Tribute to Mike Leske
It is with much sadness that we pass on the news that our founding Principal and much-loved member of the Endeavour community, Mike Leske, has passed away.
Mike had a profound impact on Endeavour and indeed, all those who knew him. Pioneering the vision of Endeavour College, he was a passionate educator and a deep thinker. Building a school from scratch was a challenge that Mike embraced. Supported by his devoted wife, Fran, and a dedicated band of parents, he certainly set up a thriving environment in which his legacy can still be felt today. We continue to build on the vibrant school community he established with a strong pastoral, spiritual, and servant leadership model for staff and students to follow.
From the time he entered Endeavour College in 1997, Mike was determined to create an inclusive environment that was accessible to all those who wanted an education, regardless of background, and underpinned with strong Christian values. He certainly supported academic rigour and achievement and balanced this with nurturing a Christian community, that is both authentic and credible. He was the driving force behind our College’s Vision: “A Christian environment for each student and staff member to develop their God-given abilities for LIFE and community.” He placed a great deal of emphasis on community service and social justice in our school programs and could often be heard saying “I want our students to graduate with a fire in their belly for social justice issues.”
At the end of the College’s first year in 1998, Mike reflected: “Endeavour College, tucked away in two portables, is thriving thanks to a great team effort [by] people who have given and sacrificed much to achieve a vision. We have started on a journey. The building of a vision is exciting. Being part of a friendly, cooperative, and Christ-centred community is empowering. Ultimately, we do what we do because we want our young people to experience a Christian-based education. May God continue to bless Endeavour College.”
Prior to Endeavour College, Mike served in numerous Lutheran schools including at St Peters College Indooroopilly, and was a founding member and Deputy Principal at Faith College in Tanunda. Mike also served as Principal at Ocean Forest College Dalyellup following his time at Endeavour College before retiring on 2 July 2010. His impact extended past our community and this reflection from Angela Kingston is testimony to this “Mike was my English teacher at Campbelltown High School in the 1980s. Some teachers really do save our lives. Thank you, Mr Leske, for lighting the flame, for teaching me how to burn, and for showing me how to think cosmically, when it all becomes too much. If I’ve managed to reach one student the way you reached me, I’ll consider my life well lived.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s wife, Fran and children Ben (dec), Claire, Steve and Khang Chiem.
He will be missed on so many levels.
Well done, good and faithful servant - Matthew 25:23.
Vale, Mike
1947-2021
Heather Vogt
Principal
(With thanks to David Thiele who provided his own personal reflection for this tribute).