Karl’s mentoring Mondays make a difference at Appleby School
Every Monday morning at 9 a.m., Karl Parker walks through the gates of Appleby School in Nelson, but he doesn’t have a mop or vacuum in hand. Instead, he’s equipped with a listening ear, ready to help a group of boys ease into the new school week.
Since 2019, Karl’s been running his own CrestClean franchise, known for his friendly and professional attitude. But to the students and staff at Appleby School, he’s so much more than that.
Each week, Karl volunteers his time with three boys aged 9 to 12 who often find it hard to settle into school after the weekend.
“At the moment I’m working with three young men who have trouble getting into schoolwork after a weekend,” Karl says.
“I make them a Milo, and we chat. If they haven’t had breakfast, I make them Weet-Bix. Then we go and build something and talk as we go.”
So far, they’ve built a sand and water play bath for one classroom, a whiteboard for another, and they’re currently working on a new sports cabinet. It’s a chance to give the boys a safe space to talk, feel capable, and gain confidence for the week ahead.
Karl always starts with a handshake and eye contact. These small gestures go a long way in building trust.
“I’m sort of old fashioned. I always shake their hands and look them in the eye when I first see them, and the same when I drop them back to their classes,” he says.
And the difference he’s making is showing. The boys now confidently introduce themselves and greet others just like Karl does, with a firm handshake and eye contact.
Karl first offered to help after building a great relationship with the school through his cleaning work. Mondays can be particularly hard, so Karl made himself available, and now it’s something both he and the students look forward to.
His consistent presence and quiet encouragement have become a huge part of boys’ routine. Karl understands them because he’s been there too. After a tough childhood, he knows what it’s like to feel unsupported, and how important it is for kids to know someone’s in their corner.
“A lot of schools really need people to help,” he says.
Appleby School certainly appreciates him. They recently held a special morning tea for Karl’s birthday and invited his partner along to celebrate. The real surprise came when a sliding door opened and kids from all over the school started singing him “Happy Birthday.”
“The kids nearly had me in tears,” he says.
They even gave him his own Appleby School uniform, so the students know he’s part of the team and always there if someone needs a chat.
“Someone asked me what gives me enjoyment about cleaning a school,” he says.
“I told them that I get to walk out every night knowing that the kids are going into a nice tidy classroom in the morning. They don’t have to worry about anything else other than enjoying their learning.”
Alongside his volunteer work, Karl’s also helping new CrestClean franchisees get started as an Induction Trainer – something he says he really enjoys.
“I get a real buzz out of watching people succeed.”
Whether he’s helping a child find their feet at school or guiding a new business owner, Karl Parker always shows up and makes a difference.
