On Friday 9 August, Ravenswood School for Girls Principal, Mrs Anne Johnstone, was awarded the prestigious and much-lauded title of Australian School Principal of the Year at the annual Australian Education Awards.
Earlier in the evening, she was also bestowed the honour of being named the School Principal of the Year (Non-Government).
The Australian Education Awards judges recognised Anne's exceptional leadership in education, and her strong focus on innovation and optimising learning and wellbeing.
‘I am so proud of our Ravenswood school community and am inspired every day by our students, staff, and families,’ said Mrs Anne Johnstone. ‘It’s an honour to receive this award and I share this accolade with them, and my family.’
‘It truly is the greatest privilege to work with our extraordinary staff, supported by our School Council, to help students fulfil their potential and flourish in their education and in all aspects of their lives. Education is a wonderful calling and a most meaningful opportunity to make a positive contribution to the world! I’m incredibly humbled and grateful.’
Anne is globally recognised for her innovative work in Positive Education serving as the global Chair of IPEN and former Chair and a Founding Board Member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA). She is also the Chair of Excellence in Leadership and Teaching Council for the AISNSW. Under her leadership, Ravenswood has achieved historically high academic results and enrolments. Anne's dedication to staff development through the Ravenswood Institute further fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Anne has been recognised with several accolades for her exceptional educational leadership and contributions as Principal, including in the introduction, design and implementation of innovative Positive Education programs and initiatives. These awards include being recognised as The Educator Most Influential Educator (2023, 2024), honoured on The Educator Hot List (2022, 2023) and receiving an Excellence Award in The Educator Australian Education Awards 2022 for School Principal of the Year (Non-Government).
The Australian Education Award judges acknowledged the School’s innovative 6th generation Class Virtual Reality (VR) technology that provides Ravenswood teachers with the tools to plan and implement state-of-the-art immersive, engaging learning and assessment experiences in the classroom for students in the Junior and Senior School, enhancing overall educational outcomes. The VR technology has also assisted with teamwork and social skills through creating experiential, collaborative learning environments where students communicate safely and investigate learning topics virtually in pairs and groups. The School has seen high engagement and active student learners, increased questioning and excitement during innovative hands-on learning experiences.
The School was further recognised on the night as Excellence Awardees for Best Student Wellbeing Program (the third time in four years) and Boarding School of the Year (for the second time in three years).
Read the full story by The Educatorhere.
