A Teacher Passed Away

3 April 2007 - VALE IAN LEAKE

The Executive would like to thank our members for their kind donations at last Sunday night's gathering to benefit the family of Mr Ian Leake.

It is with regret that the Executive informs all its members of the passing of Mr Ian Leake on Monday evening 02 April 2007.

Ian's contribution to the development of children within our community was extensive through Bonnet Bay Baseball Club and through Bonnet Bay Soccer Club and as a respected teacher at Jannali High School.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Debbie, Briony and Austin

From Bonnet Bay FC
I worked with Ian for some six months in 1994. He was inspirational. Having found a talented year 10 girl who had a magic voice, he got her to perform for the first time in her life. Her class mates were in awe of her. It was a school where people struggled to find anything good to say about another.
My first day was marked by the kidnapping of a year 10 girl who had rejected the advances of an older boy. The boy got together with his mates, and bundled her into the boot of a car on the way to school. She had a mobile phone, and she telephoned for help from the boot. The next year, the Minister for Education (ALP Aquilina) banned the use of mobile phones at school.
The Principal had gone loco, arbitrarily supporting students who saw him before their rival. The Principal had tried hard to get Ian sent to another school. I fell on my sword, and left the school instead. I never saw him again. I recently heard the news. My sympathy to his family. It will be a substantial loss to them.