Dear Hans.

A lesson in leadership, through the lens of a legend.

One of the first people I was introduced to when I embarked on my journey here in Zurich, was Herr Hans Steckling.

Over a coffee and croissant, I learnt much about the story of our school, and more broadly, the delicacy of the relationship between economics and education, people and politics here in Zurich.

Connected to our school since his sons started 30 years ago this year, Hans is an ardent believer in choice in education and has always provided powerful and purposeful insight into the journey of our school, and the chapters of our story.

Today, as I proudly walked Hans, and his wife Birgit, around our evolutionary campus I came to realise the imperative of people like Hans in the life of the leader.

The legends of our school stories, those who are the custodians of our past, have much to teach us about the journey travelled and the possibilities for the future - they are, in many respects, our lens, and they are without question, our legends.

Hans provides for me an insight I could never glean on my own, and he has done so with a gentle and guiding hand, so as to influence my thinking, and my understanding in our quieter moments, and always for the betterment of the school he dearly loves.

Without context, we are so often left confounded.

Everyone needs a Hans in their leadership life, a person who has no part to play in decision making, no politics in their back pocket, but who gives glimpses of possibilities that can shape the next chapter, that can give the leader quiet space for contemplation, and the context we need for the clarity we must have, to build the future.

It is my hope that you all have your own Hans, a sounding board for your school's success, and a steward of the highest calibre.

Thank you Hans, for the mentor you have been to me, and the person you are.