President’s Report – Semester 2

As we head further into Semester 2, I’m struck by the energy and commitment that continues to build across our Chapter. From full SIG rooms to buzzing online conversations, it’s the collective knowledge, generosity, and genuine connection within our network that makes this community so impactful.

Last term’s SIG event at Redlands was a standout, with strong attendance across three valuable sessions. Admissions explored enrolment trends and retention strategies. Marketing and Communications delved into the evolving search journey in an AI-driven world. In the Leadership stream, I had the pleasure of presenting alongside Paulina Skerman on the often overlooked but essential relationship between a Principal and their Head of Advancement. When this relationship is aligned, it transforms what’s possible in a school. Strategy becomes sharper, messaging more consistent, and community confidence stronger.

I shared several practical ways to strengthen this partnership. A few highlights:

• Speak their language – Connect your work to what matters to them: enrolments, reputation, fundraising, and Board expectations.
• Talk about leadership, not marketing – Position Advancement as part of their leadership story, not just a nice extra. It’s about relationships, trust, and vision.
• Be upfront even when it’s uncomfortable – Own mistakes and bring solutions. Transparency builds trust.
• Keep showing up – True alignment takes time, consistency, and mutual respect.

Looking ahead we’re excited to gather at seven locations across the Chapter for this week’s Coffee Catch-Ups (Friday 8 August). These were very well attended in Semester 1, so I encourage you to register to attend a Catch-Up near you, as these relaxed networking events offer meaningful connection and practical support for colleagues in our Chapter.

Momentum is building for our NSW/ACT Chapter Summit in October, with close to 250 participants already having registered! Don’t wait too long to register as places are limited and we expect to sell out. While Early Bird has closed, we have decided to keep the Recognition Awards Nominations and Bursary Applications open until the end of this month, to enable more of our members to take advantage of these. Please do take the time to nominate a colleague for one of the Recognition Awards. We’ve made the process simple for you, with just 2 questions needing to be answered (and no supporting documentation required!) They were such a highlight of the 2023 NSW/ACT Summit in Canberra, which compelled us to continue to offer these Awards.

And finally, thank you to our outstanding Chapter Committee for their generosity, insight, and leadership throughout Semester 1. We look forward to continuing to deliver more valuable opportunities for networking, professional learning, and sector-wide collaboration.

Yvette Graniero 
Educate Plus Chapter President | NSW/ACT Chapter 

Director of Community Relations
Santa Sabina College
e: y.graniero@ssc.nsw.edu.au 

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 since the last NSW/ACT eNewsletter.

We are thrilled to have you as part of our NSW/ACT Chapter community!

New Member Meet-Up

We invite all of our new members to join colleagues from across Australasia, at the next New Member Meet-Up as follows:

Date: Thursday 18 September 2025
Time: 1pm-2pm AEDT
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (Member only event)

To Register:

Register Here / More Information

Welcome to the following NSW/ACT Chapter Members who have joined since the last eNewsletter:

2025 Summit Update

Get Ready for the 2025 NSW/ACT Summit – Our Best Yet! 

The countdown is on for the 2025 NSW/ACT Summit, happening 23–24 October at the Novotel, Homebush – and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting and impactful event yet. 

This two-day gathering of Advancement professionals will offer fresh perspectives, expert insights and powerful connections across our key streams: Marketing & Communications, Admissions, Alumni, Fundraising, and People & Culture. Whether you’re a long-standing member or just discovering Educate Plus, there’s something here for everyone. 

We’re thrilled to welcome Mark McCrindle, renowned social researcher, who will unpack the latest trends in education, economics and demographics – a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the changing landscape. 

Joining him is Dr Adam Fraser, with his compelling keynote, The Third Space, exploring how to thrive in the transitions between work, life and leadership. 

And in a very special highlight, we’re proud to present Kerri Pottharst OAM OLY, Sydney 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist. Kerri will share powerful strategies to cultivate a high-performance mindset, develop leadership that drives action, and implement Gold Medal habits for success, both personally and professionally. 

Breakout sessions will dive into hot topics, including: 

• Harnessing the latest AI tools in education and advancement 
• Building meaningful fundraising engagement with your community 
• What education professionals want (and how to attract and retain them) 

We’re also including the very popular, stream-specific Round Tables – a chance to connect more deeply with peers in your field, share challenges, and swap practical ideas in a supportive environment. 

And, for the first time, we’re offering a dedicated People & Culture Leadership Stream across the full two-day program. This Stream has been specifically designed to support those leading and managing people-focused functions in schools.

Session highlights include:

• The Employee Journey: What Education Professionals Really Want
• Digital Strategies to Attract & Retain Educational Professionals
• The Daily Juggle: Tools & Tactics for Operational Calm in the Chaos
• Legal Watch-Outs and Learning for People& Culture 
• Managing CulturalChanges in the. Workplace

Celebrate the achievements of your colleagues (and maybe even yourself!) at the Recognition Awards. We have extended nominations for these Awards until Friday 29 August – so please do consider nominating a colleague today! Also extended are Bursary Applications, as we truly want as many of our Chapter Members to attend the Summit as possible!

And yes – there’ll be plenty of time to reconnect with familiar faces and make some new ones. 

Check out the full Program and secure your spot today. This is the one event in 2025 you won’t want to miss. 

Recognition Awards – Nominate a Colleague Now!

We invite you to nominate a colleague for the NSW/ACT Chapter Recognition Awards

These Recognition Awards, to be presented at the upcoming NSW/ACT Chapter Summit, celebrate those who are raising the bar in Advancement — through bold innovation, collaborative leadership, and meaningful impact.

Make a difference to a colleague’s career … submit your nomination today and help shape the future of Advancement!

The nomination process is SUPER EASY! Just click on the Form link and answer 2 simple questions:

• How does your Nominee positively impact their team, school community, local community, wider community or Educate Plus in one of the following areas: Admissions, Alumni & Community Engagement, Fundraising, Leadership, Marketing & Communications and/or People & Culture (Max 500 words)
• Finish this sentence … “My Nominee deserves to be recognised by Educate Plus, for their Impact and Passion because … ” (Max 25 words)

… and that’s it! No further collateral or documentation required. We know that there are so many valued colleagues making an impact in their institutions on a daily basis — and we wanted to make the process easy for you to nominate them! 

Nominations for the Recognition Awards close on Friday 29 August, 2025.

Nominate Here / Find Out More

Colleagues and Caffeine … Join Us This Friday!

The NSW/ACT Chapter would like to invite you to join us for our August coffee catch-up.

Start the day feeling a whole lot more connected. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet new faces or catch up with some existing pals. 

Join us for our Chapter Coffee Catch-ups hosted by our fabulous NSW/ACT Chapter Committee.

This is your chance to connect, collaborate, and share learnings on Fundraising, Admissions, Marketing & Communication, Alumni & Community Relations, Leadership, and People & Culture.

Event Details

Date: Friday 8 August 2025
Time: 8:00am – 9:00am
Cost: Your first coffee is on us!

Venues 

• Girdlers Cafe, 1 Narrabeen Park Parade, North Narrabeen, NSW 2102
• The Butcher’s Block, 14 Redleaf Ave, Wahroonga, NSW 2076
• Little Rock Cafe, Grove Square Shopping Centre, 375-383 Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
• Headlands Coffee, 18 Flour Mill Way, Summer Hill, NSW 2130
• Mocan and Green Gout, 1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, New Acton, ACT 2601
• The Garden’s Cafe, Mt Annan Botanic Gardens, 362 Narellan Rd, Mount Annan, NSW 2567

Please indicate which venue you will be attending at the time of registration.

Register Here / More Information

Upcoming Online Events

Webinar | Excellence Awards Series 2025 – Admissions Event Award

Join us for our next instalment of the Excellence Webinar Series where we will be showcasing the 2024 Admissions Event Award winner. 

This is an excellent professional development opportunity to learn about best practice, share the challenges and achievements. 

Helen Bohm from Scots PGC will share insights about Little SCOTS, their new education and transition program for Parents and kindergarten aged students to assist in the next step in their educational journey. It is designed to foster a sense of community amongst the parents and help reduce anxiety about the beginning of their schooling at SCOTS PGC.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 12 August 2025
Time: 1:30–2:15pm AEST. Please check your local times.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free for Members. $75.00+gst for Non-Members
For our New Zealand & Asian colleagues GST is not payable.

Thank you to our 2024 Excellence Awards Partner Global Philanthropic for facilitating this session.

Webinar | Excellence Awards Series 2025 – Marketing & Communications Campaign Award

 

For our next episode of the Excellence Series, we are joined by the winner of the Marketing & Communication Campaign Award. 

Amanda Peake from Queen Margaret College will share insights about their QUEENDOM campaign and how it set a new standard in admissions marketing by replacing traditional uniform imagery with authentic, relatable visuals and messaging that resonate with the true decision-makers — the students — while also appealing to the purchasers — parents and grandparents, resulting in a highly successful enrolment drive.

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 26 August 2025
Time: 1:30–2:15pm AEST. Please check your local times.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free for Members. $75.00+gst for Non-Members
For our New Zealand & Asian colleagues GST is not payable.

Thank you to our 2024 Excellence Awards Partner Global Philanthropic for facilitating this session.

To Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE

Residential College Conversations | Stewardship with Soul: Building a Culture of Gratitude in Residential Colleges

True stewardship goes beyond the annual thank-you letter. In residential colleges, it’s about creating genuine moments of connection that show donors the real impact of their support.

Simple, thoughtful touch points—like student-led stories, video messages, or informal thank-you events—can make all the difference. 
When students are involved in sharing their experiences, it not only brings gratitude to life but also builds a stronger, more connected community.

Focus:

• Student involvement in stewardship (ie. storytelling)
• Authentic donor stewardship strategies
• Creating meaningful touchpoints beyond the annual thank-you letter

Event Details
Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025
Time: 1:00–2:00pm AEST. Please check your local times.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: This is a Member Only Event and is Free to attend

Presenters
Susan McGinley, Director of Advancement, The Women’s College
Amelia Zaraftis, Director of Advancement, Burgmann

Register Here / Find Out More: CLICK HERE

NSW/ACT SIG: Insights, Alignment and AI at Redlands 

The second Educate Plus NSW/ACT SIG event for 2025 was hosted in June by the team at Redlands, with a big thank you to Karen Smith, Head of Admissions and Sean Corcoran, Principal, for their generous hospitality. It was another valuable opportunity for Advancement professionals to come together, share knowledge, and deepen sector connections. 

The sessions offered targeted learning across key focus areas. Admissions professionals explored Retention and Enrolment Management with practical insights from Pauline Shuttleworth, Saira A. and Michelle de Rooy. Simultaneously, our Marketing and Communications PD Partner, Ardent Communications, delivered a timely session on The New Search Journey: Navigating SEO in an AI World, unpacking the shifting dynamics of digital discoverability. 

In the Leadership stream, Paulina Skerman, Principal, and Yvette Graniero shared their experiences at Santa Sabina College, reflecting on the powerful impact of true alignment between the Principal and Advancement team—an essential foundation for strategic clarity and cultural cohesion. 

Thank you to the NSW/ACT Committee and the Educate Plus team for curating such purposeful professional learning. These gatherings continue to foster collaboration and elevate best practice across our community. 

Please let us know if you would certain topics are areas covered in upcoming SIGs.

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: Taylor Stiffe, Admissions Associate, Queenwood

My Own Student Perspective 
I began my journey as a student at Wenona, experiencing firsthand the warmth, rigor, and sense of purpose that independent schooling fosters. That immersive vantage point continues to shape my work, anchoring every decision in what it means for students today and tomorrow. 

Teaching with Heart – Starting My Career
With a Bachelor of Primary Education in hand, I taught in both London and New South Wales. In the UK, I founded Aspire, a reflective-teaching initiative created to address teacher shortages. From designing paid classroom placements to curating monthly webinars, it centered around: 

• Teaching as a reflective practice 
• Cathedral thinking (seeing the long view of education) 
• Honoring teaching as a vocation 

Witnessing and supporting promising teachers was powerful—for them and deeply affirming for me. 

Advocacy & Public Engagement 
Beyond classroom walls, I speak and write with clarity, advocacy, and passion—bridging educators, families, and communities. Whether through webinars, resources, or public dialogue, I bring the student lens, the teacher lens, and the public lens to ensure that conversations about education feel inclusive, insightful, and grounded. 

When Did You Start in your Current Role? 

Admissions & Advancement
Back in Sydney from London, I stepped into my role as Admissions Associate at Queenwood—an unexpected but instantly compelling new chapter. I’ve found my stride in a space at the intersection of education, community, and meaningful impact. 

Growth & Future Focus 
In my midlate 20s and fueled by curiosity, I began a Master’s in Counselling. Guided by exceptional coaches, I’m now redirecting those credits toward a future-focused Masters in Marketing, Alumni, and/or Philanthropy. My aim? To serve the independent school Advancement sector with strategic insight and authentic heart… to grow and learn in this field. 

Why Advancement Means Everything 
Advancement work brings together everything I care about: 

• Remaining rooted in education, not just its systems 
• Advocating for students, drawing from my time as one 
• Supporting teachers, with compassion bred from teaching 
• Engaging the wider public, ensuring education’s value resonates 

Educate Plus has opened doors I didn’t even know existed—with thoughtful mentorship, practical guidance, and belief in my potential. 

What’s Next 
I’m energised by the road ahead—ready to grow, contribute, and shape the future of independent school Advancement. With the unique lenses I bring, I’m not just here to work—I’m here to champion a vision of education that uplifts learners, supports educators and inspires communities. 

Let’s build a legacy together: one that resonates far beyond our classrooms and sparks meaningful change. 

Thank you Taylor – it’s been wonderful getting to know you!

Engaging and Securing Support from International Alumni and Parents 

Engaging international Alumni and parents is a key strategy for expanding a school’s global community, enhancing its reputation, and increasing philanthropic support. Successful institutions build long-term, culturally sensitive relationships through consistent communication, personalized outreach, and meaningful engagement. 

I was curious to learn more about best practice and research some examples which would be able to demonstrate how to implement and who to learn from. 

Although every institution has its own history, resources and capabilities, there are lessons learnt which can be applied across many organisations: 

1.Build and Cultivate Local Relationships 

• Research and segment your database and learn about your overseas constituents. 
• Appoint regional ambassadors and establish international alumni/parent chapters. 
• Host in-person events abroad and leverage school leadership visits for donor cultivation. Host virtual events for years when no in-person presence is planned. 
• Tailor communications by region, language, and interest to foster stronger connections. 
• University of Melbourne operates active alumni networks in Singapore, China, and North America. Events like Melbourne Global Alumni Celebration Week bring international communities together with senior university representatives. 
• Redlands has established multiple overseas chapters to grow international alumni engagement; staff and leadership travelling overseas plan various touchpoints to deepen these relationships. 
• Wesley College holds alumni reunions in Hong Kong and London, often coinciding with staff visits for Admissions Expo, to sustain a global community. 

2.Offer Flexible and Purposeful Ways to Engage and Give 

• Provide diverse opportunities for involvement beyond donations (e.g. mentoring, speaking, networking). 
• Promote giving options aligned with international donors’ interests, such as scholarships or global impact initiatives. 
• Emphasise transparency and clearly demonstrate the impact of support. 
• The University of Sydney offers a global mentoring program connecting students with alumni abroad for career advice and internships. 
• Brisbane Grammar School promotes scholarships that support students from regional or overseas backgrounds, appealing to international alumni with an interest in broadening access to education. 

3.Focus on Long-Term, Personalised Stewardship 

• Maintain ongoing engagement through newsletters, virtual events, holiday messages, and student updates. 
• Recognise contributions publicly to strengthen loyalty and inspire others. 
• Use CRM systems to manage segmented outreach and track relationship development over time. 
• UNSW Sydney maintains a personalised engagement calendar for high-potential overseas donors and uses regionally tailored content in communications. 
• Scotch College Adelaide recognises major donors through digital and print honour rolls and maintains contact with overseas families via regular school updates and alumni magazines. 

Conclusion 

Australian schools and universities that succeed in international engagement invest in long-term, authentic relationships. A culturally sensitive approach that empowers international alumni and parents as community builders leads to stronger global ties, a deeper sense of belonging and willingness to be part of a donor community. 

Educate Plus NSW Chapter Summit  

Would you like to learn more and hear first-hand from experienced practitioners such as David Mason-Jones, Executive Director of the Shore Foundation and Mary Cook, Director of Advancement & Community at KRB?

Please join us at the NSW Make Tomorrow Chapter Summit on October 23-24. Register here.

Partner and Sponsor Thank You!

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 2025 NSW/ACT Chapter Partners

Thank You to our 2025 NSW/ACT Professional Development and Promotional Partners

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners

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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.

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