Stratford High Times

Malo e lelei, Talitali fiefia, Kia ora, Hello,

It is hard to believe that the school year is almost over. We are well into NCEA examinations and having completed an analysis of where our students are at for NCEA right now, it is heartening to see that we are significantly ahead of previous years in terms of credits per student and the numbers of students who have passed their NCEA Level, leading into the exams. Our students, and staff, must be acknowledged for their work and commitment throughout the year. Summer school has served its purpose again and supported the achievement of those who attended. Thank you to those who made the effort to be in classes each day.

Our Senior Prizegiving on Friday the 27th October was a wonderful event. It is always a highlight. We were incredibly lucky to have former student Dr Natalie Gauld as our guest speaker. Dr Gauld has spent 30 years working in health and pharmacy, with a particular focus on making medicines accessible in pharmacy. She was the recipient of the 2022 Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand Gold Medal (only 33 awarded previously) and in 2023 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health and pharmacy. More recently, Natalie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and has actively fundraised for those with MND.

We were privileged to have Dr Gauld with us and I know all those at the prizegiving found her address moving.

Naming a Head Boy and Head Girl is always a challenging process. We had a good number of our students applying for these positions again this year, and it is wonderful to see so many students putting themselves forward for these roles. At the Senior Prizegiving, it was announced that Bryan Adams will be our Head Boy and Mackenzie Caskey will be our Head Girl for 2024. A huge congratulations go to both students; we know they will undertake their roles with confidence and commitment. The other student leadership positions will be communicated before the end of the year. Matthew MaCallum has already been announced as the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for the remainder of this year and 2024. This is a separate process to the Student Leadership process. Matthew will be a part of the Student Leadership Team.

Recently we appointed the following Deans for 2024:

Year 9 Kelly Rawcliffe

Year 10 Jeff Walker

Year 11 Bill McGeoch

Year 12 Lucy Gibbon

Year 13 Heidi Seales

From 2024, Jim Park takes up the position of Specialist Classroom Teacher.

We look forward to the contribution each of these staff will make to their respective roles.

Our 125th Jubilee celebrations was a truly memorable weekend. With well over 350 registrations, we could not have asked for a better event. Thanks must go to our wonderful committee, led by Chairperson Brad Gibbons. Stratford High School has a significant history and to acknowledge in the style that we did, was fabulous.

Take care.

Nga mihi

Cam Stone

Principal

Being delayed by a year because of Covid meant there was an extra year to look forward to the Stratford High School 125th Jubilee, held over Labour weekend, and it was well worth the wait. Over four hundred past students and staff from as far away as Australia registered for the evening functions and many others came to wander around their old school during the open day on Saturday to catch up with school mates and reminisce about good times. Events kicked off with a mix and mingle in the school hall on Friday night, followed by formalities, decade photographs, sports, a dinner and a band on Saturday and concluding with a church service on Sunday.

Highlights of the jubilee included the unveiling of a memorial wall constructed with bricks salvaged during the demolition of the original high school building on Cloten Road, which is the current site of Stratford’s Mitre 10. Brad Gibbons, chairman of the jubilee committee and a builder, designed and constructed the memorial wall which was unveiled by long serving staff members Raewyn Lightoller and Wayne Smith. Apart from a three-year break to complete teacher training, Raewyn has been at the school since she started as a student back in 1963 and Wayne has been a staff member since 1979. Although he officially retired in 2019, Wayne is still often at the school as a relieving teacher and manager of NCEA exams. Head Girl Te Otiana Gerrard and Head Boy Matthew Jones placed a time capsule in the ground in front of the wall.

Three time capsules from 1990 were recently discovered inside an old wall as renovations were taking place at the front of the school. These were opened by past principal, Phil Keenan, during the opening function. Phil did this on behalf of current principal, Cameron Stone who was unwell and unable to attend in person. He presented a recorded jubilee speech from his home. Amongst the memorabilia inside the time capsules was an audio tape of an interview with the principal at the time, Mr Richard Habershon. To the delight of the audience, many of whom held fond memories of Mr Habershon, a segment of the interview was played where Mr Habershon gave a message to future generations. The jubilee cake was cut jointly by Keith Piggott (head boy of 1948) and Katie Daysh, currently the youngest student at the school.

Our Kapa Haka students, combined with student leaders and volunteers, performed the school haka, Te Haka O Whakaahurāngi, and the school song, Stand Tall and Proud, both of which were composed specifically for the school, in 2010 and 2012 respectively. These are now an integral part of all major school functions. Mayor, Neil Volzke spoke fondly of his days as a SHS student when he declared the jubilee officially open.

Saturday was a day for wandering around the school, looking at the memorabilia on display, visiting classrooms and watching current students compete against past students in sports games. Students of the past won the girls basketball, 44-40 and, in a surprise defeat, the present boys’ team narrowly defeated the 2017/18 national champions basketball team, 80 - 77. The ex- students won the netball, and the rugby was a draw, 25 all. There were food trucks and the opportunity to sit down, enjoy lunch and catch up with old friends. At the end of the day the school hall became the venue for a dine and dance event which ran late into the night.

The jubilee concluded in the on Sunday with a church service run jointly by current students along with Allan Oliver, Maurice Ellett and Linda White, who had been SHS students in the 1960s. With references to his school days and experiences growing up, Maurice encouraged the new generation to take advantage of the opportunities that Stratford High School has to offer. His message, looking to the future with hope, was a fitting way to draw a most successful jubilee weekend to a close.

Jubilee Chairperson, Brad Gibbons, was blown away by the help of students and staff, and the efforts of the committee members. He said that the jubilee was best summed up by an ex-student he bumped into next morning on the golf course, “It was an absolutely fantastic weekend, and I loved every minute.”

Congratulations to our head students for 2024 - Bryan Adams and Mackenzie Caskey

Congratulations to Zoe Pitcher who has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Gold is the third and final level of this internationally recognised award and takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. There are three specific sections - Voluntary Service, Skills and Physical Recreation plus an Adventurous Journey and a Gold Residential Project.
Zoe will receive her award from the Governor General at a Gold Award Ceremony held at Parliament House, Wellington next year.

Activities week is fast approaching, please ensure you and your child have looked over the activity's week booklet outlining all the activities on offer. Your child will have the opportunity within the coming weeks to make a selection and start attending their chosen activities meetings. The booklet has been emailed home and is on the school's website.

All inquiries to Mr. C Franklyn

This is a friendly reminder that we have a teacher only day on Monday 20th November.

Whilst we provide paracetamol to students in extreme cases, we are seeing quite a few students regularly coming straight from home asking for pain relief before the bell rings. We don't provide paracetamol before the first bell. If your child/ren are sick, please keep them at home. We are monitoring students who often come asking for pain relief.

With the weather warming up please ensure all students carry a drink bottle on them at all times as we've noticed students getting dehydrated and presenting with headaches.

Please inform the school office of any student achievements so that we can join in celebrating with them.

There are a variety of ways that you can make payments to cover school costs. The main office receives cash and EFTPOS payments and you can also pay online via direct credit. Parents can also set up an automatic payment to cover schooling costs. When setting up the automatic payment, consider a minimum payment of $15.00 per week, which is sufficient to pay for all school, curriculum and sport costs for a student during the year.

Payments will be automatically applied to “required payments”. Subsequent payments will sit as a credit on the student’s account. If you would like to have payments allocated to the “voluntary payments”, please email ts@stratfordhigh.school.nz with the details.

You can set this up by either using your bank’s online banking services or downloading the Automatic Payment Authority form and taking this to your bank. Please remember to use the students’ name for any payments.

Have you moved recently? Have you changed your phone number or email address recently? Please fill out the following form to advise us of your new details. Also fill out this form if you have not been receiving emails from the school. There are a number of families who we don't currently have an email address for.

It is very important we have the correct information for your child in case there is an emergency and we need to contact you immediately. If any contact details change throughout the year please let the school office know.

As we progress through the year, remember to check your son's or daughter's results on the Kamar app or portal: https://stratfordhigh.school.kiwi/ If you have any questions, please contact the subject teacher in the first instance.

- Dr. Michael Taylor

Deputy Principal (Curriculum)

Our Charter is now available to view on our website. The charter sets the direction for our school and identifies our priorities as a school community.

The Stratford High School Policies and Procedures are managed online, through School Docs. To visit our School Docs, click here.

Our school username is: stratfordhigh

Our parent password is: swansearoad4332

You will find policies for review and more information about the review process under the "Current Review" tab. We welcome your feedback via this review process.

Rummage around for those unwanted mobile phones to donate!

We have a Mobile Phone Collection Box in our office.

The Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme has raised over $3 million for NZ charities thanks to the support of Businesses, Government Departments, Organisations and many thousands of individuals from all over NZ.

Phones received are graded, data wiped and sim/memory cards removed and destroyed. Phones that can still be used are sold by tender to off-shore businesses that specialise in the resale of second-hand mobile phones. They are refurbished and sold as low-cost handsets to places like Africa and Asia. Phones that have reached their end of life are broken down and recycled in an environmentally friendly way with up-to 95% of their materials being recycled into other products. Regardless of condition, working or non-working, make or model all mobile phones are accepted by the Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme.

The Public Health Nurse will be at school one day every week for any health needs. Clinic is confidential and free.

• Health and hauora (wellbeing checks)
• General health concerns
• Contraception
• Condoms and pregnancy tests
• STI checks and the morning after pill

To book an appointment, see the school office reception or contact the Public Health Nurse, Steph Bakker on 027 406 4822 or email stephanie.bakker@tdhb.org.nz.

Please see the office staff if a hearing or vision test is required.

Please find below key contacts for staff at school.

Senior Leadership Team

Principal: Mr Cameron Stone

Deputy Principal Curriculum: Dr Michael Taylor

Deputy Principal Pastoral and School Organisation: Ms Kelly Jennings

Assistant Principal/Academic achievement: Ms Allana George

Principal's PA: Miss Diane Lithgow

School Board Secretary: Mrs Amanda Hill

Principal's Nominee

For all enquiries regarding NZQA or Te Kura

Mr Dirk Vermeulen: extension 707 or email

Deans for 2023

Year 9: Mr Jeff Walker

Year 10: Miss Jodie Sullivan

Year 11: Miss Peta Apperley

Year 12: Mr Colin Franklyn

Year 13: Mr Bill McGeoch

Guidance Counsellor: Ms. Liza Albers

Learning Support Coordinator: Mrs. Lisa Dent

For all other enquires please contact the school office 06 765 6039

Email: mail@stratfordhigh.school.nz
Website: www.stratfordhigh.school.nz
Location: Stratford High School Swansea Road, Stratford, New Zealand
Phone: 06-7656039
Facebook: facebook.com/SHSTaranaki

Instagram: @shstaranaki @heart_SHS @shs_SADD_team

If you're studying in 2024, 16th December is a very important date. It's one you just can't miss.

Around 120,000 students will need to get organised for in 2024.

Apply for your student allowance or loan before 16th December to give yourself the best chance

of having everything sorted ready for the start of your course.

For more information regarding Free Home Internet, please click on the link https://edos.kiwi/

https://cdemtaranaki.govt.nz/taranaki-hazards/natural-hazards/volcanic/volcanic-infographics/

Golf is a very low-cost sporting opportunity and a great way for children to learn to play so they can enjoy the game with family. Golf is also flexible so families can fit it in around other school activities and perfect for children wanting the benefits of sport at a friendly pace.

We have established junior programmes at Manaia, Te Ngutu, Stratford and Hawera. All clubs have equipment that young people can use, at Stratford and Hawera junior golf is free, at Te Ngutu it is the child’s age x $1 and at Manaia $30 for a 12-month membership.

I am a registered social worker, who has also studied Child Centred Play Therapy, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In addition, as a solo mother I have experienced the gauntlet in range of emotions a parent could face, and behaviours a child could exhibit. Probably the biggest lesson I have learned is how heartbreaking parenting can be if you don’t get it right. Hence my website www.nextchapterparenting.co.nz.

In addition to the resources on the website, I offer individual or group parenting classes for parents of preschool and school age, as well as a course for parents of teenagers.

Brigid Carkeek

Does your child require further support, over and above what can be offered at school?

Would your child benefit from bespoke and nurturing learning sessions from a highly experienced teacher designed to accelerate learning and boost confidence? We would love to help. We are a team of dedicated teachers, specialising in English and Maths support, for primary, intermediate and college students. Visit www.boostyourlearning.co.nz for more information or contact Jenny 021 223 3349 to book a free consultation.

I am an experienced singing teacher formerly from New Plymouth, now residing in Stratford. I am available to teach contemporary and musical theatre and vocal private lessons at the address below.

All enquiries please phone 0211905054

Mrs Mary WIlliams

38a Flint Road West

Stratford 4332

Advanced after-school coding lessons available for ages 9 - 18. To give your child the opportunity to learn how to programme technology apply now at codingnz.com/signup

We are delighted to advise Stratford High School are on the way to reaching the $1,000 threshold for redemption.

The current total is $912.34.

We are super excited to introduce our newest addition to the program: Vegepod's. At Fern, we believe in the power of connecting kids with nature. Hands-on gardening experiences not only teach crucial life skills but also creates social bonds and boosts well-being.

Once we have reached the $1,000 target we can redeem from a range of sports, technology, literacy, and music packages which will be hand delivered by your local Rural Sales Manager.

The Fuel for Schools sponsorship programme has helped put over $1.7 million dollars of resources into more than 600 rural schools in the last fifteen years.

Just a reminder of how SHS has received this donation...

SHS has been nominated by a local business/farm that receives bulk fuel deliveries from Fern, meaning that for every 100 litres of bulk fuel they purchase, 50 cents is donated to SHS. We would like to take the time to mention who those members of the community are that have contributed to SHS. They are listed as follows:

• Amberhay Limited - Finnerty Road
• Cornwall Park Farms Limited - AGO
  
• G & M Collins Family Trust
• Makino Deer Limited
• Palmerdell Trust 91 Only
  
• Palmerdell Trust AGO only
• Palmerdell Trust
• Cornwall Park Farms Limited
• WE & JJ Craig
• GN & RL Smith Trusts Partnership

Rural communities and schools everywhere can enjoy the benefits of the Fuel for Schools programme. For more information about the programme, call 0800 99 99 89 or visit their website fernenergy.co.nz/community/fuel-for-schools