We were greatly saddened to learn of the death of David Johnson in August this year. An incredibly long-serving master at Alleyn’s, his love for the School was very evident and he returned to School reunions for as long as his health allowed. Reproduced below are extracts from his Valete from Scriblerus 1994 written by Paul Kingman.
‘David's retirement in July 1994 ends a career which has spanned 35 years and has been entirely devoted to Alleyn's. He came to us in 1959 with a degree in History from University College, London and a Diploma in Education from Leeds, to teach History and Latin.
We think of him, primarily, as the Headmaster of the Lower School, a post he has held since 1969. It is an easy and natural association to make because he has filled that role so effectively and with such distinction. Thousands of pupils and their parents have owed their first, crucial impression of Alleyn's primarily to him. Invariably that impression has been positive, in large part because of the immediate effect of meeting him. David is authoritative, yet reassuringly avuncular: firm, yet kindly; modest and enduringly good-humoured, with a good-natured wit which is often targeted at himself. His experience, inborn good sense and robust confidence give sanity and balance to his judgements. He has never lost sight of the need for both discipline and encouragement and of the need for tolerance and patience in dealing with pupils. His understanding of his pupils and of the complex factors affecting their attitudes and performance is subtle, but his decisions are firm, fair and direct. The interests and qualities which first drew him into teaching are still there, mainly, I believe, because he has always seen his pupils as individuals and derived his enjoyment from teaching them as individuals, each with his or her own attributes and, in some cases at least, idiosyncrasies! When he speaks of them, it is with affection, interest and good humour, without the least trace of weariness or cynicism. His ability to remember all their names and, often enough, lots of other things about them - not just of those in the Lower School now, but of those he has taught in previous years, is symptomatic of his whole approach to his calling.
The same positive qualities are apparent in his dealings with staff. His efficiency, sense of order, practical common sense, sympathetic understanding and tolerant courtesy serve as a model for any teacher with responsibilities towards subordinates. His mood and manner are, in the best of ways, totally predictable and the equability of his approach is a consequence of his inner strength.
He has, of course, contributed to Alleyn's in many ways apart from his invaluable work as Head of the Lower School. Tom Hodgkiss, who was for many years a member of the Classics Department, kindly made a note of his own recollections of David:
'When I first came to Alleyn's as a raw recruit to teaching, I soon encountered a young colleague who also taught Latin in the Lower School…In later years we pioneered school trips to Greece and throughout all these expeditions his never-failing good humour was a great asset in dealing with the inevitable crises and mishaps, and his wise advice invaluable. Happily, his skills as a photographer produced many delightful shots to reminisce over on a winter’s evening.’
We say au revoir with great regret to a friend who leaves us with his talents undiminished, one whose cheerfulness, loyalty, sense of proportion and professionalism we shall greatly miss. We wish him every happiness in his retirement.
Paul Kingman (from Scriblerus 1994)
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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