Four families are starting the school year with an added spring in their step, with a bonus $1,000 from OfficeMax for placing their orders early with MySchool.

The national competition was well received, with winners wanting to use their prize for a number of educational purposes including covering school fees and the purchase of new computers.

OfficeMax General Manager (Education), Dr Suzanne Flannagan, said that while the competition was held to provide a small boost to some of its back to school customers, it was just part of OfficeMax New Zealand’s broader commitment to schools and families.

“There is no doubt that families across the country are facing the pinch in the lead up to back to school,” Dr Flannagan said.

“OfficeMax has more than 45 year’s experience in education in New Zealand, and since 2007 we have donated more than $1m to schools through the MySchool programme all while maintaining our lowest price guarantee.

“Our global programme called A Day Made Better has allowed us to surprise and spoil teachers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and present them with additional supplies for their classroom and through our Max e Grants small grants programme we provide education funds for struggling families,” she said.

Winners of the MySchool competition were as follows:

·         Duncan Graham – Nayland College, Nelson

·         Sharlene and Jason Rowling - Bethlehem College, Tauranga

·         Wei Siew Leong – Northland School, Wellington

·         Cristine McDonald – Botany Downs Secondary College, Auckland