Trustees at Otatara Primary School say a decision to give students fake letters claiming school hours would be extended was not politically motivated.

A West Auckland principal is taking a zero-tolerance attitude to unruly students at his new school - and winning hearts and minds in the process.

The country's Lions Clubs have struck a deal with the Reserve Bank to get the full value of defunct NZ coins, for charity.

Just over a quarter of teachers have limited or no understanding of how national standards work, despite the new system being introduced in primary and intermediate schools.

Swim coach Scott Talbot is destiny's child. His mum and dad were top swimmers and then top coaches. So, as Suzanne McFadden finds, it was almost inevitable the former Olympic swimmer would become a coach too.

"Expert practitioners" will work with schools to lift achievement, but a teachers' union is sceptical of the government's announcement.

Parents are surprised at the range of school reports on offer - from poor to wonderfully informative.

An Education Review Office survey of 229 schools found about 20pc had inadequate inclusive practices for special needs pupils.

Teaching is a privilege, but proposed changes require careful consideration, says an education lecturer.

A teacher who allegedly slapped a young boy was allowed straight back into the classroom.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has told principals they should stop talking to the media and focus on implementing the controversial national standards.