 for 125 fundraiser - our community fundraiser
  
  

• Our Business Partners who supported the event

• DeFlux Design – event brand, displays, and print

• Lumo Photography – formal and candid photography

• Camera & Digital – technical support and scanning of photos

• BDL – $500 contribution to the digital timeline

• OfficeMax – event supplies - loan of a 75-inch digital touchscreen for timeline

Their collective efforts ensured the day ran smoothly and professionally.

Ngā mihi nui kia koutou, thank you to everyone who was able to be part of this day.