Bay principal scoops top award

HONOUR: Karamu High School principal Martin O'Grady was blown away with a National Excellence in Leadership Award presented to him by Cognition Trust director Margaret Bendall at a surprise ceremony yesterday morning. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Karamu High School principal Martin O'Grady is extremely modest about receiving a National Excellence in Leadership Award, despite being just one of five in New Zealand to get it.

The Cognition Education Trust worked through more than 600 nominations from early childhood, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, in order to whittle down the country's top educators.

But Mr O'Grady wasn't taking any credit, instead insisting that his win came down to the staff and students he was honoured to represent.

"I'm so delighted for the school, not so much for me, it's a really good school and this is a recognition of Karamu," he told Hawke's Bay Today following a surprise award ceremony yesterday.

The principal believed he was attending a regular Friday morning staff meeting, but when on arrival, there were a few different faces, including Cognition Trust director Margaret Bendall.

"I recognised Margaret, but I didn't realise she was part of the National Excellence Award," he said. "She's an ex-pupil of Karamu, and an ex-head girl, because of her connection she was there to present the award, which is really nice."

He was given a crystal apple along with $5000, which will go towards a trip to the 12th Convention of the International Confederation of Principals in Helsinki, Finland, next year.

Visiting other quality NZ schools to see how they achieved success, was also on the cards.

"I am always frugal on myself, I want to spend school money on the kids, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This award allows me to do these extra things."

Mr O'Grady had been to Parliament Buildings in Wellington earlier this year, as one of 25 recipients to be presented with an Excellence in Teaching award by Minister of Education Hekia Parata.

He was selected for further recognition because of the vibrance and positivity he brought to education.

"It is a privilege to celebrate Martin's leadership of an energetic school community that is collectively committed to enhancing every student's potential," Ms Bendall said.

Leadership award winners went through a rigorous selection process; first they had to be nominated, then submit a comprehensive self-portrait and teaching background, followed by a five-minute oral presentation to the judging panel and paper on a topic of their interest.

"Mr O'Grady's paper, titled Improving the Learning and Achieving of Boys at Karamu High School, was comprehensive, thoroughly researched and highly relevant in content," Ms Bendall said.

In addition to the five Cognition recipients, another five teachers will get National Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Australian Scholarships Group.

Hawke's Bay Today is looking for awesome teachers who inspire their students to profile in a new series. If you know of someone who fits this description, email news@hbtoday.co.nz with their name, why they deserve recognition, and the school they work for, with "awesome teacher" in the subject line.