Author: JasonElder

Wiki Tuawhitu (Week 7), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 14 November 2025 Kia ora whānau We have some exciting news. Last night, Stratford Primary School was awarded the prestigious Ngā Kura/School Award at the Blake Awards. What are the Blake Awards?For more than two decades, the Blake Awards have recognised New Zealander’s whose leadership has delivered impact across all walks of life. Now, as we step into our 21st year, the Blake Awards evolve to honour our history while reflecting the future. From 2025, the Blake Awards will exclusively celebrate environmental leadership – recognising those individuals and groups whose work contributes…continue reading →

Wiki Tuaono (Week 6), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 7 November 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Community Consultation:As a school, we value the input of whānau around the future direction of our school. A short survey has been designed to gather further parent feedback. We are aiming for over 200 responses from whānau.  Click here to complete the short survey around Health Education and how well we keep your ākonga safe at school. Current responses as at 7 November 2025 = 66 Week 6, Term 4: Monday 10 to Friday 14 November# Tuesday 11 November: Swimming - Year…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarima (Week 5), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 31 October 2025 Kia ora whānau Well done to our Teina Roopu who performed on Wednesday at the Waitara War Memorial Hall. We had many Year 1-4 tamariki do this for the first time in front of a large audience. Many other groups were supported by older ākonga on stage, where our tamariki did this with only Whaea Wharekuka. This was a great experience for our Teina Roopu as they expressed their talents. Today, our Tuakana Roopu will be performing live in the competitive section of the Puanga Festival. Community Consultation:As a…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawhā (Week 4), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 24 October 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter.Community Consultation:As a school, we value the input of whānau around the future direction of our school. A short survey has been designed to gather further parent feedback. We are aiming for over 200 responses from whānau. Click here to complete the short survey around Health Education and how well we keep your ākonga safe at school. Week 4, Term 4: Monday 27 to Friday 31 October# Monday 27 October: No School - Labour Day.# Tuesday 28 October: Swimming - Year 1-4;…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatoru (Week 3), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 17 October 2025 Kia ora whānau Potential NZEI Teachers and Support Staff Strike Day: When: Thursday 23 October.What: School will be closed if the Strike Day goes ahead.When will there be confirmation: The Unions need to give three days warning. We are expecting to know by Monday 20 October. As we have many teaching and support staff who are NEZI members, school will be closed on this day should the Strike Day go ahead. Please keep informed about this day by regularly reading the School App and/or Facebook page. School lunches: We have decided there…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarua (Week 2), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 10 October 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter.Potential NZEI Teachers and Support Staff Strike Day: When: Thursday 23 October. What: School will be closed if the Strike Day goes ahead. As we have many teaching and support staff who are NEZI members, school will be closed on this day should the strike go ahead. Please keep informed about this day by regularly reading the School App and/or Facebook page. Week 2, Term 4: Monday 13 to Friday 17 October# Monday 13 October: Taranaki Cricket sessions (Yr 1-4); SENCO IEPs;…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatahi (Week 1), Term 4 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 3 October 2025 Kia ora Whānau Welcome back to another exciting term at Stratford Primary School. School starts on Monday at 8.45am. We are now in the Summer Term school will finish at the later time of 2.55pm for all of Term 4. Here are the key reminders to support whānau to get tamariki ready for this term: Reminders:# All tamariki need to bring their own named hat in their bags, everyday. This is a school expectation to keep our kids safe during the Summer months. No hat = no playing outside…continue reading →

Holiday Message, Term 3-4 2025 from Jason Elder

Friday 19 September 2025 Kia ora whānau Thank you to all our whānau for supporting tamariki and staff over the term. There certainly have been many highlights. This week, our Year 5-6 ākonga enjoyed two days experiencing many cool activities at Topec, such as river safety, high ropes, rock climbing, orienteering and bush walks to name a few. A big ngā mihi nui to all our whānau and staff who supported the camp week. Earlier in the week, our Year 7-8 rugby and netball teams were successful in winning their finals. Our girls…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatekau (Week 10), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder 

Friday 12 September 2025 Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Classroom Placements for 2026 closes on Friday 19 September 2025:The process for organising classroom placements for ākonga in 2026, begins at the end of this term. If whānau have a specific reason they would like the Leadership Team to consider, send your email to the appropriate person. Please note, not all considerations of the child can be accommodated due to the complex nature of organising 17 classrooms. Whānau can send their email to:# Year 1-4: Mrs Deborah Campbell (deborahc@sps.kiwi.nz)# Year 5-8: Mr Jason…continue reading →

Wiki Tuaiwa (Week 9), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 5 September 2025 Kia ora whānau Thank you for the support with the Whakapiri Morning to open the Book Fair. There have already been over $7000 in sales. All proceeds go towards buying more books for the School Library. Dance Expo:Both evening performances to our S.P.S Dance Expo have SOLD OUT. We do have tickets available to the Wednesday noon performance. Thank you for your support. If you are no longer able to attend and wish to let someone else attend, please bring in your tickets to the office. Evening Drop off…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawaru (Week 8), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 29 August 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Board Elections:Whānau have until Wednesday 10 of September to cast their vote for the five Board representatives. To cast your vote simply complete the paper copy and return to the office in the envelope supplied. All our tamariki are hoping at least 150 parents cast their vote. Whakapiri Morning and Book Fair Opening (Week 8, Term 3):When: Thursday 4 September Time: 8.45am; Grab a coffee outside the hall and then find a seat inside. Start time: Just after 9.00am. # All whānau, including grandparents and…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawhetū (Week 7), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Thursday 21 August 2025 Kia ora whānau A friendly reminder that there will be no school tomorrow (Friday 22 August). This is because staff will be undertaking professional development for the new Mathematics Curriculum. This is a Ministry of Education approved Teachers Only Day. Board Elections:Whānau have until Wednesday 10 of September to cast their vote for the five Board representatives. To cast your vote simply complete the paper copy and return to the office in the envelope supplied. All our tamariki are hoping at least 150 parents cast their vote. School will…continue reading →

Wiki Tuaono (Week 6), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 15 August 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Whakapiri Morning and Book Fair Opening (Week 8, Term 3):When: Thursday 4 September Time: 8.45am; Grab a coffee outside the hall and then find a seat inside. Start time: Just after 9.00am. # All whānau, including grandparents and other relatives are invited to the opening at 9.00am. Free coffee and nibbles will be available before this, these are kindly being supplied by Ink Pot Cafe. Our Kapa Haka Roopu will open the Whakapiri Morning, followed by a mihi from Mr Elder and a slideshow. Whānau…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarima (Week 5), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 8 August 2025 Kia ora whānau Stratford Primary School is so lucky to have whānau who are engaged in our school community. This is highlighted by the seven Board nominees who have put their hand up for the Board elections. I now encourage all whānau to engage in the process and vote. When voting papers arrive in the mail, whānau can only vote for five nominees. A locked voting box will be located in the school office for you to place your voting forms in. Part Time Cleaner at Stratford Primary School:We…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawhā (Week 4), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 1 August 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Whakapiri Morning and Book Fair Opening:When: Thursday 4 September Time: 8.45am; Grab a coffee outside the hall and then find a seat inside. Start time: Just after 9.00am. # All whānau, including grandparents and other relatives are invited to the opening at 9.00am. Free coffee and nibbles will be available before this, these are kindly being supplied by Ink Pot Cafe. Our Kapa Haka Roopu will open the Whakapiri Morning, followed by a mihi from Mr Elder and a slideshow. Whānau will…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatoru (Week 3), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 25 July 2025 Thank you to all the 19 parents who attended the recent Year 5-6 Camp Meetings. Parents selected to attend the camps at the end of this term will be informed in the near future. If you missed out on attending one of the six meetings and wish to be considered as a parent helper for the camp, please contact the School Office. Term 3 Parent Interviews:Thank you to all the parents who attended last night's Parent Interviews. Remember, next Thursday we will have our second Interview option. School will…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarua (Week 2), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 18 July 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Year 5-6 Camp Meetings: We have our second day set of meetings for the Year 5-6 Camp. Whānau must attend one of the meetings to be considered for the camp.- Date/Where: Tuesday 22 July in the Staffroom. - Times: There are three times to choose from… 9am, 3pm and 5pm. A reminder that we have School Interviews next Thursday. School will finish at 2pm. If you cannot collect your tamariki at this time, please contact your classroom teachers. All interviews, including…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatahi (Week 1), Term 3 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 11 July 2025 Kia ora whānau Welcome back to another exciting term at Stratford Primary School. School starts on Monday at 8.45am. We are still in the Winter Term so school will finish at 2.35pm for all of Term 3. Here are some quick tips to support whānau to get your tamariki ready for the new term: Make sure they are at school before 8.45am. Tamariki will get anxious if they are late for school. Dress for the weather: Warm clothing with layers they can take off. Shoes and socks! Warm jackets…continue reading →

Term 2 Holiday Message from Jason Elder

Thursday 26 June 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Tomorrow is the last day of Term 2, where school will finish at 2.35pm. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable break. Week 1, Term 3: Monday 14 to Friday 18 July# Monday 14 July: Pōwhiri for new ākonga and their whānau - 10am at the hall. # Tuesday 15 July: Yr 5-6 Parent Camp Meeting - 9am, 3pm and 5pm in the staffroom.  # Wednesday 16 July: Ākonga Council Hui; Yr 7-8 Inter School Sports Trials. # Thursday 17 July: Kapa Haka.# Friday…continue reading →

Wiki Tuaiwa (Week 9), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Thursday 19 June 2025 Kia ora whānau Just a friendly reminder that there is no school tomorrow (Friday - Matariki) and Monday (Teachers Only Day). Next Friday is also the last day of Term 2. Term 3 starts on Monday 14 July at 8.45am. Please note that we will still be in Winter Hours for Term 3. 8.45am - School starts 2.35pm - School finishes. Build a Business is on tonight from 5.30 -7.30pm in the school hall: Our Senior Ākonga are looking forward to selling their products tonight. All profits go towards…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawaru (Week 8), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 13 June 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Week 8, Term 2: Monday 16 to Friday 20 June# Monday 16 June: Yr 5-6 Rippa Tournament (Champions); Matariki Week.# Tuesday 17 June: Yr 7-8 Rippa Tournament (Champions); Matariki Week; Reports and IEPs go home. # Wednesday 18 June: Out of Zone Enrolments for Term 3 closes today. Click here to view. # Thursday 19 June: Kapa Haka; Build a Business Night from 5.30 - 7.30pm in the School Hall. - Note: No Assembly this week. # Friday 20 June: Matariki Day - No School.…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawhitu (Week 7), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 6 June 2025 Kia ora whānau We only have three weeks of the shortened term to go. Here are a few reminders about key days for the rest of the term and start of Term 3. Friday 20 June is a Public Holiday - Matariki Day - No school. Monday 23 June is a Ministry of Education approved Mathematics Teachers Only Day - No school. Friday 27 June is the last day of Term 2. Monday 14 July is the first day of Term 3. We will still be in the Winter…continue reading →

Wiki Tuaona (Week 6), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 30 May 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend. Week 6, Term 2: Monday 2 to Friday 6 June# Monday 2 June: King's Birthday - No school. # Wednesday 4 June: Yr 5-6 Sports Exchange v Puketapu (Away); Ākonga Council Hui.# Thursday 5 June: Syndicate Speech Finals; Kapa Haka; Yr 8 talk with Mr Stone - Stratford High School. # Friday 6 June: Assembly at 9.15am, all whānau are welcome to attend; Yr 7-8 - Basketball after school.  Reminders:# No school on Monday 23 June: School will…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarima (Week 5), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 23 May 2025 Kia ora whānau We are nearly halfway through Term 2. Speeches: It has been exciting to see the engagement of our Year 5-8 ākonga with their speeches. As I walk around the school, I have witnessed many ākonga practising their speeches with their friends. It is particularly pleasing to see the shy and less confident ākonga giving it a go. Speeches help ākonga build their confidence, share ideas and express opinions with their peers. Ākonga are supported to share their speeches with the audience that they feel most comfortable…continue reading →

Wiki Tuawhā (Week 4), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 16 May 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. Week 4, Term 2: Monday 19 to Friday 23 May# Monday 19 May: Learning and SENCO IEP Meetings.# Tuesday 20 May: Learning IEP Meetings.# Wednesday 21 May: Yr 3-4 EOTC Trip; Ākonga Council Hui.# Thursday 22 May: Kapa Haka; Yr 1-2 - Life Education. # Friday 23 May: Assembly at 9.15am, all whānau are welcome to attend; Yr 1-2 - Life Education; Learning IEP Meetings; Yr 5-6 - Sports Exchange v Fitzroy; Yr 7-8 - Basketball after school.  Reminders:# No school…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatoru (Week 3), Term 2, 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder

Friday 9 May 2025 Kia ora whānau We had an excellent review with the Education Review Office (E.R.O). Is was pleasing to note that as a school we have already identified what areas we were performing well in and areas we need to further enhance. This was reaffirmed by the E.R.O Team. The next stage in the process involves a draft report being shared with the Board in about three weeks. Once the final report has been completed, I will share E.R.O's findings via the school website and newsletter. Pink Shirt Day is…continue reading →

Wiki Tuarua (Week 2), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Friday 2 May 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. The winter weather has certainly arrived. It was pleasing to see the number of tamariki who arrived at school with warm clothing, shoes, socks, and a jacket. Keeping warm and healthy will ensure our tamariki attend school regularly. Remember, our goal is that ākonga should only be away for five days a term. This will go a long way towards supporting their learning. Basketball Draw: The season starts tonight. See below for a link to the website that has the…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatahi (Week 1), Term 2 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder. 

Thursday 24 April 2025 Kia ora whānau Welcome back to another exciting term at Stratford Primary School. School starts on Monday at 8.45am. We are now in the Winter Term (Term 2 and Term 3). Remember, we are in the Winter Term so school will finish at 2.35pm for all of Term 2 and Term 3. Welcome to all new whānau:On Monday, we will welcome all new whānau with a Pōwhiri in the school hall. This will be at 10am in the school hall. Whānau are welcome to stay in class with their…continue reading →

Term 1 Holiday Message from Jason Elder

Thursday 10 April 2025 Kia ora whānau Click here to view the latest school newsletter. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. Please remember to take your tamariki to the dawn parade on Friday 25 April. School starts back on Monday 28 April, with a pōwhiri for new whanāu at 10am. Remember, we start Winter Hours next term. School will still start at 8.45am. However, we will finish at 2.35pm. Week 1, Term 2: Monday 28 April to Friday 2 May# Monday 28 April: Pōwhiri for new whānau at 10am in the School Hall; Winter…continue reading →

Wiki Tuatekau ma tahi (Week 11), Term 1 2025: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 4 April 2025 Well done to all our tamariki who supported the Hood's for Autism Hour. As a school, we raised $169.70 for the Autism Association. On Thursday, we will hold our ANZAC Day Assembly, followed by our normal assembly. All whānau are welcome to attend as we remember our service men and women. On Friday, weather permitting, we will be holding our Athletics Day. Whānau are welcome to attend and support their tamariki as they participate in various athletics activities. Winter Term Hours start in Term 2: Next term, school will…continue reading →