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Anne Johnstone
Principal at Ravenswood School for Girls - BA LLB (Hons), MAPP (UPenn), Grad Dip Ed, MACE, CF
Professional Background
Anne Johnstone is a distinguished educator and leader in the realm of Positive Education, currently serving as the Principal of Ravenswood School for Girls, a premier independent girls’ school in Sydney, Australia. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Anne has demonstrated her commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing educational environment where young women can thrive.
Anne has made significant contributions to the field of education and Positive Psychology, as evidenced by her roles as Chair and founding board member of the Positive Education in Schools Association (PESA). In addition, she serves as Vice-Chair of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), where she collaborates with global leaders to promote well-being in educational settings.
Education and Achievements
Anne Johnstone's academic credentials reflect her dedication to excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Macquarie University, equipping her with a robust understanding of law and humanities. Furthering her passion for education, Anne obtained a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of New England and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. Under the mentorship of renowned psychologist Professor Martin Seligman, Anne's thesis was recognized as a distinguished capstone, highlighting her groundbreaking work in the field of Positive Psychology.
Currently, Anne is pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education, focusing on strategies to cultivate well-being and resilience among young people. Her doctoral research promises to further impact the ways educational institutions approach mental health and personal development.
As a Churchill Fellow, Anne was awarded the fellowship to explore innovative methods to enhance resilience in learning environments, conducting her research while based at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. This fellowship underscores her commitment to educational improvement and her proactive approach to pushing boundaries within her field.
Anne has received numerous accolades for her contributions to education, including the Australian Speech and Communication Association Award for Excellence in 2018. Moreover, in 2019, she was one of only five educators worldwide—and the only female recipient—honored for her leadership and pioneering efforts in Positive Education at a Global Summit organized by the University of Pennsylvania and the Eisenhower Fellowships in Philadelphia.
Notable Roles and Leadership
Throughout her career, Anne has held several key leadership positions. Prior to her current role at Ravenswood School for Girls, she was the Principal of Seymour College in Adelaide, where she fostered academic excellence and personal growth within the school community. Before that, she was the Deputy Headmistress and Head of Senior School at St Catherine’s School, Australia’s oldest independent girls’ school. Her journey at St Catherine’s began as the Head of Junior School, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of educational development from early childhood through to senior schooling.
In the early years of her teaching career, Anne was honored with a Teacher’s Guild Award for Excellence, marking her as a standout individual in her field even from the start of her professional journey.
Passion for Positive Education
Anne Johnstone's passion is deeply rooted in her belief in the potential of every young person to achieve success and happiness. She is dedicated to creating educational frameworks that not only prioritize academic achievement but also emphasize emotional intelligence, resilience, and overall well-being. By implementing Positive Education methodologies, Anne enables students to flourish in various dimensions of their lives, including socially, emotionally, and academically.
Anne's trajectory as an educator represents an inspiring blend of legal expertise and pedagogical depth, allowing her to approach education with a unique and well-rounded perspective. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her leadership in Positive Education make her a pivotal figure in modern education, particularly in how schools cultivate a positive environment conducive to growth and resilience.
As an advocate for helping young people fulfill their potential, Anne exemplifies the qualities of an innovative leader in education, demonstrating that with the right support system, every child can be equipped with the tools they need to succeed in today's world.
