Paulene Walsh, John Paul College, Rotorua was awarded an Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Award. She was nominated by the Rotorua Community.

She recognises all staff and community members who help support the learning support students. She also thanks Rotorua Energy Trust and John Paul College for sponsoring community education in Rotorua.

Paulene describes how their work seeks to break down barriers to learning including financial barriers - attendees only pay a gold coin donation while the community pays for the rest. They create a strong wrap around service which is important for everyone and knowing the educational thumbprint of every student is the key to every student’s success.

It really does ‘Take a village to educate a child.’ John Baptist De La Salle. More detail about Paulene's work and the award is available here.

Paulene Walsh pictured with Minister of Education Honorable Chris Hipkins and chairman of the Australian Scholarship group Mr Craig Dunstan, at Parliament House.