It’s certainly been an interesting start as Principal of Sherwood School over the last three weeks, however I’m very pleased and excited to be in the role and I look forward to engaging with the wider school community, including parents and caregivers. In the meantime, here’s a little bit of background about me.

I live here in Browns Bay with my wife, Marion. We have two adult children, Max and Rose who attended Torbay School, Northcross Intermediate and Long Bay College. Living relatively close to school means my commute to work is a 10 minute ride on my e-scooter.

Education has been my professional career for almost 35 years. I started out as a primary school teacher and I have taught every year level from new entrants to Year 8. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been in senior leadership roles, both within schools and across the wider education sector. I was principal at Willow Park School (near Northcote), Education Director at the Asia NZ Foundation and more recently Education Consultancy Director at Cognition Education leading teams of professional development facilitators working with teachers and principals across New Zealand. I’ve also held various contract roles with the Ministry of Education.

My overseas experience includes two years working at an International School in Shanghai, China where I was Head of Primary. Our children were 8 & 10 years old at the time so it was very much a family overseas experience. I’ve also taught in London for a couple of years and returned for another year working for a teacher recruitment agency.

We have two small dogs who get us walking on the beach on a regular basis. I also enjoy music, paddle boarding, tramping and I run for exercise. Sherwood School is a wonderful place to work. I have been made to feel very welcome by the staff and students. Feel free to say hello if you see me around the school or on road patrol. I look forward to meeting you.

Jeff Johnstone

Principal