Principal’s Update – Approaching the End of Term 4
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we move into the final month of the school year, I want to acknowledge the incredible mahi (work/effort), resilience, and wairua (spirit/energy) shown across our kura throughout 2025. This time of year is busy and full of activity, but it is also a chance to pause and recognise the growth, success, and joy we continue to see in our ākonga, classrooms, playgrounds, and wider community.
Our tamariki make us proud every day — not just in their learning, but in the way they show manaakitanga, rise to challenges, and uphold our school values.
Ngā Haerenga – Camps & Learning Beyond the Classroom
Year 5–6 Waitomo Camp
A standout moment this term has been the Year 5–6 camp at Waitomo. Our ākonga embraced challenges and outdoor pursuits with courage and curiosity — exploring caves, taking part in adventure activities, and demonstrating teamwork and resilience. These experiences strengthen relationships, build confidence, and create memories that continue to shape their learning.
Senior Hub Camp – Hawke’s Bay
Our Senior Hub students are currently in Hawke’s Bay, engaging in rich learning beyond the classroom. They are connecting with each other, exploring new environments, and taking part in a wide range of activities that grow independence and teamwork. We look forward to hearing their stories on their return.
Rooms 3 & 4 – End-of-Year Day Trips
Rooms 3 and 4 are preparing for three special day trips over the coming weeks, including:
- Exploration up Maunga Taranaki – Monday 24th November
- Beach safety learning at Ōpunakē Beach – Tuesday 25th November
- A school-based day with tents, hands-on activities, and outdoor learning
These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities and support ākonga to explore, connect, and grow in different environments.
Junior Hub – Pioneer Village Trip
Our Junior Hub recently enjoyed a fantastic trip to Pioneer Village, where they explored what school life looked like in days gone by. Tamariki experienced sitting in a historic classroom, trying early learning tools, and discovering how children learned and lived many decades ago.
This sparked rich discussions about how things have changed — from technology to teaching styles — helping our youngest learners compare their world to the past in meaningful and engaging ways.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to our parents, Board, and PTA for your ongoing support. Your fundraising, organising, and hands-on involvement ensure our tamariki can enjoy these rich learning opportunities. Your commitment to our kura is deeply appreciated.
Ngā Pūrongo Ako – Reporting & Curriculum
Our kaiako are currently completing end-of-year assessments and reports. These require significant professional care and judgement.
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Reports will be available on HERO on Friday 12 December
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They align with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum
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Whānau should be able to clearly understand where their child is working in relation to expected progress/achievement
If you have pātai after reading the report, please feel welcome to contact your child’s kaiako.
Ngā Rārangi Ākonga – Class Lists for 2026
We are in the process of placing students and putting together our 2026 class lists. This involves thoughtful and careful consideration, including:
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individual learning needs
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social connections and groupings
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transitions for both individuals and groups
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wellbeing needs
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maintaining balanced, positive class structures across the kura
Class lists will be finalised and made available to whānau in the last week of the school term. This timing allows space for any end-of-year conversations that may help ensure each child is well set up for success in 2026.
We appreciate your understanding as we work through this important mahi.
2026 Connections – Home–School Partnership Hui
To begin 2026, we will hold Home–School Partnership hui early in Term 1, giving whānau the chance to meet with staff to discuss strengths, needs, and goals for the year.
Further details will be shared early in the new year.
Te Puna Kaukau – School Pool Access
The school pool is now open for student use.
Information regarding key hire for summer whānau access will be shared next week, including expectations, access times, and how to purchase a key.
Prizegiving 2025
Our Prizegiving will take place on:
Monday 15th December
Stratford High School Hall
7:00pm
If your child would benefit from a rest beforehand, you are welcome to collect them early that afternoon. We want all tamariki to arrive settled and ready as we celebrate their achievements and acknowledge our Year 8s of 2025.
Last Week of Term – 16 and 17 December
The kura will be open for instruction on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 December.
Whānau are welcome to finish the year after Prizegiving if that works best for them.
Haumaru – Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety
We have had a few near misses recently with tamariki moving quickly across the driveway at pick-up time.
Please:
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Keep vehicles moving through the drop-off zone
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Park and walk in if you need to collect your child
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Take extra care between 3:00 and 3:15pm, our busiest period
Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe.
He Mihi Whakamutunga – Final Thoughts
As we approach the final part of Term 4, I want to acknowledge the ongoing aroha, commitment, and partnership shown across our community. We still have a month of meaningful learning, celebrations, and events ahead, and I look forward to finishing the term strongly and positively alongside our ākonga, staff, and whānau.
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa,
Shane Burgess
Principal/Tumuaki
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