That program triggered Sampson’s resignation. He had served as head of the $46,500 a year school for a decade. In June, Cranbrook made a confidential settlement with Sampson and said the basis for his resignation “may have caused confusion”.
In 2022, Cranbrook announced it would become co-educational, accepting girls in years 7 and 11 from 2026 and become fully co-ed by 2029.
That decision – and the timing of the school’s co-ed move – sparked a bitter dispute that later led to the mass exodus of its former council and its council president Jon North.
Cranbrook School in Bellevue Hill.Credit: The Australian Institute of Architects
In his letter on Thursday, Lovell said Johnstone had “led a significant period of innovation and development” at Ravenswood that included “historically high demand” for enrolments at the kindergarten to year 12 school.
“She has implemented a positive education and wellbeing programme, and has helped support outstanding student academic achievements in the HSC and International Baccalaureate diploma programme. Anne has also expanded the boarding programme and fostered a strong relationship with Ravenswood’s brother school, Knox,” he said.
This included co-curricular activities and the development of the Knox-Ravenswood cadet unit, he said.
“Her commitment to educational excellence, including co-curricular and the wellbeing of students, is aligned closely with Cranbrook’s vision and mission,” Lovell said.
Michele Marquet – the head of the junior school and a Cranbrook veteran of 26 years – has been serving as acting head of the school since March.
Lovell said Stuart Meade, who was deputy headmaster of Cranbrook from 1997 to 2002, will return to be acting head of school for term 2 next year, with Johnstone to start her position at the start of term 3 in 2025. Marquet will return to her position as head of junior school in term 2 next year.
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