we saw at that interview.”
“It will be hugely valuable for the future development of College whatever use the Board finally decide for it.” Mr Leese who was up in the Art block when the
Mr Barker says the Board employed Mr Leese with a focus on lifting academic achievement and improving educational outcomes. “If you look at our NCEA and Scholarship results, it is clear that he has achieved this in his time at College,” says Mr Barker. “Our NZQA Scholarship results are amongst the highest in the country and we have seen incredible achievements, such as George Fitzgerald achieving the top Scholarship mark in English, amazing when around 16,000 students sit that exam. “There has been continuous improvement in NCEA achievements levels and the academic standards across the whole school have been lifted.” Mr Barker says Mr Leese has achieved this by involving and encouraging input from staff, employing talented and supportive staff and by leading by example in what he expects from staff. “My impression is he encourages boys to excel – not just the able students, but all students,
February earthquake struck, spearheaded the response for parents, boys and staff. “However, it would be a shame if the rebuild and repair of the buildings alone defined his role as leader of Christ’s College. To do so would diminish all his other achievements during his time here. Inevitably, though, his leadership, resilience and determination to hold the team together after the earthquakes has meant we have been able to come through that most significant event in the school’s history so very well, and he will be remembered for that. “In the project for the new Miles Warren Building, which replaced three other demolished buildings, Simon has shown determination in moving things along, finally getting the campus back to what it was prior to the earthquakes,
to the extent of cooking for the boarders post-earthquake when there were no dining-room staff. “Jane has helped in an enormous number of ways,” he says. “She has entertained, attended most events, and is always ready to smile and chat with boys, staff and visitors. She has been a real asset to the school in her own right. “After 12 years of wonderful service to College, we wish them both well in their new adventures.”
only much improved by the new or renovated buildings.
A word from Jane Leese
Mr Barker says Mr Leese, a former physics teacher, has impressed him with his writing skills. “He has an amazing command of English and writes beautifully crafted prose. He is well read, insightful, thoughtful and reflective, and it comes across in all his communications. I really enjoy reading his fortnightly musings in In Black and White, covering such a wide range of topics on which he always has observations to make,” Mr Barker says. “He is quite self-effacing, happy to make jokes at this own expense and is quite happy to join in any event, such as racing the motorised chilly bin around the College.’’ Mr Barker says Mrs Jane Leese has also been an unfailing supporter of Simon and the school, even
including those who may have learning difficulties.”
Leaving Christ’s College after 12 years will be a wrench for Jane Leese, but she says she is definitely looking forward to the “next step in life’s adventure”. Although she has been the first Headmaster’s wife to work full time, as a teacher at the Cathedral Grammar School, Jane has been an integral part of College life. She is a familiar sight at most events, sports fixtures and school activities, and enjoys contact with boys and their parents. “There is no doubt you have to enjoy meeting people. Once we walk in the door at an event, Simon and I usually part company and take off to talk to different people. We meet hundreds of new people in the course of a year and people often know who we are, but not the
Extra-curricular activities have also been a major focus for Mr Leese, and he and his wife are familiar figures at a wide range of events. “I have been impressed by his unfailing support of all sport and events at College. He is always out on the weekends and evenings, and there is no doubt the boys really appreciate his interest and support of the teams. During his time at College, our achievements at Maadi Cup have been impressive. For a small school, we are now punching well above our weight. Mr Barker says Mr Leese showed considerable foresight in encouraging the Board to acquire the old Christchurch Girls’ High School site in 2006.
08
Christ’s College Canterbury
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker