Cellphones and newsletter

As good as our modern communication developments are, there is a down-side to the possession and use of cell phones. In a learning environment they are a distraction in class. Furthermore they become a target for criminals. Cell phones which are stolen or lost cause a huge amount of work and we cannot spend valuable time following up missing cell phones.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR CELL PHONE AT HOME.
If a student is seen using one in class or around the school it will be confiscated. If a cell phone is confiscated more than once a parent will be asked to come and collect it. Students who bring a phone to school do so at their own risk. We ask parents to support us in this and ensure that cell phones are left at home.

The latest newsletter has been posted on the school website for viewing at http://www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/WebSpace/358/

P H Keenan, Principal.

Newsletter

The latest newsletter is available on our website, or a hard copy can be picked up from the school office, Stratford and Eltham public libraries. Visit: http://www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/WebSpace/358/ for the latest issue.

Latest updates

The latest newsletter is on the website http://stratfordhigh.ultranet.school.nz/WebSpace/358/

Please remember that Y11, 12, and 13 students should be making appointments for interview evening on Thursday 11th April.

Junior students should receive reports this week and interview evening is on Thursday 18th April.

Sheliah Winn Shakespeare Festival in the school assembly hall on Wednesday 17^th April. Check the daily notices for starting times. It would be great to see support from the community for this event.

School finishes on Friday 19^th April at 3.15 pm.

2013 Kidz Art Show

This is on at the Percy Thompson Gallery in Stratford. SHS Year 10 art work is currently being exhibited along with art work from other regional schools at the gallery. Also on show are the McDonald Real Estate Canvas Challenge pieces, which was won by ex-student William Bennett.

World Vision

The student leaders for the 2013 World Vision 40 Hour Famine took part in training earlier this week. The famine is on from 7 to 9 June. Stratford High School will be running activities for the famine and encourage students to register their participation in the famine team. Watch daily notices for more information.

Diane Lithgow

Principal’s PA

Stratford High School

High School Corner for Wednesday October 31st 2012

Senior Prizegiving

The 2012 Senior Prizegiving will be held in the school assembly hall on Tuesday 6 November commencing at 1.00 pm. Parents and supporters are asked to be seated by 12.50 pm to allow a prompt start. Junior students are asked to remain at home unless they are involved in the prizegiving ceremony. Any junior students who wish can offer to help Mrs Howison with the AWD swimming event at the TSB pool.

Newsletter

All students were issued with a newsletter this week. A copy is also available on the school website stratfordhigh.ultranet.school.nz/home/ as well as from the Stratford and Eltham libraries or the main school office.

SHS TABLE TENNIS 2012

41 students took part in the inaugural 2012 SHS table tennis championship. The Junior Boys singles title was taken out by Matthew Holden beating a gallant Kody Simpson. Kody had his revenge in the doubles when combining with Quintin Bailey to overcome Quinlin Bosson-Thompson and Caleb McQuay in the final. Sarah Kowalewski was a clear cut winner in the Junior Girls singles over Jessica Taunt and then combined with Holly Mackie to beat Jessica and Katie Taylor in the doubles final.

Matthew Sullivan-Brown was too strong for Ryk Ferguson in the Senior Boys singles and Thomas Ferguson with Jarvis Gotty beat Ryk and Jordan Haakma in the doubles. Hannah Martin managed to beat Aimee Hinton in the Senior Girls singles but Aimee came back with Rebekah Frost to win over Hannah and Laureen Cox in the doubles. A good event for a first time and hopefully 2013 will see an increase in participation. We would like to thank Pub Charity for the grant which enabled the school to purchase the tables which have been well used in PE classes, lunchtime activities and the school tournament.

P H Keenan

Principal

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.

The latest school newsletter was emailed to parents today. It contains a number of articles about our students and the wide range of activities they participate in.
24 May 2012 Newsletter

Latest Newsletter

The latest newsletter has been emailed to parents or given to students today. If you would like to recieve an emailed copy of the newsletter please email the school with newsletter in the subject line.

Latest Information for Parents

There have been a number of changes to the weekly events due to the weather this week.
1. Swimming Sports:
These have been postponed and will be held on Friday 2nd March.
2. SHS Athletics Sports:
These will take place on Tuesday 28 February. For a $2 donation, students may wear house coloured mufti to school on this day.

3. Open Night: Wednesday 29 February:
An open night to welcome new students and parents will take place on Wednesday 29 February from 7pm to 8pm. Parents and students will be asked to meet in the hall by 7pm for a welcome by Mr Keenan and staff. After a short presentation, parents will have the opportunity to meet the teachers of their student. Light refreshments will be served.

4. Next newsletter:
The newsletter link will be emailed to parents on Thursday next week once the newsletter is ready for printing. Students whose parents have indicated that they wish a hard copy of the newsletter will recieve one in class on Thursday.

P H Keenan
Principal.

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

Weekly news

Parents taking students out of school
This is a perennial concern that raises its head regularly throughout the year. Parents have every right to withdraw their student for good reason. It does, however, become an issue when parents expect work to be set while their student is out of school. The general guidelines are as follows:

• If a student (at whatever level) has a serious illness and is expected to be off school for an extended period then we will most certainly set work and assist in their education as much as we can while they are convalescing.

• If parents decide to take extended holidays to benefit from lower fares and rates, then the school takes a slightly different view. While parents can withdraw their student on such occasions, students must take responsibility for the work they will miss by individually approaching their teachers to find out what work they should do in order to catch up.

These are just general guidelines and commonsense must prevail. Parents must always send a letter at least a week prior to the expected absence to The Principal, Mr Keenan to ask permission to take their student out of school. I ask that if you have any concerns about these guidelines. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mr P Keenan
Principal


Careers news
Victoria University Information evening Follow this link http://www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/careers/index.html
Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland Information Evening
New Plymouth: Monday 15 August, Quality Hotel Plymouth International from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
You can link to http://www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/events/template/event_item.jsp?cid=393416 for more information and the registration form (which will be up shortly).

Latest Newsletter
The latest newsletter has been sent home to parents and caregivers of junior students. Senior students without a junior sibling will receive a newsletter on Friday 10th June. A copy can also be viewed on the school website. http://www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/newsletter/index.html#1

Poutama Day, Student Council announced.

 A newsletter was sent home with students on Wednesday 9th March.

Poutama Day

Thursday 17th March is Poutama Day where all parents and students meet with teachers or Deans to set goals for the 2011 academic year. Your son / daughter should have arranged your interview time which will be confirmed in a letter to you this week. Mr Keenan is encouraging all students to set three goals; academic, personal and community. We look forward to meeting you on Poutama Day, 17th March 2011.

  

Student Council Announced
The 2011 student council was elected last week and elected members received their badge at Monday’s assembly. The reps are:
Amess House: Daniel Stieller, Laura Lambkin, Alex Taikato, Mhirron French.
McAllister House: Shade MacKay, Hayden Hendry, Josh Hunger, Kyle Stewart
Trimble House: Matt Simpson, Cameron Johnson, Faith Fleetwood, Jayde Nahi

Tyrer House: Logan Marks, Harmony Blake, Lewis Marchant, Shayna Heal

 

 

Congratulations

 Congratulations and thanks to all the students who participated in the recent school swimming sports. Amess House were the winners on the day while the Year 13 vs staff relay was hotly contested and narrowly won by the staff with a minimum of adherence to the rules. Trophies will be presented at an assembly later this term.

 Joshua Robins won the High Point Senior Youth Trophy at the American Quarter Horse Nationals. He also won the Senior Youth Reining competition and had numerous other placings during the event.

 Ryan Cooper: won the 200m backstroke with a record time at the NZ National Age Group Swimming Champs last week. As well, Ryan was a member of the winning Taranaki team in the 5 x 50m that set a new Taranaki relay record.

Congratulations to all students who took part in the TSSSA Beach Volleyball at Ngamotu on Sunday. The senior boys played well and were runners-up in the senior boys’ fours.

Congratulations to Simon Terry who was nominated as the Volunteer of the Month for the Lake Rotokare Restoration Trust.

 

Mrs Rachel Neild, who was a member of the Canterbury Masters Hockey team, that won gold at the recent NZ Masters Tournament in North Shore. Mrs Neild has also been selected as a reserve for the NZ Masters team.

Mr P Keenan, Principal


 

Latest Newsletter

Latest Newsletter
The latest newsletter went home with students on Monday afternoon. The full newsletter is on the school website.
http://www.stratfordhigh.school.nz/


Greetings to you and your family.
THANK YOU!
         As this is our last newsletter of the year, the school would like to extend sincere thanks to all parents, community supporters and sponsors who have given so much to our school and our students over the year. Your support has made it possible for our students to achieve highly in academic, sporting and cultural dimensions of the school. Thank you very much.
         Over the last two weeks we have celebrated with our seniors as we acknowledged their academic, sporting and cultural successes at the senior prizegiving. The ceremony showcased the real heart of our school with the community coming together to recognise the success of our senior students this year.
         One could not help but be impressed by the breadth of talent on display—students succeeding in all dimensions that make SHS so special. We congratulate the prizewinners and those who supported them on the day. The day was also made special by the contributions of our Kapa Haka group, school choir and our guest speaker, Sarah Mako, whose speech was very timely for those leaving us.
         Junior prizegiving will be held at 11.30 am on Friday 3rd December. I extend an invitation to all parents, family and friends to join us for this occasion. I would like to remind students and parents / caregivers that school does not finish until Thursday 9th December, which is at the conclusion of our activities days. Normal school expectations re absences are expected.
        In 2011 we will be modifying our absence system so that when a student is absent from school we will send a text message to the parent or caregiver. At the beginning of 2011 we will be asking for all details to be updated or checked by parents and caregivers.
        At the senior prizegiving I made mention of the schools Charter and Strategic Plan needing updating. This will mean the school community will have an opportunity to have input into the schools direction over the next 3 to 5 years.
         Finally my thanks to the staff and BoT at SHS for their hard work this year. It is a joy to lead such a willing, highly skilled and dedicated group of people. Best wishes for a safe, relaxing and happy Christmas and I look forward to 2011.
Philip Keenan, Principal

High School Corner

SHS Hockey
Well what a great season we have had for hockey. We started with the usual Senior A Boys & Girls teams. Fortunately we had an overflow with the boys so we were looking at combining with Waitara High for a second boys team but this did not work out. We entered a B Boys team in the B division Grade and we had sufficient boys put their names forward which was great to see. What a season they had. They came together with strength each week and it paid off for them as they finished 5th equal with Hawera High B. all teams have had successful seasons, with the Boys A team finishing 2nd in their league. The Girls A team after a roller coaster season, with injuries throughout the team and a tense finish to pool play kept themselves in the top 4. They lost the semi final but in the bronze playoff finished with a draw and a 3rd equal placing with Spotswood College. To all three teams well done I think this would be our best year for some time.
Desiree Alexander, Hockey Manager

New Caledonia Grocery Raffle
The grocery raffle was drawn on Monday and the winner is Mr P Keenan. The New Caledonia tour party would like to thank all people who have supported them with the raffle and the Stratford Rotary Club for allowing them to help sell sausages.

Junior Workday
There will be a junior workday during week 8 this term. If you need a student for the day please contact Mr Richard Armond at the school. More information will follow.

Methanex Maths winner
The winner of the Poetry and Creative Writing prize was Danielle Vickers, which was mentioned incorrectly in the last school newsletter. Members of PPTA who visited the school were impressed with our display last week.


Philip H Keenan
Principal

Congratulations to our students

It has been an exciting start to Term three with a number of our students being honoured in various forms.
• Tracy Kivell has been honoured by the Stratford Lions Club for their 2010 Youth Award.
• Josh Robins for his silver placing in the International Western Riding Championships during the holidays.
• Ashlee O'Hanlon for her 2009 design which has been used as the Methanex Maths Spectacular poster.
• Alex Patterson and Kieran Watt at the recent TSSSA Badminton competition. Alex won the senior boys title. As a pair they won the senior boys doubles title.
• Dylan Honeyfield who gained the highest score at the TSSSA Small-Bore Rifle Shooting competition.
• The Girls 10 pin bowling team who came second in the TSSSA 10 Pin Bowling competition.
• Get 2 Go team who were placed 5th after a fun filled day of competition which is the best score for our school.
• To the 3A and 4A Netball teams who participated in the Western Junior Development tournament at the weekend.
There will be more congratulations in the next newsletter as junior students were honoured with house badges at a recent assembly, the Fonterra Science Fair and Methanex Maths Spectacular have both occurred.

MoE Recognises Language Student
Melissa Watts has gained a Ministry of Education Language Immersion Award. Melissa was one of 15 students from all over NZ over all languages to be honoured. The award has a value of $11250 which will pay for her costs for spending six months overseas in a French speaking country (her chosen language). Melissa has chosen France, Belgium or Canada as her preferred destination for the six months of the award. The application process was online with Melissa having to supply 4 references, NCEA results and her personal writing. She was then selected for an interview in New Plymouth by representatives from the MoE. After a month she received a letter to say that she was one of the 15 recipients for 2011.

Junior graduation reports
These reports will be posted this week with an interview evening to be held on Thursday 19th August from 7.00 to 9.00 pm.

Te Reo Week

Ngā Whakataukī me Ngā Pānui:

Te Reo Language week is being celebrated at Stratford High School this week. Students have the opportunity to enter a competition each day via the daily notices and classes have been given a sheet with a proverb / saying about kai to discuss each day.
Kapa Haka will be performing in the canteen on Thursday at interval.
Rāhina:
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora te iwi
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will be well cared for

Rātū:
Waiho mā te tangata e mihi
Let others praise you
Rāapa:
Ko te kai rapu, ko ia te kite
He who seeks will find
Rāpare:
He paua kainga tahi, auahi te kakara
The paua may be eaten in one mouthful, but the odour remains
Rāmere:
Kāore te kumara e korero mo tona reka
The kumara does not say how sweet it is

Newsletter
There will be a newsletter issued to students later this week.

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

Senior Dramatists on stage

Year 12 and 13 drama students will be presenting MMMbeth, a comedy version of “The Scottish Play” on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd July (the last week of term 2). 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.

Cultural events
We have some exciting performances and visits coming to the school over the next few months including Aorere College – visit, tauranga Boys College visit and once again this year we will be having a visit from Excel. We also have the opportunity to take 90 of our students to the Sky Academy at G Taranaki. Keep an eye on the daily notices for more information.

Next Newsletter
A newsletter will be sent home with the Junior students second graduation report next week. Senior students will be receiving their mid-year reports the following week with an interview evening for parents on Wed 30th June from 4 - 7 pm in the school assembly hall.

Farewell to Mrs Potter

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

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

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