Staff Spotlight: Meet our new Head of Primary Mr Johnston

We’re delighted to welcome Mr Johnston to the St Mark’s community! Want to know a little more about the person behind the title? From what he’s looking forward to most at St Mark’s to a few fun facts you might not know, our quick Q&A is the perfect introduction.

Short & Sweet

• Current role: Head of Primary School
• Favourite subject at school: Music
• Favourite sports team: Nottingham Forest (soccer) and Nottingham RFC (rugby, although supporting them requires a healthy amount of optimism!)
• Music you're currently listening to: My taste in music is vast and varied. However, I was listening to Dire Straits on my way to work this morning.
• Ultimate dinner guest: A Michelin-star chef. If I'm only getting one guest, they may as well cook too!
• Choose a superpower: The ability to focus and work in the noisiest environments. I seem to do my best work surrounded by people.
• Weetbix or Cornflakes: Neither. I'm a fruit and yoghurt person.
• Describe yourself in 3 words: Energetic, passionate and humorous.

A Little Longer

What is your background?
I was born and spent most of my childhood in Nottingham, famous for Robin Hood. In fact, I spent lots of my time as a child and an adult riding my bike through Sherwood Forest.

I have worked in education across both the UK and Australia. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of teaching and leading across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary settings, including leadership roles at St Stephen's School, Ellenbrook Christian College and Southern Hills Christian College.

My wife Samantha and I moved to Perth eleven years ago and have loved raising our daughters, Grace and Lydia, here ever since.

When did you realise you wanted to become a teacher and what characteristics have you taken from your own teachers into your classrooms?
Teaching was probably always in my blood. I was raised in a household of educators. My dad was a Headteacher for many years. My mum was a lecturer in Early Childhood Studies. My sister became a teacher. So, if I'm being honest, there probably wasn't a lot of choice in terms of career direction.

Some families pass down family businesses. Ours apparently passed down report writing.

However, the moment I knew for certain came while completing my Music degree. As part of a university project, I spent time working with children in a primary school and found it incredibly rewarding. Seeing the impact teachers can have on young people confirmed that this was the career for me.

One teacher who had a lasting impact on me was my secondary school music teacher, Mrs Smith. I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't always the easiest student, but she always saw something in me, encouraged me and helped me believe in myself. She taught me the importance of seeing the person behind the behaviour, and that's something I've tried to carry into every classroom and leadership role I've held.

What's one thing you wish you had known before starting a career as a teacher?
I wish I had known how much teaching would shape me as a person.

Like many new teachers, I entered the profession thinking my role was to help students learn and grow. While that's certainly true, what I've discovered over the years is that education changes you too.

One of the things I love most about working in schools is that no two days are ever the same. Every day brings new opportunities, new challenges and new experiences. Just when you think you have everything figured out, a student asks a question, shares an idea or sees something from a completely different perspective.

I’m still learning every day, and I think that's one of the reasons I love education as much now as I did when I first started.

As Head of Primary School, what does true leadership mean to you?
For me, true leadership is about creating the conditions for others to flourish.

I don't believe leadership is about having all the answers. I think it starts with listening, understanding people and appreciating the story that has already been written. Before we can lead effectively, we need to understand the culture, the community and the people we serve.

I also believe leaders need to be visible and present. You'll often find me in classrooms, playgrounds and communal spaces because being around people energises me. The best leadership happens through relationships, trust and shared purpose.

What's the best piece of advice that you've ever received?
The best advice I've received is simple: people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

It applies to teaching, leadership, parenting and life in general. Knowledge, expertise and experience are important, but they only have real impact when they're underpinned by genuine care for others.

What do you hope to achieve during your time at St Mark's?
First and foremost, I hope to play a meaningful role in an already exceptional community.

St Mark's has a strong culture, wonderful people and a clear sense of purpose. My goal is not to come in and reinvent things, but to help build on the many strengths that already exist.

I'd love to see students flourish academically and socially, staff feel valued and supported in their growth, and families continue to feel connected to the life of the school. If I can contribute positively to the next chapter of St Mark's story, I'll be very happy.

What advice do you have for students who are struggling at school?
Firstly, I'd want them to know that it's okay to feel the way they're feeling. School can be hard sometimes, and everyone faces challenges at different points in their journey.

My biggest piece of advice would be to talk to someone you trust. That might be a parent, a teacher, a friend or another adult who knows and cares about you. You don't have to carry worries, frustrations or challenges on your own.

One of the things I love most about schools is that they are communities. There are always people around you who want to help, support and encourage you. Sometimes things don't get better overnight, but sharing what you're going through is often the first step towards things getting easier.

Most importantly, remember that a difficult day, week or even term doesn't define who you are. Keep going, keep talking and keep leaning on the people who care about you.

What would you say to someone considering sending their child to St Mark's?
I would tell them that St Mark's is a place where children are genuinely known, valued and supported.

In my short time here, I've already been struck by the strong sense of community, the warmth of the people and the genuine care that exists for students and families. There is a clear commitment to academic excellence, but equally important is the focus on character, wellbeing and helping young people become the best versions of themselves.

You have experienced a couple of weeks here. What has been your favourite thing about working at St Mark's?
Without question, the people.

I've been incredibly encouraged by the care, kindness and sense of community that exists here.

I should also mention the students. Every day there are smiles, waves, friendly greetings and the occasional high five as I make my way around the school. Their warmth, openness and enthusiasm have been one of the highlights of my first few weeks. Children have a wonderful way of making people feel welcome, and they have certainly helped me feel at home.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Easy! Being a dad to Grace and Lydia.

I've been fortunate to receive awards, lead schools and be part of some wonderful educational initiatives during my career, as well as other achievements both in sport and music, but nothing compares to being a parent.

Watching my daughters grow and become their own people has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Of all the things I've been called over the years, "Dad" is definitely my favourite.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I was born on 29 February, so I only get an official birthday every four years.

Perhaps that's why I still haven't fully grown up. My daughters would probably tell you that I'm at my happiest when I'm being a bit silly and making people laugh.