A Christchurch school cleaner has inspired dozens of children to clean up after themselves by leaving heartwarming notes in the classroom.
Addington School cleaner Karen Barry goes above and beyond for the pupils inside the rooms she cleans, leaving inspirational notes for them, year four-six teacher Kate Hartstonge says.
Usually the notes would be left sporadically on the whiteboard or the door, but recently she went above and beyond leaving notes for all the pupils, herself and the teacher aide, Ms Hartstonge says.
"I am so lucky to have an amazing cleaner who goes above and beyond.
One note to the pupils says "You don't need to grow any taller, you already stand out".
Another says "Everything you need to reach your goals is already in you."
And another reads, "A little progress everyday adds up to big results".
Ms Barry says she does it because the pupils inspired her cleaning up the classroom before she gets there.
"They're just wonderful, they clean up the room, and they don't just do it once or twice a week, they do it every single day without fail.
"She does it just to make you feel better," Ms Hartstonge says.
"She does this without expecting anything in return and it means a lot to me and my students. The three classes I have taught there have all loved her and leave her notes of thanks too.
"When they clean up at the end of the day, they do it for Karen, because they appreciate what she does for us."
On occasion she has even left baking or chocolates as a "pick me up," Hartstonge says.
Newshub.
