What past teachers have said:

Les Taylor 1954-1980

“On my arrival at Stratford Primary School in 1954 I was greatly impressed by the magnificence of the buildings and their setting, but as I walked down the main corridor with the then newly appointed Headmaster, Mr Pattison, I remember him asking me if I had noticed anything unusual about the school. All the desks were the very old, heavy, double-lift type, battered and ink-stained and the teachers desks were of similar vintage and condition. They certainly looked out of place in those new rimu-panelled classrooms. As a new-comer to the staff, however, those beautiful new rooms were not for me. I was banished to one of a row of four pre-fabite classrooms set well behind and below the main school buildings. The floors of the prefabs were of pine and so were peppered with holes where the knots had fallen out. You can imagine the draughts that whistled up through them. And when it rained on those unlined roofs the din drowned out any attempts to talk.”

Quote Stratford Primary School Centennial book.

Marie Wall (nee Peik) Pupil to Teacher

Stratford Primary School in the 1930s.

“Many of the children at that time came from families hard hit by the slump. A few lived in tents, (through Stratford winters); a few more went from door to door asking for old clothes, and yet I remember only two “solo” families as they would now be called, and the suppers provided by parents for the annual Fancy Dress Ball.”

Quote Stratford Primary School Centennial book.

Did You Know?

• some of the trees from the Fenton Street SPS site were moved to the current site? This included a well-grown Kauri tree?
• in the early 1950’s the Education Board started planning for another primary school in Stratford?
• by the early 1950’s the roll had risen to 690 students?
• in 1953 pupils were supervised to build the concrete fish pond?
• in 1954 the school opened with a roll of 730 and a staff of 17!
• In 1951 four pre-fabricated classrooms were erected down the hill from Rooms 14 and 15?
• although the school buildings were newly built the children’s desk were very old, heavy, and battered, as were the teacher’s tables?
• the new locatable classrooms were tendered for in 1975, and arrived soon after.
• The school library opened in 1975?

Memories: Audrey Melville (Jones)

"... I was taken back many years when I read Ngaire Anderson (Vossler's) Memories with the mention of all the teachers' names. I remember Ngaire very well and the only teacher whose name I cannot recall - he was very short just the opposite to Lofty Morrison. He taught me in Standard Six - only five girls and over thirty boys - huge class for a little man. In the back of my mind the name Mr. Bone keeps appearing but whoever it was he knew how to use the strap - I know because I only ever got the strap twice and both for talking when he answered the door. Excellent teacher as all were really. Mrs Anderson taught me in Standard One - a very stern teacher but very fair. While with her we had quite a big earthquake and we were told to run out past the school building through the area where the swing was and down to the bottom of the grass area. This little girl unfortunately fell over and put her knees through her new black woollen stockings - not a very good reception when I got home.
My school days started in July 1926, our family lived at 82 Ariel Street then moved to Wellington in 1943. We were a family of four - I am the eldest, my sister Peggy who lived in the United States for just on sixty years and passed away two years ago. Rex now lives in Nelson and the youngest Monty now lives in the Brisbane area. My father (Percy Jones) was a Tailor in the town and my working days started in the Office of Manoys (4 years) and then I moved to G.A. Carter's Accountants Office (four years) before the family moved to Wellington, where we lived in Karori. I now live in Wellington.
Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful weekend, will be thinking of you all, hope the weather is kind and Mt Taranaki stands out proud. I would love to hear from anyone who is interested and also any info available.
Sincerely Audrey Melville (nee) Jones"

Media Team Meets For The First Time

This is the Media Team for the SPS Jubilee. The people at the back are from Stratford High School and are ex Stratford Primary School pupils.

Today we looked at how to work the cameras and we had a look at the site for the jubilee. Mr Squire showed us on google earth where people have been looking at the web site from in the world.

Old Friends "Memories"

The following posts are a compilation of snippets from the Old Friends website from past students beginning in the 1940s through to the present day. These are just a few of the many memories posted on the site that i found the most interesting. One theme that runs through all the memories found online is the people. The classmates, teachers, principals of SPS that made our years at school so memorable time.

1940s

Memories of teachers, Tony Breen, Betty Amess, Mrs Darling and Mr Taylor(Head).
The Cocoa Shed where we had lunch. The Annual Fancy Dress Ball with the Grand March in the Town Hall. Air raid practice in the trenches over in Victoria Park.

I started with my best friend in Mrs Chadwick's class. Later Miss Burkett taught us. We walked to school by ourselves and had to cross the main street and also the railway lines to get there. Sometimes we dodged cattle being driven to the stockyards over the road from school.

I started in the old Fenton Street Block with Mrs Chadwick. Mrs Turnbull, Miss Brogden(who I later taught with) and Miss Birkett were the other Junior schoolteachers. Mrs Anderson and Mrs McCullogh then Bill Curtain. The New School opened but we had to stay in the old brick building as there were insufficent rooms on the new site. Wirth Circus visited during the Std 4 year with Tommy Hodder and a Meteor jet plane flew around the clock tower. Les McGuiness and Tony Breen were my teachers at Regan Street. Tom Jackson was the Headmaster. My father was School Committee Chairman for two terms.

Started at the OLD school where the bath's were and the woodwork shop. Then to the new school when it opened on Regan St.Thos B. Jackson was the Headmaster. Teachers were Ernie Lee, Miss Papps, Miss Pike etc etc.It's a long time ago. Took pride in being a School Patrol Warden under the training of Traffic Officer George Scholes.

Stratford Primary was the school I attended prior to the Avon Primary School being built in Regan Street.It was located across the road from the old Municipal Baths in Cloton Road, and we also attended the techical classes where we learnt woodwork and the girls learnt how to cook. Boy they needed some practice, some of the cooking was atrocious from memory. Across the road was Victoria Park named after Queen Victoria and for many years the school sports were held there including the Taranaki Schools Championships.

Started at the old school in Fenton St.then on to be a 1st day pupil in the new school in Regan St. Teachers remembered are Mr. Lee and Miss Pyke Mr. Jackson headmaster and he started the recorder group and we came to New Plymouth and performed on the local radio. Enjoyed sports was in the schools basketball team (now netball.)All pupils enjoyed the Coronation Luncheon held in Kleeman and Bishops Garage on Coronation Day, a great occassion.

1950s

Started at Kindy next to the old Prestige Building on Fenton Street. Alison Stevens was my teacher. From there went to Stratford Primary under Miss Dunn...,until Avon School was completed. We lived on the south side of the Patea River. Because of my residential location I was requirement to then go to Avon School.

Started as a 5 year old and finished at the end of Standard 3 then went to the new Avon School.

Again only there a short time,riding to school up Regan St on a threewheeler,getting the strap for rubbing out with my finger,the Queens corronation,school fancy dress ball,hands knees and bumpsadaisy,Jack and the beanstalk,hail storm,but cannot remember any names.

P2: A teacher I can't remember. (Just standing in the corridor because I couldn't tell the time her way….

Miss Dunn was my first teacher in the primmers. We all used to have an afternoon sleep on a mat on the floor. Left to go to Avon School when it opened

Stuffing the goldfish full of bread crumbs

I especially remember Les Baker's stories of being in the Battle of Britain. And getting the strap from Mrs Dunn when I was in Tiny Tots. (I'm not sure if I've got either of those names right!)

Miss Belsey. Best teacher I ever had, even though she had little faith in my abilities.

The highlight of each year was the Fancy Dress Ball,Iwas the leader of the Grand March for the last 2 years,what an honour & treat. A special treat.Kids miss out on these old fashioned experiences these days.

1960s

Remember lining up for assembly outside the main office and reciting the Lords Prayer.

I got caught by Fred Cutler sliding down the Staffroom bannister rail. He was not a happy chappy and neither was I !

Just loved the milk every day,especially if it had been in the sun for a few hours, in those wee bottles. And the first years, always had an lay down in the afternoon, guess those days are long gone.!!!!

I loved that fish pond, but I suppose it's gone now.

My first teacher was Miss Hazlett - she was wonderful. (Thank God I didn't have Miss Shannon!)Had some wonderful years at SPS - favourite teachers were Barry Pugh and Gordon Gray.

Marching off from assembly to piped military music, manual with the scary Mr.Dyer, Mr Cutler always playing the violin at the balls, school milk,

MISS SHANNON!! my worst nightmare. Can you imagine your first day at school and being slapped on the wrist because you were unable to put the right amount of buttons under the right number. Well i'm not sure if it was on my first day at school but it's something I have never forgotten. BUT I do remember drinking milk and one year going to the annual fancy dress concert. I dreamed of going as a fairy, can you imagine my disappointment when my mother made me go in maori costume. Instead of a beautiful pink tutu, i wore traditional flax Never forgave her for that. Today though I would be proud to show off my heritage. Oh by the way i have been digging deep in the recessess of my mind and i think my very first teacher was Miss Stringer not Shannon. Oh well that's age for you.

I remember the fancy dress/dance to which twin sister Bev and I went as the Queen of hearts and diamonds. I remember someone writing 'poo' on one of our rulers!

I really started at school when I was a baby; there was a teacher shortage and both my parents taught there in the early days - I used to sleep in a cot in the storeroom & be wheeled around in the push chair by the kids at playtime when I wasn't "in class".

Being scared of Mrs Shannon & Mrs Stringer. Almost a nervous wreck and I was only just starting my schooling. It all went to the pack after that.
Enjoyed all the sports we competed in and the ever-lasting games of cricket in the summer and endless games of rugby in the winter. Trecking down to the baths for swimming. Getting my visit kiss. Wonderful years I will say now but at the time I spent class time staring out the window wondering when it was all going to end.

Oh those memories.Some teachers were Miss Aldridge,Margaret Iremonger who became an Eager,Mr Groves who used to chuck wooden dusters at you and Mrs Stringer who I recall as crabby and strict but whom I have caught up with in later years and she was a lovely lady.

Loved to play 'patter' tennis, a maori boy taught me my 1st 2 chords on the guitar, I think our Form1 teacher was Mr George, a girl called Ann was teachers pet and Bruce J. won the 'lets grow longest fringe contest'.

Remember Mrs Eager as my teacher. Walking to the swimming baths,warm milk to drink…..Assembly in front of the main building every morning and saying the lords prayer.Peter Snell came and coached us for our athletics day.Remeber the intercom radio that had afternoon stories over.

1970s

I remember sitting in class dreading that I might be the next one called up to go to the "murder house" (dental clinic) Also the trips to "Manual" at Eltham, and that poor lady who taught us cooking and sewing - everyone gave her such a hard time!

I was glad we moved as I was due to get Miss(or Mrs) Bristow and my brother and sister use to tell me how she would shake you till your teeth rattled if you didn't know something. I missed Stratford terribly when we moved and still remember it fondly. I also remember I was deaply in love (at 6!!!!) with….

The good old days when kids were kids and teachers could strap.Played rugby and soccer for the school and love it. I can still remember some of my teachers names which were Miss Winter, Mr Brein, Mr O'Brian, Mr Craddock, Mrs cardiff,Mr Taylor to name just a few. Had a lot of good friends and a lot of good times.Hope to catch up with a few one day as well.

I started in Miss Cross's class, and had Mrs Henry and Mr Taylor as well. Mr Dalgety used to play the guitar at assembly and would walk around on duty twirling his whistle on a string around his finger.

Started Stratford Primary School in Std 1 in 1971 with Mrs George, a good first teacher and subsequently she taught at Stratford High School. Std 2 and 3 were with Mrs Rae Eagar (firm but fair and helped me focus on my reading,which is pretty damn good I might add), then Mr Gibson (a cool dude)in Std 4. Mr O'brien (loved his Cat Stevens records)for Form 1 and then Mr Grey for Form 2. Then off to Stratford High in 1976.

Jan & I being chased by a pig at the Te Wera campsite. Bullrush at lunchtime. Mrs Davies, Mr Keats (geez Wayne!!)

I remember mrs Stringer she strapped me one day for not finishing my maths! and now I am a maths teacher, I remember Mr Dalgety and Mr Gray

Great school. I remember the huge playing fields, walking to school past all the Kowhai trees in the mornings, grass fights after the lawns had been cut, bull rush, rugby and hockey, lining up to march down to the swimming pools on swimming days, visiting the dental nurse.

Stratford primary had about 600 kids when I was there. The best thing about it was that the grounds were huge as so the surrounding park.

Playing hand-ball in front of the school, 24 squres were about the biggest we played I think. Rugby at Lunch times…

It was a long time ago but I do remember getting the strap for running in the corridor after the bell had gone, I was 6 or 7

Had some great time and got up to mischief. Helped put Mrs Jardines car in car park, who else helped. Behaved most of the time.

1980s

I remember having a class wedding breakfast with Miss Lithgow when Charles and Diana got married and having boat races in Mrs Spragg's swimming pool. Those were the days.

ah yes...these were the days GnR ruled the air waves and Hulk Hogan was cool..Mr McAllister was the best teacher I ever had @ SPS.

I was a right little cow who kept on getting in trouble, and i remember pushing Mr McAllister into the Swimming pool in front of the Form 1s and 2s

Oh what fun, Mr. McAllister, Mr. Coulton, Mrs. Oaks and Miss Kennedy and who can forget that Mr. Squires!

Ah yes good old Mr Squire! Thanx for being fair, firm and consistent!

Stratford Pretty cool school. I remember it was a time when you had the 2 to 3 level forts and stuff you could break you arm on, not the useless playground eqiupment they have this days. I always remember that the walk to and from school was and adventure in itself. My brother, our friends and I would go behind some buildings that were just off one of the main streets that back on to a bank that fell 15 or so metres to a creek. I also remember playing with to girls everyday for what seemed like years, on a trail of tires that had been embedded vertically in concrete. We played a train game of some type, but one day I got bored and asked if we could play something else and that was it. If the train game wasn't good enough for me then I wasn't good enough for them and I never played with them again. I also remember playing alot of games that had to do with secret agent teams and also games that mimicked some of the eighties tv shows e.g macgyver.

Who could forget our dear Mr Squire??? The only person to ever get away with waking me before 7am! But hey, Forest Lakes camp was worth the early mornings!

I remember being tripped up by Mrs Maxwell and her umbrella when I was 6.
I remember manual with Mrs Taunt. And the school production we did that went through the eras of music. Oh yes and Forest Lakes Camp and those awful running circuits every Friday with Mr McAlistair *shiver*.

… Was pretty naughty at school! Used to like going to manual in Eltham on the bus and singing songs from the "Back to School" movie!

as a university student, I cannot imagine how I got up before 9am every day for so many years

1990s

the 6 & 7 timestables songs from standards 3 & 4. still remember them from that now.

Well what can I say about this gem... four square face off in form 2 and Mr Squire-you rock!!!

i remember the old playground where on of my mates broke her arm wen we were little as and i remember them getting rid of it and building the new one thats there now (nowhere near as good as the old one) best school ive eva been to and the most fun i think ive had in my entire life if i could i would relive it all again for the rest of my life. wicked teachers every year as far as i can remember and the school camps were choice as. big thing i remember was wen i left and moved to taumarunui but the school let me go bak there to go on the form one camp in te wera.

Yea it was pretty gud, but i just sprinted home each day so i culd thrash nintendo!!! well it was gud tho +_+

If i had my way i would have spent all my school years here

… we had a snow day, that was awesome!!

Put me off being a primary school teacher with the boys in my class. Playing "sandwich" with the boys and chipping teeth!

This was a cool school, loved everything about it - some of the teachers were kinda gay and old skool thou but loved it...

well i do remeber alot of good memories the main one in my head at the mo is the two dragon ladies (aka mrs c and miss priest) i also remember miss gray as she was then and i remember being in room 2!! i remember the green netball team and our eagle rock proformance at the school production that was cool!!! also when we were on forest lakes and mrs c went through the metal detector at the beehive and the new bra she got set off the detector!!! i also remember miss lim, miss pomare, mrs coles and of course mrs Parkinson

I meet some great people had a awesome time and went on a great camp to Forest Lakes!

Had a really awesome class in 1995 - all 37 of us cramped in rm 19 prefab! Remember the Dawson Falls camp - playing spotlight - it took us about an Hour to find Ngapera - he had jammed himself between the top of the door frame and the roof!
Winning the Ross Brown Shield in 1995 was awesome!

i also remember the pink panther slips that could win you a prize if you were good. Lol

I WAZ AT STRATFORD SCHOOL FOR A STRAIGHT 8 YEARS AND I LEARNT HEAPZ AND HEAPZ THERE.

had a lot of fun here, best teacher eva was Mrs C!!

2000 -

This school rocked! Had heapsa fun and made lotsa best friends for life! =)

I have only started this year and its a awesome school

The New S.P.S.

In three weeks time, SPS will be celebrating our 125th. On Queen’s Birthday Weekend the school will vibrate with the happy chatter of old friends and acquaintances sharing fond (and maybe not so fond!) memories of their younger days. Ex-staff will catch up on the years since leaving their former school. Former pupils will meet up with their “old” teachers! It will be a time to find out how the years have served people. There will no doubt be lots of laughs, and conversation around a myriad of topics.
Our classrooms and other parts of the school will showcase the work and learning of the current children at SPS. If you are contemplating attending, think seriously about registering now! Please look at the school website to see the old photographs, and read the stories by children over the last thirteen years. To be part of, and to celebrate this milestone in our school and town’s history, is something not to be missed.
We need lots of helpers for this weekend, for anything and everything. If you would like to help, please contact the school and leave your name and phone number.

Read about the Jubilee in the Stratford Press.