Good morning, I was the youngest student at St Marks College, Mapanza Zambia when Mr. Michael Chesterman arrived as Principal in 1969. The student population of over three hundred boys. The College was founded in 1928 and Mr. Chesterman was the eighth and last Principal. He was the last Principal as the Zambian Education Act had been amended such that the ones that served in that office after him, were referred to as “Headmaster”.

Allow me, to speak of Mr. Michael Chesterman our beloved Principal, as an administrator, a leader, and a parent to us. The six hundred students who were in Form V in 1969,1970,1971 and Forms 1 to V in 1972. He guided us with a stern hand, ensuring that we were disciplined and proper. Thank You Pa.

Mr. Chesterman, the administrator, looking back we can see that he had a vision to leave a lasting legacy not only on the students but on the institution. He marshalled resources to rebuild the Assembly Hall which had become an environmental hazard. It was commissioned in 1970. The building kept its original architecture of the 1920s, the Arches.

Mr. Chesterman, the leader, his team was diverse. America, Asia, Europe, and Africa were represented on his staff. It took his leadership and passion to inspire the team to deliver to us, the students, an education that was second to none. We saw his faith as he led us into worship, though, we had a chaplain. He brought life to the chapel piano. He made certain that we had the right levels of energy to sing the hymns.

Mr. Chesterman, the parent, gave us confidence to stand before audiences. When he took us, the students, to activities at other schools in the region, you knew you were with your father and not just a teacher. His presence filled the arenas where we performed. He gave us confidence to do the best of our abilities as he watched us perform. A former teacher tells a story of how he was bailed out of police custody by the presence of Mr. Chesterman at the police station. The arresting officer was a St Marks product! You always were safe with “Pa” around.

His impact on us as students was on academic, social and spiritual levels. Our foundation was solid. His hand over us was firm and unwavering. He turned us boys into gentlemen. We can hear him say, “Well done.” We are eternally grateful. Thank you, to you, Ma Sylvia and family, for sharing him with us from 1969 to 72.

Go well Mr. Chesterman. In the words of the first hymn, you taught us which became our anthem.
Bhom! mbom! mbom! mbom! mbom! “New! ev'ry morning it's new! The love of God to me is wonderfully new!
New! ev'ry morning it's new! The mercy of the Lord is wonderfully new!” Talal lala la!
Go well Mr. Michael Paul Chesterman.