Excellence found in schools from all sectors

Media Release

Excellence found in schools from all sectors of the community

New Zealand’s top schools show that schools from all walks of life are achieving an excellent learning environment, not just those that are affluent, urban or large, the New Zealand School Trustees Association says.

NZSTA president Chris France today congratulated all the selected schools and category winners of the 2002 Goodman Fielder School of Year, including the overall winner Mountain View Primary in Mangere. The awards, announced yesterday, recognise the leadership of schools in seeking academic excellence and a quality learning environment for its pupils.

Chris France says there is often a perception in the community that the best schools are those that are well-off or large or city-based, but the range and diversity of winners and finalists in this year’s School of Year Awards proves that theory wrong.

“These awards are an outstanding illustration of the excellence of many schools through New Zealand. It is also important to recognise that the push for excellence in school performance is driven by the whole school community.

“What we are seeing in these top schools are parents and caregivers that are engaged with their school and are committed to the improvement of their children’s schooling.”

Chris France says the overall winner, Mountain View School, is a “shining example” of this community commitment.

“And the fact that this school has been in the finals for three years straight goes to show that excellence is embedded as part of the school’s long term strategy.”

The five school category winners were Otepopo School in Oamaru (small primary/intermediate); Mountain View Primary School, Mangere (medium primary/intermediate); Selwyn Ridge Primary, Tauranga (large primary/intermediate); Mt Roskill Grammar School, Auckland (secondary) and Clover Park Middle School, Auckland (composite).
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