with our children and see our grandchildren in New York, and we plan to build another house!”
Some personal glimpses about Simon Leese from Graeme Worner I first met Simon at morning tea in the old Chapman Block Common Room straight after it had been announced that he would be the new Headmaster of Christ’s College. He spoke incredibly well and I was even more impressed when I introduced myself that he said, “Ah, Graeme Worner. Your mate, Nick Leiper from Uppingham School, [where I did a teacher exchange in 1987] says hi.” At the same time I met Jane and liked her immediately. Soon after Simon started, one of his innovations was to use the marquee that was available from the prize-giving day luncheon for an outdoor-style staff Christmas party, which had traditionally been held at the Headmaster’s house at 1 Armagh Street. I liked the fact that he was prepared to be creative and give a new idea a go. He decided to make some presentations to staff, who had helped out in different ways. Loud ties and personal laminated certificates were the order of the day. I was lucky enough to be publicly presented with a certificate following my long sought-after hole-in-one (nine iron, 127m fifth hole at Harewood GC). Simon likes to dress up and be a little outrageous. He relished the opportunity to sport his England colours whenever he could. During the Lions tour we had a morning tea of little cakes with the cross of St George on them, and most recently, he turned up to join Matt Cortesi’s Old Boys’ football side on Upper in his outlandish Union Jack shorts. He may also have worn these when making history as the oldest College Headmaster to run the senior cross-country course. I wish I could remember all
other way round. Most realise it is a challenge! I don’t have to go to everything, but I usually do because I want to support Simon and the rest of the staff. Everyone works so hard, and as our children are up and away, we can do as much as we want. It can be seven days a week, but that’s how we like it.”
chat, to scrounge food, and even to borrow spanners to fix their bikes.” Another memorable time at College was, of course, the 2011 earthquake. “We were still in the middle of repairs from the first one and soon had builders everywhere. For three weeks I went out in the golf cart and filled up bins with water to bring back for the loos at College, which were used by the builders, soldiers, everyone. We had no power or water for three weeks, so Simon and I pitched in with the few remaining staff. Simon spent hours relaying daily updates to parents, I made contact with staff, and Paul Rodley, our IT director, set up the servers in his own garage to get us all online. The College community is truly amazing, Jane says. “I advise whoever comes after us that the partner get involved in the way I did. I have been able to do such a great variety of wonderful things, and we have met so many interesting and friendly people.” The Leeses are off to Malaysia, where Simon will be Principal of a co-ed private school owned by a large Malaysian corporation. At some stage, Jane says, they will return to the UK where they still have a home. “You never know when Simon will be ready to retire, but there is no sign of it yet. However, we do want to spend some time in Europe
She says they are definitely a team, although she adds with a smile that she would never want to work for him!
“We came here for a four-day interview and during that time we got to know the Board. The then Board members were one of the reasons we decided to take the position. They were so pro-College, and it was our first contact with Julian Holderness in England, which really got us interested.” Jane recalls a highlight of her time at College was Simon’s installation as Headmaster. “It was traditional and steeped in history,” she says. “At a special chapel service, the Bishop gave him a prayer book and a formal certificate. It was very moving.” Living in the midst of a school of boys has been a way of life for Jane. “We went into a school boarding house when I was pregnant with my second child and were there for 17 years. We really liked the fact that we were in the middle of things. At College, boys have come round to our house for a
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College Issue 29 2015
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