2008 Early Childhood Scholarship RecipientsMargaret Smith’s project was to research and develop an understanding of the experiences of late career teachers as they approach retirement and investigate how workplaces manage and facilitate the process of transition out of full time work to ensure best outcomes for teachers colleagues and their learners.Julene Lawton has successfully completed a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) and is working towards completing a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE). Completing her Diploma has allowed her to take on a leadership role in her centre. |
2008 Support Staff Scholarship RecipientsWendy Ballard from Tauranga used her scholarship to create a website of online resources for New Zealand primary schools—a one-stop shop for our kids. Topics include: News Flash (child friendly sites for current events), Fast Facts, Blitz Your Homework, New Zealand, Sports, Technology, Arts and Crafts and many more.The focus of Donna LeMarquand’s project was to work with students in developing information literacy skills that enable them to locate, evaluate and effectively use information to create new knowledge, and understanding the development of these skills to enable students to become lifelong learners. |
2007 Early Childhood Scholarship RecipientRosemary Searle’s masters thesis is a well-researched report on the perceptions and use of non-contact time in early education and care centres. Key findings in her report include the importance of non-contact time in enabling professional development, and the fact that non-contact time taken individually does not provide the opportunities to collaborate that teachers need. Rosemary stated that it was crucial having the scholarship to provide refreshments for the focus groups who gave their time to her report. |
2007 Support Staff Scholarship RecipientGillian English is a teacher aide at Waimea Intermediate School in Richmond, Nelson. The focus of Gillian’s research project was investigating the current role of teacher aides and developing guidelines for a formal training scheme that demonstrates the competence and professionalism of those staff. |
2006 Support Staff Scholarship RecipientSue Donnell, Physiotherapist, Auckland. The focus of Sue’s research project was to develop a ‘sister school’ relationship between two special schools in Fiji and her own school, Carlson School in Auckland. |
2006 Early Childhood Scholarship RecipientRamila Sadikeen, Head Teacher, Brooklands Kindergarten, New Plymouth. The focus of Ramila's research was strengthening links with local Maori communities to enhance teaching ideas and bicultural practice within kindergartens. |

