Meet Bill Godbout (e-dean) and Paul Knighton (e-teacher) from Waiheke High School, two top advocates for online learning through Kōtui Ako VLN.
Waiheke High School, located on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf (Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland) has had many students participating in online learning through the Virtual Learning Network since 2012.
Bill Godbout has been an exceptional e-Dean throughout his tenure, providing invaluable support and guidance to countless senior students in their online learning journeys. Over the years, he has played a significant role in helping students navigate the digital learning environment, offering mentorship and encouragement every step of the way.
Bill has also been a passionate advocate for online learning within his school community. He consistently champions our model of practice as a powerful and effective educational option—particularly for students who might otherwise miss out on courses essential to their chosen career pathways.
Since 2023, Deputy Principal, Paul Knighton has been teaching NCEA Level 2 Classical Studies online for Kōtui Ako VLN, reaching students from across Aotearoa, New Zealand. His passion for the subject and talent for building strong connections with learners have played a key role in supporting their success at NCEA.
Despite his busy schedule as a Deputy Principal, Paul genuinely looks forward to his weekly online classes. He finds his students to be interested, engaged, and self-motivated—qualities that make teaching them a rewarding experience.
Together, Bill and Paul are great ambassadors for Waiheke High School and Kotui Ako VLN.