Latest newsletter

Latest newsletter

The latest newsletter went home with students on Friday 3rd August. Please follow the link below to open a pdf copy of this newsletter.
August 2012 newsletter
Also available on the school website is a Shotts fundraiser flyer to assist our students going to New Caledonia in September. If you would like to order any please complete the form and send it to the school by Monday 13th September.

High School Corner

Senior Prizegiving
All parents and caregivers are invited to the senior prizegiving on Tuesday 8th November commencing at 1.00pm. We ask that parents are seated by 12.50 pm to ensure a prompt start. The prizegiving will be followed by afternoon tea for parents and prizewinners.

Board of Trustees Academic Scholarships Awarded
At the recent meeting the Board of Trustees awarded five scholarships to students who sat the scholarship examinations in August. The awardees are: Jordan Wood (St Josephs), Tessa Smith (Kaponga), Caitlin Reardon (Ngaere), Dylan Trott (Toko) and Thor Howatson (Toko). The continuation of the scholarship is dependent on academic success at each year level.

Thank you to all parents and schools who allowed students time to sit the examinations at the school.

Next Newsletter
A newsletter will be posted given to all students this week. Activity week booklets will be handed out to junior students on Friday.

P H Keenan
Principal

Latest news

Daffodil Day Volunteers
Once again, students volunteered their services to assist the Stratford Cancer Society with the luncheon and selling of flowers for 2011 Daffodil Day. Thanks to Alison Matthews, Andrew Hunger, Amy Luckhurst, Elizabeth Corbett, Shannon Morrow-Washer, Melissa Coull-Herewini, Jessica Nicholas, Christine Podjursky and Michaela Dormer for providing this valuable community service on behalf of our school.


Lara Williams:
Taranaki Female Hockey Player
of the Year 2011


 Taranaki Female Hockey Player of the Year

On 27 August Taranaki Hockey held their annual club awards evening. The criteria for the player of the year awards were that you needed to represent Taranaki in some way, show great skill, talent and be a team player. It is a difficult award to receive as there are 8 clubs with a total of 112 players vying for the honour. It was with great excitement and shock that Lara Williams received this award for 2011.

As part of her commitment to hockey, Lara played for SHS Girls 1st XI, captained the Taranaki Under 15 team and was tournament player of the week as well as Most Valuable Player for the second year.

Congratulations

To Laureen Cox who was 3rd in the TSSSA Senior Girls Road Cycle champs and also won one of the spot prizes on the day.

To Sarah Cooper, Melissa Coull-Herewini, Rebecca Poole, Daniel Stieller, Kate Thomas who were presented with Peak 2011 bars as acknowledgement of their involvement in the production of the school magazine this year.

To Josh Hunger and Quinlin Bosson-Thompson who were selected for the Taranaki Under 14 rugby team. They play against a visiting Australian school next Thursday in Tikorangi. Scott Caskey and Jarvis Gotty are in the Under 16 team and Adrian Pitman was selected for the Taranaki Under 18 team.

Parent - Teacher Partnership rules

Another two of the parent - teacher relationship rules.
High School Corner went to the Stratford Press this week with information on the cross country, variety concert and 40 hour famine.
Rule 3: Partner with your child’s teacher.
Children who do best at school are the ones who have parents (at home) and teachers (at school) working closest together.
• Teachers describe parent-teacher relationships as essential, vital and critical.
• Positive links between parents and teachers create positive attitudes to school.
• Your involvement will help your child’s progress at school, build trust and resolve differences.
• Parent-teacher partnerships, like any teamwork, benefit from communication.

Rule 4: Participate in your child’s school

No matter what support or assistance parents can offer, regardless of whether it’s during school hours or out-of-hours, it’s always appreciated.
• Read school communications regularly.
• Support the school’s values in your home and encourage respect.
• Involve yourself in the school community through a diverse range of activities.
• Look for opportunities to share knowledge and experience.
• Respect the teacher’s professionalism.
• Ultimately your child will reap the benefits of your involvement.

Parent - Teacher Partnership guides

The second of the six Parent - Teacher partnership guides.
Rule 2: share the responsibility for your child’s education
Show children that education is valued and important
• Create a learning environment for your child.
• Share the responsibility for your child’s education with the school.
• Show an interest in your child’s learning.
• Become engaged with your child’s teacher and the school.
• Encouragement can be simple and quick.

Christchurch Donation
The school had several fundraising events during term one for the Christchurch Red Cross appeal. The disco in the last week of term raised $901 while the total amount sent in the holidays was $2571. This is an amazing effort at fundraising by our students as they also raised nearly $8000 for the Relay 4 Life.
Congratulations to members of the student council, year 13 and staff who have been involved in this fundraising. Currently students are collecting items of stationery for Avonside High School as the student council initiative this term.

Variety Concert
The annual SHS Variety concert “SHS 4 CHCH” will be held on Tuesday 17th May from 7.00 pm in the school hall. Entry fee will be $5 adults with $2 for students. All profits from the evening will go to the Christchurch Relief appeal. Come along and support our very talented students. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Winter Uniform reminders
Parents, caregivers and students are reminded that winter uniform is required for term 2 and 3.
Polishable black shoes as indicated in the prospectus are to be worn with white ankle socks or black tights for girls and regulation socks for boys. A brochure from Number One Shoe Warehouse was sent with reports with a 50% discount offer off selected styles (expires May 8th).

ANZAC Day
Thanks to the Year 13 students along with Mrs Baldwin and Mrs N Brown who contributed time to making the wreaths for ANZAC Day. The school wreaths were laid by the leaders at the Cemetery and Cenotaph on ANZAC Day while the house wreaths were hung in the Hall of Remembrance. Congratulations to Taylor and Tim who spoke at the Stratford Service. They repeated these speeches in front of the school at assembly on Tuesday 3rd May.
P H Keenan
Principal

High School Corner

Junior Workday
Many thanks to members of the community who offered support to the junior students for workday. Final totals are not yet in but we are hoping that both major projects for the Student Council will happen.

NZ Secondary Schools Indoor bowls
Anjela Frost, Taranaki under 15 Indoor Bowls Champion was placed 3rd in the NZ Junior Indoor Bowls Championships on Saturday 28th August in Wellington. She was knocked out by 2009 NZ champion Teri Anderson in the semi final. One champion from each region competes in this tournament.

In the NZ Secondary Schools Champs on Sunday 29th August, Anjela Frost was 9th in the championship singles, while Rebekah Frost (5th) and Kylie Rowlands (9th) played in the consolation round. In the NZSS Pairs competition on Monday 30th August Anjela and Rebekah won all qualifying games and finished 9th in NZ. Jacinta Frost and Kylie Rowlands also won all qualifying games and finished 5th in NZ at their level.

Congratulations:
Jessica Short, Nathan Heine and Alexandra Merson were presented with a Level 1 Basketball Umpires certificate at assembly last week. We hope to see them umpiring at Stratford games in the near future.

Maria Gaudin won first place with her dog Dream at the Taranaki Toy Dog Show on 29th August.

Ex pupil Bryce Looms (2002) has recently finished a Diploma of Digital Media at the Media and Design College in Auckland. Bryce is now working the website design field, updating and design websites. This college offers other diplomas in the graphic media fields of game development, VFX and 3D Graphics.

Philip H Keenan
Principal

Hockey Finals this week

SHS Hockey

Tuesday night 17th August, the Boys B Hockey Team are playing for 5th & 6th position in the B grade competition at Stratford at the T.E.T at 6.05pm against Hawera High. These boys have achieved a lot this year and have done extremely well.

SHS Boys A Hockey Team have made the finals. This game will be played on Thursday 19th August at the TET ground in Stratford, starting at 8.15pm against Francis Douglas Memorial College. All support is welcome.

The Girls A are playing in the Semi finals on Monday 23rd August in New Plymouth at the Devon Hotel Park at 7.00pm. This game will be against New Plymouth Girls High. If the girls win they will play on Thursday night at Stratford at the T.E.T. ground for the. All support for our semi welcome.
Desiree Alexander, Hockey Manager

Junior House Badges
Junior students were awarded house badges for their involvement in the school in four areas this week at assembly. A maximum of 8 badges per house are awarded; two in each category of academic, sport, culture and participation.
Winners for July 2010 are:
Amess House: Hamish Booker (Academic), Kathleen Robertson (Academic), Curtis Boyde (Sport), Erin Rowe (Sport), Angela Frost (Culture), Daisy Higgs (Participation), Cameron Luckhurst (Participation)

McAllister House: Josh Hunger (academic), Jessica Short (Academic), Simon Terry (Sport), Rua Walker (sport), Robbie Howatson (culture), Malissa Alexander (culture), Grace Hunger (participation), Emily Howatson (participation).

Trimble House: Misty Hagley (academic), Sam Wyss (academic), Tatiana Rhodes (sport) Joshua Robins (sport), Rachel Martin (participation) Jarvis Gotty (participation)

Tyrer House: Jack Bennett (academic), Ila Earney (academic), Emma Campbell (sport), Ryan Cooper (sport) Alexandra Merson (culture), cameron Cox (participation), Shayna Heal (participation).

Term 3 commences

PTA Meeting this week.
The SHS Parent Teacher Association will be meeting this week on Wednesday 21st July at 6.30 pm. They are meeting early to have a tour of the recently upgraded and remodelled A and T Blocks of the school. Come along and see the wonderful new facilities for our Home Economics, Fabric, Maths, Health and Physical Education rooms as well as the new offices for Careers, Gateway and Sports Co-ordinator. The regular meeting will follow the tours with supper to follow.

Congratulations to the Rugby Tourists
Jeff Walker returned home early this week with a second place in the Gold Coast Canterbury Rugby tournament. He reports that all students and accompanying parents were thrilled with the win and the time away. Thank you to all sponsors, supporters and parents for assisting with the fundraising to make this trip successful.

Parents are asked to contact the school if their student has had success over the holidays.

High School Corner – Wednesday June 30th 2010

Good luck
The school wishes Josh Robins good luck on his trip to America to attend the World Cup Quarter Horse Championships. Josh has been training in Auckland under cover in preparation for this trip.

The school wishes the Australian Rugby Touring team all the best for the Gold Coast Canterbury tournament next week. I am sure that all students and supporters will enjoy their trip.

Senior Dramatists on stage
Year 12 and 13 drama students will be presenting Mmmbeth, a comedy version of “The Scottish Play” tonight and on Friday 2nd July. The performances will commence at 7.30 pm in the school hall, with admission $3 for students and $5 for adults. Come along and support the drama students in the NCEA assessment.

Pig Tits and Parsley Sauce with Lyn Webster
This was a successful evening with over 80 members of the public attending to hear Lyn speak about her journey into budgeting and a environmentally responsible way of cleaning. The school currently has a raffle of her products available at the main office. Tickets $1 each.

Farewell to visitors
The school farewelled exchange students Gabrielle and Carmen at assembly on Tuesday. Carmen spent a year at SHS and was involved in many activities at a senior level. Gabrielle was here for six months and will be going home to continuing study at university level.

Taita Exchange
The annual Taita exchange occurred on Sunday and Monday of this week. Taita College won the volleyball on Sunday while SHS won the basketball. Monday events were evenly spread with hockey and soccer won by SHS with the netball, rugby and debate being won by Taita College. This means that they will keep the Johnson Trophy for this year.

Greg Murphy
Greg Murphy spoke to the students on Monday afternoon. He came to SHS as part of the SADD initiative and MTA advanced driving information for students. Many students had the opportunity to speak to Greg after assembly. (There will be some photos on the school website over the holidays).
P H Keenan, Principal

High School Corner

Stage Challenge
The final rehearsals for this event on 1st June were held on Monday afternoon. The performance was well recevied at the Variety Concert on 27th May and we wish the students all the best for the event.

Junior PE Classes
Junior level PE classes have been having sessions with Paul Martin from the Taranaki Rugby Union to improve their ball handling skills. The skills Paul has been teaching will improve students ability in all ball sports and the school it grateful for the support from the TRU for these classes.

Congratulations:
• Josh Robins who will be representing NZ at the 2010 Youth American Quarter Horse World Cup event in Oklahoma, USA in July. Josh is the only male in the team and this is a tremendous achievement for the 15 year old.

Farewell to Mrs Potter

Senior students with Mrs Maria Potter in her new office as Principal of Opunake High School.

A very busy week

Pae Rangatahi 2010
To Roopu Kapa Haka o Te Amorangi performed last Friday at the 2010 regional Kapa Haka competition. Although it was a small event this year, Taranaki schools were well represented. Congratulations to our group for standing, although in the performance section the group did extremely well.
“Ko Te Amorangi ki mua, Ko Te Hapai o ki muri”
T O’Carroll, HoD Moari

 

Rockquest 2010
On Saturday, our rock band “Glasgow Smile” performed at the Smokefree Rockquest heats at NP Boys High School. 26 bands in all competed for the 14 spots in the finals. The band comprising of Jesse Smythe (bass), Dylan O'Neill (vocals), Zac Cole (drums) and Robert Self (lead guitar and composer) performed really well and even though not successful in making the finals, they were deserving of a final’s spot. Well done guys. To hear them play, come along to the Rock’n’Rave on Saturday night in the school hall.
C Trueman, TIC Music

 

TSSSA Netball
On Sunday 9th May six Stratford High School netball teams travelled to New Plymouth for the actual TSSSA netball tournament. Our boys team faced some very tough competition. They had wins against Spotswood, Waitara, Francis Douglas and had a draw with Boys High. Consequently they won their grade. Well done to all the boys who took part.
          School A team had one win and three loses against some very tough opposition. School B recorded one win and two losses. 3A had one win, a draw and two loses. 4A were runners up in their section and had three wins and a loss. Strikers had a tough netball day and came 2nd in all of their games.
        Thank you to all the players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters who made the effort to travel to New Plymouth to watch our teams. Thanks should also go to Summer Collins, Kyla May, Anjela Frost, Nicole Chadwick, Astyn Buckland, Savarna Wilton and Mikayla Brown (both from St Mary’s) who gave up their Sunday to umpire. Also to Miss Apperley who successfully coached the boys to victory. Thanks also to Mr Keenan, Zoe and Whaea Tina for turning up to watch.
D Kay, TIC Netball

Congratulations

• Cameron Johnson who qualified for the second round of the Brain Bee Quiz. Cameron will be travelling to the Neuro-Sciences dept at Auckland University to take part in this quiz.
• Jared Bevins (ex-pupil) for his inclusion in the NZ Wood Chopping team for the Trans-Tasman competitions later this year. This is the third year that Jared has been a team member.
• Kelly Bishop who has been selected for the Taranaki U19 Netball team.
• Tatiana Rhodes has been selected as a member of the Taranaki U15 Development team.
• Olya Albot and Anya Albot won the U18 second to highest division at the Taekwondo North Island Championships on the 1st of May.

HSC - latest news

High School Corner for Wednesday 21st April.

 

Reminders this week

•  A newsletter was issued to all students on Wednesday 21st April. Latest information also on the school website.
• Winter uniform is to be worn by all students in term 2 and 3.
• Updates to school website including reports from curriculum areas, Special Needs and Electronics and Rugby and Netball.

 

Netball Notes
The regular netball season starts on Saturday. Information and times will be posted on the sports notice board. Uniforms will be issued to students before the end of the week. Coaches will also be organising practices, it is important that all players turn up. Fees invoices have been sent home to all parents and are due to the student office by Friday 30th April.

  

Pre-Season Netball Tournament
On Saturday 17th April four netball teams travelled to New Plymouth for the pre-season tournament. School A had two wins, a draw and one lose. They ended up second in their grade. 4A had three wins and one loss. They also ended up second in their grade. 3A and School B performed very well but were unable to achieve a win. All the teams respected Stratford High School, very well. Thank you to all the players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters for a very enjoyable day.

 

Yarrows bread bags - we are still collecting these for money for netball. Currently we have enough for one month but we need 1250 for the remainder of the season. Please hand clean, dry bags into the student office for counting. The top form each term receives a prize.

 

School Holiday Rugby
School teams were involved in two exchanges over the holidays with SHS hosting both events. On the first Monday (5th April) Thames High School brought their 1st and 2nd fifteens down for a Taranaki tour. Our 2nd fifteen lost a close game but played very well. The final score was 24 -19. The first fifteen had a great battle and ran out 25-14 winners. Many good contacts were made and the Thames team members enjoyed their stay.

 

The second event was the Jack Porter Tournament. We hosted three visiting teams over two days. We lost in extra time on day one to Waiopehu College 35 – 32 in a very close game. Day two saw SHS defeat Tararua College 15 – 6 in another close battle. Central Hawkes Bay College were the winners of the 2010 tournament. These games should see the boys ready for the local competition which starts on Saturday 24th April. Check the school website for the Jack Porter Photo.

 

P H Keenan
Principal

Final notes for Term 1, 2010.

Final notes for Term 1, 2010


School will commence for term 2 on Monday 19th April with timetable day 4. All students will be expected to be at school ready to start class at 8.45 am.
Please enjoy this break and safe travelling to all families.

Winter Uniform
Winter uniform is required for all students. A copy of this is available on the school website www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/2010uniform.pdf or from the main office.

Junior Report Evening
Thursday 22nd April 2010 from 7pm to 9 pm in Assembly Hall.
Parents of Year 9 and 10 students are reminded to make interview appointments with their students teachers for the interview report evening. If you have lost the interview sheet more are available from the student office.

School Holiday Rugby
Don't forget the rugby dates and jobs for the Aussie Touring team.
P H Keenan
Principal

HSC - Rugby in the holidays

Principal Celebration
Thursday afternoon the school community celebrated the inauguration of Mr Philip Keenan as the ninth Principal of Stratford High School. This occasion was attended by all students, staff and members of community as well as faculty and associates of Mr Keenan. His family were thrilled to be invited to attend this event and moved by the welcome and appreciation shown by all speakers. Thank you to all who attended and have welcomed Mr Keenan to this position.

School Holiday rugby
The school rugby 1st and 2nd XV teams are playing Thames High School at the school on Monday 5th April at 1.00 pm. Please come and support them and relive some old rugby memories.

The school is also hosting the Jack Porter Quadrangular tournament this year. The schools involved are Central Hawkes Bay College, Tararua College and Waiopehu College. This tournament has been running for many years. Come and enjoy the games, Thursday 15th April. Stratford High School plays at 2.45 pm and on Friday 16th April kick off is at 10.00am

Stratford High Rugby Trip
The boys are seeking jobs to assist us with fundraising. We have a team of boys who can tackle any job, the bigger the better. We can clear scrub, stack wood, water blast houses. In fact anything!. Please contact Jeff Walker at Stratford high school 7656039 or home 7655064. We would be grateful for your support.

Welcome to returning pupils
This weekend the SHS Old Pupils Association are hosting a reunion for ex-pupils of the school. We welcome them to our school and hope that they relive many of the exciting memories of their days at the school.
P H Keenan
Principal

News of the Week

Student diary
All SHS students have been issued with a school diary. This must be brought to school each day as part of the students’ essential materials for learning along with exercise books/folders/paper and pens and other writing equipment. All should be carried in a sturdy, good-sized bag. Handbags and flimsy cloth bags are not acceptable. They only need books for the five subjects they are doing each day. The school diary contains valuable information about the school’s expectations of students, the organisation of SHS (school rules and uniform requirements). For students in NCEA subjects there is a page where they can keep a record of their internal NCEA credits gained each term. The diary will help students to meet one of the new curriculum’s key competencies – managing self. By using the diary each day, students will be well organised for their learning and other school commitments.

SHS Sports results
The results for SHS swimming, triathlon and athletics events will be posted on the school website as they come to hand. These days have been very successful with great participation by athletes and spectators combined. Look for colourful photos on the school website.

Congratulations
• To Alexandra Merson, Jessica Short and Shayna Heal who were selected to represent Taranaki in an under 15 girls cricket tournament in Wanganui over the holidays. We will watch your progress with interest.
• To Anna Adlam (2002 graduate) who gained the 2nd highest mark in the 2009 NZ Institute of Chartered Accountant’s Professional Accounting School/Professional Competence Exam 2 (PAS/PCE2) programme. Over 900 students sat this paper and is the final step in her seven year process to become an accountant.

Newsletter
A newsletter was given to students on Monday and posted on the school website this week. Also check out the school blog on www.shsinfo-centa.blogspot.com for weekly happenings.
P H Keenan
Acting Principal

News of the Week

Athletics sports
Athletics sports will be run on Tuesday 2nd March on the school athletics track. Prelims have been held in a number of track and field events so parents come along for an exciting day of competition. students support your house – bring your colours along.

Beach volleyball success
Congratulations to the Junior Boys pair of Alec Tolland and Ryk Ferguson who won this section on Sunday 21st February. This is one of the biggest events in the TSSSA calendar and is held at Ngamotu beach each year.

Poutama – stairway to success
Once again this year, all students and staff will be involved in Poutama, “Stairway to Success”. The purpose of Poutama is to encourage all students to set realistic, manageable and attainable goals in their academic and personal lives. A major focus for SHS in 2010 is raising student achievement. The program involves all members of the SHS community: students, parents/caregivers and staff. Together, goals will be set and ways of reaching these goals will be explored.

On Thursday March 18 the day will be devoted to this program. Interviews will take place from 8.45 am to 3.30 pm. This week your student will be bringing a form home for you to complete and return detailing your preferred time for the interview. We look forward to meeting with you and working with you in supporting your child’s success and development at our school.

Newsletter
A newsletter will be given out to students and posted on the school website later this week. Also check out the school blog on www.shsinfo-centa.blogspot.com for weekly happenings.

SHS Triathlon
The school triathlon was run on Tuesday this week. The results will be on the school website next week and certificates presented at assembly later this term.

P H Keenan
Acting Principal