
It was 1982 and I remember the phone call with clarity. I had one decision to make that would have a great bearing on my future. It was like the Clash tune “Should I stay or should I go now”
I chose to go now. Go to Halls Creek District High School as my first teaching position.
The school was nothing like the current media descriptions. The school was the jewel of the Kimberley, if not the state.
When the weather turned cold in Perth, the politicians arrived to get some much-needed sunshine and to be impressed with what is possible when a principal sets the bar high and the students first.
Peter McLeod was my first principal for which I am forever grateful.
He had solid qualities of visionary leadership. His induction was short and sharp. The expectations were high, and you worked within your capacity to reach them.
All directions were clear, and the standard of education was nothing but the best.
Full term learning programs were handed in 2 weeks before the start of term.
A formal, but comfortable dress code was strictly adhered to.
Your classroom reflected your student’s work.
People’s time was valuable and never taken for granted.
I remember my first staff meeting arriving 5 minutes late.
After the meeting he took me aside and reminded me of the virtues of punctuality. “For every minute you are late, 20 people waiting could be doing something else. 5 minutes late is 100 minutes of productive time lost.”
I was first to any staff meeting from that time forward.
Peter Mcleod was the informal mentor who modelled the school’s purpose and never waivered from the mission we had to educate students to give them the best choices possible. He pioneered the Horse School for young aboriginal boys to try their hand at life as a stockman.
There was a mechanical workshop John Hughes would be proud of and a Home Economics room Jamie Oliver would be envious of.
Courageous Leaders take risks and follow a conviction for the purpose and hold people accountable to attain that purpose.
Peter passed away on 30th October 2022 after a long battle with illness.
Thank you, Peter, for guiding, inspiring and modelling the benefits of good teaching and a passion for education.
You made a difference.
Vale Peter McLeod.
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