STAFF FAREWELLS Brian Le Vaillant closes innings on teaching
He was larger than life and had an impact on every boy who studied at Christ’s College over the last 44 years and a half.
It is characters like Brian Le Vaillant who make a school, and he certainly helped give College some memorable moments during his 44 years on staff. One of the school’s best known figures, he received a rousing and memorable farewell at the final Chapel for leavers in November 2017, went on to present the prizes at prize-giving, was farewelled numerous times at staff functions, and finally bowed out to enjoy a well- deserved retirement. Brian Le Vaillant, or BDL as he has been better known for decades, was
honoured by 2017 Head Prefect Ben Marshall-Lee who told the packed Chapel that College had been very fortunate to have BDL’s expertise and service for such a long period. “All have looked up to him, and it is truly remarkable to think that he was teaching fathers of current boys.” On his appointment to College, after spending time here on section as a Teachers’ College student, BDL took up the role of Head of Commerce for nine years, and was responsible for introducing Economics to the curriculum.
In 1983, he was appointed Housemaster of Corfe, for which he created the term “the mean, green, academic machine.” “Two of BDL’s favourite sayings were ‘cash is king’ and ‘want assets, get a job’,” Ben said. His endeavours for College rugby, rowing and cricket were legendary and four of BDL’s best years at College were from 1987–1990 when the College 1st XV beat Christchurch Boys’ High School every year. In thanking Ben, Mr Le Vaillant shed light on his nickname. The original
College Issue 34 2018
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