1921 -1947
Background
Born in England, Dorothy Wilkinson emigrated to Tasmania at the age of six, returning to England for her education and then to Melbourne where she completed a Diploma in Education in 1912, Bachelor of Arts in 1913 and Master of Arts in 1920. At the time of her appointment to SCEGGS she was Headmistress of Launceston Girls’ Grammar School.
“We have this year passed our 40th milestone. Our first girls are playing their parts as valued citizens of the Commonwealth… may the school grow in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man”.
Principal’s report, 1935
Career at SCEGGS
Dorothy Wilkinson was appointed the School’s second Headmistress in 1920 at the age of 37. Miss Wilkinson was energetic, warm, frank and approachable.
Within a decade she had doubled the School’s enrolments, widened the curriculum and introduced a range of new activities and sporting opportunities. Under her guidance the school continued its excellent academic record even through the difficult years of the Depression and World War II.
But perhaps the most lasting impression of Miss Wilkinson is the kindness, warmth and enthusiasm with which she ran the school. She soon acquired the nickname ‘Stick,’ short for ‘Sticky Beak,’ because of her eager inquiries into every corner and concern of the School. It quickly became a term of endearment because of “the personal interest she had in each girl, and her characteristic of ‘sticking to’ her through thick and thin”.
“Remember that a school is not great because it has everything it needs but rather because it is doing its job … giving everyone possibilities for individual development”.
Miss Wilkinson
Principal’s Report, 1937