Miss Baldwin was a highly respected headmistress of the girls’ department of Gloucester Street (now Christchurch East) School, a position she held from 1898. She was the eldest daughter of the third headmaster of Sydenham School, John Baldwin (1840-1909), and had formerly been first assistant mistress at the Normal School.
A vigorous woman, an exceptionally able teacher
A woman full of bodily and mental vigour1, she was regarded an exceptionally able and intelligent teacher, who exerted a
powerful and far-reaching influence over her pupils2. She was, said S.C. Owen, Headmaster at East Christchurch School,
probably the finest woman teacher in Canterbury3.
A mark of respect for her too early death
Such was the respect in which she was held that Christchurch schools flew their flags at half-mast, and Christchurch East pupils were sent home for half a day. The Press mourned the loss of a staunch comrade, a genial companion, a wise and womanly friend … a loving, just and considerate mistress whose too early death has caused … heartfelt grief4. Miss Baldwin is buried in Sydenham Cemetery, along with her father and other family members.
Footnotes
- ↑ Sydenham Cemetery guide, p.55
- ↑ Sydenham Cemetery guide, p.55
- ↑ Sydenham Cemetery guide, p.55
- ↑ Sydenham Cemetery guide, p.55
