Monday 26 January 2026
Kia ora whānau
Welcome back to Stratford Primary School as we prepare for the first school day of the year on Monday 2 February. Below you will find important information to support your tamariki to have a positive first week back at school.
Start Times:
School starts at 8.45am on Monday 2 February. All tamariki are expected to be in class and ready to learn before this time. Whānau, please support your tamariki to arrive at school on time, as punctuality helps them settle into their learning for the day.
Hats and Drink Bottles:
All tamariki will need a named hat and drink bottle every day.
School Lunches:
Tamariki who were part of the Food in Schools programme last year will remain on the programme this year. If you would like your child to join the programme, or if you wish to remove them, please contact the school office.
Please note: Lunch will only be provided for tamariki who are enrolled in the programme.
Stationery:
Whānau can purchase maths books this Friday between 9.00am and 12.00pm, or alternatively next week. Qizzle maths books (Years 3–4): $2.00 each. Maths books (Years 5–8): $1.20 each. Full stationery lists are available on the School App and School Website (Click here). Our local Stratford Paper Plus also has copies of the stationery lists.
Pōwhiri: New whānau are warmly invited to attend our welcome pōwhiri on Monday 2 February at 10.30am in the school hall. Whānau will meet outside the main hall entrance with Mr Elder at 10.15am.
Anxious Tamariki:
Normally we would begin the year with whānau meetings; however, due to Ministry of Education school-year requirements, this is not possible at this time.
Some tamariki may feel anxious about starting the year or moving into a new classroom. Whānau are encouraged to email classroom teachers to arrange a short visit before next week, so tamariki can see their classroom and meet their teacher.
Teacher email addresses are available on the school website (Click here).
Open Classrooms – Meet the Teachers:
We are planning short opportunities for whānau to meet their child’s classroom teacher. These meetings will be held in classrooms. Confirmed details will be shared on Wednesday.
Years 1–2: Monday 2 February at 3.00pm
Years 3–4: Monday 2 February at 3.30pm
Years 5–6: Wednesday 4 February at 3.00pm
Years 7–8: Wednesday 4 February at 3.00pm
Parents Attending Camps:
Parents attending overnight camps will be notified by classroom teachers. All parents attending camps must attend the relevant camp meeting. Please put these dates in your calendar.
Years 7–8: Monday 9 February at 4.30pm (Room 1)
Years 5–6: Monday 16 February at 4.30pm (Room 8)
New Buildings:
There has been a delay in the installation of the four new classrooms. Please ensure tamariki keep out of the fenced-off areas. At this stage, we expect the classrooms will not be ready for use until the second half of 2026.
Staying Connected:
I encourage all whānau to stay connected with school through our regular communication channels. A weekly message will be sent via the School App and posted on the Stratford Primary School website.
Mathematics Curriculum – Teachers Only Day:
Stratford Primary School has one Teachers Only Day in Term 1.
When: Friday 6 March 2026
Why: Teachers will be engaging in further Mathematics Curriculum development
Note: School will be closed on this day
Reminders:
Summer Term Hours (Terms 1 and 4): 8.45am – 2.55pm
School Calendar: SPS School Calendar
Important Links: – click the links below
# Staff contact emails
# Enrolment for Out of Zone Students
# Notices/Team Newsletters/School Bank Details/How to use the School App
# School Newsletters
# Stationery Lists
# Student Absences – Free Number to call: 0800-000-352.
Ngā Mihi
Jason Elder
Principal
Stratford Primary School