Diocesan Archives

Miss Elizabeth Roberton

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NameElizabeth RobertonTime at School1923-1933, 1940-1945 & 1966-1972AchievementsM.A.(Hons ) N.Z.(Auckland College) L.Th
Alumnæ Meritæ recipient in 1990
Recipient of the Q.S.O. in 1998Peer Year1933PositionHeadmistressBiographical InformationHeadmistress from 1966 - 1972

Miss Elizabeth Roberton is unique in being the only past pupil to lead the school. A niece of Founding School Council member Dr Ernest Roberton, young Bessie Roberton attended Diocesan from 1923-1933 initially commuting in from Glen Eden before coming to board in School House.

As a boarder, the young Miss Roberton became a valued member of the house, eventually attaining her red girdle and the role of Head Border. In her last year, she was a very able Head Prefect, and so worked closely with the new principal in her first year at Dio. Miss Roberton went on to graduate with her BA from Auckland in 1937 and her MA in 1942.

From 1940 until the end of 1945, Miss Roberton taught French and German here at Diocesan and proved herself a capable member of staff. After the war, she travelled to Europe under the Auspices of the UN repatriation authority and Girl Guides and spent time in Germany and Greece helping to repatriate the thousands of people who had been separated from their homes and families during the conflict.

On her return to New Zealand, Miss Roberton resumed her teaching career and eventually went on to serve as Headmistress at St Mary’s Stratford and St Hilda’s Diocesan School in Dunedin.

Returning to her old School in 1966 to begin seven very energetic years as Headmistress. In 1972, she resigned and travelled to London where she married an old friend, the recently widowed Rev’d Martin Sullivan, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Made an Alumna Merita of the School in 1990 and created a member of the Queen’s Service Order in 1998, Mrs Sullivan remained an active member of the School community right up until her last weeks. Her keen mind, generous heart and practical Anglican faith, embodied in every respect, the values of faith and service grounded in the School motto Ut Serviamus – that we may serve.

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Miss Roberton

Roberton Hall Opening

Person

Dr Ernest Roberton

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BuildingElizabeth Roberton HallCollectionPrincipalsOrganisationROBERTONPersonDr Ernest Roberton

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Miss Elizabeth Roberton