This week, since the school was closed on Monday, staff have been working on resources that will be made available to students via distance learning. Although distance learning is not expected to begin until Wednesday 15th April, a number of staff have already contacted students and it is important that students check their school emails regularly, as this is how staff will contact them.

Thank you to the students and parents who took up the opportunity to call into school and collect workbooks on Tuesday and Wednesday. We are continuing to support our students wherever and however possible.

The school holidays begin on Monday 30th March and end on Tuesday 14th April. From Wednesday 15th April distance learning will be available to students until the government changes the alert level but schools will remain closed both for students and staff. 

If you require any assistance do not hesitate to contact us via email: mail@stratfordhigh.school.nz. Our school counselling service is still available to any students who may need it. Please email our counsellor Ms Liza Albers, lalbers@stratfordhigh.school.nz and she will get in touch. If your child is having trouble logging in to their email account, please email Ms Erin MacDonald me@stratfordhigh.school.nz from any email address and she can provide support. The link to login to their email is found on the school website.

Thank you again for your support during this time, take care and look after each other. We look forward to re-connecting again in a few weeks’ time.

Philip Keenan Principal

A list of essential businesses can be found here - https://covid19.govt.nz/governmentactions/covid-19-alert-system/    

Alert Level 4 – Schools Closed from Thursday 26 March: From this Thursday, schools are closed for an early school holiday break, with the official school holiday dates now being: Monday 30 March – Tuesday 14 April (inclusive). Term 2 will begin on Wednesday 15th April, with all students then accessing learning digitally. All students and staff will be working remotely from the beginning of Term 2, as it is expected that Alert level 4 will continue for some time. 
What Now?  • Children of Essential Workers are able to attend school Tuesday and Wednesday• No school bus service is available unfortunately on Tuesday and Wednesday • Staff are working on on-line resources to support students. These will be available from next Monday. • Term 2 resumes Wednesday 15 April and will be open for distance learning but not physically open for staff to work at the schools. 
Please note the instruction to stay at home (Alert Level 4) will continue beyond the new school holiday period but schools will be technically open for distance instruction. Teachers will be working offsite.     
Thank you for being so patient and understanding during this very uncertain time. The government have moved swiftly in order to combat the impact of Covid-19, and we all have a part to play in being socially responsible, and doing the right thing. This includes being patient with us here at school as we make the necessary arrangements for your child’s learning.   Your child will be looking to you for guidance about this decision. Parents, caregivers, whānau and teachers will have a particularly important part to play in reassuring children at this time. If you haven’t already done so, you may wish to read the information put together by the Ministry of Education to support your conversations with your children – Talking to children about COVID-19.   
As noted by the Prime Minister these restrictions are our best chance to slow the virus in New Zealand and to save lives. We all have a clear role to slow the spread of COVID-19. We all face some challenging times ahead, but in the words of our Prime Minister. ‘Be kind and be strong.’ We will update you more fully as the week progresses.

Nga mihi 
Philip Keenan  Principal

We need parents and students to be looking at the official www.facebook.com/shstaranaki, SHS website and EDGE app over the next four weeks to see the latest information on schooling at Stratford High School and in New Zealand.   Please ensure that you keep in touch with friends who may not have Facebook or online access. Teachers are currently working on distance learning options. This means that students will need to check their school emails as this will be the primary method of distance learning.