OfficeMax New Zealand joined students from ten primary and intermediate schools to surprise and thank their teachers through the OfficeMax A Day Made Better programme that recognises the contribution of teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty.
The recipients were selected from more than 100 peer-nominated entries and received flowers and $1,000 worth of arts and crafts, stationery and office supplies for their classroom.
The judging committee comprised some of the country’s more respected members of the education community including Phil Harding (Vice President of the New Zealand Principal’s Federation); Phil Palfrey; and Kevin Bush (both Executive Members of the New Zealand Principal’s Federation).
OfficeMax General Manager (Education), Suzanne Flannagan, said that the programme is now in its sixth year globally and since it was introduced in New Zealand the standard keeps climbing.
“We adapted the global A Day Made Better programme, which began in the US in 2007, to really make it New Zealand’s own by rewarding primary and intermediate school teachers who are known for their passion and enthusiasm and for continually inspiring their students,” Suzanne said.
“While we are so fortunate to have such high calibre teachers in this country, it made the judging process very difficult. The panel includes some of the most senior executives in the teaching profession.
“The surprise, flowers and classroom supplies were well received but it was the outside recognition that really seemed to touch the hearts of the teachers, with some tearing up at the applause,” she said.
New Zealand teachers that were recognised included:
- Heather Willocks, Balclutha School (Balclutha)
- Quentin Jaimeson, Karamea Area School (Karamea)
- Jeanette Wilson, Levin School (Levin)
- Neil Hatfull, Matakana School (Auckland)
- Jasmine Rolton, New River Primary School (Invercargill)
- Joanne Aitken, Northcote School (Christchurch)
- Pam Cox, Pukenui School (Pukenui)
- Geraldine Sumner, St Joseph’s School (Hastings)
- Sonia Rova, St Patrick’s School (Inglewood)
- Jacki Newell, Windley School (Porirua)
To find out more about OfficeMax New Zealand and this year’s A Day Made Better surprises or the programme visitadaymadebetter.co.nz.