It is 35 years since former Principal Jon Leitch was tragically killed in a car accident on his way to a conference with his wife, Yvonne.
He was a man who made a difference to so many students at the school, a man who had a vision for what a truly inclusive school could be: a community where everyone could find their place and belong.
Born Jon Donald Leitch on January 24, 1939, he was the eldest son of Don and Joan Leitch, who were both teachers and, as a result, moved around different communities for their jobs. In fact, his father ended his teaching career as Principal of Hillcrest Normal School, so Jon was very familiar with this community, and teaching seemed a very obvious career choice for him. He saw the value of education and the difference it could make in the lives of young people.
JL, as he came to be known, gained a Master’s Degree in English at Victoria University, followed by teacher training and the first steps in his teaching career.
He taught at Waitara High School, Gisborne Boys’ High School, Huntly College, Reporoa College, and Ōpōtiki College before becoming Principal at Hillcrest. This breadth of experience gave him a real appreciation not only of cultural differences, but also of the range of abilities and diversity within a community.
He had a knack for identifying the talents and abilities of his students and encouraged everyone to strive to be their best self.
He used to say, “I know it sounds corny, but it’s true — REACH FOR THE STARS — EVEN IF YOU MISS, YOU’RE STILL ON TOP OF THE WORLD.” He always believed that every student deserved a chance to develop and achieve.
This was a time when schools had strict rules and many of them, but for Jon the rules came down to five simple expectations for everyone:
Let the teacher teach
Let the student learn
Develop skills and talents
Care for your facilities and environment
Be courteous to all
Jon was a good sportsman, playing many sports throughout his life and coaching rugby during his teaching career, a sport he was passionate about. He also actively supported and promoted the development of school sport. It is fitting that the JL Gym, named after him, is our premier sports facility.
He was also a strong advocate for the Independent Living Centre and had a real love for these students. He even went on a trip to Australia with the group to Surfers Paradise. A tribute from Trevor Reid, a member of the unit, says it all:
“He walked with us on camp. And down to the beach with me. He cooked us a BBQ. He made us laugh all night. He is the best in the school. He is my friend.”
A strong believer in co-education, Jon viewed the school as a snapshot of the real world that students would enter when they left school.
Above all, Jon was a family man with six children, Tracey, Megan, Geoffrey, Mathew, Rachel, and Michael — and the students recognised that he was a great father. His daughter Rachel and son Michael were students at the school at the time, and many of their friends became part of the Leitch family gatherings.
His sister, Elaine Fredericks, also became a member of the Hillcrest High School staff, initially as a part-time teacher and later full-time, both within the Social Sciences Faculty and as SENCO. She carried on her brother’s work in Learning Support, helping to develop a Faculty of Learning Support to inform and develop the skills of other staff to support and manage these students as the demand grew.
The Tauwhare and Māori community were important to Jon, and he developed a close relationship with them. Building a marae was always part of his vision; however, the first step was to incorporate tikanga and Māori decorative art into the Morrison Memorial Theatre as part of developing it into a multi-purpose facility.
He chose the very best to instruct and teach the Māori students about traditional techniques, which is particularly evident in the very fine tukutuku panel in the entry foyer, designed and facilitated by Diggeress Te Kanawa, a highly respected Māori artist renowned for her weaving.
The respect that community had for Jon was shown by the fact that, after his passing, he spent a night with his people in the Auditorium as a tribute to the Tumuaki.
When Jon spoke, people listened. Jon Leitch was a man of authority, yet he radiated warmth to those he loved, and he loved so many people. He was both a listener and a learner, and his door was always open to those who needed him. A father figure to many.
The day before his accident, he held an assembly for the full school to talk about future plans for the school: the new school uniform — dark blue with a green checked skirt and white polo shirt, a new block and extension of D Block, and a new gym built next to the old one with proper facilities so spectators could watch. He also envisioned a crèche for the children of staff. He was always future-focused and looking to develop what he hoped would become the best school in New Zealand.
When JL stood in front of a gathering and started a sentence with “I believe”, you knew that he truly did.
He influenced both staff and students in shaping their own principles and was dedicated to finding a “superpower” in every student. This powerful philosophy remains an important part of the enduring culture of Hillcrest High School today.
Kei te Aroha Matou Ki To Aroaro
Kei Roto I Tenei Kura O Tihipuke
Kura Pouri Matou Ki Tenei Mate
Engari Haere, Haere, Haere Ki To
Tupuna, Ke te Whanau Matou, Ki Te Whanau a Leitch Engari
Kia Kaha
Kia Toa
Kia Manawanui
Ko Koe Te Tangata Rongonui Ki
Te Hapaia Matou. Kia Koe
Ka Kite Hone
William Tarawhiti
Nathan Haimoana
