Ashleigh Ward

Class of 2012

November 2024

Our “Alumnus in the Spotlight” this month is Ashleigh Ward who was Guest Speaker at Cashmere High School’s recent annual Achievers’ Evening (Sports and Arts prizegiving). Ashleigh’s words were an inspiration to all who had the privilege of attending this event.

Tell us about what you’re currently doing? Where are you on your career journey? When you left school, was this the path you expected to be on? 

If you ask my PE teachers what I would end up doing they all would have said a PE teacher and that is exactly what I am now doing. I took a roundabout way to get there which included a stint in the USA on a soccer scholarship, studying sports science here in Christchurch and moving to the UK to teach and play soccer. I have now returned home and am teaching PE and Health in a local high school.

Is there such a thing as a typical workday for you? What does it look like? 

Typical work day looks like getting to school early, making sure all equipment is ready for the day, having my morning cup of tea, teaching a variety of practical and theory lessons throughout the day, then either coaching or managing co-curricular sports teams after school.

What have been some of the highlights of your career to date, and some of the main challenges? 

Highlights include helping students find their passion for being physically active. Some of the challenges I have faced are balancing my own sporting commitments with teaching commitments and finding a way to make PE and Health engaging for all.

What/who are some of your influences? And how do you find inspiration and motivation? 

I have been heavily influenced by the supportive PE and Health teachers that I had while at Cashmere High School, their enthusiasm and passion for teaching PE and Health inspired me to do the same. I hope that I can have the same impact on my students as they had on me.

What’s ahead for you in 2025 and beyond?

Continue teaching here in Christchurch and get back into playing touch rugby and gaelic football.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time? 

I love spending time with my family and 2 puppies, playing touch rugby and gaelic football. I have just bought a pop-top caravan and am excited about exploring the South Island in it over summer.

What do you look back on as the highlights of your time at CHS? 

School football was a massive highlight for me, I loved the tournaments and the lifelong friendships that I formed. Now being a teacher myself, I see how lucky I was to have such a supportive school at CHS who gave me time off to travel to Auckland every Friday in Year 11 for NZ U17 Football training, and supported me with long distance schooling when I moved to Auckland in Year 13 for half the year again for football.

Was there anyone at CHS that left a lasting impression on you – was inspiring or motivational? 

Mr Squire and his family! All the PE staff (I spent most of my time in the PE office) have influenced my teaching style in some way and Mr Kuze is one of the loudest and biggest supporters I’ve ever had on the sidelines.

Do you have a favourite or funny story about your time at CHS? 

I remember when we were up at football nationals in year 11, the team tried to pull a prank on me and leave me at the fields. Instead of staying there I saw another school about to leave that were staying at the same place as us. I asked for a ride back with them only to find out that CHS came back for me. The coaches were a little stressed that they could not find me – after players contacted me they realised I was back at the hotel waiting for them. Turns out the school bus I got on ended up having some future New Zealand Football team mates on. We still laugh about it now how I just got on their team bus.

Best piece of advice to students looking to pursue a similar path

The biggest thing I have learnt is that balance is key – love what you are doing but know that you are more than an athlete, artist, musician or scholar and make your own opportunities. They do not always come to you, sometimes you have to go knocking/looking.

Is there anything else you’d like to include, or messages you’d like to send to current students, staff, parents or the wider CHS community? 

I loved my time at CHS, it gave me a chance to learn, grow and find my passions. High School is a chance to try everything and anything and soak up the opportunities on offer. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui – be strong, be brave, be steadfast and most importantly be you!