The Headmaster’s HelpDesk

“Dr Chris Luman and I have collaborated closely on a range of projects for nearly a decade. He is dedicated to creating good culture through strategic solutions that draw on evidence gained from solid research. He is open-minded, courageous, and highly regarded as a successful headmaster. He has been a fine representative for South African schools on the international stage. I consider him to be a wise mentor and valuable source of counsel.”

“Luman’s focus has been on character-based education and he has obtained both a Masters degree and a Doctorate for his work on the subject. It was an issue, he contended, that needed to be tackled when he took up his post and, while he was exploring the theory in his studies, he was implementing those changes at College. While there was some resistance in the beginning, the results of focusing on character-based education have been emphatically positive, and the buy-in to Luman’s approach has been almost universal.”

“A natural leader, a firm educationalist and a pioneer for teacher development, Dr Luman has been instrumental in offering his support for many English Language Teaching initiatives. Dr Luman has been central to the MCEASA Conference (Maritzburg College in association with the English Academy of Southern Africa), offering the school’s unwavering operational support and by his participation as a guest speaker and presenter for the conferences. He’s covered topics ranging from discipline management in the English classroom to the role of the mentor in ELT.”

“As a Headmaster of a prestigious and highly successful boys' school in South Africa, as well as extensive leadership experience in top schools in New Zealand, Chris Luman brings considerable insight into the complexities of educational leadership. His consultancy can offer guidance to schools striving for excellence in today’s challenging academic landscape. With a deep understanding of the unique needs of boys' education, he can provide strategies that will enhance both academic and co-curricular success. Chris is passionate about education, particularly the character education of boys, and their journey towards manhood. Schools looking to foster well-rounded young men will find Chris’s experience and dedication invaluable.”

“Thank you for your educated and considered guidance and sensible steadfastness during times of uncertainty. We applaud your courage in negotiating difficult and important transformation in boys' education and for successfully strengthening Maritzburg College as an unflinching leader, speaking sense into quite challenging times. Thank you for your collegiality and friendship.”

"Maritzburg College has been privileged to have a leader of the calibre of Dr Luman – a leader who is incredible, a leader who is selfless, who prioritised College over everything else. There is no school , believe me when I say this, that has seen transformation at its best such as College. This school represents what a school in South Africa should look like. This school embodies what the rainbow nation is. The Grade 9’s to Grade 12s have had the privilege of spending time with Dr Luman."

"The Monday morning senior prefect meetings with Dr Luman are a master class in leadership. One of the greatest lessons I have learnt from you is the power of honesty. One should always lead with truth, even if it hurts, and one should never be afraid to speak with conviction and principle. You have also demonstrated to me the importance of being honest with oneself and of accepting criticism constructively. Beyond your honesty, I have also seen your compassion  in action, whether it was guiding us or standing up for what is right, your kindness never wavered. Leadership is not about authority, but about service. You have made everyone feel valued, heard and understood. Then of course, there is your wonderful sense of humour. In the midst of intense pressure, tests and discipline issues, you have always found a way to lighten the moment and see you more as a mentor than a figure of authority"