Friday 9 August, 2024 was a night that Ravenswood School for Girls Principal Anne Johnstone is unlikely to forget.
In the space of three and a half hours, a visibly shocked Johnstone and her school were recognised with five trophies at the Australian Education Awards 2024.
On behalf of her school, Johnstone accepted the awards Australian School Principal of the Year, Prime Super School Principal of the Year - Non-government, Best Use of Technology, an Excellence Award for Best Student Wellbeing Program, and an Excellence Award for Australian Boarding Schools Association Boarding School of the Year.
Upon accepting the Prime Super School Principal of the Year - Non-government award, Johnstone said the accolade was “incredibly encouraging”.
“I want to share this award with my extraordinary staff team, and also with all of the students, parents and alumni of Ravenswood, so it’s a real honour,” Johnstone told The Educator.
Johnstone said “a passion for educational leadership and a commitment to making a difference” were factors that contributed to the award.
“I’m really passionate about our students fulfilling their potential and flourishing, so if this award is a reflection of that, then I think that’s incredibly pleasing.”
After Ravenswood took out the Best Use of Technology award, Johnstone paid tribute to her staff who had worked hard to ensure the school’s technology program was a success.
“It’s a wonderful reflection of the extraordinary team that we have and their dedication and passion for using technology in a really meaningful way,” she said.
Elizabeth Westley, Director of ICT at Ravenswood, said the emerging technology of Virtual Reality has seen an uptick in girls’ engagement in their learning.
“They really love it. They’re so engaged because it’s really authentic for them,” Westley said.
‘Wellbeing and learning are inextricably linked’
Upon receiving the Australian School Principal of the Year award at the end of the night, Johnstone said she was “overwhelmed and humbled”.
“I am just delighted, but I also want to credit my team who’ve been exceptional in every way,” Johnstone told The Educator. “We have such a dedicated staff who are really passionate about achieving the best outcomes for our wonderful, inspiring students.”
Johnstone attributed the award to “a strong focus on connection and belonging” at the school.
“Helping to foster a wonderful school culture, but also as a Positive Education school, we’re really passionate about implementing the science of wellbeing and recognising that learning and wellbeing are inextricably linked,” she said.
“It’s been an absolute joy to have the opportunity to lead a school and make a difference in the lives of our amazing young people and helping them fulfil their potential and flourish in every aspect.”