Prize teacher is toast of class

Solway Primary School students, pictured at their production this year of the Button Box, have a national treasure in teacher Viv Booth, who won the school $1000 worth of gear last week.

A Masterton teacher has won her class $1000 of school supplies in a nationwide scheme thanking teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Solway Primary School teacher Viv Booth received the prizes and heartfelt thanks from pupils, fellow staff and the OfficeMax New Zealand A Day Made Better team at a surprise ceremony at the school on Thursday.

The Officemax crew showered the new entrants teacher with $1000 worth of arts and crafts, stationary and office supplies for her classroom, after she was selected as one of 15 teachers from across New Zealand from hundreds of peer-submitted entries.

Dr Suzanne Flannagan, OfficeMax New Zealand general manager of education, said the programme was in its seventh year, and the standard of nominations had kept "climbing" since the scheme was introduced in New Zealand.

"We adapted the global A Day Made Better programme, which began in the US in 2007, to really make it New Zealand's own by rewarding primary and intermediate teachers who are known for their passion and enthusiasm and for continually inspiring their students," Dr Flannagan said.

"We are so fortunate to have such high calibre teachers in this country and while it is obvious the principals are grateful for their hard work and dedication, it's the outside recognition that really surprises them."