Prizegiving season

Junior Prizegiving

Junior students will return to school on Monday 14 December after Activities Week, and Junior Prizegiving will be held on Tuesday, 15 December. The ceremony will begin at 11 am and it is hoped that parents and caregivers will join us to celebrate academic, cultural and sports prize winners, and the junior graduation programme. We ask that you are seated by 10:50 am so a prompt start can be made. Parents / caregivers will be able to take their child home after the ceremony. School buses will run as usual on this day.

Please note that it is compulsory for all junior students to attend the Junior Prizegiving. Students will receive their Peak magazine after the ceremony.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Senior Prizegiving

The senior prizegiving was a very successful end to the senior's academic year with Kody Simpson being announced the 2015 Dux. A full list of the prizewinners from the 2015 Senior Prizegiving ceremony can be accessed on this link : 2015 Senior Prizegiving and choose the file under the 2015 newsletters listing.

University Graduates Recognised

It was with pleasure that we received a list of former pupils who have graduated from Victoria University and Waikato University between June 2014 and May 2015. Congratulations to the following ex-pupils on their success.

Victoria University: Michele Binnie (MMA), Jackson Espin (BSC), Emma Henderson (BAHONS), Benjamin Higgs (BSC), Emily Paterson, (BSC), Natasha Sinclair-Taikato (BCOM), Trent Stallard (MPA), Timothy Stanners (BCOM), David Walsh (BAS), Steven Woollaston (MA).

Waikato University: Pauline James (BTch), Lee Jeffrey (CertMgmt), Zoe Fugistaller (GDTch-Sec), Melissa Hinton (GDTch-ECE), Alesha Hinton (GDTch-ECE)

We are very proud of the achievements of the students and I am sure that you will also wish to share in celebrating the success of our students.

Internal Excellences Rewarded

At assembly at the beginning of June the following students received a certificate for excellence in NCEA internally assessed standards. Congratulations to all students and we look forward to awarding more certificates next term.

Level 1

Alex Baker	Mathematics
Jasmine Baker	Mathematics (3)     Science
Justine Baker	Geography (2)    Mathematics    Science
Brittany Barker	Science
Grace Burroughs	Music
Paytn Cameron	Science
Enana-Louise Cash	Te Reo Maori
Nikki Collins	Health
Holly Dorne	History     Science
Sara Harrison	Home Economics     History (2)
Natida Jane	History
Ben Johns	Science
Hayden Kells	Mathematics (2)
Hannah McCallum	Fabric Technology     History (2)
Elizabeth Martin	English
Dylan Moore	Science     Health
Lightning Muraahi	Te Reo Maori
Teigan Parker	Science
Makayla Pitcher	English
Luke Ratu	English     Science
Katelyn Simpson	Health
Dale Stanners	Digital Technology     Science
Riley Taylor	Mathematics (2)     History     English
Estella Van Der Lee	History
Detroit Weston-Hoyes	Te Reo Maori
David Whareaitu	English

Level 2

Daerelle Edwards-Thompson	Te Reo Maori
Bailey Fleming	History (2)
Bailey Gavin	Mathematics     Chemistry (2)     Biology
Ashley Kowalewski	Geography     Chemistry (2)     History (2)
Jonathan Linders	Geography     Chemistry (2)     Biology
Christine McIvor	Chemistry
Harmoney Moffitt	Chemistry     Biology
Caitlin Reardon	Chemistry (2)     History (2)     Biology (2)
Tessa Smith	Mathematics    Geography     Chemistry (2)     Biology
Jade Stewart	History
Dylan Trott	Chemistry (2)
Renee Vincent	Geography
Freedom Walker	Te Reo Maori

Level 3

Kimberley Barker	Art
Jacinta Frost	Statistics and Modelling     Accounting     History
Georgia Gavin	Home Economics     Statistics and Modelling Accounting
Nicholas Hornby	Chemistry     Biology
Thor Howatson	L3 Accounting     L3 History     L3 Biology
Monica Jones	Chemistry
Sarah Kowalewski	Statistics and Modelling     History (2)
Sarah Malone	History
Caitlin Smart	Chemistry     Statistics and Modelling
Kody Simpson	Statistics and Modelling     Accounting     Biology
Katie Taylor	Chemistry     Statistics and Modelling
Steven Ung	Accounting
Alicia Venter	Statistics and Modelling     History (2)
Laura Ward	History
Beth West	Statistics and Modelling     Accounting

ANZAC ASSEMBLY

On Thursday 23^rd April, the student council held an assembly in recognition of the centenary of the ANZAC’s arrival at Gallipoli, during WW1. The assembly was commenced by Kody and Jason who read the “Ode of Remembrance”. Makaiyah gave the school some devastating statistics about the ANZACs and this put into perspective for the school, how severe the fatalities were, especially when compared to what NZ anticipated. The roll of honour of ANZACs who attended our school was then read by Kody and Johnny. Jessica Taunt followed, explaining to the school the importance of wearing poppies and the significance of them, encouraging the students to wear poppies. Those involved performed a role play as a beautiful poem was read out which portrayed the importance of poppies and the significance of the ANZAC's involvement in the war as well as the effect of war on people today.

The student council members prior to leaving the hall.

I was very pleased with the respectful way in which the students listened during our assembly. There were many positive comments regarding the field of remembrance which was set up at the entrance of the school, by the flagpole. I am honoured to have had the privilege of presenting this to the school and it was a significant experience for those involved.

Sarah Kowalewski, Student Council Chairperson

CELEBRATING THE ARTS

The Arts Extravaganza at the end of term one was a great success. It was wonderful to see our music and drama students performing to such a high standard. Brittany Barker and Jack Rossiter gave solo performances on the piano and drums and we were also treated to vocal performances by Brooklyn Kahui-Wall, Samme-Sara Harrop-Marriner and Jessica Nicholas. The year 10 and 11 drama classes brought the magic of theatre alive for us with their performances of Sue Murray’s ‘Snapshots’ and a student-devised drama, ‘Memories of the Holocaust.’ Jason Manuel-Isaacs was our fabulous M.C. for the evening. Thank you to all the parents who attended this event. Photos are able to be viewed in the newsletter.

Rebecca Leafberg, TIC Drama (term1)

TSSSA DRESSAGE

Stratford High School took three teams to TSSSA Dressage in Waitara last week. Kimberley Barker gained a 4th placing riding Darcy in class one and an overall 4th placing riding Chase in class two after gaining tenth place is both of the tests. Tracy Byrnes gained a 9th and 10th placing riding in class one. Ceil Butler gained a third placing riding Pukerata in class one. Deanna Vernon, Andrea Bailey, Caitlin Gwerder, and Brittany Barker also rode well on their mounts.

Andrea Bailey

Kimberley Barker

AMAZING EASTER EGG RACE

The student council ran an Amazing Easter egg race during the last week of term. This event was organised by William Wakefield and Chelsea Renata. Students had to complete challenges around the school. Over 150 participants all received a prize with the main winners being; Zhane O'Conner, Kody Simpson, Jackson Cox, Morgan McSweeney, Brittany Meier-Waite, Quinlin Bosson-Thompson. Thanks to William and Chelsea, we hope that this event will be held again in the future.

Wendy Walker, Assistant Principal

William and Chelsea the organisers giving out prizes.

winners of the amazing easter egg race

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear students, parents and caregivers

Ngā mihi o te wa ki a koe me te whanau

As we come to the end of term one 2015 I am conscious of how busy the term has been. Term one this year has been nine weeks compared to other years where we have had eleven or even twelve weeks, therefore we have had to fit activities into a smaller time period. In spite of this staff and students have been involved in many activities both inside and outside the school.

Since the last newsletter we have had several TSSSA sports events, our leaders have been to Palmerston North for a leadership seminar, our year 12 physical education students have been tramping on the mountain, year 13 geography students are off to Tongariro, students were involved in teens can cook and assemblies have celebrated sports and academic awards. Over the weekend a number of staff and students spent 24 hours walking around a track at the showgrounds for Relay 4 Life. They were great ambassadors for our school as have all students who have represented our school during this term.

Thank you to the large number of parents/caregivers who attended our Poutama goal setting day earlier this month. I'm sure you would have found this valuable, and the foundation and goals are now set for the year. The relationship that your son/daughter has with their academic mentor is a very important one in assisting with goal setting and monitoring achievement over the year. Students will meet with their academic mentor every three weeks and there will be key messages that will be delivered at various times, especially for seniors involved in NCEA. Our next round of Poutama interviews with parents and students will be at the end of term 2. We would welcome any feedback on the process undertaken this year as it differs from previous Poutama days.

All students will receive a report during the last two weeks of the term. Seniors will receive a progress report (parent interviews on Wednesday 1^st April) and juniors will receive their first graduation report with parent interviews to be held on Thursday 23^rd April. The critical part of this cycle are the report evenings and talking to your child’s teacher about their progress. An important aspect of your attendance at the report evening, is the message that it sends to your children that you and the school are working together to support them. Students should use the reports and interviews to reflect on their learning, and should then review and reset some goals, re-establish routines, and ensure a life and work balance.

We still have one week of the term remaining (school does not finish until Thursday 2^nd April at 3.15 pm) and it is important that students remain focused on their learning and the goals they have set. I am very conscious of our student’s efforts during this term and their desire to be the best they can be. I also want to express my appreciation to our great staff team for the work they do in serving and supporting a wonderful student community. I encourage students not to let their standards slip over the next two weeks. Be sure to aim high in all you do.

NCEA Results

The school has received provisional NCEA results. Congratulations to all students for their success. 

Overall participation based results: students who entered sufficient credits to achieve a NQF qualification by the end of year.

Year	L1	Nat	L2	Nat	L3	Nat	UE	Nat
2013	53.3	76.4	60.5	79.2	67.4	74.6	58.7	64.9
2014	74.3	79.3	77.9	84.3	70.3	74.9	51.4	51.9

Literacy/numeracy

Year	Literacy	Nat	Numeracy	Nat
2013	83.9	78.6	82.1	80.6
2014	88.0	82.1	82.4	82.4

Certificate Endorsements

2013	L1	Nat	L2	Nat	L3	Nat
Excellence	7.1	11.9	4.1	9.2	3.2	8.8
Merit	42.9	26.1	14.3	19.5	25.8	24.7
2014
Excellence	8.6	12.5	11.3	10.6	3.8	9.9
Merit	25.9	27.6	30.2	19.9	23.1	23.5

As this is the last newsletter of the term, I wish you an enjoyable break with your family and friends and hope that you return refreshed and ready for another exciting and exhilarating term on Monday 20^th April.

Philip Keenan, Principal

Student Council named; Excellence Honoured

As chairperson of the student council, I am thrilled with the high level of calibre among the students who showed interest in being on the student council. I am looking forward to an exciting year, carrying on some initiatives that began last year within our school, such as the garden run by the student council, as well as starting our own projects. Congratulations to this year’s student council, I am confident that we will have a successful year. The badges were presented in assembly this week.

The student councillors are:

Amess House: Callum Bendall, Jonathan Linders, Chelsee Renata, Tessa Smith, Dylan Trott, William Wakefield.

McAllister House: Bailey Gavin, Monica Jones, Christine McIvor, McKenzie Roodbeen-Old, Emily Short, Jessica Taunt

Trimble House: Jerrikco Dean, Hamish MacDonald, Caitlin Reardon, Rhiannon Rhodes, Caitlan Smart, Beccyann Walker

Tyrer House: Emily Bates, Jamie Chapman, Layne Cox, Ashley Kowalewski, Kylie Petch, Renee Vincent

Sarah Kowalewski, Student Council Chairperson

NCEA ENDORSEMENTS 2014

Students are awarded merit or excellence endorsements on their NCEA qualifications if they achieve 50 or more credits at merit or excellence level. Gaining an endorsement is a significant achievement and we have recognised these learners at our assemblies, where they received an academic scholars badge and/or appropriate bar.

Following the 2014 examinations these students have an excellence endorsement. At NCEA Level 3 2014 Dux Rachel Martin received a gold bar. At NCEA Level 2 these students were presented with a gold (excellence) bar: Kimberley Barker, Nicholas Hornby, Monica Jones, Sarah Kowalewski, Sarah Malone, Jayde Nahi and Kody Simpson. At NCEA Level 1: Matthew Anderson, Kimberley Barker, Bailey Gavin, Ashley Kowalewski, Jonathan Linders, Caitlin Reardon, Tessa Smith and Dylan Trott were presented with a badge and gold (excellence) bar.

2014 NCEA Medal winners

A further 23 students gained merit endorsements at Level 1, with 16 students at Level 2 and seven students at Level 3. These students are: Level 1 (silver badge with bar); Liam Anderson, Mitchell Best, Kate Booker, William Burnell, Jared Dodunski, Bailey Fleming, Abigail Ford, Coen Frost, Jordan Heal, Jeana Howells, Hamish MacDonald, Christine McIvor, Morgan McSweeney, Nicholas Merson, Harmoney Moffitt, Connor Muir, Michael Muir, Shayzaria Pirini, McKenzie Roodbeen-Old, Shaun Rowe, Jade Stewart, Renee Vincent and Krissie Ward. A Level 2 (silver bar) was awarded to Quintin Bailey, Emily Bates, William Burnell, Jacinta Frost, Georgia Gavin, Thor Howatson, Grace Pope, Emily Short, Caitlin Smart, Jessica Taunt, Katie Taylor, Steven Ung, Alicia Venter, William Wakefield, Laura Ward and Beth West. The Level 3 (silver bar) has been awarded to: Kimberley Barker, Nikita Dorne, Jason Hamlin, Robbie Howatson, Joshua Hunger, Noeleen Venter and Marline Vogt.

Leaders 2015

The student leaders have been announced for 2015. The year 13 students will be led by Head Boy, Kody Simpson and Head Girl Georgia Gavin.
Sports Capatins are Katie Taylor and Quintin Bailey.
Arts Captains are Emily Bates and Jason Manuel-Isaacs.
Student Council Chairperson is Sarah Kowalewski and Makaiyah Hughes is continuing as the BoT Student Representative.

2015 student leaders with Principal Mr P Keenan.