Our Senior Prizegiving is always a highlight of the year, and this year was no different. The opportunity to share the amazing achievements of our students with our community was special. Thank you to all who were able to come along and celebrate their successes. A combination of great music, inspiring speeches from our Head Students, and a large group of students crossing the stage showcased the talent within our student body. Don’t underestimate that.

Events like these require hours of planning and effort, and I want to acknowledge our wonderful office team, our Food teachers for the lovely afternoon tea, and our staff, including the Senior Leadership Team, who worked together to ensure the success of the afternoon.

Special congratulations go to our Major Award Winners: Dux – Brenna Johnson; Proxime Accessit – Eva McGeoch; Top Māori Student and First in Year 12 – Kiahna Smith; First in Year 11 – Jess Bielski-Jones; Roodbeen Award for the Best All-Round Student – Ciara Staines-Hurley; Top Sportsperson – Zeta Barber; Top Sportsman – Ethan Larsen; and Top Sportswoman – Camryn Austin. The commitment, effort, time management, and perseverance of each of these students serve as a wonderful example to the rest of the student body. Success only comes from a willingness to go above and beyond, often sacrificing some of the important things in a teenager’s life to train, study, and prepare for the challenges ahead. These students truly embody our motto: Palma Non Sine Pulvere – No reward without effort.

We were honoured to hear from Stephen Cox, Stratford High School’s only Olympian (as far as I know) and an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Stephen’s message on perseverance and resilience was inspiring for our students; when the going gets tough, we must continue to move forward, not walk away. Thank you for joining us, Stephen.

Our Head Students’ valedictory speeches were memorable. Mackenzie’s message, that people remember who you are, not what you have, truly reflects who she is as a person and how she has led our school in 2024. Bryan’s message to believe in yourself and keep chasing your dreams reflects his journey at school and the success he has had. Thank you both for your contributions.

Congratulations go to our Head Students for 2025. Addison Whitikia, Head Girl, and Justin Salisbury, Head Boy, bring the leadership, values, and attributes that I am confident will allow them to lead our school with commitment, strength, and as role models to our community. We look forward to 2025.

I wish our students all the best for the NCEA Examinations. Give yourself the best opportunity for success.

Palma Non Sine Pulvere!

Cameron Stone

Principal

At Stratford High School, we place a strong emphasis on student attendance, as it plays a crucial role in a young person’s success and overall well-being. The more regularly students attend, the more they engage with learning, perform academically, and feel happier at school—ultimately setting them up for life beyond the classroom. Research shows a direct link between attendance and achievement: missing even one week per term can add up to a full year of lost learning by the time students are 16 years old.

Whilst our attendance rates are on the rise, the number of unexplained absences is still too high. In Term 3, 30% of those who were absent did not provide an explanation for not being at school. You need to let us know if your child is going to be absent, and you can do this by contacting our school office, emailing the school, or letting your child’s Form Teacher or Dean know. It is the responsibility of every parent or caregiver to keep us informed so that we can ensure the safety and well-being of all our students. Clear communication helps us work together to support each student’s attendance and engagement at school. If, after one week, we are unable to reach parents or caregivers regarding unexplained absences, these absences will be recorded as truancy.

If daily attendance is becoming a challenge, please reach out to us. We’re here to support you and your child so that school can be a positive, healthy experience, but we can only help if we understand your situation. Let your child know that their attendance matters to you—talk with them about the importance of school for their future and encourage them to be there every day. Show a positive attitude about school, and help your child succeed by establishing a consistent morning routine and a regular homework routine after school. Together, we can make every school day count, ensuring that each student has the best chance for a successful, fulfilling future.

Two of our Young Enterprise businesses, B You and Maiatanga, presented their business journeys at the Young Enterprise Scheme Taranaki Regional Awards last Thursday. They were both amazing and between them they took out 7 of the 14 regional awards. Kiahna, Alivia and Hannah, you can be super proud of yourselves!

The full list of Regional Award Winners:

· Regional Company of the Year: Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· Regional Runner-Up: Wavewax, Spotswood College

· BDO Annual Review Award: Māiatanga, Stratford High School

· Graphix Business Card Award: Shielded, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· South Taranaki District Council Business Innovation Award: Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· Speaking Made Easy Business Presentation Award: BYou, Stratford High School

· Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase Award: Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· Implement Customer Service Award: Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· Barbara Kuriger MP Enhancing Rural Communities: Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

· BDO Financial Management Award: Māiatanga, Stratford High School

· WITT Ideation Validation Award: BYou, Stratford High School

· Office Furniture First Rangatahi Award: Māiatanga, Stratford High School

· Centre City Retail Award: BYou, Stratford High School

· TGM Social Media & Marketing Award: Wavewax, Spotswood College

· Taranaki Regional Council Sustainable Business Award: Māiatanga, Stratford High School

· The Seaside Market Trade Fair Award, Fundamentally Fungi, Francis Douglas Memorial College

A few of weeks ago Celia Gribble was named as a finalist in the Lysaght-Watt Trust Ronald Hugh Morrieson Literary Awards for the secondary school short story category.

She then went on to win it! Amazing achievement, congratulations Celia!

Braith Hodge has recently been in Japan competing at the World Jui Jitsu Championships where he incredibly picked up a silver medal for his weight and age category. This is an outstanding accomplishment. Well done Braith.

Congratulations to Ryder Katene who won a bronze medal at the National Championships.

Fantastic result for Ryan Hurliman who placed 1st and Lucas Watson who placed 3rd at the New Zealand ATV Motorcross Nationals.

Mason Robinson pictured here mid-air recently competing at the North Island BMX Champs

Due to a recent update to the Android system, the KAMAR app can no longer be downloaded to android devices. KAMAR at this time are working on a resolution to this by migrating to a mobile friendly website. Due to the complexity of resolving this issue however KAMAR do not expect the resolution to be available soon.

You can still access the parent portal via our school website.

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.

This term the policy for review is Health and Safety Management policies. See below for instructions to provide feedback on this 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.

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, 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

Deputy Principal Pastoral and School Organisation: Ms Kelly Jennings

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 2024

Year 9: Ms Kelly Rawcliffe

Year 10: Mr Jeff Walker

Year 11: Mr Bill McGeoch

Year 12: Mrs Lucy Gibbon

Year 13: Miss Heidi Seales

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

Thursday 28th November - PPTA Paid Union Meeting (school finishes at 12.30pm)

Monday 2nd December - End of Year Prizegiving

Tuesday 3rd - Friday 6th December - Activities Week

Friday 6th December - Last day Term 4

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

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

The current total is $1279.50.

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.

You can now redeem from a range of sports, technology, literacy, music and of course Vegepod 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
• G & M Collins Family Trust
• Makino Deer Limited
• 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