DELIVERING EXCELLENCE KEY FOCUS FOR NEW DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
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ewly appointed Director of Marketing Shelley Johnston is bringing enthusiasm, passion and global expertise to her new role as she looks to ensure the School delivers the best possible experience for the Dio community, whether they are students, parents or staff. With nearly two decades spent in highprofile marketing roles, including for Vodafone, Spark and the Silver Ferns, Shelley brings a wealth of global and national experience to her new position. “We need to have a strong focus on the Dio community, and that includes everyone who taps into the School,” she says. “We want to deliver the best possible experience for everyone – it’s all part of the unique Dio story, and at Dio we’re striving for the best.” Shelley replaces former Director of Marketing Rachel Gardiner, who sadly passed away last December. Rachel had been in the role for more than 10 years. This is Shelley’s first role in education, and she says she is excited about the opportunity to apply her expertise to a new sector, to learn more from a school that punches above its weight in everything it does, and to assist in showcasing outstanding achievements by students and staff. With Shelley’s previous experience in the fast-moving technology sector, she says it is encouraging to see the
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DIO TODAY
Shelley Johnston
national education curriculum evolving to prepare students for the growth jobs of the future, with a focus on design, creativity and ethics.
Dunedin. She is still a ‘Mainlander’ at heart and regularly heads to the South Island for the summer and winter holiday seasons to connect with friends and family.
“Education is changing to support a rapidly changing world, and it calls for innovative thinking, resilience, resourcefulness and a strong sense of self,” she says. “These are all traits that Dio supports and encourages in its teaching and learning. It means students are well equipped to meet future workforce needs, and to form a clear vision for the future.”
Shelley now lives with her family a few blocks from the beach in Kohimarama, and can often be found walking Sky, her boisterous Spoodle, on the nearby beach. Being mother to 13-year-old daughter Keira gives Shelley first-hand experience of navigating the demands of a busy household with work, study and after-school activities, but she says she loves the challenge. It helps that she has limitless energy and enthusiasm, and she is looking forward to sharing that with the Dio community.
Shelley, who grew up on the Taieri Plains in Otago, went to school and university in
