Parent testimonials

Tuesday, 10.04.2012 

Dear Mr Kirkham,

My husband and I would like to give the greatest praise to a superb teacher at Strathallan - Mrs H. Not only has she done a wonderful job at encouraging our son in Maths - a subject that he has struggled with and disliked for years. But, she has also motivated him to try harder and changed his attitude towards the subject. In fact he has told us that for the first time ever he can understand and grasp mathematics because of the teaching strategies she uses.

Mrs H also willingly offered helpful advice, answering all my email queries and lists of questions during parents-teacher interviews, allowing us further time during the interview to answer our questions when she could have had a break.

We feel that with our child she has put in a lot of effort and we commend her for this. And as he keeps telling us she is one of his favourite teachers and this is saying something for a boy who used to hate maths.

Yours sincerely

Dear Danny,

Having completed my final year at Strathallan College, I would like to thank you and the other board trustee members for giving me the wonderful opportunity to attend your school with the help of the scholarship I was awarded.

I now have a solid academic foundation which will be an asset for my future university studies. I have also enjoyed representing Strathallan College in athletics and cross country over the years.
While I have not been competing at a high level in athletics for the last 12-18 months, I am still training 5 days a week, and will return to compete at some stage in the future.

This year I have been accepted to study conjoint degree in Sport and recreation and Business at AUT. The education I have received from Strathallan College has made me want to learn more and keep learning throughout my life. The teachers helped me guide me in the path I am heading now.

Without the scholarship support, these opportunities would not be in front of me now.

Thank you

Hello Elaine,

We have just arrived back from looking after our 4 grandchildren in Wellington.  I was really sorry to have missed the Pantomime last Wednesday – I have received glowing reports from all who attended from Acacia Cove saying they really enjoyed the occasion – and a cup of tea as well!  

They commented also on the graciousness  and politeness of the children.

So thank you so much for inviting us – hopefully next year there may be another concert and I will be able to attend.

Kind regards

Anne McCort
On behalf of the Social Committee
Acacia Cove Retirement Village

A letter from the parent of Philippa

Dear Mr Kirkham,

I have emailed both Robyn Drummond and Matt Humber, but just wanted to also thank you and let you know what an absolutely amazing trip that our daughter Philippa was lucky enough to be part of! What an experience of a lifetime! We know without a doubt that we as a family would have been unable to provide as many highlights and experiences as the group had. Robyn and Matt were fantastic leaders and we appreciate the time and planning that would have gone into organising such an adventure together with the responsibility that they carried.

So a big thank you for allowing this opportunity to materialise, and so enriching this lucky groups world, their enthusiasm of their experiences is very infectious and I know they will have lifetime memories!

Our thanks and regards,

Catherine and Craig

A letter from an open day visitor

Thank you so much for a wonderful day on Saturday my daughter and I enjoyed our time there with our tour guide. It was a great experience for my daughter. She enjoyed talking to the English teacher; they had quite an in-depth conversation. She thought the Maths teachers were nice to, she also really liked the Physics teacher and loved your Music Department as she plays the flute. In fact I think she loved everyone in every department. She told me her head was just swimming with all the information and excitement of hopefully attending your school.

All the way home in the car and at home all weekend, all I have heard from her was "I have to go to that school mum, I just have too!" (school visit has created a monster). 

So you will be hearing form us shortly. Once again thanks to all the staff and pupils who gave up their time to give us such an awesome day.

A letter from the parent of Liam

Hi Michael,

I am writing to say thank you to Strathallan for you efforts in ensuring Liam did well in his exams. We are very pleased with his results from AS/A level examinations.

Although Liam was most of the equation in passing, with the guidance and structure from your school, I believe this was instrumental in him passing. Can you pass on my appreciation to Robin Kirkham and staff.

He now starts the next leg through Auckland Uni(Bsc).

Thanks,

Pete

A letter from the parents of Justin

Dear Robin, 

We are thrilled to hear that Justin has achieved Top in the World award for IGCSE Mathematics and we are very pleased that he has made the school and teachers proud of his achievement.  We wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to the school and the teachers who have taught Justin. Likewise, Justin is grateful for the guidance that the teachers have given him.   

We would also like to thank both you and Clarence who have faith in Justin's capability, and have given him encouragement by providing a challenging environment (i.e. the subjects he is doing at a higher level than what a normal Year 10 would pursue). Please convey to Clarence that we value his advice and his wisdom in directing Justin's academic progress in the past years. He was the one who had encouraged Justin to vie for Top in the World or Top in New Zealand award.  Justin has not disappoint him and he has promised to do his very best for his senior years. 

On behalf of Esther, thank you also for the new common room for the Year 13 students.  Evidently, all the Year 13 students are very pleased that the school has looked into their personal needs and training them to be more responsible. 

Jimmy and Jenny Koh.