President’s Message

Over the summer holidays I read a book that I simply couldn’t put down. Although written by a very successful corporate leader, this book provides many applications for school advancement and the ‘business’ of education.

“Imagine it Forward: Courage, Creativity and the Power of Change” is written by Beth Comstock – a woman who by her own admission was an “unlikely change-maker”.

In her three decades of leading US corporate, GE, from marketing and innovation roles to becoming Vice Chair, she was the voice of change.

But instigating change is hard for us today when we’re all so busy.

The school day flies by at lightning pace, punctuated by bells and the ebb and flow of students. The change around us is relentless, and yet we are somehow resistant to truly embracing it.

A full-to-overflowing agenda forces us to keep our heads down and soldier on. Get the job done. To fall behind is fatal.

But as Beth says in her book, “we must become change-ready – fearless and ready to rethink or redesign whatever we do and wherever we are. We must constantly adapt, discover, think ahead and iterate.” I especially connect with her idea to “give yourself permission to imagine.”

Imagination. It has become something of a lost art. And yet it’s our imagination that sparks innovation. It’s imagination that nurtures captivating and enthralling story-telling in our classrooms and school communities.

I think a little more imagination – and dare I say it, disruption – could work wonders in our schools.

We must challenge the status quo. Efficiency and predictability have obliterated imagination. School must be where imagination and discovery happens…where we meaningfully collaborate and adapt to change.

Beth’s right. It takes courage and conviction to step off the conveyor belt. It’s scary – and it’s fear that perpetually holds us back. We fall back into line because it’s easier to stick to what we know. Get the job done. Don’t fall behind.

What else could be possible? We’ll never know if we don’t improvise. Have a go and test out new ideas. Take some calculated risks and assess the outcomes. Ready ourselves for the problems and challenges we’re yet to encounter.

The need for change won’t go away just because our lives are hectic. We must tackle it head-on.

As the book says, “change starts, first, with you.”

David Osborne
President
NSW/ACT Chapter Educate Plus

NSW/ACT Chapter Conference

Every two years, the NSW/ACT Chapter hosts a conference for its members, and in 2019 this will be held on Monday 2 September and Tuesday 3 September, at Pier One in Sydney.

Click here to see your Conference Committee experiencing our spectacular venue on the Harbour and planning what will be a wonderful opportunity to explore, discover, grow and engage in the leading edge of educational advancement.

This is a professional development opportunity that is not to be missed. There will be outstanding speakers for the plenary sessions, followed by break-out sessions in Fundraising, Marketing, Alumni and Admissions. These sessions will be delivered by experts in their respective fields from across Australia and overseas.

These speakers will present to delegates in both the tertiary and school sectors and will not only motivate you with leading practice but will share success stories, highlight new techniques and approaches and leave you inspired to challenge your own thinking and review how you can escalate your career aspirations.

This is a premier opportunity to learn new skills, meet people who do the same work as you and develop your career! There will also be a fabulous social program, which will provide opportunities to socialise and get to know others in a similar role to you, to have fun, to develop your network, and to have someone to ‘bounce ideas around with’ after you leave the conference.

Don’t miss it!

The Educate Plus members who are currently working to develop the best possible conference for you are:

• Julia Glass
• Lyn O’Neill
• Grant Birse
• Liz Pellinkhof
• Jo Hutchens
• David Osborne
• Kelly Mancey
• Nicole Crabb
• Philippa Zingales
• Katrina Rendell
• Belinda James
• Geoff Anderson
• Tina Fleming

Southern Highlands PD – 15 March

100% of respondents at our PD day in Armidale rated it as Excellent or Outstanding—so don’t miss out this time!

Does your school have alumni, donors or prospects living in the NSW Southern Highlands? 

Registrations are still open for the regional professional development event being held on Friday 15 March in the Southern Highlands at Chevalier College.

Why not combine a stimulating Professional Development Day in Bowral to have alumni/prospect meetings, either for Thursday night dinner, Friday morning breakfast or Friday afternoon tea? There are a great selection of restaurants and cafes in Bowral to do so if you aren’t visiting them at home.

The PD day itself will be a great opportunity for advancement staff in the area to come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another and hear from the dynamic keynote speaker Pauline Triggiani. Pauline is the founder of Priority People Consulting with 25 years’ experience in Leadership and Management..

During this session you will explore your point of difference with a new lens incorporating real and relevant data and trends; discover the mindset required for creating and managing a point of difference that will serve you and your organisation into the future; and identify 3 major factors that you can act on now.

The program will also include break-out round table sessions, morning tea on arrival and a networking lunch. The event is open to all Educate Plus members and non-members.

Feedback from participants at the PD held at Armidale was very positive and included the following comments

 “So very beneficial for our whole team”             “Valuable industry insights and networking”          

 “Professional and engaging delivery”                 “Powerful relevant messages”

So register NOW to join us in Bowral! Click HERE to book today.

Date:  Friday 15 March 2019 
Venue: Chevalier College – 11 Charlotte Street, Burradoo NSW 
Time: 9:30-14:00
Cost: $45 with a 20% discount for members. 

Armidale PD wrap up

Our first regional PD for 2019 was a cracker! The Armidale School welcomed us with open arms, superb catering and a beautiful learning space. Delegates from Hunter Valley Grammar School, UNE, TAS and St Albert’s College enjoyed a most stimulating presentation by Pauline Trigianni followed by collegial, round table discussions on Marketing/Enrolments and Alumni/Fundraising.

Pauline’s interactive presentation was one that led discussion and learning in quite a different direction to the usual ‘Marketing your point of difference’. It was so refreshing; we all know our campuses are beautiful, our graduates exceptional, our teachers extraordinary …. and on it goes. Pauline took us down the path of true ‘customer centricity’ which opened up broader, deeper and more tailored discussion and thus ideas, to take home to our individual institutions. Anymore from me and I’ll be doing Pauline an injustice, so do yourself a favour and book in to the Chevalier College, Bowral PD session now! You will look at differentiating your institution with fresh eyes!

Thanks must go to the wonderful Pip Warwick (retired Fellow) who organised the logistics, dinner the night before for the Sydney/Bowral travellers (Myfanwy, Tina, Paul and Liz) and an introduction to the local (rather delicious) Sweet Pea Gin!

Your Chapter Committee for 2019

We have many experienced professionals who give up their time to volunteer on the Committee. You can view our Chapter page on the Educate Plus website here. Our NSW/ACT Chapter Committee for 2019 includes: 

David Osborne – President
David is a Fellow of Educate Plus* and Director of Advancement at St Vincent’s College in Sydney. As President, he provides leadership, and drives and implements the various Professional Development offerings for NSW and ACT members.

Paul McShane – Vice President (Regional)
Paul is a Fellow of Educate Plus* and Community Liaison & Development Manager at Chevalier College in Buradoo in the Southern Highlands. As Vice President for Regional NSW, Paul works closely with the President to develop and implement plans that are specifically serving the interests and needs of members in regional NSW.

Myfanwy Stanfield – Vice President (Sydney)
Myf is a Fellow of Educate Plus* and Director of Enrolments and Community at Ascham School in Sydney. As Vice President for the Sydney Region, she works closely with the President to develop and implement professional development for our members.

Jackie Dalton – Secretary/Communications
Jackie is a Fellow of Educate Plus* and Director of Philanthropy at Frensham School in Mittagong in the Southern Highlands. In the Communications role, she works closely with the admin team to ensure that all members are aware of the latest offerings in NSW and the ACT, as well as helping to compile the regular newsletter for members.

Lyn O’Neil – Treasurer
Lyn is Development and Community Manager at Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham. As Treasurer, she works in consultation with the Finance Manager to develop and monitor the Chapter budget. She manages finances for the Chapter and provides a financial summary for the AGM.

Tina Fleming – Minutes/Admin
Tina is Operations Manager & Conference Manager for Educate Plus. In her role for the NSW/ACT Committee, she manages the Minutes of Chapter meetings and preparation of Agendas. In her wider role for Educate Plus, Tina helps to drive our regular conferences, and she is a key player in ensuring the smooth delivery of professional development at both NSW and International conferences.

Grant Birse – Sponsorship
Grant is Head of Marketing at Kaplan International. In his Sponsorships role, he works with the President to highlight sponsorship possibilities, steward existing relationships and identify new opportunities.

Nicole Crabb – Fundraising SIG
Nicole is Director of Development at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School in Sydney. Nicole leads the fundraising SIG and is supported in this role by Jackie. This SIG is an outstanding opportunity for fundraisers to meet, network, share and learn about best practice in fundraising and donor relations—not to be missed!

Yvette Graniero – Marketing SIG
Yvette is Director of Community Relations at Santa Sabina College in Sydney. Yvette works with the Marketing SIG, along with Kelly, Dionne and Jo (below). This is an opportunity for those in Marketing and Communications to get together, learn and share experiences. Look out for this regular SIG, as it is a valuable way to help members grow in their roles in schools and universities.

Belinda James – Enrolments SIG
Belinda is the Registrar at John Colet School in Sydney. Belinda works with the Enrolments SIG. She helps those in enrolments to be informed about the latest issues, to stay ahead of the game and to increase results through this exceptional professional development opportunity.

Kelly Mancey – Marketing SIG
Kelly is Director—Community Engagement at Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney. Kelly works with Yvette, Dionne and Jo in leading the Marketing SIG. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, develop a career and network with like-minded people who are involved in Marketing in schools and universities.

Liz Pellihkhof – Alumni SIG
Liz is a Fellow of Educate Plus* and is Alumni Manager at The Hills Grammar School in Sydney. Liz leads the Alumni SIG, which is a fabulous networking opportunity for those in an alumni role, as well as discussing contemporary practice and standards in alumni engagement and management.

Dionne Molina – Marketing SIG
Dionne is the Marketing Manager at Hunter Valley Grammar School in Maitland. Dionne works with Yvette, Kelly and Jo in the Marketing SIG, to deliver outstanding professional development for those focused on marketing in schools and universities.

Geoff Anderson – Marketing and Social Media
Geoff is a Video Producer at Sonic Sight. In his Committee role he helps to market and deliver social media to our NSW and ACT members.

Jo Hutchens – Marketing SIG
Jo is Director of Advancement at Arden Anglican School in Sydney. Jo works with Yvette, Kelly and Dionne in delivering great professional development opportunities through the Marketing SIG. This is a wonderful networking opportunity, as well as equip you with practical skills for you to advance your career in Marketing and Communications

* Fellows of Educate Plus are experienced and committed Educate Plus members, who are recognised for their contribution to the industry and the organisation by the awarding of a Fellowship. These special awards are made biennially. 

Welcome to our new members

We would like to welcome the following new members to the NSW/ACT Chapter