Reference Letter for Joshua Ranieri October 28, 2017

To whom this may concern:

I am honoured to present this letter of reference to you for Joshua Ranieri for admission to your
undergraduate program. I have two children, ages 10 and 11, who train at the Canadian Black
Belt Academy and Joshua has instructed them both for the last 3 years, in karate and jiu jitsu.
I have had the pleasure of watching Joshua teach a variety of classes and, at an academy with
many excellent teachers, Joshua stands out. Throughout the years, I have witnessed first hand
how Joshua works with children and adults of all ages and abilities. He has a kind and caring
approach to every student and treats each one with respect and consideration. Joshua is the most
responsive teacher I have had the pleasure of observing on the mats. He notices when a student
is having difficulties or needs extra support and quietly approaches and assists without any
interruption to the class. He is always ensuring that each student has a positive experience in
class and gets the most out of each lesson, taking the time to ensure his students understand and
are able to perform the skill. Joshua is quick to let his students know when they are doing a great
job and celebrates their success with encouragement and high-fives.
Joshua possesses a positive and enthusiastic personality that works well with both the students
and their parents. He greets every student with a smile and by name and always makes a
personal connection with them, whether it is asking how their day was at school or how their
baseball team is doing this season. Joshua takes the time to get to know his students, therefore
building a strong rapport and trust with them. This has gained him the respect and admiration of
both his students and the parents. Joshua quickly addresses any concerns or questions I’ve had
in the past and commits to ensuring everyone is safe, happy and learning to the best of their
ability and always doing this in a kind and respectful manner. Joshua is an intelligent, capable,
dedicated and personable young man. He is always able to gauge the situation and respond
sensibly and fairly in all the circumstances I’ve seen him in, displaying a strong sense of
maturity beyond his years.
Joshua shows a strong work ethic and commitment to his job and I have rarely every seen him
absent from the school. We often discuss his school activities and studies and he has always
made an impression on me. He is a very mature, responsible and disciplined young man. Joshua
ensures his school work comes first and he is known to hand in his assignments early because he
knows he has a busy week at the studio teaching. He has strong time management skills and his
sense of responsibility with his school work and his job is quite evident. He is constantly
improving and developing himself as a martial artist and instructor as well, training and
attending seminars and workshops throughout the year.
I can offer only the highest recommendation for Joshua Ranieri as I strongly believe that he will
be an excellent addition to your student body. Please feel free to contact me if you would like
more information. You may reach me via email at vsakellaris@rogers.com.
Sincerely,
Vicki Sakellaris Barker M.ED., A.R.C.T., OCT