The headmistresses

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 29

The headmistresses

Miss Helen Gibson 1889-38. A gentle, quiet, charming woman, Miss Gibson ran her school like clockwork. She commanded much respect from her pupils and their obedience came from their love and respect for her. She taught English, history, geography, mathematics, botany and divinity, and also instilled into her pupls the importance of good manners and decorum. One former pupil recalls being reprimanded by Miss Gibson, or “Gib,” as she was affectionately known, for receiving a letter from a Christ’s College boy — certainly not the done thing for a young lady. Miss Ethel M. Gibson M.8.E., M.A. 1938-46. She was a small neat woman, more brisk and forthright than her sister Helen, but just as firm of character and fair of judgment. She guided the school through the austerity of the war years, and up until 1946, when it was sold out of the Gibson family. She taught a general range of subjects. Miss May Farquharson 8.A., L.T.C.L., 1946-47. Miss Farquharson saw the school through the change from being a private family school in the Anglican tradition to a Presbyterian school controlled by a Board of Governors. She reorganised the curriculum for registration and recognition, by the Education Department, of the school’s course for the School Certificate examination. In 1946 Rangi Ruru was granted registration. She introduced the clan system into the school, and in her one year as principal made a deep, impression. Miss Rewiti O. Mason M. A. 1947-51. She arrived to find the dust settling after the turbulent change the school had undergone. One of her attributes was an extraordinary memory for names, which ensured that each girl received personal encouragement and guidance. The burgeoning school roll necessitated many more school buildings, providing Miss

Mason and the Board of Governors with constant headaches. School life followed a steady routine of lessons and sport, the occasional outing and inevitable examinations. In 1949 the school was placed on the list of accrediting schools for University Entrance. Mrs Margaret G. Patrick M. A. 1951-69. Forthright and outspoken, Mrs Patrick is as much remembered for her ready smile and her understanding and compasion as for her strict nononsense attitude. She saw the school through extensive fund-raising and building programmes, a seventy-fifth anniversary and 18 years of change and growth. At the end of her time the school was running smoothly and efficiently. Miss Lesley Anderson M.A. 1969-72. Miss Anderson came to the school after 10 years as principal of a large State school. She set about arousing a competitive spirit and the concept that to be better required effort. She initiated change and leadership in education that are the hallmarks of Rangi Ruru today. Mrs Raywyn Adam Ramage B.A. A.T.C.L. Diploma Teaching, 197388. Mrs Ramage brought an enthusiastic zest for living and a love of learning to the school. She had an unfailing optimism, and confidence that every girl had the talent and ability needed to achieve her goals. She loved drama, music and sport and gained pleasure from the active participation of all girls and high standards of achievement. Academic excellence blossomed in her time with 23 University Scholarships — five of them in her final years. Her special contribution lay in ideas for exciting curriculum development and the drive to carry them through. Her warmth of personality permeated every corner of the Rangi Ruru community. She loved teaching, and to her, every girl was special. Mrs Gillian Heald BSc,

Dip Tchg. Mrs Heald sees priorities as maintaining standards of excellence, developing girls’ full potential — cultural, academic, sporting and spiritual. There are continuing developments in tertiary education and the school management is producing a charter to provide for the school until the year 2000. Rangi Ruru has a history of being innovative and always half a step ahead, she believes.