St John’s said goodbye to Patrick Lees following 14 years of distinguished service, 10 of them leading the Preparatory School.
Lees will go on to lead Pridwin Prep School from next term.
St John’s is saddened that at this time they were unable to give Lees the send-off he deserves.
Lees arrived at St John’s Prep from St Stithians as a young, bright-eyed second master in January 2006. Armed with a BA in English and psychology, a PGCE and about to complete his B Ed Honours in leadership management. He went on to register for a M Ed at Wits and completed the leadership development programme at Wits Business School. Within four years, he was appointed headmaster of the Prep.
Lees is known for his energy, humour and dedication and shows a deep care for the children and adults under his leadership. He shows this care by building relationships, being a purposeful change-maker and through embedding a culture of kindness.
Lees has been vital in embracing transformation and a more inclusive approach at St John’s, which he has done with great insight, enthusiasm and dedication.
He established various platforms for better communication and understanding within the St John’s community, including the lauded Prep Parent Conversation Evenings. He appointed Dudu Mashele as deputy head: transformation and positioned the Prep as the leader in driving the agenda for change and creating a school of belonging for all.
Another significant achievement was founding the Realema Teacher Intern Programme in 2013, boasting 12 employed graduates and 35 new interns enrolled. He also established the Prep Academy, bringing boys in Grade 5 and 6 from neighbouring inner-city schools to attend lessons at the Prep three afternoons a week.
Lees has also driven exciting curriculum initiatives such as participating in the Harvard Visible Thinking Courses and creating new Prep learning spaces.
Lees’ love for sport led him to redesign the Prep sporting curriculum, seeing the bigger role that school sport plays in a boy’s life, building character and imparting great life lessons.
He also loves music, showcasing his talent on the trumpet and in singing.
When asked about his highlights, Lees said, “Being inducted as head in 2010 by Bishop Brian Germond, founding the Realema Teacher Intern Programme and Prep Academy. My daughter Jess marrying Calvin in the Memorial Chapel. The whole transformation space. The new Pre-Prep and Prep buildings. My prize-giving speeches, including playing the trumpet, appearing as Superman and skydiving. Singing We did it our way on stage with Paul Edey. The staff… and our staff parties. The ridiculous things that happened to me each year on my birthday. Acting in the school play – especially as Fagin in Oliver Twist. Being a lay minister and every chapel service and mass with the choir. The Anglican tradition. And, most importantly, the boys, each and every day.”
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Marx to leave Pridwin in the capable hands of Lees from April 2020
