Wiki Tuatahi (Week 1), Term 2, 2026: Next week’s message from Jason Elder.

Friday 17 April 2026

Kia ora whānau

Welcome back to the start of Term 2, where our winter hours begin. School will continue to start at 8.45am; however, break times are reduced from 30 minutes to 20 minutes. The school day will finish at 2.35pm for Terms 2 and 3.

Late Bus Classroom – Room 19

If you are unable to pick up your tamariki at 2.35pm due to work commitments, please contact the school office to book them into the Late Bus Classroom, which runs from 2.35pm – 2.55pm. Ākonga will meet in Room 19 with Whaea Aimee at 2.35pm. Whānau are to collect their tamariki from Room 19 before 2.55pm.

Before School Supervision

Tamariki are not permitted on the school grounds before 8.15am due to health and safety requirements. If you require support with supervision before this time, please contact the school office.

Winter Weather – Supporting Attendance

Our attendance in Term 1 averaged 77%, which is just below the national goal of 80%. To support regular attendance during the winter term, please ensure tamariki come to school dressed appropriately for the weather. This will help reduce illness and limit the spread of germs among ākonga and staff.

Whānau Day

We are planning to hold Whānau Day next Friday, 24 April. A decision will be made on Monday 20 April, and whānau will be informed via the School App and Facebook.

Once confirmed, we will ask tamariki to bring vegetables to school by Wednesday.

What is happening next week

  • Monday 20 April: Term 2 begins (8.45am – 2.35pm); Kapa Haka rōpū practice for the pōwhiri at 1.40pm
  • Tuesday 21 April: Pōwhiri at 9.00am in the School Hall for new whānau and tamariki
  • Thursday 23 April: Kapa Haka
  • Friday 24 April: ANZAC Assembly at 9.15am (all whānau welcome); Whānau Day (weather dependent)

Mathematics Curriculum – Teachers Only Day

Stratford Primary School will have one Teachers Only Day in Term 2.

  • When: Friday 29 May 2026
  • Purpose: Teachers will engage in further Mathematics curriculum development
  • Note: School will be closed on this day.

Key Dates for Term 2

  • Monday 20 April: Term 2 begins
  • Monday 27 April: ANZAC Day observed – No school
  • Friday 29 May: Teachers Only Day – No school
  • Monday 1 June: King’s Birthday – No school

Paper Road Access

The road between the Junior Block and the swimming pool is jointly owned by the school and the Stratford District Council. This road is reserved for council staff, school staff, and whānau who hold a valid car park pass.

The Principal issues passes to whānau who require assistance and/or have tamariki with complex needs. All other vehicles are not permitted to use or park on this road.

Important Information

Ngā mihi nui
Jason Elder
Principal
Stratford Primary School