Barbara passed away peacefully on 13 September 2020. She came to WGC in 1979 as a full-of-life young HOD Social Studies, and when she retired in 2005 she was exactly that still; vibrant, energetic, and enthused with the love of learning and teaching.

Barbara’s own high school years were spent at Opunake High School in rural Taranaki, and at New Plymouth Girls’ High School. After completing her B.A. in Geography at Victoria University she travelled to England, and while there met her great love and soulmate Colum. They married in 1975, and Barbara then did her early years of teaching at Tawa College.

As well as leading the Social Studies Department, Barbara taught Geography, and in the early 90’s developed Liberal Studies, a more senior form of Social Studies at the time. English was another of Barbara’s teaching joys, in particular English structure, and Shakespeare (notably Othello).

Barbara was actively involved in school life outside the classroom.  Described by her 1985 Senior A Debating team as an “..inspiration, (and with) infinitely good judgement”, she coordinated and coached debating teams for many years.  She also coached the WGC team for “It’s Academic”, a TV quiz show for secondary students in the mid-1980’s.  On top of all that and a great skier herself, she managed the WGC Ski Team, leading trips to Ruapehu for secondary competitions.

When Barbara left WGC in 2005, she recalled how different teaching was in 1979 compared to now. There were no photocopiers (teachers made carbon Bandas), no computers (just the odd overhead projector), and just blackboards and chalk.

A personal highlight for Barbara was the Centenary celebrations in 1983, when all the staff dressed in 1883 costume, taught classes as if it was 1883, and then the whole school processed through the streets of Wellington to a reception with the Governor General in the Town Hall.  Another highlight was her Japan Foundation Study award, a reflection and acknowledgement of her passion for, and commitment to the teaching of Social Studies.

Barbara was a true ”Renaissance woman”.  She had an enormous range of interests, and a mind that retained and analysed absolutely everything!  She followed cricket, tennis and cycling avidly, she loved politics, knowledge of any kind for its own sake, she was a formidable bridge player and attended every opera, ballet and symphony concert.  Tramping, cycle touring, gardening, overseas travel, French conversation, reading and cryptic crosswords kept her active and sharp, and of all those, her favourite was travel - she was never without her next travel plan!

Barbara was one of those teachers whom students remember for what she inspired in them and for all the things she gave them, whether that was a love of learning, some wise words or some life skills, and in her last few weeks she was so touched and thrilled to receive messages and tributes from former students. This meant so much to her.

Teaching, learning and WGC were a huge part of Barbara’s life, and that she is so fondly remembered by students and colleagues is a testament to the mark she made on all of us.