The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Katherine Carter was educated at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a BA. She held senior positions on the staff of Clyde Girls’ School, Woodend and the Methodist Ladies’ College, Hawthorn and was for a short time headmistress of St Mary’s Church of England School for Girls, Perth. In 1948 she was appointed headmistress of Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, where she was to remain until her retirement in 1964. During that time her innovations included the introduction of the house system, the formation of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association, debating and hockey. She also enjoyed writing plays and wrote a new play each year to be performed by the girls as part of the Christmas festivities. This later developed into an annual Inter-House Drama Competition, with an award of the Katherine Carter Drama Trophy for Best Production. She was appointed MBE – Member of The Order of the British Empire (Civil) – 12 June 1965, for her contribution to education in Queensland as Headmistress – Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School.