 The school was established in 1883, and its first principal was Kate Edger, who was the first woman to earn a university degree in New Zealand.As was expected at this time, Kate resigned on her marriage in 1890, and was succeeded as Principal by Beatrice Gibson, one of the well-known Gibson sisters, who were very influential in girls’ education in the South Island at the turn of the 20th century.Gibson also resigned on her marriage, in 1900, and Althea Tendall took her place for a period of five years, followed by Margaret Lorimer from 1906 to 1926.