Mrs. Johnston has worked in the education field for over 20 years, teaching a large variety of classes including life science, earth science, biology, English and even music classes. But she found her niche in teaching religion.
Prior to FSHA, Mrs. Johnston was for eight years campus minister, a religion instructor and the chair of the religion department at Holy Family High School in Glendale.
During her seven years on the hill, she taught freshman, sophomore and junior religion classes for three years before becoming the senior religion teacher, the department chair of religious studies and the senior class moderator.
With the added responsibility as assistant principal, Mrs. Johnston may no longer be in the classroom.
“I might teach for one block, but right now we’re searching for a new religion teacher for seniors,” says Mrs. Johnston, who adds that the curriculum will remain the same. “I will miss teaching a lot, but I am very excited for my new position.”
Some of Mrs. Johnston’s new tasks as the new assistant principal include working closely with the Associated Student Body (ASB) and the campus ministry team and leading the Kairos retreats. “One of the things that I might do differently next year is enforcing the uniform code a little bit stricter,” hints Mrs. Johnston.
She feels that she is prepared to take on the new responsibilities because of her experience organizing student activities and large assemblies.
“I absolutely think that my years in the education field have equipped me with the necessary skills for this job,” she says. “I also had many mentors who helped me greatly.”
Mrs. Johnston looks forward most to the new challenges that she will experience as assistant principal. Because she mostly handles senior affairs, she is eager to be able to interact with other students in a different way.
“As much as I am excited for the new position, I am a little nervous as well,” says Mrs. Johnston.
Mrs. Sadler says that one of the biggest challenges for Mrs. Johnston will be changing her mindset from taking care of only the senior class to the entire student body, but her glowing reviews of Mrs. Johnston and her work ethic show that Mrs. Sadler has absolute confidence in her.
“One of the advantages that Mrs. Johnston has that I don’t is organization,” Mrs. Sadler chuckles. “She has been here long enough and she has strong connections with the faculty and the students. I am certain that she is the perfect fit for the job.”
Besides being a passionate teacher, Mrs. Johnston and her husband are parents to seven children; indeed, three of her four daughters graduated from FSHA. She is also the owner of three dogs, a cat and two cockatiel birds. In her spare time, she takes care of her treasured vegetable garden, eads and exercises. She is also a skilled musician.
“I play the guitar and the piano,” says Mrs. Johnston. “Most people don’t know this, but my husband and I have a rock and roll band.” Mrs. Johnston considers herself a spiritual person and is excited to see where God takes her.
“As cheesy as this sounds, I believe I’ve been directed by God my entire life, even my personal life,” relates Mrs. Johnston. “After all, my husband was my first and only blind date.” —Terra Cheung
