Gail Young, a long term teacher at the school recently received the Monsignor Coolahan Award for Excellence in Teaching, presented to her by Bishop Bill Wight at the 'Call to Serve' Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Hamilton.

Described by her peers as "The teacher that every school wants, every parent needs, every principal dreams of and every kid deserves," there wasn't a dry eye in the hall after the special assembly held to honour Gail and congratulate her on her achievement.

There were performances from students and different speeches that recognised Gail's many years of dedication to the school, culminating in heart-felt words from principal Sidonie Coffey as well as words from Gail.

"Teachers touch our lives," Sidonie told the gathering, "And we are so blessed at our school to have a teacher like Mrs Young."

Sidonie told of how every year parents approach her to say that something needs to be done to acknowledge Mrs Young and this year she was pleased to finally be able to give Gail the recognition she deserves.

"Thankyou for being a wonderful gift, a wonderful role model for all of us," she said.

When a teary Gail approached the stage, she was met with a standing ovation from the large crowd and found it hard to put into words how happy she was.

"I had no idea that this was happening and I'm very overwhelmed," she said.

"Thankyou, from the bottom of my heart, I'm only the person I am because of all the wonderful children I've been able to teach.

"You'll never know how much this means to me."