Before School, After School & Vacation Care for the North Coast Region

Wednesday 20th July 2016

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I have been associated with Matthew Haines, on both a professional and personal level, for approximately 4 years, and in that time I have witnessed the development of his admirable personal qualities. I find Matt to be a mature, sensible person of considerable promise.

Matt accepts responsibility without fuss and shows enthusiasm and complete involvement when participating in activities. His approach to his work, as well as his speech, is confident, carefully framed and always polite. These characteristics, along with his sense of commitment and task oriented determination, has at times, seen Matt promoted to a leadership role within our organisation.

In early 2012, Matt approached my Child Care organisation as a volunteer seeking experience working with children. Observing his instant rapport with both children and adults alike, I had no hesitation in seeking to employ him on a casual basis as an assistant for the Grafton Before School, After school and Vacation Care programs. These programs provide adventure based activities aimed to increase self-confidence and build self esteem of the children participating in them. Whilst at university pursuing his career in Sports Administration, he continues to work as an invaluable member of our team whenever he is available and in holiday periods.

During his employment with us some of Matt’s duties are to: -

To spend a major part of the working day in face-to-face contact with children assuming duty of care as the primary carer for children between the ages of 5 and 13 years, including those with Special Needs.

To assist and to be responsible to the Supervisor in all matters pertaining to the operations of the Centre.

To assist in the preparation of the programme of activities each day, including cleaning up and forward planning.

Liaise with various Community Organisations in order to organise, guide and supervise a range of community based experiences and activities included within the programme.

Work both independently and in team situations to formulate budgets and planned expenditure Supervise and participate in excursions. To ensure that all possible precautions are taken to avoid accidents and to protect property and

equipment of the service.

Matt has proven to be a very hard worker and is very aware of the responsibilities that his position involves. Parents, children and staff alike have found him to be enthusiastic, friendly, completely

trustworthy and dependable. He is able to instill a sense of quiet confidence to others in their interactions with him. With these aspects in mind, he was quickly elevated to a management position within our organization and is currently an integral part of our Grafton management team.

I have no hesitation in highly recommending Matt to a position with any prospective employer in this, or any field he should so desire, as I feel the experiences would be invaluable to all concerned. I wish him well in his endeavours. Should you require further information, pleases contact me through the above-mentioned channels, or by phoning 0437 033 143.

Yours sincerely,

David Bourke Director Community OOSH Services