• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE4297

Roseby, Gertrude Amy

(1872 – 1971)
  • Born 20 April, 1872, Dunedin Otago New Zealand
  • Died 27 December, 1971, Wahroonga New South Wales Australia
  • Occupation Headmistress

Summary

Gertrude Amy Roseby was headmistress of Redlands (Sydney Church of England Girls’ Grammar School), Neutral Bay from 1911 to 1945. She was also a strong supporter of the peace movement. In 1958 she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Details

Education

Gertrude Amy Roseby was privately tutored before entering the University of Sydney. She graduated in 1895 with a Bachelor of Arts and second-class honours in logic and mental philosophy.

Career

Late 1890s: Following her graduation she joined the staff at Rockhampton Girls’ Grammar School, Queensland, where she taught for eight years.
1905: Travelled to Britain, where she completed a diploma of pedagogy at the University of London and taught briefly at Wyggeston School for girls, Leicester.
1908: Returned to Australia, taking up the position of resident headmistress at Ascham, Darling Point.
1911: Bought Redlands, Neutral Bay, a school with 35 day-girls and 8 boarders, with her sister Mabel.
1945: Retired and sold Redlands to the Church of England.
Community work
1946-1950: Chairman, Sydney Kindergarten Training College council.
1951-1963: Treasurer, Wybalena Hostel for Girls in Burwood.

In addition to her progressive views on education, Roseby was a committed pacifist. During the 1930s she belonged to the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and the Congregational (Women’s) Peace Fellowship (Congregational Women’s Fellowship for the Study of World Affairs).
Roseby was also an active member of the National Council of Women of New South Wales.
In 1958 she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

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Related entries


  • Member
    • Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Australia (1919 - )
    • National Council of Women of New South Wales (1896 - )
  • Related Organisations
    • Ascham School (1886 - )