Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
Ravenswood School for Girls principal Anne Johnstone practiced for four years as a lawyer before pursuing a career in education and assuming her current role in 2016, after also holding the position of principal at Seymour College.
“Education is in my genes; both my parents are wonderful teachers,” she says. “I have certainly always strived to make a positive difference in the world, and after an opportunity to lecture in law, I felt a strong calling to educate young people.”
This passion has seen Johnstone innovate and become a pioneering leader in education. She has shared research and best practices in the area of Positive Education, presenting at global and national conferences, completing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology under the supervision of the founder of positive psychology, professor Martin Seligman, and currently completing a PhD in Positive Education through the University of Melbourne. As chair and founding board member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) and vice chair of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), Johnstone has provided leadership to educational organisations and communities. Being named as part of The Educator’s Hot List 2023 for a second year in a row further recognises her continued success.
An impressive initiative and the first of its kind at an Australian school is Ravenswood’s Wellbeing Path, an 800-metre winding trail inside the school’s perimeter designed to enhance physical activity, mindfulness in nature, curiosity and wonder and overall wellbeing for students and staff.
Johnstone conceived of the idea, drawing inspiration from research that highlights the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health, along with preparing the brain for learning. Inspirational quotes, selected in collaboration with students and featuring eminent Positive Education and Wellbeing academics and experts, as well as inspirational women, adorn the pathways to uplift students and staff. The Path also features art installations made from sustainable materials designed by an award-winning environmental artist and alumni of Ravenswood.
She says, “The Path exemplifies the school’s commitment to fostering a Positive Education and wellbeing environment where students can flourish and activate their potential.”
Another achievement was leading the implementation of a new Positive Education program using the Visible Wellbeing and Positive Education PERMA (H) framework, which is specially tailored to respond to the evolving needs of students.
Ravenswood is also at the forefront of STEM education due to its innovative student and technological resources, partnerships with leading STEM experts, student challenges and competitions that stimulate creativity and critical thinking.
“We are committed to offering a holistic education that equips and empowers our young people to build their wellbeing and that of others around them while understanding how to optimise their learning and become the best versions of themselves,” says Johnstone. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a school principal with the most inspirational students, staff and community members. In essence, I hope my career might be characterised as dynamic, pioneering and purpose driven – a career committed to helping people fulfil their potential and flourish in all areas of their lives.”
10 Henry Street, Gordon, NSW 2072
0412 259 615
admin@ravenswood.nsw.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/anne-johnstone-30409672
ravenswood.nsw.edu.au
Anne Johnstone
Principal
Ravenswood School for Girls
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Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2013–2015
2019
2022
Present
Present
Principal at Seymour College
2013–
2015
University of Pennsylvania and the Eisenhower Fellowships Award
2019
Recognised on The Educator’s Hot List
Excellence Award – Principal of the Year at the Australian Education Awards
Teachers’ Guild of NSW 2022 Phyllis Evans Medal
2022
Chair and Founding Board Member at the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) since 2013
Principal at Ravenswood School for Girls since 2016
Vice Chair of International Positive Education Network (IPEN) since 2020
Chair of the Leadership Centre Council for AISNSW Association
Recognised on The Educator’s Most Influential Educators
Present
Founder and Director, VETNexus incorporating Digital Literacy Licence since 2018
Women in Technology – Consumer Strength Champion, Highly Commended
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”