It is with sadness that we share the news that Miss Helen Williams, Principal of St Hilda's from 1966-1971, has passed away.

Miss Williams was the 8th principal of the school, and is remembered fondly by Old Girls as an inspiring English teacher and a leader who embraced the times, and progressed St Hilda's in many ways. The Education Department's report for 1970 praised Miss Williams and her staff: "...the driving force and sensible approach of the Principal, aided by a hard-working staff, have maintained a development on liberal lines within the school without sacrificing standards. Carefully planned courses aim at the development of character, of the individual talents of each pupil, and of a general tone that reflects the aims of the founders of the school. Changes within the school help the senior pupils to go out into adult life with confidence in their ability to deal with the situations they meet. A true educational process is carried out in an atmosphere of 'controlled freedom' that is making it possible for the school to increase its service to the community it serves."

Miss Williams began the 'country visits' which still occur today, and established a drama programme, chess and debating clubs, and a United Nations group. A lot of building projects occurred at St Hilda's during her tenure - she opened the Cobden Street classroom block (Nevill House) in her first week as principal, saw the purchase of Kilburn House as additional classroom space in 1967, and supervised the redevelopment of the Chapel and Whitby Hall (which was opened in 1970). In her final term as Principal, the school celebrated its 75th Jubilee (1971).

Miss Williams left St Hilda's to teach overseas, and returned to take up the position of HOD English at Waitaki Girls' High School (1973-78), then became the principal of Avonside Girls' High School in Christchurch until her retirement in 1989. She spent her retirement years in the Hakataramea Valley.