From the President!

Dear NSW/ACT Chapter Members,

This year, our Chapter has been committed to finding new ways to engage our members, and we are thrilled with the success of our new initiatives.

Our Regional Professional Development day, held at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange during Term 2, was a standout—not just for its strong turnout, but for the meaningful connections and learning that emerged. This event also sparked the launch of our online Regional Conversation group, which will now meet termly, further reinforcing our commitment to providing ongoing, high-quality professional development for our regional members.

Our Chapter’s energy and engagement are clearly reflected in the numbers. In Semester 1 alone, we hosted 9 events with close to 200 registrations. This highlights the strength and vibrancy of our community, showcasing how much our members value staying connected, sharing insights, and advancing their professional journeys.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see so many NSW/ACT registrations for the upcoming International Conference in Perth. I look forward to catching up with you there and hearing how our Chapter Committee can continue to support you. And, we are excited to announce that we are already hard at work planning the next NSW/ACT Summit, which will be held in October 2025.

As we continue our planning for the remainder of 2024, and begin crafting the Program for next year’s NSW/ACT Summit, I encourage you to reach out and let us know how we can best meet your needs.

Yvette Graniero
NSW/ACT Chapter President

Director of Community Relations
Santa Sabina College

Welcome to our Newest Members

We can’t wait to meet you!

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us this quarter (see below). We are thrilled to have you as part of our NSW/ACT Chapter community!

The details of our next ‘New Member Meetup’ are as follows: 

Event Details
Date: Thursday 29 August
Time: 1pm-2pm AEST
Location: Online (via Zoom)

Presenters
Tina Fleming, Membership Manager, Educate Plus
Danielle Hargrove, Marketing & Communications Lead, Educate Plus
Sona Swindley, Events & Partnership Lead, Educate Plus

These sessions are a wonderful, informal way catch up with other new Members, and to hear more about the benefits of being a Member and what is available to you on our website. 

If you are new to Educate Plus, click below to register for the New Member Meet-Up.

Register Here / More Info | New Member Meet-Up

Welcome to our new NSW/ACT members who joined this quarter:

International Conference Update

Now only 2 weeks to go … 

It’s almost time for over 750 delegates to converge on Perth, WA … and we can’t wait.

Below is some summarised information that hopefully is helpful for you, whether you’ve already registered, or you’re still deciding if you are able to.

• View updated Program (as of 23 August)

Information for those who’ve already registered (we can’t wait to see you!):

• Make sure to download the Educate Plus App to access the Conference App. (App Store; Google Play)
• View the recent Delegate Webinar to find out how to get the best out of the Conference
• Social Program – Celebration Event Theme: Dress to Impress with a Splash of Pink!
• Register for a Pre-Conference Workshop (email sona@educateplus.org who will arrange Workshop registration to be added to your existing Conference registration and update your invoice accordingly)

For those who haven’t yet registered (we’d love to have you join us!):

• Register for the Conference

See you in Perth!

Partying and Pommery: In the Words of a True Legend … Liz Pellinkhof

Article submitted by Liz Pellinkhof | Member since 1995 | Fellow since 2002 | Now Retired!

• From Publicity Officer at The Hills Grammar School to Director of Community Relations and Enrolments at Hills Grammar 
• Served on the NSW Committee for ADAPE and Educate Plus as well as State and International Conference Committees 

Retiring from Hills Grammar in 2023 was a huge decision. Not only did it mean leaving my place of employment of 40 years (having had a variety of teaching and Community Relations roles) from its very foundation, but also leaving behind (for now) my most revered set of Advancement professionals who offered me so much support, inspiration and industry experience over the years. And there were many of those! Both years (1995-2023) and brilliant colleagues from all over the country and beyond. 

I have much to thank ADAPE and Educate Plus for from my early years in Marketing and Community Relations starting with a period loading of 2 hours a week for ‘publicity’ to heading a department with eight of us working to offer our best and most professional selves in marketing, enrolments, communications and serving our internal and external communities. 

In 2002 I was very fortunate to be awarded an ADAPE-CASE Scholarship to the Case -Nais Conference in Boston, USA, with Glenda Fitz-Payne from Queensland. Who’s Singing Your Tune? was one particularly excellent session I have just re-read and it’s interesting to note that the themes for Internal Marketing of service, listening, planning, customer-focus and acknowledgement are equally relevant today, all these years later. 

So much of the growth and status of Community Relations, Advancement and Admissions in schools and universities has to do with the professional development and collegial opportunities that Educate Plus offers its members. 

That is not to say it’s all work and no play. Those of you who have been around for some time will know there’s nothing I like better than to organise a cracking social event! 

My first conference experience was on the Gold Coast in 1998 where I kept an uncharacteristic low profile and was completely in awe of how extensive and vital ‘Development’ was in education. CASE was a major presenter at this conference, and I thought I had certainly bitten off far more than I could chew after listening to the presenters from the States.  

In 2000 Sydney not only hosted the Olympics but the NSW Chapter hosted the National Conference at what is now, the ICMS at Manly, with the conference dinner being a golden, glittering affair at Luna Park. 

What an absolute joy it was to work on that conference committee and make friendships which continued to blossom and grow both professionally and socially.  

Twelve years later Sydney once again hosted the International Conference – the first with the new name Educate Plus. I was the lucky person who got to work with the fabulous Steve Brown, from Adelaide, on the Social Program and Awards Lunch.  From the Opening Night Cocktails with a Sydney theme (featuring the Fish Markets, Harry’s Café de Wheels and Chinatown with Jazz music from The Basement) to the Whisky Bar, Comedy, Diva Strings and dancing by the Harbour at Wildfire!  

Oh, my goodness that was an exhausting walk back up to the Hilton with Murray Happ and Nick Jaffa, after bump-out. I may have missed the 8am Breakfast Tables session. 

Other memorable Chapter Dinners I had the joy of organising were in Melbourne’s funky Sweatshop Bar in 2014 and 2016 Gold Coast’s Kitty O’Shea’s overlooking the beach with a pub rock duo. 

It wasn’t all partying and Pommery! There was some serious work to do on attracting new members, organising chapter forums, and discussing the trajectory of our booming advancement sector within education. 

I can feel the editor’s red pen looming, yet I’m sure I haven’t done justice to the huge amount of love and respect I have for the folk of Educate Plus and their generosity over the years.  

Thank you all so very much for your stewardship, and you never know, I may bob up somewhere along the line in my new area of interest and project work as an Oral Historian. Every school should be capturing those voices and stories, which, too often die with their custodians. 

But more on that story later. 

Images: 

• 2016 Gold Coast Conference with friend and colleague, Jo Hutchens 
• 2019 in Armidale for a Regional EP forum with Pip Warwick from TAS, Myfanwy Stanfield NSW President and Tina Fleming Member Relations Manager Educate Plus 
• 2022 A quiet catch-up in Adelaide with some stellar NSW colleagues 2022 
• 2002 Liz Pellinkhof and Glenda Fitz-Payne at the CASE-NAIS Conference in 2002 
• 2012 Marilyn Rickard (2012 Conference Chair), Liz Pellinkhof and Steve Brown Opening Night Drinks at Sydney Conference 
• 2012 Partying with Ann Badger at Wildfire – Sydney Conference 
• Entertainment at various Conferences

Building Brand Experiences: Food for Thought

This article was sent in by Blueboat | NSW/ACT Promotional Partner

Think about your favourite restaurant.

Undoubtedly, it’s more than the food that you like.

It’s the sign out the front. It’s what you can smell as you open the door. It’s the music you hear as someone shows you to your seat. It’s what’s on the table when you sit down. It’s how the menu is presented – is it a handwritten blackboard or a leather-bound booklet? It’s asking your waiter what a fancy ingredient is (locally foraged samphire anyone?!) and it’s how they make you feel when they answer.

It’s all these things and more – before you’ve even ordered your meal.

Your favourite restaurant is a thoughtfully curated, immersive experience.

And based on your experience, you’ll either spread the word and become its ambassador, or you’ll disengage and simply choose somewhere else for dinner next time.

Now let’s think about your school or organisation’s brand.

Just like a restaurant, your brand has many different touchpoints which all contribute to creating a unique experience for its audience. By considering how your brand is represented across the full spectrum of interactions, you can create an experience which resonates authentically with your community.

Consider these tips:

Know your community.
There’s no market for a burger at a vegan restaurant. Understanding your audiences’ needs and wants is the first step in effective brand communication.

Consistency is key.
It wouldn’t be your favourite dish if it tasted different every time you ordered it. Your audience needs to be able to recognise your brand from afar – so maintaining consistency is crucial.

Quality over quantity. 
An overly long menu doesn’t guarantee anything except an overwhelmed customer. Brands don’t need to be complicated. Focus on the key elements that define your brand and do them brilliantly. 

Leave room for creativity.
The chef’s special at a trusted venue is always worth a try – so too can there be room to play within your brand framework. Partnering with a creative agency is a great way to introduce fresh interpretations for specific campaigns and programs which warrant a bespoke approach.

Be open to evolution.
The best brands – like the best restaurants – pay attention to how they are received. Listening to feedback and growing with your audience is the best way to keep your brand relevant.

All brands have the potential to create a truly unique, authentic, immersive experience for their audiences, which in turn builds loyalty and increases engagement.

By reframing your school or organisation’s brand as your favourite restaurant you may be surprised at the potential you uncover.

To find out more about how Blueboat can help you, contact sail@blueboat.com.au or call 03 9824 1155

A Free Coffee To Start the Day – 3 Locations!

How does a free coffee to start the day sound?

After the huge success of our last Coffee Catch-Up, we’ve now added some more locations and invite all Advancement professionals to join us for a coffee to start the day.

The Catch-Ups will be held at 3 different locations – we hope that you’ll be able to make at least one of them!

This will be a great opportunity for you to meet new faces or catch up with some existing pals. 

Members and Non-Members welcome.

North & Inner West Sydney (2 Locations)

Event Details
Date: Thursday 29 August 2024
Time: 7.45am–8.45am
Cost: Your first coffee is on us!
Venues:  

• Oliver Brown Cafe, 3/34-48 Alexander St, Crows Nest
• Excelsior Jones, 139A Queen St, Ashfield

Please indicate which venue you will attend when registering.

To Register (North & Inner West Sydney), CLICK HERE

Macarthur/Southern Highlands Region (1 Location)

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 3 September 2024
Time: 8.00am–9.00am 
Cost: Your first coffee is on us! 
Venue: The Garden’s Cafe, Mt Annan Botanic Gardens, 362 Narellan Road, Mt Annan.

Notes:

• The gates to the gardens do not open until 8am
• Kitchen will be open for those who wish to purchase food.

To Register (Macarthur / Southern Highlands) CLICK HERE

Understand Your Customers to Deliver Personalised Support and Services

This article was supplied by Firefly | Educate Plus Strategic Partner

Have you asked yourself: “How easy is (for customers) to engage with us?”.

In the context of education “customers” could be thought of parents, students and staff who interact with your educational institution.

No matter how outstanding your offering is, if it’s difficult for families to communicate with you, to have their questions answered, you may not retain them. This can be especially applicable for younger demographics who have had ‘big tech’ addressing individual needs with an optimised Customer Experience.

Optimising your Customer Experience (CX) is making each interaction with your organisation and brand positive.

Meeting your customer’s needs in a timely manner at each stage of the customer journey, from initial enquiry through to enrolment and graduation, builds trust and loyalty with your brand. Satisfied customers are more likely to refer and recommend.

What can you do if your Customer Experience needs some improvement?

Transform your Customer Experience

CX Transformation can be thought of streamlining your services and processes to improve (customer) interactions with your brand.

When rethinking the way your organisation approaches Customer Experience you should consider three critical areas:

1.Visualise the level of service you want to deliver

What do you want your Customer Experience to look like? What are the outcomes you’d like to achieve?

• • Evaluate these against your organisation’s purpose and brand promise.
  • Look at your Mission and Vision and decide what changes in customer behaviour you’d like to see.

Likely it’ll be clear where to focus attention to make positive, transformative change.

2. Overhaul processes and programmes

Evaluate your current services with an open mind:

• • Do your research. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes.
  • Talk to your staff and families to evaluate their viewpoints with respect to service delivery.
  • Commit to making the changes necessary for CX improvement.

3. Build new capabilities

Changes need to be supported with training and technology. Effective staff training and support will help minimise customer frustration through efficient handling of customer queries.

• • Minimise disruption through integrated technology platforms.
  • Assist staff with process automation
  • Building survey or data analysis tools into each step of the customer journey is a great way to encourage feedback and problem solving across processes and departments.
  • Consistent brand messaging and tone of voice across platforms builds trust.

Encouraging a customer centric mindset, you’ll create a better customer experience, happier families, staff and a stronger organisation.

Want to Chat Further?

For further info get in touch at fireflydigital.net.au or email info@fi.net.au

Elevate Your School’s Story with Video

Article supplied by Geoff Anderson, Sonic Sight | NSW/ACT Chapter Partner

In the competitive world of private education, standing out is crucial. At Sonic Sight, we understand the unique challenges faced by the Advancement team. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to crafting compelling visual narratives that captivate audiences and drive tangible results.

EXPERIENCE

With over three decades of experience in the education sector, Sonic Sight has become the trusted video production partner for schools looking to make a lasting impact. Our team of skilled storytellers and technical experts specialises in creating bespoke video content that showcases your school’s unique ethos, achievements, and opportunities.

DELIVERING OUTCOMES

Our videos deliver real outcomes:

• Attract new enrolments by showcasing your school’s unique offerings
• Support successful capital campaigns and bursary fundraising efforts
• Engage your community, strengthening bonds with alumni, parents, and supporter

From emotive alumni testimonials to dynamic campus tours, fundraising appeals to student success stories, we bring your school’s vision to life. Our tailored approach ensures that each project aligns perfectly with your strategic goals, whether it’s increasing enrolments, boosting donations, or enhancing community engagement.

VALUE

What sets Sonic Sight apart is our deep understanding of the education sector and our commitment to providing value. Our Video Partner Packages offer a cost-effective solution to your video needs, ensuring you get high-quality content that fits your budget. This approach allows you to plan and produce multiple videos throughout the year, maximising your impact and ROI.

We speak your language and appreciate the nuances of your work. This insight, combined with our creative flair and technical prowess, results in videos that resonate with your target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes.

Don’t let your school’s story go untold. Partner with Sonic Sight and harness the power of visual storytelling to elevate your institution’s profile, engage your community, and achieve your objectives.

Visit Sonicsight.com.au/schools to explore our portfolio and discover how we can transform your school’s narrative. Alternatively email geoff@sonicsight.com.au or call 02 9888 1110.

Let’s create something extraordinary together.

Your Guide to School Yearbooks

This article was supplied by advancedlife | NSW/ACT Chapter Partner

School Yearbooks are more than just collections of photographs and names; they memorialise the essence of a school year, preserving memories that students and staff alike will cherish for years to come. These meticulously crafted volumes capture the highlights of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and the evolving friendships that define each school community. From candid snapshots of everyday moments to formal portraits and heartfelt messages, yearbooks serve as nostalgic windows into the past, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among those who flip through their pages. Each Yearbook tells a unique story, celebrating the diversity and spirit of the school and creating lasting connections between its readers and their shared experiences. 

To ensure your school Yearbook captures these priceless memories and includes everything your school is proud of, there are a few things you need to consider. 

What type of Yearbook will I choose? 

• Perfect Bound Yearbook – Perfect bound books are our most popular choice for yearbooks. Perfect Binding simply means the pages and cover are glued together at the spine with a strong yet flexible PUR glue. This method ensures you receive a robust and sturdy book which will last for many years to come making it a perfect choice for school yearbooks. 
• Saddle Stitch Yearbook – Saddle stitch books are a perfect budget friendly solution for small run books with less than 60 pages. This book is perfect for Year 6 yearbooks or for smaller runs when cost is a priority. 
• Hard Cover Yearbook – Hardcover bound books are renowned for their durability and sophisticated appearance. These books are not the most popular choice however if budget is not an issue and you are after a high-quality product this is a great option for you. 

Digital Yearbook

Digital yearbooks represent a modern twist on the traditional printed version, offering a dynamic and interactive experience for students and families. We provide the digital files ready for you to place on your school’s website so you have control over who can access and for how long you make the file available. Users can browse through pages filled with photographs, stories, and memories from their school year. They provide a convenient way for schools to distribute and archive memories, catering to a tech-savvy generation accustomed to digital platforms. Many schools opt to have a hard copy yearbook as well as a digital yearbook to cater for all their community’s needs. 

Choosing the Right Stock and Finish 

The type of paper stock used significantly impacts the overall feel and quality of your yearbook. Our suggested choice for your Yearbook is a matt/silk paper stock. Matt paper provides a smooth, non-reflective surface, giving a classic and elegant look. It is suitable for all types of Yearbooks and is often chosen for its readability and high quality. It can also minimise fingerprints and smudges which is ideal for Yearbooks that are looked at many times over the years! 

 We also offer the option of adding a Gloss or Matt Celloglaze to the cover of your Yearbook. While the standard finish is perfect on its own, the celloglaze or laminate film can improve your school Yearbook by: 

• Enhancing Durability: Celloglaze adds a protective layer that improves the durability of printed materials, making them more resistant to scratches, tears, and moisture. 
• Aesthetic Appeal: It enhances the visual appeal of printed items by adding a glossy or matte finish, depending on the desired effect. Glossy celloglaze provides a shiny, reflective surface, while matte celloglaze offers a more subdued, non-reflective appearance. 
• Improved Print Quality: It can enhance the vibrancy and richness of colours in printed images and text, giving them a more polished and professional look. 

For those of you that really want to make your book stand out try adding Spot UV Varnish to your cover. Spot UV varnish is a special type of coating applied to printed materials to create areas of shiny, glossy highlights or accents. It adds contrast and visual interest by creating areas of gloss against a matt background. This technique can highlight logos, text, images, or other design elements, making them stand out and catch the eye. We apply the Spot UV varnish over the matt celloglazed cover. This option provides a premium high-end finish to your school Yearbook. 

The Process

To make your Yearbook a success planning your project ahead of time is crucial. Talk to the advancedlife team about your Yearbook requirements. Do you want advancedlife to handle your yearbook from start to finish including both design and print or perhaps you just want us to print it for you? Making your decision at least 9 months before your books are due to be completed is perfect. If you decide to do the design yourself our team can suggest a suitable online platform or program that works for you. We can also give pointers on how to get the best results and save your work for final output to our printers. 

 Here is a general timeline to ensure your Yearbooks are delivered on time: 

1. Decide on a Design
   Choose from one of our templates (primary school or high school) or provide a brief for a custom design. If you would like us to design something similar to your previous yearbook, you can provide a sample of this for us to reference while we build your new yearbook. All of our templates can be customised to your school colours and needs. 
2. Create a Timeline
   Confirm a delivery date for your books to arrive at your school for distribution. We can then work out a date for receiving content from you, proofing and receiving final sign off. Sticking to these dates will ensure your yearbooks are completed on schedule. 
3. Approve Design
   Once we have received your design brief, we will put together a base design to get your project started. We will provide a proof of this design for you to approve prior to supplying your content. 
4. Collect Content
   Form a dedicated yearbook team with assigned roles such as editors, photographers, writers, and designers. Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and communicates effectively. Collect a wide range of content throughout the school year, including candid photos, formal portraits, event coverage, student artwork, and written submissions such as quotes, memories, and achievements. Make a list of the reports/sections you require in your Yearbook and compile a list in the order you wish to appear. If you would like a set number of pages for each section list the page numbers on this list. We recommend using Microsoft Excel for this. Create or request a Sharepoint, OneDrive or Google Drive folder that you will use to collect and store your yearbook content in. Name the folders Section 01, Section 02 etc. Start collecting content for your yearbook and place into folders. Within each labelled folder you should have all text in a word document and all images as separate JPEG files. Please make sure you proofread all text and make any corrections required before supplying to us to place in your book as this can cause delays later in the process. 
5. Layout and Proofing
   Generally, we allow 4-6 weeks for design set up, proofing and final sign off. Once your content is supplied, our team will work on a complete first draft based on the template or design concept you have requested. Once complete, advancedlife will supply a PDF proof for you to review, so you can advise us of any changes we need to make to layout, design and content. Once changes are finalised a final proof will be sent to you to confirm all changes have been made and you are happy for us to print your yearbook. Our team will then begin the production process. 
6. Printing and Delivery
   Most jobs will take 3-4 weeks from proof sign-off to final books being received. We will keep you up to date during this time and let you know when your Yearbooks are due to arrive at your school. 

Creating a memorable Yearbook is advancedlife‘s specialty. Talk to the advancedlife team today about your school Yearbook project and how we can make your next yearbook, the best on yet! Contact our team at print@advancedlife.com.au or request a quote today. 

Are you ready to create your school yearbook? 

Simply click on the button below and provide some details for your book and we will organise a quote and get in touch to discuss your school yearbook requirements further. When you request a quote using the button below you are automatically entered into our Win a Yearbook Competition. 

 School Yearbooks | Find Out More

Advancing with AI – SIG Wrap-Up

Article submitted by Sebastian Wattam | NSW/ACT Committee Member | Marketing and Communications Manager, St Joseph’s College, NSW

We are faced with an industry landscape in which artificial intelligence (AI) has already wrought significant disruption. Julian Moore, an AI specialist and self-professed technology geek, provided a comprehensive overview of the state of things in his seminar, Practical AI Tools and Ethical Considerations.  

With attendees from over 11 schools in Greater Sydney, Julian’s online demonstration of AI advancements, including cutting-edge autonomous robotics, to practical industry tools like Jenni and music generators, presented a significant opportunity (if a steep learning curve!) for marketing and communications productivity and creativity in the education space. Julian also touched on how AI interacts with and affects other industries, like politics, economics, ethics, law, and finance. 

The event also recognised and welcomed Elouise and Danny, the latest Educate Plus Marketing and Communications Professional Development Partner, Ardent Communications. 

As we trundle along the path of AI development, it is both our responsibility and privilege to keep pace with it, and to learn how to incorporate its benefits into the toolkit of an effective, productive and strategically-fully-integrated education marketer. 

Julian is committed to helping organisations achieve their goals. Contact: +61 401 648 533 or julian@smsonline.net.au to learn more. 

Getting to Know You …

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a Question & Answer type interview article. 

Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is Robyn Hope, Registrar, Hunter Valley Grammar School

1.When and where did your career in education begin?

My career in education began with the NSW Department of Education as a School Administrative Manager in a regional primary school. Since then, I have gained extensive experience across various educational settings. I served as Office Coordinator at an Independent Secondary Senior College specialising in Vocational Trade Training, where I managed Enrolment and Advancement. I then transitioned to a Catholic Secondary School, taking on the role of Executive Assistant and Office Manager. Currently, I am the Registrar at Hunter Valley Grammar, overseeing Enrolments from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12.

In addition to these roles, I was appointed to the Catholic Schools Council, where I contributed to shaping education policies for the Diocese. Throughout my career, regardless of my job title, I have consistently taken on responsibilities related to educational Advancement.

2.What interests you most in terms of your role?

I am passionate about the strategy behind Advancement. I thrive on collecting and analysing data to make informed decisions that drive future enrolment. Advancement, to me, is like a game of Tetris—anticipating upcoming vacancies, understanding the waitlist, and strategically aligning the right candidates to the right opportunities.

3.What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

There are countless rewarding moments in my job—expanding our School Community with like-minded families, witnessing the joy on students’ faces as they find their place, voice, and agency within our school, watching students graduate whom I had the privilege of enrolling, playing a role in their journey to success, and building strong, trusting relationships with families.

4.What aspect of your role do you love the most?

I take great joy in getting to know our prospective families, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with families and students about their aspirations for their educational journey, and how our school can help bring those aspirations to life. Building genuine connections and placing the student at the heart of every decision is something I deeply value.

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

I am currently collaborating with our Teaching and Learning Team and Marketing Team to deepen my understanding of the International Baccalaureate Programmes and how to effectively showcase it during Senior School tours. HVGS is now accredited to deliver all 4 IB Programmes and this is important for our marketing and retention.

Outside of work, I am working toward upskilling in Community and Stakeholder Engagement and have started a Certificate of Engagement.

Recently, I have been accepted as a Member of International Association of Public Participation Australasia (IAP2)

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

Always ask why and embrace the answer, even if it challenges you.

Put yourself in the shoes of your families and students—what do they need to feel valued, seen, and heard, then create your own customer journey.

Thank you Robyn Hope! It’s been wonderful to get to know you!

Advancing with Alumni, Archivists and Atwell

Article submitted by Sandy Goddard | NSW/ACT Committee Member | Director of Community Development, Canberra Grammar School

The Alumni SIG was hosted by St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney early in June. Attending were 22 members whose responsibilities ranged from Directors of Community Development, Alumni and Community Relations Manager’s to those in Communication and Marketing roles and Archivists. It was a great professional development opportunity combined with positive networking.

A ‘meet and greet’ game to match the right person with their name badge encouraged the conversations amongst the group. Following the ‘ice breaker’, groups were formed to discuss a range of topics: Alumni events, Mentoring, Software and database and communications and publications. Networking platforms were also a point of discussion.  Of course, Budgets were not missed and ranged considerably!

So much to discuss and with limited time, people were able to share their experiences and suggest ideas which provided great ‘take aways.’  The encouragement to reach out on LinkedIn and arrange coffee meetings was suggested, and the role and support of Educate Plus as a network was recognised and appreciated.

Drinks and Canapés followed sponsored by Educate Plus. Thanks go to the leader Hannah Atwell (Director of Advancement, St Andrew’s College) and Clare Slattery (Head of Community Relations, Newcastle Grammar School)

Thank You to our Valued Partners

Thank You …

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic and Chapter Partners, who support Educate Plus and the NSW/ACT Chapter in our activities and enable us to provide wonderful opportunities to our members and non-members. We ask that you please consider supporting them, so that in turn, they can continue to support us. 

Thank You to our NSW/ACT Chapter Partners

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners

Connect with Colleagues

Stay Connected…

Keep in contact with your fellow Advancement professionals to keep abreast of best practice, discover new approaches and technologies and gain valuable industry insights.

To keep you to up to date with what’s happening at Educate Plus and within your sector, please connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.