Recognising achievement and excellence for online ākonga

In 2024 thirty-two ākonga across the motu were recognised with Special Awards for their outstanding attitude and mahi by their online teachers.

Our Special Awards recognise not only achievement and progress in learning but how tamariki have participated by encouraging others, being positive, doing their best and contributing through their learning – Ka Rawe! 

To see what our learners have been up to in 2024 check out this celebration of their mahi.

Ākonga names were entered into a draw and the following tamariki received prizes (First draw – Chomebook; then $30 vouchers):

⭐ Sayla Ware, Halfmoon Bay School, Rakiura / Stewart Island: For sharing your Digital Technologies expertise with our class; For consistently excellent learning and performing (Mandarin).

Winner of the Kōtui Ako VLN Chromebook

Sayla – Halfmoon Bay, Rakiura — Image by: Halfmoon Bay School

⭐ Niamh Ryall St Joseph’s Fairlie, Canterbury

For consistently excelling in all aspects of Biology in an online classroom environment; For excelling in Scratch coding (Digital Technologies).

Niamh – St Joseph’s Fairlie — Image by: St Joseph’s Fairlie

Sophia Adshead, Te Rerenga School, Waikato

For creating highly effective lyrics that capture listeners’ attention (Songwriting).

Sophia – Te Rerenga School — Image by: Te Rerenga School

Ruben Van Tonder, Big Rock School, Dunedin

For being a positive and willing class participant and completing all work to a high standard (Spanish).

Ruben – Big Rock School — Image by: Big Rock School

Learning online with Kōtui Ako VLN is a partnership with participating schools; between principals, classroom teachers, online teachers, school learning support people and whānau. We all have a part to play to ensure our learners are well supported.

Therefore our online teachers were proud to recognise two special kaiako who have supported our learners this year. They received some Zoom merchanise courtesy of our friends at ConnectNZ

🌟Julie Asher, Halfmoon Bay School, Rakiura / Stewart Island

🌟Natalie Gow – Lake Rerewhakaaitu

In recognition of your awesome support for the online Creative Writing and German class learners and their eTeachers. Your positive contribution is very much appreciated.

Natalie Gow – Lake Rerewhakaaitu School — Image by: Rick Whalley

All students are recognised for their participation in Kōtui Ako VLN (Primary). Students receive two reports a year as well as a certificate at the end of the year.

If you are celebrating students’ Kōtui Ako VLN learning at any time during the year, please tag us on Facebook @KotuiAkoVLN, we’d love to share!