18 May 2006
Recipients of Inaugural School Leadership Awards Celebrated
Principal of Glendowie Primary School and Co-Head of School at Kelston Deaf Education Centre recognised for their
commitment to improving the lives of young people
NEW ZEALAND – Thursday, 18 May 2006 –The University of Auckland School Leadership Centre and Microsoft New Zealand are
proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Microsoft Excellence in School Leadership National Awards.
Anne-Marie Biggs, Principal of Glendowie Primary School, receives the Excellence in Principalship National Award, while
Christine Miller, Co-Head of School at the Kelston Deaf Education Centre, is the recipient of the Excellence in Senior
Leadership National Award. The two recipients were selected from a shortlist of six finalists from across the country,
including Whangarei, Auckland, Taumarunui, Rotorua and Christchurch.
Dawn Jones, Chair of the Awards Selection Panel, says the number of high calibre nominations made the final selection
quite difficult: “It was a privilege to consider the nominations and to learn about the inspiring leadership and
expertise in many schools throughout New Zealand. These winners, as well as the four other finalists, have set a
benchmark to which other school leaders can aspire.”
Anne-Marie Biggs is recognised for her vision, drive and innovation in building a strong, collaborative team committed
to raising numeracy and literacy standards at Glendowie Primary School.
“One of the things that really stood out about Anne-Marie was her willingness to take risks and to try new ways of doing
things. Her motivation in developing a learning environment that brings together staff, students and the community has
resulted in improved student achievement. It demonstrates that she is a principal who is committed to improving
education in New Zealand,” says Jones.
During her ten years at Glendowie Primary School Anne-Marie Biggs, with the support of her staff, raised the school’s
decile rating, significantly increased the school roll and led the development of an ‘I care’ philosophy that
underpinned the establishment of a safe learning environment.
Christine Miller’s outstanding work at the Kelston Deaf Education Centre is also recognised. In this position she has
been responsible for leading and managing curriculum changes to achieve the commitment of the Board of Trustees in
establishing Kelston as a world-class centre for deaf education.
“Through Christine’s leadership an impressive series of learning and teaching improvements have been researched,
formulated and implemented. A belief that deaf students can achieve at levels comparable with other children has
underpinned her work, with Reading Recovery programmes being specifically adapted to support this aim. With the support
of her team, Christine’s work has made a significant impact on the lives of the students and will continue to do so for
years to come,” says Jones.
With her responsibilities in the teaching and learning programme, Christine Miller has led a nationwide project to
identify developmental stages in written English for deaf students alongside a team of dedicated professionals.
Ross Peat, Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand, says it is an honour to be a part of recognising exceptional
school leaders in New Zealand and the impact their work has had at a school and community level.
“We salute Christine and Anne-Marie’s leadership in driving innovation and collaboration for their students and staff,”
says Peat. “Their vision is part of an ongoing process to help realise the potential of New Zealand’s future leaders
within their sphere of influence, which extends beyond the school gates. Their passion for continuous improvement shows
through in the supportive environment they have worked hard to create.”
Several other outstanding school leaders were among the finalists. Bernie Taffs, Principal of Tikipunga High School in
Whangarei, was recognised for revitalising the school into a positive and inspirational environment in which to learn
and teach, with a consistent commitment to high standards.
Lesley Murrihy, Principal of Manunui School in Taumarunui was recognised for developing a specialised curriculum to meet
the needs and learning-style of its students effectively, particularly its Maori students, who form 80 per cent of the
school’s roll. The work of Cheryl Doig, Principal of Fendalton Open-air School in Christchurch, in developing a learning
partnership between staff and students was also widely applauded.
Kelston Deaf Education Centre produced a second finalist. Michael Heeney, Regional Service Co-ordinator, was recognised
for his work in uniting and leading specialist resource teachers throughout the northern half of the North Island and
establishing active parent and school networks.
The recipients and finalists will be recognised at a formal ceremony on the evening of May 18, 2006 at The University of
Auckland, with education, business and government leaders attending, including Howard Fancy, Secretary of Education.
About the Microsoft Excellence in School Leadership National Awards
The University of Auckland School Leadership Centre inaugurated the Microsoft Excellence in School Leadership National
Awards in 2006 to acknowledge the special influence principals and others in school-wide leadership positions have in
initiating, implementing, evaluating and sustaining programmes to improve their school, its educators, students and the
wider community. Microsoft New Zealand is a proud sponsor of these awards.
Nominations for the two categories – Excellence in Principalship and Excellence in Senior Leadership National Awards –
were sought from professional colleagues and associates, professional organisations, board members, schools, students,
parents and communities throughout New Zealand.
About Microsoft New Zealand
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people
and businesses realise their full potential.
ENDS