Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the Member in the hotseat is: Mary Calabro, Admissions Manager, Cranbrook School

What motivated you to join the Committee? 

I was motivated to join the educate+ Committee to be part of a collaborative learning community where colleagues openly share their knowledge, stay current in a rapidly evolving industry and build strong supportive professional relationships. 

When and where did your career in education begin?  

My career in the Education sector began at NSW Teachers’ Federation where I worked as a Network Engineer.  This role provided a valuable foundation, offering insights into the challenges teachers face and the importance of strong advocacy within the sector.  It was a formative experience that shaped my understanding of educational environments and the support systems around them. 

What interests you most in terms of your role? 

What I appreciate most about my current role is its scope and variety. I have the privilege of working closely with families while collaborating across key areas of the school, including boarding, wellbeing, learning support and academic departments.  This interconnectedness creates a dynamic environment where every day brings new opportunities to contribute to the student and family experience. 

 What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 

The most reward part of my job is guiding families through a competitive Admissions process and helping them achieve a successful and meaningful outcome. Playing a role in their introduction to the school community is a responsibility I value greatly. 

What do you love most about your role? 

I thrive on the pace and diversity of the role.  The constant movement and the various interactions keep the work engaging and allow me to build stronger connections across the school. 

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in Educate Plus? 

I am currently part of the project team migrating to a new Enrolment platform and school management system.  This is significant in helping us transition from manual processes to more streamlined automate workflows enhancing the experience for families and improving operational efficiency across the school.  This is particularly important to use as we prepare for the transition to becoming a coeducational school, this milestone brings new opportunities and strengthen our offering and support a broader range of students and families. 

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them? 

For those beginning their journey in Advancement, I would emphasis the excitement and momentum that come with the role. With a pipeline of work that’s spans two to three year and multiple entry points.  The environment is fast paced and continually evolving.  It’s a dynamic and rewarding space for those who enjoy building relationships and contributing to long term strategic outcomes. 

What’s one small daily ritual that helps you do your best work? 

Each morning, I grab a coffee and pause as I enter the school gates to take in the beautiful harbour view.  I take a few deep breaths and remind myself how grateful I am to work in such a beautiful setting.