Tribute to Matarui Bay School

Dear Club Members,

I’ve been a club member for total of 35 years which includes a previous club and now the famous and legendary Rangatira ski club since about 1998.

In all my 35 years I have never come across a group of youngsters ( that I am about to mention) which totally blew me away with their outstanding level of courtesy, respect and behaviour before. I’m not saying that our Club kids are not well behaved, quite the contrary - we have wonderful families and kids in our legendary club, it’s just that when you come across a group of kids that absoutely stand out with their behaviours, you feel compelled to say something, so I have.

Below is an excerpt of a letter which I sent to the Matarui Bay School management following an August 2010 week during which I just happened to be at the club while there was a Matauri Bay School group present, led by Rangatira member Pat Durham - also School Chariman.

Regards,

Chris Palmer

Excerpt

Date 22/08/2010

Attention: Pat Durham – Chairperson and Meralyn Te Hira - Principal

Dear Pat and Meralyn

Regarding Matauri Bay School Ski Trip to Mt. Ruapehu August 2010.

I am a Rangatira Ski Club [sic] member who was present at our ski club the same week of the Matauri Bay School trip.

As a father of two school age children I wish to convey the absolutely wonderful experience I had with being present in the club alongside your fantastic pupils and guardians. My experience was also shared by others, and in particular, Charles who is also a parent.

On arriving at the club Sunday night and learning Monday morning of a school group being present, I thought – “Oh no, my sneaky week away is going to be a challenging one.” Even a loving parent likes to get some space away from their home challenges.

However, my initial apprehension was so very quickly squashed by the outstandingly polite, helpful and happy nature of the children. They absolutely blew me away with their wonderfully engaging personalities. They offered to fetch me and others drinks, clear dinner dishes and they rushed around performing their duties like I have never seen before. They were so willingly helpful and courteous, constantly polite, they played together as a group beautifully and there was only ever harmony and happiness the whole time.

I do wish to sincerely express that this is not just a thank you to a great group of kids. This is a sharing of an experience I had which was so well beyond the norm. It is one which has left me aghast at the incredibly delightful and well behaved manner in which your pupils conducted themselves. They have set themselves so so far apart from any other group of students I have ever come in contact with and for that matter, many an adult group as well.

Whatever you are doing with your school and its students you are achieving an outstanding result. Your children demonstrated an extraordinary degree of self respect, values and respect for others. Those attitudes towards oneself and others are in my view the most powerful building block of being a successful individual in our challenging world. Your school and pupils deserve a mention as in my mind they set a very high example for everyone.

Lastly, and as importantly, I need to mention the adult guardianship that was provided for the children this week. Pat, Wayne, Colin, Kella (I do hope I have included all and spelt names correctly) provided true leadership with of spirit of love and care which again was so well above normal expectations it has left me a picture in my own mind of superior guardianship practices. The children so obviously conveyed an equal respect for their guardians. 

Warm regards to all,

Chris Palmer
Ph 021 ... ...
Rangatira Ski Club Member

Posted by Rob Yallop on 11 October 2010 at 09:12 PM