Our CACTUS programme has wrapped up another incredible term, and wow, what a journey it has been! This year, 21 dedicated students rose to the challenge, backed by a core group of amazing staff who turned up every single morning to support, motivate and cheer them on.
From day one, the team threw themselves into a massive variety of challenges. We took trips to the beach, conquered the Rāpaki Track while hauling those dreaded tyres, and even went head-to-head in our first-ever Kaiapoi High School vs Rangiora High School CACTUS Shield battle.
It all culminated in our legendary Longest Day, which took endurance to a whole new level:
- 5:20 am: A brutal early wake-up call and a high-energy gym workout to start the day.
- The Trek: Trudging up and over the Bridle Path via the pipeline into Lyttelton.
- Water & Island Challenge: Waka Ama over to Quail Island, where the crew powered through beep tests and burpees before racing to the top of the island.
- The Final Stretch: A thrilling jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River, followed by our grand finale, the iconic fire truck-pull back into school!
The term came to an end, and was celebrated at prizegiving, where the following students won various awards.
Student Choice Awards
Our student who went the hardest throughout CACTUS
Liam Galbraith
Our Most Improved Student
Maxwell Carmody
Our Best Team Member
Indie Reid
Our Top Student Overall
Jake Modderman
Staff Choice Awards
Our student who went the hardest
Jake Modderman
Our Most Improved Student
Lydia Bensemann
Our Best Team Member
Sophia Clarke
Our Top Student Overall
Isabella Westeneng
We are immensely proud of the sheer determination, teamwork and resilience all these students showed from start to finish. You’ve earned a well-deserved rest!
