Rev’d John A Leaver AO ’48 †

After leaving school, John undertook a Diploma of Theology and was a priest in the Anglican Church for 60 plus years. His early years were spent in rural Victoria, followed by several years based at Mt Eliza, which included the position of Chaplain to the Peninsula School and to Toorak College. He served as Chaplain in the Army Reserve from 1959-85. He was a member of the Council for Christian Education in state schools from 1964-80.  John’s interest in ecumenical schools led to his involvement in assisting or establishing 14 schools throughout Victoria. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2000 for his service to education, particularly through the establishment of the Victorian System of Ecumenical Schools and the Association of Christian Community Colleges, and to the community through the Anglican Church and the Army Reserve.