Recognising the huge contribution school road patrollers make to their communities, School Community Officer Constable Peter van¡¯t Wout wanted to find a way to say thanks ¨C and what better way than to host a giant pool party and movie day!
In rain, hail, sweltering sun and gusty nor¡¯westers, around 1500 road patrollers all over Christchurch volunteer their time before and after school to help their classmates cross the roads safely.
Peter says schools have a vital role in helping students to stay safe ¨C and that includes on their journeys to and from school.
"It's a big commitment that requires the support of the school, the students and adult helpers," says Peter, "but the benefits are huge.
¡°With increasingly busy roads and distracted drivers, the difference they make to their communities is immeasurable. They are our partners in road safety, and I think it¡¯s important to acknowledge them for their efforts.¡±
Peter used to work as a School Community Officer in the Waikato where they ran a road patrollers fun day at the end of each year.
¡°The kids looked forward to it all year,¡± says Peter. ¡°I heard there hadn¡¯t been one here for a while, about 10 years, so I decided it was time to do something to thank these kids for their dedication.¡±
Pete partnered with Christchurch City Council, Halswell Timber, Fulton Hogan and Hellers, as well as enlisting the help of Blue Light charity and Kiwianis, a volunteer group dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
What they came up with was a pool party at Jellie Park for around 500 tamariki, with free entry, inflatables to play on, lunch, drinks and treats. Another group enjoyed a movie day at Hoyts Cinemas Northlands.
Peter says he was grateful for the sponsors who got on board.
¡°Some of them had kids of their own who had been road patrollers for their schools, so they were really keen to support the event. Hopefully, with a bit more lead-in time next year we can get even more kids involved.
¡°One student said it was the best day they¡¯d had all year!¡±