Stratford High Times

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

It is hard to believe we are already approaching the end of the school year. Our senior students are now well into their NCEA examinations. In my assemblies leading into exam leave, I spoke about the importance of being prepared, staying focused, and not leaving results “to chance.” I sincerely hope all students have taken this message on board and are giving themselves every opportunity for success.

I also want to acknowledge the recent PPTA industrial action. While the disruption has been challenging for everyone, we truly appreciate the understanding and patience shown by our school community throughout this period.

Our Senior Prizegiving was, once again, a highlight of the school year. This year’s guest speaker was former student and professional basketballer Quintin Bailey. Quintin delivered a powerful and moving address, focusing on the impact of doing the simple things well—reminding students that success is often built on consistently mastering the basics. His message resonated strongly with us all, and we were grateful to have him back at Stratford High School.

At Prizegiving, we announced our Head Students for 2026. Hunta Ngatai-Northcott has been named Head Boy and Tessa Slater our Head Girl. We congratulate both students and look forward to the leadership, positivity, and mana they will bring to their roles. Lily Single has already been elected as the Board of Trustees Student Representative and will join the wider student leadership team.

We are also pleased to share our Deans Team for 2026:

· Year 9: Kelly Rawcliffe

· Year 10: Alison Wright

· Year 11: Lucy Gibbon

· Year 12: Heidi Seales

· Year 13: Bill McGeoch

We look forward to the contribution each of these staff members will bring as they support our learners through the year ahead.

We also acknowledge three significant staff farewells this year. Michael Taylor, our Curriculum Deputy Principal, concludes five years of dedicated leadership at Stratford High School as he

moves to New Plymouth Girls’ High School. Michael has played a pivotal role in shaping our curriculum direction, leading major changes with clarity, high expectations, and a commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. We thank him for his service and leadership.

Suzanne Blackwell retires after a long and successful teaching career, including the past five years with us. Suzanne has made a positive contribution to our school community, and we are grateful for the care, professionalism, and warmth she has brought to her role. We wish her all the best for a well-deserved retirement.

David Daugherty, our long-serving Head of Mathematics, is also retiring this year. We thank him for his service.

As we move into the final weeks of 2025, I want to thank our students, staff, parents, and whānau for their ongoing commitment to Stratford High School. Your support continues to strengthen the culture, values, and aspirations of our school community.

Take care.

Ngā mihi,

Cameron Stone

Principal

Celia Gribble has taken out the Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards for the second year in a row. Celia entered three pieces of writing, winning 1st place, 2nd place, and a Highly Commended. Congratulations, Celia—this is a wonderful achievement!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Te Rangimārie students! We recently built a scarecrow named Thomas for the Stratford Scarecrow Trail. A big thank you to Guthrie Bowron for donating the paint and ITM for providing the timber. Our students also attended the Taranaki Secondary School Sports All Ability Athletics at the TET Stadium in Inglewood, took part in car washing as our class contribution to the Junior Workday, and even had a special visit from the mayor.

Our akonga/students recently took their learning outdoors to the Pātea River! With support from Enviroschools facilitators, the class explored invertebrates, measured water temperature, conductivity, and current flow to uncover what these clues reveal about river health. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of how these factors influence the river ecosystem and its sustainability.

Hands-on learning + fresh air = awesome education!

After Madison Smith’s impressive performance at the Mel Young Easter Basketball Tournament representing the New Plymouth Basketball Association earlier this year, she was selected to trial for the Basketball Pacific NZ Koru Tour Under -16 Girls team. Madison will head to NSW in January 2026 to compete in the Australian Country Junior Basketball Competition. Congratulations, Madison, on being named to the team — an outstanding achievement! Wishing you all the best for the tournament.

Congratulations Zeta Barber on being named the Taranaki Whio Sportswoman of the Year - what an incredible achievement! 🏆

Congratulations to Sophia Wallis for being named in the Palmerston North Marist U15 Futsal team.

The Croquet NZ North Island Secondary Schools GC Tournament took was held in the Hawkes Bay, with Stratford High School represented by Year 10 students, Cohen Jones and Fynn Byers and Reid Macdonald and Ethan Baker.

Cohen and Fynn became members of Park Croquet Club in Hawera after attending last year’s Secondary School Tournament in Auckland, where they finished 6th overall, while Reid and Ethan have only attended TSSSA Have A Go Golf Croquet Days in the past, but have been developing their croquet skills in the weeks leading up to the competition.

A round robin of five games saw Cohen and Fynn win four of their five games, just missing out on the playoff for first and second. Instead, they had a best of three games playoff for 3rd and 4th against the pairing from FDMC which they won 7-0 and 7-5. Meanwhile, Reid and Ethan were unlucky not to secure a win during the round robin but did have their opportunities being ahead in a few games. They found themselves in the playoff for 5th and 6th against a sister pairing from Kerikeri High School. They showed improvement with their tactics in the playoff, winning 7-4 and 7-5 to finish 5th overall.

Congratulations to Zeta Barber for being selected into the Taranaki Women's 7's Team.

Congratulations to the SHS Senior A Netball Team for being nominated for the Junior Sports Team Category at the 2025 Taranaki Sports Awards.

📚 Reminder to All Students and Families
Please return all school books allocated throughout the year to the school office no later than Monday, December 8th.
Your cooperation helps us prepare for the new school year. Thank you!

If anyone has any unwanted or second-hand Stratford High School uniform items they no longer use, we would love to take them off your hands!
Our stock of second-hand uniforms is currently very low, and your donations would make a big difference for families in need.

Please drop items off at the school office during opening hours.
Thank you for your support!

Stationery can be purchased from Paper Plus Stratford. Please take a list with you when you purchase your stationery.
Parents are also able to use the OfficeMax MySchool website or Qizzle website as all our lists are available there.

Download our school app to keep up to date with school information.

Please be mindful and refrain from parking in the disability parking spaces unless you have a valid disability card. These spaces are reserved for those who need them most, ensuring accessibility for people with mobility challenges. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The Kamar portal has been updated and can be accessed at https://stratfordhigh.school.kiwi/ This will be further developed this term and will eventually include features such as payments, course selection etc. More details will follow about this in due course.

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

If your student has changed a subject please let Mrs Terry know via email so the statement can be adjusted to reflect the changes STerry@stratfordhigh.school.nz

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.

See below for instructions to provide feedback on the Health and Safety Management policy.

1. Visit the website Stratford HS Policies and Procedures (schooldocs.co.nz)
2. Enter the username (stratfordhigh) and password (swansearoad4332)
3. Click on the tab for current review and it should show you the latest policies for review.
4. Read the policy.
5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".
7. Enter your name (optional).
8. Submit your ratings and comments.
9. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

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.

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, Anne Jonas on 027 204 1134 or email anne.jonas@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

Assistant Principal/Academic achievement: Ms Allana George

Principal's PA: Mrs Joe Mack

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 2025

Year 9: Mrs Alison Wright

Year 10: Ms Kelly Rawcliffe

Year 11: Miss Heidi Seales

Year 12: Mr Bill McGeoch

Year 13: Mrs Lucy Gibbon

Guidance Counsellor: Ms. Tash Allerby

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

December 1 - End of Year Prizegiving 11.30am start
December 2-5 - Activities Week

December 5 - Last Day Term 4

January 28 - Course Confirmation Year 12 & 13

January 29 - Year 9 & 13 First Day

January 30 - All Year Levels to Attend

February 6 - Waitangi Day

February 12 - NCEA Information Evening 6pm

March 5 - Goal Setting Day

February 6 - Teacher Only Day

March 26 - Parent/Teacher Interviews

April 2 - End of Term 1

Our uniquely designed sponsorship programme has provided over $2 million of resources to more than 700 rural schools in the last fifteen years.

We are pleased to advise that Stratford High School has reached Ferns' Fuel for School programme's threshold for redemption.

The current total is $1609.30.

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
• Western Heights Partnership
• 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