Todd McClay congratulates Rotorua Schools

PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua MP Todd McClay is congratulating three Rotorua schools which have been recognised in this year's Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards.

Rotorua Boys' High School, Te Kohanga Reo Ki Rotokawa and Aorangi School are all finalists in this year's awards.

Mr McClay said the awards recognised and celebrated people in our community delivering the best teaching to children and those who raised the bar that bit higher.

"It's great to recognise the hard work of teachers who do a great job teaching Rotorua young people."

Rotorua Boys' High School is a finalist in two categories, Excellence in Engaging and Excellence in Leading.

The school is being heralded as a model of good practice after developing a programme which has resulted in remarkable improvements in its Maori students. Maori students are achieving academic success as well as success in cultural and sporting activities.

Te Kohanga Reo Ki Rotokawa is a finalist for Excellence in Engaging. Three years ago the school set out to increase whanau and community engagement and has seen great results with parent and whanau participation increasing dramatically along with the wellbeing of the community and its tamariki.

Aorangi School is a finalist in the Education Focus category for becoming a leader in promoting good health in young Kiwis. The school changed its lunch menu in 2007 and health and wellbeing are important aspects of school life, which has had a positive impact in student achievement and throughout the wider community.

Mr McClay said it was a great achievement for the schools to be named as finalists.

"We have some wonderful schools and great educators in Rotorua and for them to be acknowledged in these awards is testament to their hard work and dedication to our children and young people."

The four main categories are: Excellence in Governing, Excellence in Leading, Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Excellence in Engaging.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on June 13.