b'THE ELLESMERIANThe Common RoomDepartures16Ian TompkinsSince joining the school in the same department and Saints House as Ian I have been most struck by his inherent kindness and decency. Kindness towards me when Leah was in hospital, when kids have been unwell, and when things are just a bit too much, and kindness and high regard to the students in his form and classes. As a tutor Ian has been fastidious in all ways and his tutees have always valued his wisdom and the amount and quality of time he has put into them - a few over the years have needed it! He has always listened to, and considered, the whole child and has advocated passionately for his students when necessary. It has been a real pleasure being in the tutor team with Ian and being the Year 12, then 13 pairing has worked so well because of his flexibility, good humour, and generally positive attitude.In his teaching, it is fair to say he is an absolute stickler for prep and ensuring it is done well and on time, and he has always been prepared to give of his own time for the good of the students. Those students who have worked closely with him and excelled at Oxford, Durham, and elsewhere can attest. Ian has modelled what it is to be a committed professional in the classroom and in this way he is a real role model for us all. This is equally the case when you think about duties, activities, expos, whateverwith Ian you get someone who is going to get stuck in and give his best.One of the first things that struck me when I met Ian was that, perhaps, the latest transfer news and gossip emanating from Anfield may not be a regular go to conversation! Football is not really his thing, though, thankfully, cricket, and especially cycling are, and here we have lots of common ground. Ian and I are probably the only two people at Ellesmere, indeed I would suggest Ellesmere town and environs, who subscribe to the GCN cycling network! Of course, it is probably fair to say that Ian is looking forward to this Saturday like no other, though not for why you might thinkthe end of one chapter, the start of anotherbut because on Saturday the 2023 Tour De France starts with many questions hanging over it about the fitness of the favourite, Tadej Pgacar, and whether Mark Cavendish can beat the stage win record of Eddie Merckx. There is, though, one area of sporting pursuits where Ian and I divergerunning. If you ever see me running you should be worriedsomething or someone will be chasing me or something very bad will be about to happen. for Ian, though, it has become a real passionmarathons, half-marathons, and the daily grindsorry, joyof early morning runs is who he is. As well as raising money for charity at the same time has been an admirable bonus.Ian, working with you has been a pleasure and I wish you the very best in retirement. I look forward to reading the book you must surely write (and not understanding a word of it) and, who knows, maybe Ill run into you one day walking the walls of the Roman arena in Nimes or the Parthenon in Greece; I do hope you travel and travel well. In finishing this speech, I was looking for some wise words, maybe a Latin or Greek quote. However, nothing really stood out because all the farewells I could find were all about death and dying except thisnot from Rome or Greece but from TurkeyMustafa Kemel AtaturkA good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.I think its fair to say that this applies to Ian and that now it is time for him to rest, to consume rather than be consumed. Ian, you will be missed. All the very best for the future.'