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CAMPBELL, Leslie James (1898– 1969)

CAMPBELL, Leslie James (1898– 1969)


Headmaster of the Preparatory School from 1931 to 1962, Leslie J Campbell was responsible for much of the early development of the College Preparatory School. He was first appointed to the Senior School as Warrinn Housemaster in 1922, ‘a position he held until 1933 when he took over responsibility for Junior House. Previously, the younger boarders had lived at Warrinn under his supervision though they later moved to the Hospital which was then popularly known as the Baby Health Centre.’

Often known as 'Frosty', Campbell coached the 1st VIII in 1932-33 and one of the fours was named 'LJC.' in his honour. He retired in 1962 due to illness. Campbell House was named after Leslie James Campbell.



The following obituary was published in Pegasus in December 1965:
'Leslie James Campbell, member of staff from 1922 to his retirement in 1962, and Headmaster of the Preparatory School from 1931, died at his home on 5th September, 1966, at the age of 69. He made his service to The Geelong College a life's work, and this is fully documented in "The Pegasus" for December, 1962.

On Monday, 26th September, a Memorial Assembly was held in St. David's Church. The Reverend E. C. McLean, a colleague and close friend, gave the In Memoriam address. Extracts from that address follow.

What kind of a man was L. J. Campbell?
Firstly, he had a deep concern for people as individuals; this was particularly true of boys, no two of whom, he would allow, were exactly similar. He was skilful and patient in winning the confidence of boys, many of whom sought him out for a yarn after they had moved on from the Preparatory School.

Leslie J Campbell, circa 1962.

For those privileged to serve with him on the staff he displayed an understanding, patience and consideration, which often meant considerable sacrifice on his part. This was particularly in evidence in the event of sickness or personal trouble and I think it was due to his own experience. I can recall scarcely a day when he was free from the anxiety of sickness of some member of his family circle, who were very dear to him. Those who knew him as a friend knew a humble, sensitive man, generous with encouragement and trust, whose word was utterly trustworthy and showing undoubted loyalty. He hated anything that was pretentious or insincere.

Secondly, he was a man who adopted high standards for himself and his school and set himself to maintain them. One recalls how he would oppose any innovation which in his opinion would lower the standards of Rolland House or the Preparatory School. He was not particularly interested in theories but his philosophy of education was based on his own deep understanding of the growing boy, mixed with sound common sense and mature wisdom.

It would not be an accurate portrait ("warts and all") if no reference was made to his nick-name, "Frosty". He was amused to see a notice in Aberdeen Street outside the school, "Road slippery when frosty". I believe many Prep. boys had good reason to know from bitter experience that their roads could be extremely slippery when, on occasion, he was "frosty".'




Sources: Pegasus December 1965 p14.






























Sources: Pegasus December 1962 p 30; Obituary-Pegasus December 1966 p 14.