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 team convincingly won the Burkhart Cup, while the boys fought hard to win the Linkhorne Cup – both huge achievements. Ki runga rawa tō mahi.
Ākonga across the school have been celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week). Tamariki have been sharing their pepeha (speech) and using different phrases in Te Reo Māori with lots of enthusiasm. They are genuinely interested in learning one of New Zealand’s three official languages (Te Reo Māori, Sign Language and English).
Puanga Festival:
We have two roopu (groups) entered in the festival next term. Whānau, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance as the doors are closed early. Once the doors are closed you will be unable to enter the hall.
– Teina Roopu (Yr 1-4): Wednesday 29 October at 11.30am (arrive before 11am).
– Tuakana Roopu (Yr 5-8): Friday 31 October at 10.15am (arrive before 9.40am).
Potential NZEI Teachers and Support Staff Strike Day:
When: Thursday 23 October
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 reading the School App and/or Facebook page regularly.
Reminders:
# Summer Term Hours (Term 4): 8.45am to 2.55pm. We have asked tamariki to start bringing a named hat in their bags and a drink bottle.
# All tamariki must have their own named hat next term to play outside. This is a school expectation to keep our kids safe during the Summer months.
Week 1, Term 4: Monday 6 to Friday 10 October
# Monday 6 October: Summer Term starts; Pōwhiri for new whānau at 10am in the Hall.
# Tuesday 7 October: Swimming Starts – Year 1-4.
# Wednesday 8 October: Swimming Starts – Year 5-8; Public Health Nurse – 2nd dose of immunisations for Year 8.
# Thursday 9 October: Kapa Haka.
# Friday 10 October: Assembly at 9.15am, all whānau are welcome to attend.
Important Links:
# Touch at SPS
# 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
# School 0800 Number: 0800-000-352
Ngā Mihi
Jason Elder
Principal
Stratford Primary School