Whītau School and CrestClean partnership stands the test of time
When Whītau School opened its modernised campus in 2010, they brought CrestClean on board to care for their newly refurbished facilities. This marked the start of a fantastic long-term partnership that has been consistently supported by Christchurch Regional Manager Yasa Panagoda.
Over the decades, cleaning teams have changed but Yasa has been there every step of the way. Principal Sandra Dentice says he has always gone above and beyond, ensuring the school receives the very best care.
“He and I have had an outstanding relationship. He has always ensured that we get the very best service from CrestClean,” says Sandra.
Today, the school’s cleaning is in the capable hands of Christchurch franchise owners Regino and Evelyn Larway, who were recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence for their exceptional care for the school. Sandra says they take enormous pride in what they do, treating the school as if it were their own home.
“They are 100% reliable, honest, genuine and hardworking,” she says.
“They’re just great people.”
Keeping the extensive campus tidy is no small task, with lots of buildings and windows (and little hands everywhere!), but Regino and Evelyn handle it all with ease.
“It’s exceptionally noticeable how tidy and well-kept our school is,” says Sandra.
Working mostly outside of school hours, the couple try to create as little disruption as possible. But whenever Sandra is around, Evelyn always takes the time to stop by and say hello.
“She’s very cheerful and friendly,” says Sandra.
The pair have also brought a fun twist to the Cleanest Classroom competition. Instead of running it once a term, they award two winning classrooms every week, celebrating them at the school assembly. At the end of the term, the overall winners are treated to a morning tea put on by Regino and Evelyn.
Sandra says the initiative has made a real difference, with the awards motivating students to actively improve their learning environments.
Sandra has recently retired after 50 years in education. In her final few weeks at the school, Yasa came to see her to wish her well and she felt like it was the perfect time to celebrate Regino and Evelyn. She says the couple provide a level of trust and confidence that is invaluable.
“It’s more than the cleaning. You get the care, the service and incredible security,” says Sandra.
“It’s a lovely reciprocal relationship.”
Sandra says one of her greatest joys as principal has been seeing the children take pride in their beautiful school, and this is something she credits Regino and Evelyn with helping to achieve.
