It's been a tough year for many, but particularly for those working within the education sector.
A survey out just last week from the Education Review Office found the pandemic had left teachers feeling more stressed and tired than ever, and student behaviour had gone downhill.
But despite a second Covid-disrupted school year and all the challenges it's brought, one Northland principal has shone bright. So bright in fact, she's taken out two top honours in the National Excellence in Teaching Awards - the Outstanding Mentor Award and Founders' Principals Award for Leadership.
Leanne Otene has been a principal for 26 years, 15 of them at her current school, Manaia View in Whangarei. She talks to Kathryn about her team, tamariki and their whanau.
Photo: Supplied
