AN ATHERTON schoolgirl who emigrated to Australia has been appointed headmistress of the oldest private girls' school Down Under.

Lynne Stone (nee Hayes) used to live in Argyle Street, Atherton, before parents Ken and Audrey took their young family to start a new life in Australia in 1965.

Although Lee Street School, where Lynne began her education, is a million miles away from her new school, St. Catherine's in Sydney -- which has more than 900 pupils and 100 members of staff -- she has fond memories of her time there.

"It provided me with the most wonderful experiences and the teachers were dedicated people with such diverse gifts," said Lynne, a pupil at the school between 1959 and 1965.

"It was a great start for any child. I remember the school concerts, the nature walks, the English country dancing and a very rich school experience. Mr Greenwood was the headmaster and Mrs Massey was head of the infants school -- both were wonderful people.

"I particularly enjoyed Miss Ormisher reading "The Wizard of Oz" and teaching us sewing and weaving, and Miss Yates and Miss Bannister teaching us dancing and singing (I could never sing well!) I was in Mrs Gee's class when I left the school in May 1965."

In Australia, Lynne was educated at Dapto High School before winning a scholarship to the Australian National University to read English and History.

Her appointment at St Catherine's follows a 25-year career in girls' education which should stand her in good stead as she faces new challenges.

She added: "Upholding the tradition and recognising the unique place of the school in Australia's history will be important, but St Catherine's aims to provide a first rate education for the young women of the 21st century."

Married to retired army officer Major Michael Stone, who now works in the travel industry with a son Peter, 14, Lynne has visited England a number of times. On one memorable occasion she visited her old school and the new school on its new site, meeting with former teachers.

"Her parents are very proud of her achievements," said Lynne's Aunty, Marjorie Howard who lives in Atherton and has just returned from a holiday in Australia. "She's was just an ordinary girl but she's come all this way and achieved so much."