Departing Staff
Goodbye to a favourite classics teacher - Mr Chris Williams
A PASSAGE FOR JEL
“That’s alright, just come when you like. Don’t worry about the bell!” This sarcastic quip would greet any student who made the mistake of showing up to one of Mr Williams’ classes after the period had started. It was always delivered with a sly grin and a twinkle in the eye, so it was hard not to laugh when you were the one standing in the doorway, a couple of minutes late, a petty excuse on your lips. Mr William’s classes were characterised by a lively atmosphere and non-stop laughter. He had a unique and subtle sense of humour that always had the class in stitches. Apart from Fridays of course, which were reserved for visual periods during which the class would sit rapt while being treated to a showing of Russell Crowe in the epic Gladiator or the latest episode of Rome . I had the privilege of being taught by Mr Williams for two years in the noble subject of classical studies. These classics classes were always the highlight of my day - engaging, entertaining and enriching. If it had been a rough morning, a period with Jel on the horizon would always give a sad student an instant lift - “Don’t worry bro! We have classics after lunch.” He was named Jel after his affection for jellybeans, which he would happily dole out to the more forthcoming students in the pack - there was always an incentive to listen and learn. “Good one. Have a bean,’’ he would say with a smile. If it wasn’t a bean, it was a trip to the fabled Dumplings restaurant on
Riccarton Road, more commonly known as Two Dollar Rice. But this was only if our grades were good and, with a teacher like Chris Williams, they seldom weren’t. At the end of the year, he would take us all out for a coffee in the Botanic Gardens or at Robert Harris. This was always a jovial time where we could all reminisce on how great the year had been and how much fun we had all shared. And Jel would always insist it was his shout. Unfailingly kind, to the end. Don’t let the man’s love of fun and humour fool you, though - he was a brilliant teacher. An excellent mix of visual, aural and written learning meant the class was always interested, always hanging on to the next word that Jel would say. He’s a knowledgeable man, always with a story or tidbit of information to pique your interest. He would have entire topics mapped out and you always knew what was coming next and how to prepare for it. He would call you over to his desk if you were having trouble. Come exam time, he made sure that everyone in the class was as
prepared as they could possibly be. He was dedicated and always hard working. He earned his students’ respect by the way he led by example - we saw how much effort he put into his work and we wanted to emulate it. I loved my time in classics. The incredible thing is that Mr Williams was able to contribute this much for so long. He is one of the absolute legends of College and has gifted a plethora of inspired young men into the New Zealand community and beyond. The lessons I learnt from Jel, inside class and out, are lessons I will carry with me until the end of my days. He can retire knowing he will never be forgotten, and the school will never - and I mean never - be the same without him. He came, he saw, he taught. And we all will be forever grateful for that. ‘That’s alright Mr. Williams, just retire when you like. Don’t worry about the students!’’ - With love and thanks from an anonymous former student and lifetime classics enthusiast
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Christ’s College Canterbury
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