[2] The school in Geelong had been named by Governor, Major General Edward Macarthur after Captain Matthew Flinders in 1856,[3] but was now said to be "dilapidated" and "a dumping ground" for girls who would work in the mills as soon as they were fourteen.
[2] She took over from Frances Higgins[4] and decided that the students should not just be trained for the mills and to be housewives but to be contributing citizens.
[2] With her partner and deputy Ann Hooper, she would surf and was known to turn catherine wheels for fun,[2] although this aspect of her character was hidden from the girls.
Discipline was strong at the school with a lot of marching[5] and teachers who failed to meet Cawthorn's standards did not stay long.
[2] Her partner died and Mary Lazarus took over the headship[4] leaving time Cawthorn to travel.