In the final weeks of the 2022 school year, we ran a competition called ‘Treat Your Teacher’ where we asked parents on Facebook to nominate an amazing teacher in their child’s life and tell us why they are so beloved. We chose 10 teachers (five in Australia, five in New Zealand) to win a self-care pack full of everything they need to rest and recharge after a long year of shaping young minds. Lord knows they deserve it!
We were completely blown away by the number of nominations we received, making it nearly impossible for us to choose our winners. It’s completely heart-warming to know there are so many kind, caring, patient and nurturing teachers out there, working so hard every day to give their students the best learning experiences they possibly can. Thank you!
The Winners
Congratulations to the 10 teachers below, who will be upping their R&R game these school holidays with a Relax Pack and movie voucher valued at $500.
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Australia |
Nomination |
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Meagan Azzopardi, Eynesbury Primary School
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Meagan is an amazing teacher. She has such a big heart and is so caring towards her students and families. Meagan has done wonders for my child’s confidence levels over the year and does everything in her power to get the best out of every child in her care. Meagan works really hard at helping friendship groups flourish and offers guidance when needed- this is a very tricky part of her job and I take my hat off to her. |
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Cameron Preston, Westwood State School
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I’d like to nominate Mr Cameron Preston of Westwood State School. For the distance he covers to and from school every day, the long hours he is away from his own kids to ensure our kids are educated. Recognition also needs to be given for the way he has turned the school around ensuring his staff feel supported, as well as being community minded. Outstanding Teaching Principal of our small country school. Thank you |
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Kylie Judd, Kogan State School |
Kylie Judd from Kogan State School. It’s a tiny rural school She works tirelessly for the kids. She is kind and gentle and is such an amazing teacher. During the floods a few yeas ago she slept at the school so the kids in town could still attend class .. |
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Michael Pickard, Nowra High School |
I would like to nominate Mr Pickard Nowra high nsw school special needs unit. He is very caring, has empathy, is an amazing teacher that takes the time to support the kids and is adaptive to find learning styles that suit your child. This job is so hard and mentally draining. And he always puts in so much effort to engage and talk to both parents and children making sure their learning experience and their social emotional wellbeing is on track. He is a legend – most special needs teachers are, but this bloke knows how to adapt to needs of each child in his class. |
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Karen Bell, Dernancourt Primary School |
I would like to nominate Miss Bell at Dernancourt Primary School. She has gone above and beyond for my son Jakob. Jakob has juvenile arthritis and requires a lot of extra help. He has pain throughout the day and Miss Bell helps with his pain management as well as supporting his emotional and physical needs. This wonderful teacher has an amazing attitude and cares for her student’s well-being. A favourite part of Jakob’s day is positive circle time where everyone has the opportunity to share their daily positive. What an amazing, supportive, uplifting person that just happens to be a huge part of my sons learning and development. |
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New Zealand |
Nomination |
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Janette Gillespie
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I’d like to nominate Janette Gillespie from Te Awamutu Primary School. She has turned my shy scared autistic boy into a confident brave superstar who even performed on stage this year! Then my youngest son was failing to thrive, being labelled the naughty child, too scared to go to school, meltdowns constantly – so I asked to have him moved up to her class with his brother for a term. In 6 short weeks she has made him feel safe, has understood his needs, he no longer has meltdowns and has flown up years in academic assessments – he was always smart and so capable but just misunderstood and very mishandled with ADHD and autism – she cares, she reads him, she praises and encourages him and has given him the safety to flourish – and above all my happy, happy giggly cheeky monkey is back – this woman deserves all the accolades that can be given – I spent last term constantly rescuing my child from emotionally destructive traumatic meltdowns and this term he has not needed me once!! He is a different child and it’s all thanks to her making him feel safe, heard, valued, and encouraged to be his best – the world needs more teachers that care and bring out the best in all their children ? Thank you Janette – you have turned his world around and given him a love for school I never thought possible ?
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Tracey Herewini-Davis |
I would like to nominate Whaea Tracey Herewini-Davis of the Te Rangimarie Unit of Stratford High School. She is very hardworking and the most wonderful teacher I have ever known. She is very passionate about her work especially in making sure that students with diverse needs get the best learning and life experience. This will surely make her day. Thanks for the wonderful chance.?❤ |
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Cara Hughes
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Cara Hughes from Weymouth Primary in Auckland has had a rough year personally and professionally however when she walks through those gates in the morning, you’d have no clue. She smashes out the day with new entrant/year 1 students and has them all thriving and learning to love school! She sends photos and texts to whānau every single day, and goes over and above to give her students amazing experiences in class! Not to mention the support and kindness she gives to all the staff. She is a true gem ?? |
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Aleisha McAra |
I’d love to nominate Aleisha McAra she’s an amazing teacher, she’s extremely caring and appreciates kids for their differences. She’s especially great at finding their passion and helping them grow, whether it’s reading, art or music. We really appreciate her. ♥️ |
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Simon Cary
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We would like to nominate Simon Cary from Hoon Hay School. Its his first year teaching at this school, and the kids absolutely love him. He plays the guitar while teaching them pop music, has got them involved in the community doing conservation work, and encourages the kids to try new things all the time. |
Shoutout to all the amazing teachers across Australia and New Zealand who were nominated by their adoring fans (parents). We loved reading each and every one of these nominations. Thank you for everything you do:
AUSTRALIA
Kirsten Humphrey, Port Pirie West Primary School
Amanda and Johanna, Arrabri kindergarten
Sharon Lovell Brown, Greenfields Primary School
Louise Murphy, Brightwater State School
The classroom support staff, Eaglehawk Primary School.
Wendy Herbert, St Andrew’s Marayong
Amanda James, Blair State School
Sarah, Amaroo School
Kassie Beresford, Vincent State School
Amy Louise, Mannering Park Public School.
Kerry Hayden, Gawler primary school
Jo-Anne Smith, Mackillop Catholic College
Mr. Inder, Waterford State School
Mrs McDonald, Fern Bay Public School
Erica Judkins, Gormandale and Districts Primary School
Jan Peace, Hillcrest Primary school
Louse Nichols
Rachael Train, Killarney Vale Public School
Annette Millidonis, Moruya Primary School.
Mrs Gillow, St Leonards Primary
Emma Bates, Kempsey West Public School.
Carly Harris, St Therese’s school Bentley Park!
Mrs Terri-Lee Naden, Gilgandra Public School,
Mr Nic Thomson, SFX Berwick Campus
Miss Hully, Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Mrs Danielle Reeves, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School
Kamari Westlands, Mulga Street Primary School
Colleen Robertson, Rangeway primary school Geraldton.
Ms Woollens, Grand Avenue State School
Tegan, Sunnybank Special School
Mrs Howard and Mrs Elliott, Parkes Public School
Mrs Amanda Middleton, Emu Creek State School
Mrs Rooke, Aveley North Primary School
Mrs Leanne Bourke, Kororo Public School.
Rhonda Christelow, Early Milestone the Lakes
Fabia, Oak Park Primary School
Michelle Probert, Buninyong Primary School
Ryan Sharman, Grand Avenue State School
David Okeffe, Rydalmere East Public School
Miss Haylee Bishop, Gilgandra Public School,
Megan Naylor, Ashleigh Victoria, Di Sutherland and Kate Loveridge, Innovation Calisthenics Club
Mr Jason Mok, Pacific Hills School
Miss Young, Caboolture State School Prep Class
Mrs Suffolk, Kingston Primary School
Mrs Karen Epps, Rooty Hill Public School.
NEW ZEALAND
Lorrayne Nowland, Kihikihi School
Charli Luff, Glenavon School
Kaylah Bermingham, Hurupaki Primary School
Diane Ford, Little Steps Early Learning
Stevie Douglas, Kaipara Flat’s School
Dianne Christenson, Heather Stevens and Darren Kerr, Whareama School
Joanna Huntley and Jennifer Taiapa, Waitohi Kindergarten Picton
Jackie Williams, Cherie Nicholson, Chanel Reid and Erin Staples, Tamariki Station Ainslie
Pare Eparaima, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Whatatutu
Cecily Mills, South Wellington Intermediate School
Kaiako Hiten, Kelly, Caitlyn 2 and Kashmira, Happy Turtle Childcare
Sylvia Fidow, West Rolleston Primary School
Tanz Manooehhra, Clendon Park School
Whaea Jamie Rose Brown, Coromandel Area School
Maureen Toki, Firth Primary School
Chris Senior, Chanel College
Rachel Stewart, Pohutukawa Tutoring
Heather Long, Coromandel Area School
Lisette Charlton, Bell Block Primary School
Rachel McLaughlin, Akaroa Area School
Juliet Stoddart, St Mary’s School in Hastings
Catherine Hood, Vardon School in Hamilton
Tineke Dippenaar, Sandspit Road School
Beverly, Room 8, Mt Richmond Special School
Maria Frew, Ōpāwa School
Amanda Smith, Treetops ELC
Inge Pienaar, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School,
Reremoana Potts, Kaitaia Primary School
Jo Whitehouse, Clifton School in Bulls
Mrs Smales, Southland Adventist School
Lexie McLachlan, Te Uru Tarata Lemonwood Grove School
Whaea Karima, Wellsford School
Kylie Haynes, Winchester Rural School
Emz Riley, Central Normal School – Te Kura Tuatahi O Papaioea
Kathryn Picard, St Patrick’s Te Awamutu
Jackie Williams, Tamariki Station Ainslie
Dean Emily McHalick, Heretaunga College
Kylie Haynes, Winchester Rural School
Debbie Douglas, Tamariki Station
Briar Shackleton, Sandspit Road School
All the teachers from Murupara Area School
Mrs Fale, Grey Lynn Primary School
Tamelia Blackburn, Avalon Childcare Hamilton
Lauren Periam, Orakei School
Rangi Lockington, Tainui Full Primary School
Whaea Nicky, Insoll Avenue School
Whaea Georgia, Knighton School
Emma Stalker, Mrs S’s Super-learners – Riverton Primary School
Stick-Simon Pedersen, Cullinane College
Tanya Nilsson, Wellsford School
Trixie Gan, Te Wharau School
Kerry Hawkins, Waverley Park Primary School
Jackie Mealings, Mayfield School (Blenheim)
Mrs Pullins, Ratapiko School
Simon Hera Mcqueen, Fairfield Primary
Atawhai Lily Allison, Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Pi’ipi’inga Kakano mai I Rangiatea
June Crawford, Mayfair School
Tegan Edwards, Carterton Preschool
Sherry, Milson School
Melissa Seumanu, Central Normal School
Mr Baylie Bright, Coastal Taranaki School
Rachel Sutherland, Mornington School
All the teachers at Alpha Preschool
Vandhana Chandra, Redoubt Road kindergarten
Jess DeMench, Carterton Preschool
Megan Brearley, Fairburn School
Lisa Harris, Annabels Educare
Liz Seaton, Kamo Intermediate School
Mrs S, Waipu Primary School
Whaea Julie, Kamo Intermediate School
Kirsten Bell, Northcross Intermediate
Liz Hooper, Te Mahia School
Mrs Tina Tuten, Bathgate Park School
Ashley Greenem, Gonville School
Miss Wood, Fairfield Intermediate
Linda Marie, Taupiri School
Nicola Fannin, Maunu School
Sabrina Wati, Kelvin Road school
Michelle Julian, St Patrick’s Inglewood.
Nicholas Stevens, Raglan Area School
Harpeed, The Gardens Early Childhood Centre
Lisa Hastie, Ramanui School
All the teachers and LSA’s at Patricia Avenue Specialist School
Elizabeth Davies, Leamington Primary School
Mrs Beard, James Street School
Alicia Armstrong, Opoutama Tolaga Bay Area School
Laura Rees, Fernworth Pimary
Linda Kramer, Waipu Primary
Sarah Ong, New Shoots Children’s Centre
Rachyl Collins, Wellsford Primary School
Rachel Goodin, Puketaha School
Ross Meecham and Kate Vander Ply, Hillview Christian School
Vanessa Silafai, Naenae Primary School
Kelsey Goliath and Robyn-Leigh Alexander, Kindercare Botany
Debbie Coutts, Richmond Preschool
Casey Empsall, Pukeoware School
Julie Small, South Featherston School
Sarah Sofala, Whangarei Primary School
All the teachers at Active Explorers Kaiapoi
Shaye Harkin, River Head School.
Tina Tuten, Bathgate Park School
Irie OTI, BestStart Educare
Ewan Starkey, Ōwhango Primary School!
Tamara Mark, Fairfield Primary
Tanya Thom, Riverton Childcare
Te Paea Paterson, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School
Whaea Jodie, Crawshaw School
All the teachers at Tamariki Station Child Care
Lauren Trass and Daniela Cook
Charles Prescott, Te Aoatea
Stuti Patel, Pukekohe Central Kindergarten
Claire Suter, Inglewood Primary School
Christine McDonald, Otautau School
Matua Hare, Insoll Avenue School
Jasmond Grech, Greenmeadows Intermediate School
Carmen Kaye and Emma Collins, Paraparaumu School
Reremoana Potts, Kaitaia Primary School
Dorinna Nina Fleming, Harakeke Early Learning Centre
Rachel Carson, Te Pahu School
Shiree Rakei, Tauhara Primary School
Michelle Ryan, Firth Primary Matamata
Miss Hayley Howett, Vardon Primary School
Whaea Shannon, Pukekohe Hill School
Kate Fox, Mayfair School
Sarina Foote, Tauranga Adventist School
Mrs Craig, Pukekawa Primary School
Paige Petersen, Whanganui Intermediate School
Sam Ellis, Tainui School
Miss Love and Whaea Kara, Titahi Bay North School
Steve Biggins, Blossoms Preschool Rangiora
Gemma Keen, Lakeview School
Mrs Ashley Freeman, Horsham Downs Primary School
Stuti Patel, Pukekohe Central Kindergarten
Wayne Hippolite, Nelson College
Natalie McAuslin, Rosehill School Papakura
Amy, Kamo Primary School
Sharla-Maree Hohepa, Clayton Park Kindergarten
Tara, Fairburn School
Natasha Gunson, Whangarei Primary
Eme Sefo Malo, Eme Sefo Malo
Shona Standish, Lakeview School
Karen Cate, Homai Primary School
Miss Randal, Waingaro School
Pietta Wright, Darfield Preschool and Nursery
Oraiti Albert, Tamariki Ora Learning Centre in Massey
Mrs Glasgow, Kaurihohore Primary
Emily Bates and Jason Debronsey, Stratford Primary
Kate Hollings, South Hornby
Louise Bell, Kenakena School
Mrs Donally, St Mary’s Dunedin
Whaea Leeli, Flaxmere College
Mr Masters, Waipawa Primary School
Tina George (Tuten), Bathgate Park Primary School
Jenny Canty, Maunu School
Heather Clark, Tuakau College
Karen Swenson, Learning Support Unit – FAHS Feilding High School .
Mr Russ, Clive Primary School
Hope Wright, Anja H, Rhiannon Schroeder and Chrisy, Farm Friends Early Childhood Centre
Robyn Harris, Kimihia School
Dawn Louman and Haanz, Manurewa High School
Manu Otene, Chertsey School
Staff Tahiwi, Queen Elizabeth College
Meredith Bladen, Point Chevalier Primary
Mrs White, Inglewood Primary School
Freya Malia, Rotorua Intermediate School
Dani Snowden, Feilding Intermediate
All the teachers at Te kauwhata Childcare and Learning Centre
Annapere Waugh, Centennial Park School
Jo Mcconnell, Fairhall School
Matua Bas, Tikipunga Primary
Michelle Middleton and Cherise Crerar, Orewa Primary School
Trishelle Sikma, Annabels Educare
Elizabeth Carter, Norfolk School
Whaea Aggie Tipene, Moerewa School
Di Barrett, Mohaka School
Johanna Keogh, David St School
Matua Shannon, Maeroa Intermediate School
Kelly Scott, Homeschool
Sonia Rova, Stratford Primary School
Brent Taylor, Silverdale Normal School
Michaela Dear, Manakau School
Matua Ian Marino, Alfriston College
Mrs Macbeth, Onekawa primary school
Tracey Ogle and Darren Guthrie, Westown Primary
Julie-Ann Terekia and Kahurangi Kutia-Coleman, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Horouta Wananga
Sarah Wilson, Aparima College
Siobhan Harrison, Ruawai Primary
Victoria Brookland, Linwood Avenue Primary School.
Paul Morehu, Wairakei Primary School
Michelle Evanz, Morningdide School
Mily Roberton, Riverlands School
Ami Ong, Insoll Avenue School
Monique Henry, Pukekohe High School.
All the teachers at Maunu School
Kiri Tremwan, Tamaoho School Pukekohe
Tina George, Bathgate Park School
Tanisha Murray, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
Renee Vaz, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
Michelle van Cruchten, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
The principal of Kings Gate School
Nikki Walker, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
Tegan Wells, Salford School
Fiona Moselen, Purua Primary
Robyn Dane, Paparore School
All the teachers at Loburn School
Mrs Hamilton and Mrs D, Te Puna Primary
Shannon, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
Trista Carter, Oropi School
Jordan Williams, Oropi School
Cherie Craig, Marewa School
Karilea Chasland, About Kids
Mrs Pollard and Mrs Cleland, Ngongotaha Primary School
Rachel Judd, Inspiring Kids Early Learning. Also
Lucy Riddell-Green, Kayanne Wilson
Miriama N Muriwai, Murupara Area School
All the teachers at Mini Miners Daycare
Shelley Scott, Little Farm Preschool and Nursery
Tamelia Blackburn, Avalon Childcare Hamilton
Anita Newlynn, Waimamauku School
Toni Kaiwai, Kamo Intermediate School
Matua Skye, Crawshaw Primary
Awahou School trudi blinkhorne
Lisa Burrell, Mahora School
Emma Tylee, Ōwhango Primary School.
Lisa Handley, Rahwiti School
Miriama N Muriwai, Murupara Area School
Mrs Ah Chong, Brucemaclaren Intermediate
Renee Hiko, Wairoa Primary School
Matua William Mannering, Te Kura O Hiruharama Primary School
Sadie Jane
Tash King
Ruth Webb
Tanya Powell
Steven Mills
Belinda Brosnan
Marty Gibbs
Rachel Purcell
Carolyne Waddell
Jason Palmer
Michelle Bourke
Mrs Melanie Lindsay
Belinda Hawker
Liz Taute
Tracy Gasnier
Trishelle Sikma
Vanessa Hyde
Sarah Gilogley
Tamara Mark
Bridget Patrick
Jolene Barclay
Julie Cowan
Niki Medhurst
Faylyn Milne
Katie Lauren
Sarah Fox
Raewyn Houia
Diana Read
Alida Venter
Mari-Elize Offer
Linda Van Eeden
Rachel Tetley-Jones
Hester Myburgh
Cherylize Janse van Rensburg
Ilna Esterhuyse van Schalkwyk
Clare Humber
Liana Gough
Rosemary Aukett
Edwina Davis
Daphne Martin Takarangi
Jayzana Harris-Pont
Kararaina Davey
Terehia Marie Martin
Bridget Kanawa
Brooke Silich
Louise Moeke
Kate Painter
Connie Keegan
Vicki Evenson
Claire Boden
Abbey Taylor
Alice Lucy
Kaye Pratt
Selina Hargreaves
Ashlee Woodhouse
Crystal Tinkler
Claire Boden
Halie-Marie Graham
Cassie Therkleson
Sophie Smith
Bridie Horsfall
Jody Davis
Sacha Perkins
Kim Campbell
Michelle Rochester
Sheryl Ivar
Odette Wilson
Fiona Watts
Carmen Gray
Billie Mchardy
Linda Swallow
Raechel Thompson
Danielle Auld
Fiona Witemu
Shanan Gray
Jackie Williams
