News

PAULINE BAINES

We are sad to announce that Mrs Pauline Baines, a former Deputy Headteacher and Teacher of RE at Westcliff High School for Girls, passed away on 10^th February 2021, aged 74.

Pauline Baines was employed at Westcliff High School for Girls from 1988 until 2006, and in addition to her role as Deputy Headteacher and Teacher of RE, she took on many other responsibilities, such as SEN and Team Leader for the Science, Music, Drama and PE Departments, as well as leading the Pastoral Team with considerable success for six years.    Pauline was a great proponent of initial teacher training and oversaw the entry of many graduates into the profession.  Whilst working at the school Pauline introduced RE teaching at A Level with excellent results.

Pauline was a very loyal and hard-working Deputy Headteacher who was untiring in her efforts to the school, and comments from staff who knew her very well are detailed below:

“I knew Pauline very well.  She was affectionately known to all staff at the time as “call me Pauline”.  She would always be willing to give advice and help where needed, and was very dedicated and knowledgeable.  I think it was the fact that she travelled every day from Kent that surprised most people and she rarely missed a day at work, even during the worst the weather could throw at us at that time.  She will be missed by many in her local community and may she now rest in peace.”

“I remember Pauline Baines as both my teacher and my colleague.  She was a formidable presence at WHSG when I was a student in the 1990s.  She was committed to education and to the development of new teachers.  She was also an amazing cook and I think I had one of the best tiramisus I have ever eaten at a celebration at her house when I and my fellow trainees completed our teacher training.”

“Pauline made me feel very welcome when I joined the school, and always took the time to talk to me.”

“Even though Pauline left WHSG, she still returned to assist with the training programmes.   Rest in peace Pauline.”