Mr Lees

Image Via Pinterest

Our school community is grieving today. We lost one of our teachers yesterday in tragic, tragic circumstances. 

He was Brynley's favourite Prep School teacher..... you know the teacher you remember way into your adult years as the one who changed you, moulded you, inspired you. 

One year with Mr Lees and you're on the right track for life. Mr Lees believed only in positive reinforcement and had all the boys striving for the ultimate weekly 'Yellow Effort Award', through achieving mini awards throughout the week... on uniform care, punctuality, manners, class effort, Spelling, Maths and 'The Friday Tests'. He was fair too. If you missed a couple of marks in the spelling test, you got a chance to earn them back by scoring a hole-in-one in the classroom putt-putt Mr Lees had set up. He loved golf. He was an international Rugby Sevens Referee. He was so fit and taught the boys a lot about fitness. Mr Lees had our boys lined up every morning under the flagpole for uniform inspection. The boys straightened each others socks and belts before Mr Lees came out with his clipboard each morning. You know, your belt buckle has to line up with your shirt buttons and your sock stripes can't be all 'wonky'. The boys loved it. They loved him. They loved his discipline and his standards. 

My son has an amazing work ethic which all started because of Mr Lees. My boy also has not looked shabby since, thanks to Mr Lees. He wears his uniform with pride. Mr Lees lead by example... he was always organised, always punctual, always happy, always interesting. Mr Lees believed in facing your fears head on. He had fake snakes hanging from the ceiling of the classroom, as snakes were his biggest fear. It was a 'Boy's Own Adventure' being in his classroom.

Just last Friday we waved to Mr Lees crossing the road after school. He had his dear little boy on his hip. He was kissing him and giving him a cuddle after kindy pickup. They were smiling and happy and healthy and vibrant and now they are gone. Life changes in an instant. Devastating.

Mr Lees, I need to tell everyone through my blog that you made a difference, you really did. Things won't be the same without you around. Kristian could not wait to have you as a teacher. We had our fingers crossed for Year 6. 

Our hearts are so heavy for your family.

We respected you very much. We will miss you.