The founding headmaster of both Saheti School and Bishop Bavin School – St Georges, Reverend Dr Morgan Ellis has been remembered as caring father figure to many former school pupils.
Ellis died on June 12.
He was a lecturer at the Johannesburg Teacher’s Training College before he was appointed to be the founding head of Saheti School.
He served at the school from 1974 to 1990 before he was invited to become the founding head of Bishop Bavin School – St Georges in Bedfordview.
While at Saheti, Ellis was influential in establishing several traditions, including the school’s song and the design of the school badge.
After serving almost 40 years in the education sector, he was named as the longest serving head in the Independent Schools Association.
Ellis attained his master’s degree in education and doctorate in philosophy (PhD). He was also an Anglican Church priest.
His son, Nicholas Ellis fondly remembers that his father loved three families – Saheti, Bishop Bavin and his own.
“We learnt from a young age that we would have to share him with the thousands of learners who passed through his school gates. All of whom he cared for and loved,” Nicholas said.
“My father believed in an education that was no restricted to the classroom, but developed the child through dramatic production, playground follies, on the sports field and in the church. He accepted failure as a stepping stone to success and would always push for excellence in everything he did.
“Ellis was a visionary and implemented educational pedagogy before it became popular. He ensured that he worked and surrounded himself with both inspirational and loving people.
“It is no secret that my father’s real passion and emotion could often be heard echoed in the theatre and on the stage as he directed and produced Shakespeare’s plays,” Nicholas said.
Ellis was married to Lynette and the two shared 47 years of marriage.
He is survived by sons, Jonathan, Nicholas and Gregory.
