STAFF AWARDS
The Foundation Trust Staff Awards
The Foundation Trust Staff Awards were established in 2004 with the intention of rewarding and retaining the School's staff members who have been exemplary in the performance of their roles both inside and outside of the classroom. In 2004, awards were made to 6 staff members, this has grown over the proceeding years to the point where in 2020 there were 46 awards were made to members of staff in recognition of their dedication to their role and the School.
All of the Staff Awards have been established through the incredible generosity of members of the School community and we thank everyone who has contributed to this awards event. If you are interested in establishing your own award, please contact Advancement Manager, Daniel Reddish on d.reddish@ags.school.nz or 027 314 6448. If you are interested in contributing to any of the existing awards listed below, please click the Donate Now button to make a donation.
List of Staff Awards
The Joseph McManemin Award was established in 2016 through seed funding provided by the Old Grammarians Amateur Athletic Trust, and was first presented last year. The award is for the teacher who has advanced amateur distance squad running and track and field athletics.
The Hatch Coaching Award was established in 2010 by Peter to commemorate his son Justin’s 211* against Christchurch Boys’ High School in 1987. Justin was a superior sportsman in both cricket and soccer and was named a Prefect in 1987. This award is for the teacher who coaches any sport at any level in the School, who best engenders the School motto, Per Angusta Ad Augusta, amongst members of the team they coach.
The John Hume Award was established in 2019 by Greg Long '77 in recognition of the impact his former Grammar Master and Tennis coach Mr John Hume had on his life and passion for Tennis. The award recognises a member of staff who has contributed significantly to the sport of tennis through coaching, managing or performing the role of Master in Charge of Tennis.
The Grammar TEC Rugby Club Award was established in 2019 by Grammar Rugby Incorporated through conversation with Old Boy and trustee Major Ken Morrison '76 in recognition of the relationship between the Grammar TEC Rugby Club and Auckland Grammar School. The award is to provide incentive for good people to do a great job of coaching rugby union at the School. The award recognises a member of staff who has contributed significantly to the sport of Rugby Union at Auckland Grammar School through showing significant effort and enthusiasm in coaching a rugby union team.
The Bob Narev Award for Latin/Classics was established in 2009 in honour of Bob Narev '50. Bob was Senior Partner of law firm Glaister Ennor. Upon his retirement a number of his colleagues established this fund for Latin and Classics, subjects that Bob continues to be passionate about. The Narev family and other members of the Grammar community have also supported this award. The Narev Award is presented to a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his or her subject, and excellence in classroom teaching, based on the views of the Latin and Classics teachers.
The Kwek Award was established by Leng Hai and Bee Kwek in 2005 as they wanted to recognise teachers who go beyond the call of duty. The award recognises a teacher who goes the extra mile for an individual student, based on the recommendation of the Prefects.
The Lyn Rawlinson Award was made possible by the Crawford family who wanted to recognise the assistance their son received through the Learning Support Centre during his time at Grammar, and was renamed to honour Lyn Rawlinson's 21 years’ service to the department. This award is for an inspirational teacher within Learning Support, showing commitment and passion in the classroom.
The Munro Award was established in memory of Sir Robert Lindsay Munro '21. Sir Robert practiced law for 60 years in Fiji. He excelled as a hockey player and captained the New Zealand Senior Men’s team that toured Australia undefeated in 1932. This award is for a teacher who has shown commitment to Hockey.
The Ray Wilson Award was established in 2019 after the School received an incredibly generous bequest gift from the estate of Old Boy Raymond Wilson '36 for the "furtherance of sporting activities at the School". The award was established to recognise a member of staff who has contributed significantly to the furtherance of sporting activities at Auckland Grammar School through coaching, managing, or the administration of the sport.
The Music Award was established in 2010 from several major gifts and since then other members of the Grammar community have also supported this fund. The key criteria is that the teacher is inspirational in their capacity as a Music teacher.
The David William Crowe Award was established by Old Boy Russell Crowe '77. Russell made a gift to the Foundation Trust in 2002 to create an award on behalf of the Crowe family. It was in memory of his uncle David William Crowe, and to recognise the growing importance of theatre in the life of the School. This award recognises excellence in the production of a play or musical and is awarded for the master who has contributed immeasurably to the success of such a production.
The Porus Family Award was established by the Porus family in 2005 to reward teachers who have inspired students during the course of their schooling here at Auckland Grammar School. Mr and Mrs Porus' two sons attended Grammar (Daniel '00 and Joel '03) and are also members of the Augusta Fellowship. This award recognises a teacher who has inspired students during the course of their schooling, based on the recommendation of the Prefects.
The Dean's Award was established in 2010 as an annual award until 2019 by an Old Boy who was a Prefect at Auckland Grammar in 1970, but has preferred to remain behind the scenes. His three sons also attended Auckland Grammar. This award is for the outstanding performance from any Dean involved at any level of the School.
The Foundation Trust Award is presented to a committed support staff member, who shows loyalty to the School and its values.
The Commerce Award is presented to a master who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to his/her subject and outstanding teaching in the classroom, within the area of Commerce.
The Mathematics Award is presented to a dedicated and passionate Maths teacher.
The Driver/Orange Award for Physics or Mathematics honours two of the School’s legendary masters, Teddy Driver and Fred Orange. The award was introduced by Old Boy Raoul Franklin '48, who attended Grammar in 1951. Raoul lives in the UK and is delighted that other members of the Grammar community have since supported this award. These two teachers influenced his life and he hopes that future generations will be able to enjoy the mental stimulation he received when he was at Grammar. This award alternates between Physics and Mathematics.
The Marianne and Ursula Kosubke Award for Languages was established in 2018 by Old Boy Billy Boyd '68 in recognition of his later mother and his aunt. The award recognises a teacher who shows passion and commitment for their subject and generates a love of linguistics in students.
The Ken Trembath Memorial English Award: during 2012 Roger Hill '63, then Director of Advancement, worked with the Edwards family, who very generously pledged matching gifts from the Robert Edwards Charitable Trust, to establish this award. Robert '37 was a secondary school teacher who taught languages at Otahuhu College, Penrose High School, Rutherford College and Tamaki College. His view was that good teachers should be rewarded for teaching at a high standard. This award is to be presented to a teacher who shows passion and commitment for the subject and generates a love of English in the classroom.
The Gus Fisher Art Award was established by The Gus Fisher Charitable Trust in memory of Gus Fisher '34. Gus was named Old Boy of the Year in 2008. His name is recorded on the Honours Board in the Heritage Room amongst other esteemed Old Boys, and we also recognise his commitment to enriching the lives of others through philanthropy. The award is for an inspirational Art teacher, showing exceptional commitment and outstanding quality teaching.
The Hugh and Campbell Grierson Memorial Award was established in 2010 by their parents to recognise what they achieved in their lives. Hugh '80 was a brilliant mathematician. He achieved a national junior scholarship at the age of 16 and excelled in a number of adventurous sports including speed skiing, mountain biking, and rock and alpine climbing. He competed in the demonstration sport of speed skiing at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He died of a brain tumour in 2001, aged 33. Campbell '82 was a member of the 1st XV Rugby Team and a Prefect in 1986. He was also a real outdoors enthusiast. He learnt mountain craft safety, and rock and alpine climbing. He participated in abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking and road cycling. He died on his second ascent of Mt Cook in 1996 at just 27. Both men were known for their leadership qualities and were grandsons of Max Grierson '14, founding partner of law firm Simpson Grierson and one of five brothers who attended Grammar; making the boys part of a well-known Grammar family. This award alternates between Outdoor Education and Mathematics.
The Philip Newland Endowment Award was established in 2010 by Philip '82, who is also a member of the Augusta Fellowship bequest programme and generous supporter of the AEF. The award is for an inspirational teacher, whose students are inspired by learning and self-belief to achieve their potential, and is for any subject and at any teaching level.
The Merle and Oliver Newland Award was established in 2019 by Merle and Oliver’s son Philip '82, in honour of his parents Oliver '53 and Merle. Olly has been a long-time supporter of the School and Merle, a school teacher herself, exemplifies the values of commitment and diligence and fostered in her children and students a deep respect for learning. The award is for a teacher who embodies the values of professional commitment, diligence and excellence in the teaching of English or History, and by doing so successfully inspires a love for the subject in their students.
The Miller Hawkesby Award was donated in 2020 by the Hawkesby Family in the name of 2019 Head Prefect Miller Hawkesby to recognise the important role that the School's Student Services team play in supporting the School’s young men. The award is for a member of the Student Services Faculty, recognising dedication to their role including the provision of exemplary support to young men.
The Michael Sandelin Award was established in 2014 when the Sandelin family created this award in the name of the late Michael Sandelin (father of Mark Sandelin '75 and grandfather of Jamie '11 and Jack '17). The award is to be made to a teacher who inspires leadership inside and outside the classroom.
The Friedlander Incentive Awards: the Academic Endowment Fund received a major boost when the Friedlander Incentive Awards were officially launched in 2005 by Sir Michael Friedlander and the Friedlander Foundation. Sir Michael '49 is a well-known businessman, who was knighted in 2016 for his services to the community. Sir Michael has been adamant that the following awards are to help create a remuneration structure that recognises high-performing staff that provide an incentive for those prepared to accept responsibility in management roles.
The Michael Farrell Award is presented to a master teacher of any subject. This is the School's premier teaching award and is given out on a less regular basis.
The International Conference Teachers' Scholarship is presented on an annual basis and allows the recipient to pursue professional development overseas.
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What do these awards mean to our staff?
Dave Askew, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Winning this award has added greatly to what was a very challenging but enjoyable year, and I am very grateful for it. Additionally, it is extremely humbling to hear of other Old Boys, Parents of former students, or people connected in the wider Grammar community that extend such generous charitable goodwill through the giving of these awards."
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Simone Bayley, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "I originally entered the teaching profession to work with and support students that struggled within the school system because of learning differences. Many years on, I consider it to be a pinnacle of my career to be able to lead a team of highly professional educators, at such a prestigious school as Auckland Grammar, to support our alternative and often very creative learners to achieve their goals. Education is a right of all learners and being able to educate young men who often do not fit the ‘system’ and see them have success is a privilege in itself."
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Sylvain Bidet, one of two recipients of the Ray Wilson Award: "As an avid runner myself and a keen outdoorsman, the Distance Squad and Duke of Edinburgh programmes brings me great joy as an educator. In particular, because I believe that they help to shape our young boys. The Distance Squad teaches them a sense of effort and commitment while challenging their physical and mental limits. The Duke of Edinburgh programme gives the boys a unique opportunity to implement and embrace confidence, comradery, initiative and leadership skills. All these qualities participate in turning our young men into well balanced persons. Working with the boys in these programmes is rewarding for me in many facets of my life and career. It is especially comforting to receive additional support and recognition from the wider Grammar community. This is why I am particularly touched to receive the Ray Wilson Award. It encourages me to continue to give the best I can to the programmes and the School in order to have a positive impact on the boys' education."
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Adrienne Birtwistle, the 2020 recipient of the Michael Sandelin award: "I was motivated to enter the profession by a desire to inspire others; in my case, to love the study of English literature and language. Having, myself, been taught by an inspirational English teacher in the 1970s, at Penrose High School, I appreciated the value of a knowledgeable and passionate teacher in the learning life of a young person. The recognition that comes from your award is equally satisfying. To be recognised as inspiring leadership in others is very special to me. It is an acknowledgement of the passion for learning and teaching that is part of my whakapapa."
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Sarah Bluett, the 2020 recipient of the Munro Award for Hockey: "I am very passionate about Hockey and to be able to serve the 1st XI team is a true privilege which I am thoroughly enjoying. The team has been incredible with true sportsmanship, passion and determination regardless of the conditions and it is through that Grammar spirit that inspires, motivates and conquers that I find myself feeling very much a part of the team and excited by next season."
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William Chen, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "The support from the wider Grammar community has been peerless in its backing of what our School has been going through and this could not be more keenly felt than at the Staff Awards. I found myself nodding and applauding with genuine pride at the announcement of many of the awardees, knowing what each person had sacrificed. I am honored to be recognised amongst such splendid company. My contributions being acknowledged and the award you offer are powerful and humbling reminders of the importance of the symbiotic Grammar ecosystem."
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Matthew Cuming, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "I thoroughly enjoy my job, so to be recognised in such a generous way is over and above what I could hope for. I have always been passionate about young boys developing into fine men with good character, respect and work ethic, so I find it very rewarding to have so many opportunities to do so."
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Richard Daniel, the 2020 recipient of the John Hume Award: "This is the first time that I have gained an award of this nature and to me, it indicates how special Grammar is. The unbelievable support and charitable goodwill of parents and Old Boys is unique. This award further strengthens my desire to promote tennis throughout the school, and hopefully see Grammar's success in the sport go from strength to strength."
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Tiffany de Jager, the 2020 recipient of the Driver Orange Award for Mathematics: "It is an honour to work in this supportive environment. I appreciate being able to make a difference in a community that means a great deal to me. I look forward to many more years of continued service to the School."
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Chris Dunn, one one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "I humbly table my thanks for this award."
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John Etty, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Working at Auckland Grammar School gives me tremendous pride, and I look forward to coming to work every day. Not only does the boys' spirit energise the place, but the School's history, national significance and community support endow the School with great power. I feel the value of being a part of such a significant institution. I am passionate about teaching, its importance to society, and the imperative to try constantly to do it better."
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Carrie Fergusson, one of three recipients of the Foundation Trust Award: "I feel very privileged to work for a school such as Auckland Grammar. I am from Canada and have not experienced the pride as what you have at Grammar. To be a part of the 150th celebrations hearing the stories from Old Boys and their love for this school made me very proud to be a staff member."
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Charlotte Forster, the 2020 recipient of the Kwek Award: "I am aware of and inspired by the legacies that this award signifies and perpetuates, and I am committed to do my utmost to continually embody the values it represents and live up to the high standards of educational provision it encourages."
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Ross Gard, the 2020 recipient of the Commerce Award: "That my contribution was recognised by an award is quite humbling in the light of the effort and commitment I witness others at the School make on a daily basis. It is indeed reassuring that the ethos of the school continues to contribute to our society in so many ways and that the support we receive on an annual basis is so freely and generously given by old boys and parents. In short it makes one proud to be a member of the wider Grammar community."
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Marie Gaspar, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Besides being a teacher of French, I am the second Master in Charge of Rowing, behind Master in Charge Mr Campbell Lowe. Though this is a task that isn't only time consuming, demanding and even sometimes tiring, it allows me to stay in touch with another aspect of our School: the shaping of character strength of our young men. It is a great satisfaction to me watching them thrive through a regatta. I reckon that my nomination for the Friedlander Incentive Award can be understood as a motivating impulse in view of my future appointment as Head of Department of French, as well as an appreciation for my achieved and prospective extracurricular dedication to Auckland Grammar's Rowing Squad."
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James Hantz, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "I enjoy taking on additional responsibilities and was appointed the HOF of Physical Education, Health and Outdoor Education in 2020. I also oversee the Scholarship Physical Education programme and took over running A2 Physical Education Cambridge course. I was also the Head Coach of the 1st XV this year and look forward to continuing in this role next season. I am very grateful for this recognition regarding my contribution to Auckland Grammar School both inside and outside the classroom."
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Eddie Hare, the 2020 recipient of the Hugh and Campbell Grierson Memorial Endowment Fund Award: "Often at school we talk about the education that boys receive that isn't from directly taught within a classroom setting. One of my roles has been to coordinate the Form 4 Camp programme at Venturelodge in Ohakune - in a year affected by COVID, it has been immensely satisfying that we were able to send every Form 4 class on their week-long camp to Venturelodge. I am a teacher that pours my energy and time into both facets of education, both inside and outside the classroom."
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Frank Haszard, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Teaching at Grammar is a rewarding job and something that I have truly enjoyed in my 12 years at the School. Being an Old Boy and having spent time on staff, I aim to continue to acknowledge the high standard of education and uphold our core values. Having the opportunity to be involved with such quality staff and the high calibre of boys is something I treasure. Teaching is an amazing profession and being granted the occasions to contribute through administration and leadership is something that spurs me on. Being recognised in this manner furthers my belief and that I am extremely fortunate to be involved with the School."
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Stephen King, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "While I take on extra responsibilities because I enjoy the challenge they offer, it was a great surprise to be acknowledged in such a generous way. It is a wonderful testament to the belief and trust that Old Boys and many other parents place in the work that we do for our young men; the extremely generous and charitable goodwill of the wider Grammar community is amazing to experience."
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Jacqui Klaassen, one of three recipients of the Foundation Trust Award: "In what was a very challenging year for most people, COVID-19 provided the Health Centre with challenges that required adapting to a very quickly changing environment. Receiving this award affirms not only my work in leading the process, but in general the role the School Nurse has to play within an education setting. Of this I am very proud and know our team of Nurses are responsible for raising the Health Centre profile during 2020."
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James Knightly, the 2020 recipient of the David William Crowe Award: "2020 saw the cancellation of many major productions the boys were involved in, often at the last minute with the combined productions of Chicago (with Epsom Girls Grammar) and Grease (with St Cuthbert’s College) suffering this fate. However, despite these setbacks, the students were given further opportunities to participate on stage with several student-led productions, with a large amount of time and effort going into preparing and organising - with the odd moment of motivational speaking to round things off. Your continued support of this award has definitely helped."
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Charles Laing, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "This year, I have felt incredibly fortunate to be a teacher. Online learning was annoying...but annoyance in a year in which so many people around the country have lost their sources of income together, is trifling. This year, more than any other, is a reminder of the benefits of job security."
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CC Lee, the 2020 recipient of the Philip Newland Endowment Award: "2020 marks two years of service with my alma mater, following a career pivot into the secondary school education sector. It has proven to be a supremely fulfilling role and I thoroughly welcome the variety of opportunities provided. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities provided to me by the School as a student, and that now as a teacher, I am able to reciprocate through dedicating time and effort to the development of future generations of Grammar men."
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Michael Lee, the 2020 recipient of the Mathematics Award: "During a difficult 2015, I decided that change in my teaching career was necessary. I was lucky to see an advertisement in the Education Gazette at the time, for a Mathematics teacher. It is true to say that I had always aspired to be a Mathematics teacher at Auckland Grammar, and I don't think I have ever been in a happier place. Teaching here is a privilege that few get to enjoy, an opportunity that few get to realise, and a calling that few get to answer. The structure, direction and support that is unconditionally provided by the Leadership Team is the gem that instils pride, excellence, commitment, humility, courage, integrity and respect in all who pass through its gates."
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Neitana Lobb, the 2020 recipient for the Dean's Award: "The Leadership Team appointed me to the role of Form 3 Dean in 2019. I was excited about the opportunity to lead a cohort at Grammar. I have been fortunate to work closely with the Leadership Team and have grown professionally over the year. It has been a unique year for all and in particular our new Form 3 students, and I have been proud of their efforts to settle into life at Auckland Grammar."
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Campbell Lowe, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "What makes this school so special is the experience that our masters have and the loyalty and respect they display. Part of this experience has been formed from how the School and Grammar community views and respects the teachers. Being one of the younger staff members, I have learned so much from the more experienced teachers. I am excited about the next chapter in my life and have Grammar and its education values firmly in my journey."
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Deborah McCutcheon, the 2020 recipient of the Lyn Rawlinson Award: "I have been teaching in Learning Support for over 10 years now. Teaching Maths is a passion for me and although the boys arrive in my class with knowledge gaps and learning difficulties, many became very proficient. Lyn was a great inspiration to me as a teacher and I have continued many of her philosophies - always being inclusive, valuing every student as an individual and allowing them to be the best they can be."
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Barbara McGowan, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "It was humbling to receive one of these awards and it was a pleasant surprise at the end of the year. It is a blessing to have spent so much of my career at Auckland Grammar. The School has provided me with so many opportunities and it is a joy to work with such an amazing group of boys and staff."
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Chris Oates, the 2020 recipient of the Joseph McManemin Award: "It is a challenging time for athletics, and we are fortunate that Grammar works hard to prioritise summer sport, but we are seeing less of the all-round sportsman and many of our athletes now see themselves as specialists in our sport. While our numbers are down, there are still boys who love to run, and among them, some with potential to be very good indeed. Coaching any sport is great for a teacher, as the relationships built on the fields greatly benefit interactions in the classroom. I really enjoy coaching, and while I do it for the love of it, I do really appreciate this award; it is great to feel valued. While our students, do, I am sure, appreciate their coaches, it is rare for a teenager to openly express this."
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John O'Neill-Fuller, the 2020 recipient of the Porus Family Award: "I joined the staff at Auckland Grammar two years ago and the history, tone and values of the School have resonated with me. The leadership and support that we as staff receive from the Headmaster and the Leadership Team, Board and wider Grammar community is exceptional. Of course, the significant influence on our days as teachers are the young people we teach and work with. Our boys are truly remarkable and these factors make coming to work at Auckland Grammar each day a joy."
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Daniel Oram, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "What makes the School particularly special in my eyes is that not only are our standards high for the students, but they are similarly high for the staff as well. As a teaching fraternity, we are regularly challenged and afforded opportunities that allow us to grow professionally and personally. All of this ultimately benefits the students directly so therefore to receive this award is simply the icing on the cake for me."
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Chris Porteous, the 2020 recipient of the Miller Hawkesby Award: "I love what I do and count it a real privilege to be in this role. Whether that be in supporting the future career aspirations of students, or walking alongside them in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, it is a remarkable position and one that I am extremely passionate about. I am grateful to be working in a school where student support is so highly valued by the Senior Leadership Team and wider staff, as well as by our community."
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Lauren Potocky-Pacay, the 2020 recipient of the Ken Trembath Memorial English Award: "Teaching is ultimately an important profession and one worthy of pouring our efforts into. While I often tell myself this, it is a wonderful thing to have it validated."
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Lyall Quelch, the 2020 recipient of the Merle and Oliver Newland Endowment Award: "I am honoured to be the first recipient of a new award that recognises the efforts of English teachers. Like any profession, teaching has its difficulties at time, but i have worked hard to maintain my optimism and courage when looking ahead at the road to improvement, however steep it might appear at first. At every step, I am reminded of what makes the job so fulfilling. Being formally recognised for my progress is an honour that words can scarcely express."
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Lionel Randall, the 2020 recipient of the Hatch Coaching Award: "Before I joined the staff at Grammar, I immediately fell in love with the culture of excellence present at this fine school, a culture rich in history, a culture which has been crafted over time through the consistent strengthening and reinforcement of the core values of integrity, excellence, respect, courage, pride, commitment and humility. I am proud to have received this award, in particular for what the award stands “Per Angusta Ad Augusta” and I want to assure you that going into 2021 I will continue to work hard to bring out the best in our boys."
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Daniel Reddish, the 2020 recipient of the Grammar TEC Rugby Club Award: "It was a huge honour for me to receive your award, acknowledgements like this aren't why I got involved in the game, but there is definitely something special about being recognised amongst your peers for the effort you have put in over the years. It was great to be told I was doing a great job, because as a coach I am always questioning whether I am doing the best I can, as I always want the best for the boys in my team."
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Jacob Rehu, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Receiving this award is a generous bonus and a very humbling experience."
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Joanne Sadler, one of three recipients of the Foundation Trust Award: "From the inception of my tenure at Auckland Grammar School, I have experienced a very positive, encouraging and supportive environment, and I feel a highly valued member of the staff. I am truly proud to work at such a well-respected, high achieving school, with exceptional leadership, and I thoroughly enjoy my job as the Leadership Team Secretary and being situated in the hub of the School."
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Teina Smith, the 2020 recipient of the Gus Fisher Art Award: "This year has provided me with the experience of being very flexible in a teaching environment. Online teaching is challenging for a practical subject and therefore requires innovative planning. Receiving your award after the challenging year that we have had in teaching was a very generous bonus that shows me the wonderful support that our school and staff have from our Old Boys and our wider Grammar community. I am passionate about education and Art and feel lucky that I can share this with the students I teach."
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Mika Taito, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "Auckland Grammar School always seeks excellence in all its pursuits. This is the reason why I work as diligently as I can, as by doing so, I will be providing the best service and experience for our students, parents, and the wider school community. This award demonstrates to my family, colleagues, and to the Samoan community that I continue to perform at a high level, and Auckland Grammar School recognises the effort I put in, and the results I have achieved."
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Rachel Taylor, one of two recipients of the Ray Wilson Award: "It is an honour and a privilege to work with the staff and students at Auckland Grammar School, both within the classroom and through extracurricular activities. I care profoundly about the progress and well-being of the students, both in an academic capacity and in terms of their personal sporting achievements, so I feel honoured to have been presented with this award. It is touching to be recognised in this way."
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David Wadams, one of 18 recipients of the Friedlander Incentive Award: "It has been an extraordinary year with multiple unexpected challenges. However, the students have amazed me with their resilience and ability to cope with much disruption. All good teachers are driven by seeing their students achieve to the very best of their ability and develop the well-rounded qualities needed for success in life. Amongst other things, the success of the Interact Club, seeing over 150 boys give their time to help others in need and carry out various community projects, has been particularly rewarding. The Incentive Award is aptly named as it will encourage me to continue to lead this group for the benefit of the school and the wider community."
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James Yeh, the 2020 recipient of the Marianne and Ursula Kosubke Award for Languages: "I enjoy my job as a languages teacher and I find it a privilege to be imparting knowledge and shaping the students who come through the Grammar arches, that I myself as an Old Boy, have also gone through. The Grammar community is broad with a long history and it never ceases to amaze me that there is some much charitable goodwill from Old Boys and parents."