Surprise gifts for deserving teachers

Mrs Karlene Thomson of Pahiatua School, one of eight national winners of A Day Made Better 2011, receiving over $1,000 of school, stationery and arts and crafts supplies for her classroom from Maureen Stewart and John Enoka, OfficeMax.

Primary school teacher Karlene Thomson at Pahiatua School near Palmerston North didn’t expect the day to be much different than any other school day.

But when a team equipped with $1,000 worth of crafts stationery and office supplies, flowers, balloons and a certificate of appreciation entered her classroom, it was surely one of the better days.

Mrs Thomson was one of the eight chosen winners of the ‘A Day Made Better’ initiative, a campaign to recognise primary and intermediate school teachers who go above and beyond the important role of teaching.

Pahiatua Principal Lynne Huddleston nominated Mrs Thompson, and describes her as passionate, assertive, thoughtful and dedicated.

“Karlene is a great organiser and always goes above and beyond not only for her pupils, but all pupils in the school and locality. She takes the lead by organising sporting opportunities, several major sports days each year, educational trips to Wellington, singing events and is a champion of professional learning for educators.

“The children in Mrs Thomson’s classroom know they are all valued and she supports them to display their learning through innovative activities.”

Both Sandra Rangikatana from Te Wharekura o te Kaokaoroa o Patetere in Putaruru and Kathryn Tofia from Fairfield School in Dunedin were also surprised with stationery gifts.

FACT BOX:
According to a 2010 survey conducted by the New Zealand Educational Institute, 87 per cent of primary teachers spent their own money on classroom resources, such as stationery and food for hungry children each year. Over 50 per cent said they spent up to $200 per year, with 11 per cent stating they spent over $500 per year.