MAN OF INTEGRITY
In recent times I’ve been pleased to meet up with Leon Christofus a teacher at ACK where he is a key member of the faith team led by Paul Reid. Leon was educated at primary and secondary schools in Eltham and completed a Bachelor of Education at Latrobe University. His dad worked in the bank, concrete industry and Australia Post. His mum has been a lifestyle and leisure worker also an aged care worker. Leon’s sister Pamela is a physiotherapist.
Prior to signing on at ACK Leon taught at various Melbourne schools and Plenty Valley College. His hobbies and interests include the study of early Christianity and Christianity in general; also creating music and DJing music, plus working out at the gym.
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The major influence in his life is the God of the bible. Leon loves working at Assumption and spoke as follows:
“Assumption College has warmed my heart on many cold Kilmore mornings and brought joy to my existence. I have met a broad range of wonderful people-staff, ex-staff, students, and parents alike. It is the first boarding school I have taught at, and there is a family spirit in the air. I have enjoyed being a part of its rich history and have deeply embraced the Marist Values that underpin life at Assumption. I have never felt such a strong sense of community anywhere else in the world. I am impressed with the number of subjects available to students and with the religious education provided here.”
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Leons motivation comes from putting his faith in God into action and doing his best to impact young lives also daring to dream big believing that genuine faith makes all things possible.
With a vital election coming up I asked Leon to give his thoughts on todays Australia he replied interestingly:
“Australia is truly a remarkable country, often referred to as the ‘Lucky Country,’ and we are very fortunate to call it home. We must stand united under our Australian flag as diverse Australian brothers and sisters, singing the Australian National Anthem as one people.
While we acknowledge and celebrate the diversity that exists within our Country, it is important to acknowledge that Judea-Christian beliefs and values have played a significant role in shaping the Australian way of life since European settlement. While progress is important in some areas of our lives, such as life-saving technology, it is vital that multi-dimensional progress does not come at the expense of the values that have helped guide, build, and sustain our society. We must be careful not to dismiss these time-honoured values in the pursuit of change.”
I’m glad I’ve met up with Leon, and not only for the fact he reminds me of an Anglican Pastor in Southwest Victoria who had a big influence on the lives of hundreds, probably thousands of young people including myself.
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TRUMPER THE GREATEST
Victor Trumper may have been the greatest of all Australian batsmen, even ahead of Bradman.
He strode the Test arenas of his time like a colossus and was a master on wet wickets.
Idolised by crowds wherever he played, Trumper, as a person, left a deep impression on all who knew him.
His death in Sydney in 1915 in his mid-thirties stunned the sporting world and pushed headlines of war from the front pages.
Even in faraway London, the newspaper banners read ‘Great Cricketer Dead’ Trumper died of kidney disease.
Victor was renowned for his kindness and he was truly loved. Typical of the man was a gesture in London late one evening in 1902. The Australian team were guests at a West End Musical. After the show they emerged into driving rain. Trumper noticed a little paper boy on the pavement, drenched and with an unsold pile of papers.
He went to the lad, gave him more than enough money to cover the cost of the papers, then hailed a cab and paid the driver to take the little fellow home.
It would indeed be nice if there were more like Victor in our fairly materialistic world of today.
All those cricketing people who hope and believe that there is a greater life beyond our present one will look forward to seeing Trumper in glory in Valhalla.
Don Bradman, of course, was a most prolific scorer in test history. His all-time average of 99.94 far exceeds any other player. His batting deeds in England in the thirties were phenomenal and UK newspaper banner headlines were often as below:
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VARIA
A happy gathering at the Gaol Café last Saturday with 23 former and present staff turned up for a mini reunion organised by Peter Jongeblood. The latter was a fine teacher, deputy principal and sports coach- he was highly regarded by staff, students and families. The assemblage consisted of men and women who have contributed greatly to the life and times of Assumption. All present enjoyed the refreshments provided by hard working café duo Sam and Heidi.
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Nationals member for Nicholls electorate (which Kilmore is now part of) Sam Birrell is a good man. I recall him well as a boarder at ACK his late dad had been prominent in the 60’s. Sam, like his father was a good scholar and keen sportsman. Busy now on the federal campaign trail Sam makes a point of training with footy clubs across the region. He recently trained with Kilmore Football Club. A sincere and dedicated MP Sam is hoping to again get the nod from voters on May 3.
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The 2025 Assumption 1ST XVIII captain Thomas Rutledge is an impressive young man. His dad Ron attended ACK as a boarder from Hay (NSW). Thomas’ brothers and sister have graduated from ACK in the past few years.
College boy’s leader, Thomas was also a member of the 1stXI this past summer. With the family based in Kyneton he is in the Bendigo Pioneers and will be playing for them when ACK commitments allow.
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Recently retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins was at ACK First XVIII’s annual clash versus St Bernards last week. Now working in Real Estate plus some AFL commentary Tom was keen to visit the oval where his grandfather Fred Le Deux captained Assumption in the early 1950’s. Interesting to note St Bernards coach is former Bombers star Steve Alessio.
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EASTER WISHES
To all readers, good wishes at this momentous time for the worlds 2.4 billion Christians.
Well done, Ray, just keep on doing what you do so well. Jan B