They’ve come through a pandemic, lived through their first global recession and a cost-of-living crisis might limit how much money their whānau can spend on them.
But the 353 Year Nine students who started at Cambridge High School last week – along with 11 new teachers and two support staff – were still full of hope and excitement.
Principal Greg Thornton, teachers, staff, and supporters moved from the crammed old gymnasium into the spacious new one for the pōwhiri and they welcomed in the new staff followed by the students.
Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. From left: Karyn Porton, Erin Twyman, Bronwyn Laundry, Whaea Katie Wynyard. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
About 80-85 per cent of the 12 and 13-year-olds had come from Cambridge Middle School, the rest from small schools like Te Miro and Horahora, with larger numbers from Hautapu, Kaipaki, Ōhaupō and St Peter’s Catholic.
Among them are future politicians, sports stars and business leaders
What lies ahead for them? Over the next five years The News will follow their progress.
Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri including Angela Wood with her mobility dog Harry. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. From left: Whaea Katie Wynyard, Erin Twyman, Karyn Porton, Whaea Vy Conrad, Carol Webb (Deputy Principal); front: Matua Daniel Peters, Greg Thornton (Principal). Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Whaea Katie Wynyard at the Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
The new Year Nines wait in the old gymnasium at the Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Cambridge High School Year 9 and new staff powhiri. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
