Rundle at 40: Marianne Johnston’s Vision

(Marianne Johnston, 2023)

During the 1990s, Rundle entered a defining era of growth, innovation, and transformation. At the heart of this time of vast growth was the true X factor, Marianne Johnston, an educator whose leadership not only expanded opportunities for Rundle students but also strengthened the foundation of excellence that Rundle stands on today. When Rundle set out to grow beyond its early years as a junior and senior high school, it was Marianne who turned the vision of a Rundle College that supports students from elementary to graduation into a reality. As the founding principal of Rundle Elementary, she built more than a school; she built one of the key pillars of a K-Forever experience that still connects generations of Rundle students. As the sister of co-founder Dr. Rod Conklin, Marianne shared his dream of creating a learning environment where every child felt valued, supported, and cared for. Those same values remain at the heart of Rundle today.

Laying the Groundwork

In 1994, Marianne’s unofficial start with Rundle began as Dr. Conklin invited her to begin developing Rundle’s first elementary program while she worked another teaching job with Rocky View Schools. By September of that year, she officially became Principal of Rundle Elementary housed in the Bridgeland campus. Starting out with only three classes and five teachers, Rundle Elementary was a small, yet impactful program that  began to connect Calgary’s youngest learners to the Rundle school community.

Beyond this vast development, Marianne’s influence extended beyond the elementary program. She played a key role in The Reading Foundation School, where she served as Principal. This was a program developed to support students with learning disabilities in achieving their full potential, an initiative that later evolved into our very own Rundle Academy, yet another instance of her goal for a school where every child should have a place to learn, grow, and succeed.

“I wanted to create an environment where children would love school and learning,” Marianne once shared. “To build their self-esteem and form relationships with parents that encouraged curiosity.”

Building Identity and Culture

Marianne’s leadership shaped the early culture and spirit of Rundle. She emphasized small class sizes, strong academics, character education, and a deep sense of belonging. Under her guidance, programs like our original House Program that was named after mountains, and biweekly assemblies that spread a communal Rundle spirit, Marianne was the pivotal force in helping students learn teamwork, kindness, and integrity. Her balanced approach that combined a caring touch while guiding students to reach their full potential, combining firm expectations with genuine care, set a tone that still resonates throughout the school today.

(Marianne Johnston presenting students with awards)

Growth and Leadership

In 1996, Rundle Elementary moved to the Chief Crowfoot campus, and the school quickly grew to 11 classes and more than 120 students. Under Marianne’s leadership, the program flourished and gained recognition across Calgary for excellence in science, writing, and student character. Her team of dedicated teachers helped Rundle Elementary students achieve success in regional competitions and fostered a culture of curiosity and confidence.

From 2001 to 2003, Rundle expanded to include a K-3 program, now offering both primary and elementary to the Calgary community. It was in this expansion that Marianne took on the responsibility as principal of both Rundle’s Elementary and Primary divisions, managing both with warmth and dedication. Her belief that every child should love learning and every teacher should feel empowered to inspire that love became a lasting part of her legacy and imprinted on Rundle’s school identity.

(Marianne Johnston [middle of top row] with the College Elementary staff, 1999-2000)

A Lasting Legacy

When Marianne retired in 2009 after 15 years of championing love and connection within the Rundle community, our then-Board chair, Dr. Bob Evans, summarized her influence beautifully:

“You directly touched the lives of over 2,000 children. It is the creation of this uniquely personal educational experience, difficult for an adult to describe but easy for a child to feel, that is your greatest legacy.”

Today, Marianne’s visions of both a thriving College primary and elementary school where students are able to achieve excellence from K-12 and the Academy program that supports students with learning disabilities in reaching their full potential. Her impact continues to be felt today as she is honoured with her own Rundle House Team “Johnston House”.

(College Students in their Johnston House shirts as they cooperate together, 2025)