The School Council of independent girls’ school, Ravenswood School for Girls, Gordon, has announced the appointment of Mrs Anne Johnstone to the position of Principal from the commencement of 2016. Mrs Johnstone is currently Principal of Seymour College in Adelaide, South Australia, a leading independent girls’ school.

Following Ms Vicki Steer’s decision to return to Melbourne after eleven years of outstanding leadership, the Council undertook a broad and rigorous recruitment process. Chair of the School Council, Mark Webb said, ‘the national and international candidature was extremely strong, however Mrs Johnstone demonstrated the educational vision, varied leadership experience and gift for engaging the community that the school is seeking going forward and, we are delighted she has accepted the position’.

Anne Johnstone holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degrees and a Graduate Diploma in Education. She has been the recipient of a Winston Churchill Fellowship and conducted her research into exploring ways to foster resilience in learning while based at Cambridge University in England.

Prior to her appointment as Principal of Seymour College, Anne held a range of leadership positions including Deputy Headmistress, Head of Senior School, Head of Junior School and Coordinator of Gifted Education at St Catherine’s Waverley in Sydney. Anne began her teaching career as an English teacher and has also taught history, applied psychology and philosophy. She has taught at HSC level and been an HSC marker. Anne is a founding board member of the Positive Education in Schools Association (PESA), an organisation dedicated to helping schools improve student wellbeing and academic performance through applying the principles of positive psychology.

Before pursuing her passion for teaching Anne practised as a lawyer. She has also worked as a consultant advising schools and law firms in the areas of positive psychology, resilience, leadership and communication skills, and lectured at Macquarie University.

Mrs Johnstone has a strong commitment to helping students fulfil their potential and flourish. ‘It is vital to me that students understand how to harness their strengths, develop a growth mindset and make a positive contribution to the lives of others and the world around them,’ she says. ‘Today, an outstanding education should seek to develop students’ intellect, foster a love of learning, and also build resilience and establish habits that promote wellbeing.’

Mrs Johnstone has a strong Christian faith and is committed to supporting the Christian ethos of Ravenswood School.