Inspiring Stories: Dr. Anne Johnstone’s Appointment and a New Chapter for Flourishing at Cranbrook School
Dr. Anne Johnstone, Global Chair of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), has been featured in national media as she leads one of Australia’s most historic educational transitions: the introduction of girls to Cranbrook School for the first time in its 108-year history.
As reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, 2026 marks the first intake of female students at Cranbrook — a significant cultural shift years in the making.
Years in the Making: Intentional Change
Dr. Johnstone noted that coeducation at Cranbrook “has been years in the planning,” with careful attention to integration and inclusion. Rather than creating separation or “quarantining students off into different areas,” the focus has been on building a culture of shared belonging.
Students themselves have echoed this spirit. Year 12 leaders described their responsibility as ensuring incoming girls “feel like they’ve already been in Cranbrook.” One student emphasized the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities — highlighting growth, character development, and courage in action.
For Dr. Johnstone, who completed a PhD in positive education focused on character strengths and meaningful living, this transition is deeply aligned with the science of flourishing.
“There’s been a real focus on integration and inclusion… What has really inspired me… is that care and sense of connection that prevails across the campus and that wonderful commitment to supporting everyone to be the best they can be.”
Positive Education in Action
The media coverage highlights several themes central to IPEN’s mission:
- Intentional culture-building
- Student voice and leadership
- Community-wide implementation
- Courage to evolve tradition
- Commitment to character and wellbeing for all
The incoming students described three-day camps, early connection opportunities, and a sense of shared adventure. Boys spoke about supporting girls in sport and welcoming them into the holistic life of the school.
This is an example of positive education in practice: not simply wellbeing programs, but systemic, values-driven leadership that prioritizes belonging, dignity, and shared growth.
Leadership That Embodies Flourishing
Dr. Johnstone’s leadership reflects IPEN’s global vision — one where educational environments cultivate character strengths, resilience, connection, and purpose.
As she expressed: “We’re ready to link arms in community now and to advance forward into our bright future as a school.”
That sentiment mirrors IPEN’s work across 72+ countries: linking arms in community to support flourishing for individuals, communities, and societies.
At a time when educational systems worldwide are navigating complexity and change, this moment serves as a reminder that positive education can evolve thoughtfully, grounded in science and strengthened by courageous leadership.
A Global Movement of Educational Courage
IPEN exists to connect, elevate, and support leaders who are shaping educational environments where young people can build lives of meaning and purpose. Dr. Johnstone’s work at Cranbrook is one example of this global movement in action.
We invite our global community to:
- Learn more about IPEN’s mission and work
- Join our growing international network
- Complete our brief community survey to help shape IPEN’s next chapter (and win tickets to IPPA’s AI and the Future of Wellbeing Summit)
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