From the Chapter President!

As we come to the end of the 2024 School Year, I want to start by acknowledging our NSW/ACT Chapter Committee, an outstanding group of professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to create valuable PD and networking opportunities for all of us. Huge thanks go to Jackie Dalton, Lyn O’Neill, Dana Casimaty, Geoff Anderson, Hannah Atwell, Trish Cartwright, Mary Cook, John Da Cruz, Sandy Goddard, Robyn Hope, Sara Jones, Nelly Pierce, Clare Slattery, Karen Smith, and Sebastian Wattam. It’s a privilege to work alongside people so committed to strengthening our community. 

A special thanks to Mary Cook, Clare Slattery, and Nelly Pierce, who are stepping down from the Committee this year. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on our Chapter, and their contributions will be felt for years to come. I would also like to welcome our new 2025 Committee members Mandy Loomes and Nicole Crabb. 

This year, our PD sessions have been fantastic. We started in April with the Fundraising SIG at Monte, where Nigel Harris led insightful discussions with institution heads and advancement professionals. The May Alumni and Community Relations SIG at St Andrew’s College brought valuable practical insights, and our Events SIG at Shore and AI-focused Mar/Comms SIG at Santa Sabine drew strong interest, keeping members up to date on key industry trends. We are grateful to the Committee for the Online Admission SIG held in November as well as the National Fundraising Webinar led by Craig Gravestein, Chief of Big Gifts at Exponential, covering “Planning the Approach to Ask for a Big Gift.” 

We’re particularly proud of our Regional Roadshow, designed to support our regional members. The first event in Orange brought together 18 attendees from 11 schools for a productive day, hosted by Jen Divall at Kinross Wolaroi School. This initiative also led to our Regional Conversations series, an online platform that connects members and non-members in regional areas, broadening our professional network. Big thanks to Tina Fleming and Lyn O’Neil for making this possible. 

Networking has continued to be a core focus, with Coffee Catch-Ups around Sydney and regional areas, and our Chapter Dinner in Perth hosted by John Da Cruz, helping to build strong connections across our membership. 

Our Partners and sponsors have been invaluable, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support. Special thanks to Sonic Sight and advancedlife as Chapter Partners, IDAT as our Admissions PD Partner, Ardent Communications for Mar/Comms PD, and our Promo Partners, In Print Publication. Thank you also to Strategic Partners Blueboat, as well as Digistorm, who also specifically supported the NSW/ACT Chapter. These Partnerships make our PD offerings possible and keep us at the forefront of Advancement. 

Looking ahead, our 2025 Summit is scheduled for 23-24 October at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park. With the commitment of our Committee, members, and Partners, we’re set for another successful year. Shortly, we will be calling for members to join the Summit Committee as well as share their expertise by presenting a session – a great way to get involved and help shape our PD offering. 

In closing, I’d like to thank all of our NSW/ACT members for your ongoing support of our Chapter and for continuing to engage with us throughout 2024. We look forward to seeing you at the many events that we will be planning for you in 2025.

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.

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

Recognition of Excellence for the NSW/ACT Chapter

NSW/ACT Excellence Awards: Presented at the Educate Plus International Conference, held in Perth, Australia, 10-13 September 2024 

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our members and their institutions. 

Fellow Awards:

Dana Casimaty NSW/ACT Chapter Treasurer Director of Development, Redlands	Sandy Goddard NSW/ACT Chapter Committee Member Director of Community Development, Canberra Grammar School	Dionne Molina Director of Advancement & Community Engagement, Hunter Valley Grammar School

Institution Awards:

• Fundraising Annual Giving – Traditional Giving Appeal: Loreto Normanhurst
• Fundraising Capital Campaign or Major Gifts Program: St Aloysius’ College
• Fundraising Bequest Program: Frensham Schools
• Fundraising Event: Barker College
• Marketing Digital Campaign: St Augustine’s College

Special Awards:

• Newcomer Award: Robyn Hope – Hunter Valley Grammar School
• Institutional Leader Award: Paulina Skerman, Santa Sabina College

New Leader Scholarship Award Recipient: Julie McDonough

The Educate Plus Empowering Success International Conference offered invaluable insights that I am eager to implement at St Paul’s Grammar School.

My Top Three Takeaways:

1. Sponsorship programs: John Phillips highlighted the potential of establishing a Sponsorship Program. This innovative Fundraising strategy not only generates financial support but also fosters community connections through events. I now recognise the potential for creating valuable opportunities for our students, such as work experience and cadetships.
2. Holistic customer journey: Margo Bastow emphasised the importance of a cohesive customer journey in Admissions and Marketing. By collaborating with our Enrolments team, I plan to enhance the experience for prospective students and their families.
3. Engaging digital content: Through Vikki Maver’s practical strategies for writing effectively for a distracted audience, I learned the significance of crafting clear, punchy, and benefit-focused content. This approach will enhance our communication and inspire action, ensuring that our messages resonate.

Julie McDonough
Director of Community Engagement and International Students Program
St Paul’s Grammar School
www.stpauls.nsw.edu.au

Take Your Career to the Next Level – Advancement Practitioner Training

Empower yourself for success!

The Advancement Practitioner Training (APT) Program is coming to Adelaide in March 2025!

The APT program is an outstanding opportunity to build your confidence, expand your expertise, and make a meaningful impact at your institution while advancing your career.

Whether you’re new to the field or an intermediate-level practitioner, APT provides the foundational skills, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving Advancement landscape. Led by experienced practitioners and consultants, this training offers practical strategies and invaluable insights that will keep you updated with the latest industry trends.

Why Register for the Advancement Practitioner Training?

• Enhance your professional credibility and demonstrate your commitment to Advancement.
• Elevate career opportunities and gain a competitive edge for promotions.
• Prepare for greater responsibilities with hands-on knowledge and skills.
• Expand your network with peers across Australasia, building connections that support your growth.
• Refine your expertise and stay current with best practices.
• Celebrate your achievements and strengthen your professional profile.

Advancement Practitioner Training Details

Dates: Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 March
Times: 2 Full Days Training (4 Programs, run concurrently)
Venue: Stamford Grand Adelaide

There are 4 courses, each running concurrently:

• Admissions
• Alumni & Community Relations
• Fundraising
• Marketing & Communications

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future—register for the APT Program (Adelaide 2025) and empower yourself for success in Advancement!

For payment information and course outlines (and to Register!), click below:

Register Here / More Info | Advancement Practitioner Training

2025 Summit – Save the Date

NSW/ACT Chapter Summit  

Get ready for a fabulous 2 days of Professional Development and Networking with your local colleagues!

Mark your calendars! We invite you to SAVE THE DATE to join us at the 2025 NSW/ACT Chapter Summit to be held as follows:

Event Details
Date: Thursday 23 – Friday 24 October 2025
Place: Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park

You won’t want to miss this transformative experience, in a fabulous location, with colleagues from across NSW and the ACT.

There will be learning experiences in the 6 Educate Plus streams, including Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Leadership and People & Culture.

Make sure to include it in your budget now! Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network or be inspired by the latest Advancement practices, trends and insights … the 2025 NSW/ACT Summit is for you!

Registration will be open towards the end of Term 1, 2025

That’s a Wrap

We’ve had a busy few months of events for the NSW ACT Chapter!  

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 

The highlight of the year was the gathering of over 760 members of our community in Perth for the Empowering Success International Conference. The NSW/ACT was well represented with over 150 attendees. New friends from throughout Asia also joined the event with institutions from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand attending. 

It was a brilliant Conference and an indicator of what is to come as the organisation expands within the region. 

AGM 

The AGM was held on Friday 1st November at The Oaks, at Neutral Bay. There was a great turnout as the new Committee was welcomed. Close to 50 members of the Educate Plus community attended, with many traveling from far and wide to be there. There was a buzzing vibe as everyone mingled and connected. 

COFFEE CATCH UPS 

More locally, members have been connecting at coffee catch ups on the North Shore, Inner West, Hills District and Southern Highlands. These are a casual way to meet others in the community who live or work nearby. We will be having more of these in 2025 so keep an eye out for one near you! 

REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Our thanks to Kinross Wolaroi School, Orange for hosting a regional Professional Development day. This was a full day event featuring a session regarding Agile Marketing from Dr Felicity Small, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, School of Business, Charles Stuart University and a session focused on understanding regional markets from Caddie Marshall, Director, Ready Marketing. 

WEBINARS 

We have also hosted online sessions for Admissions: What Parents Want and for Fundraising: Plan the Approach to Ask for a Big Gift.   

2025 – More to come 

We are in the planning process for next year’s events so stay tuned for more great opportunities to learn, be inspired and of course connect with the Educate Plus community. 

Let’s Meet our 2 New Chapter Committee Members …

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

This week we have 2 members to meet – our 2 newest NSW/ACT Committee Members! 

Mandy Loomes | Director Community Engagement | Brigidine, St Ives 

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

In 2003 when I was given a temporary position in Accounts Payable to cover a lady who had a car accident, which was to be for eight weeks. However she returned to work the day I started so the school said they would honour the day and sent me to the Community Relations department. I left eight years later having found my true calling and dream job in the education sector! 

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

What I love most about my role is the opportunity to bring the community together. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate on various initiatives that contribute to the strategic direction and growth of the College. Being involved in the ongoing development of Brigidine is a privilege and the variety of opportunities that arise within my role keep things dynamic, exciting and busy. 

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

The most rewarding part of my job is the opportunity to make a difference. I get great satisfaction in seeing initiatives and strategies come to life and see them succeed, especially when these efforts help advance the College’s mission. It is fulfilling to know that my work can have a lasting impact. 

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

Tackling the challenges my role presents and working on implementing innovative and successful solutions. Communication is key in my role and I enjoy ensuring an effective, consistent and smooth flow of information for the entire community. I also enjoy the variety that comes with my role as well as working with both my team and the College Leadership team. 

5.Any advice to those new to Advancement? 

Stay authentic and build relationships. Take the time to learn and understand your institution, its culture and nuances. Engage with Department Heads early on to understand their needs and how you can best support them. It’s also crucial to share your vision for your role to help align expectations. And don’t forget to take advantage of Educate Plus – it offers mentoring, access to resources, training courses, webinars, networking and a supportive community of professionals who are always willing to share advice and best practices.  

6.What motivated you to join the Committee? 

Having benefitted from over 20 years of engagement with Educate Plus and making the most of the resources, opportunities and support that it has provided, it feels like the right time to give back by supporting the NSW Chapter Committee in an official capacity. I’m looking forward to contributing and being part of the network that has been so valuable to me throughout my career. 

Nicole Crabb | Director of Development | Queenwood 

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

I began in education 11 years ago at Glenaeon as the Director of Development in a part time capacity for 6 years. I left the industry and have recently returned as Director of Development at Queenwood. 

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

I love building relationships and finding synergies with our donor’s interests and the school’s requirements. I find the passion of parents, alumnae and students for our school is inspiring. What’s more my daughter is a student so I get to see her every day at school. 

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

The most rewarding part of the job is attending Alumnae events and seeing the girls and women return with such fond memories of the school, that last a lifetime. 

4.Any advice to those new to Advancement? 

Learn as much as you can through the Educate Plus network – attend events, get a mentor and search out a local group of industry colleagues.

5.What motivated you to join the Committee?

Educate Plus is one of the key reasons I returned to the Education Sector. I love the camaraderie, being of service and delivering a wonderful program of events and professional development.

How Technology, Policies and Processes Can Assist with Waitlists

This article was provided by Digistorm | 2024 Strategic Partner

Managing ever-growing waitlists has become one of the most significant challenges facing K-12 admissions teams across Australia. With parents applying at multiple schools and expecting more than ever from each of them, the independent school admissions environment has become increasingly frantic with frequent emotionally charged conversations with families. Although there’s no quick-fix solution, managers can lean into technology, policies and processes to help lessen the strain and support their teams.

The Challenges

Growing Waitlists

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, waitlists were not a major concern for most schools. In the years since, the K-12 landscape has changed dramatically, and most schools now face a waitlist issue of some sort. For some schools, long waitlists apply at every year level, whereas for others, waitlists only apply at peak entry years such as Kindergarten or Year Seven. In other instances, there’s an issue with waitlisting specific to one gender, leaving schools with a gap or imbalance.

Higher Expectations from Parents

In Digistorm’s 2023/24 State of Admissions Report, data showed that 74% of schools had felt an increase in contact and communication with future families. When asked how dramatic the increase in communication felt on a scale of 100, schools ranked it an average of 94.

Parents today are more proactive during the admissions process, often placing their children on multiple waitlists and weighing up the decision with a keen eye. Higher expectations are putting pressure on admissions teams in various ways, most notably the volume of communication. Compounding this stress is the fact that the average size of an admissions team has remained unchanged, with 62% of schools reporting that just 1 or 2 people handle their school’s admissions. This is putting additional pressure on already stretched team members.

Tougher Conversations

Admissions teams — who could previously accommodate all applicants — now find themselves in the difficult position of having to turn families away. These conversations are emotionally charged, as parents are deeply invested in their children’s education and have often waited years in hope of a positive outcome.

The Solutions

Strong Enrolment Policies and Transparent Processes

A strong enrolment policy is essential for any school managing a waitlist. Every decision should be guided by this policy, and it should be clearly visible and accessible. This transparency helps manage parents’ expectations from the outset and avoids any surprises down the track.

Being open about your admissions process, timelines and what parents can expect is crucial for keeping families happy. This can be achieved through comprehensive FAQ documents on your website and using tools like Digistorm Funnel to send automated reminders and updates to parents. This will also lessen workloads by reducing the number of questions coming in.

Training for Difficult Conversations

Equip your admissions team with the skills to handle tough conversations empathetically. In larger teams, establish a consistent approach to these discussions so that everyone is on the same page. For smaller teams or solo admissions officers, building a network with other schools can provide valuable support and spark ideas.

Utilising Technology to Find Better Fit Families

Tools like Digistorm Funnel can help schools identify the best-fit families through lead scoring. This involves assigning points based on criteria important to the school, such as religious affiliation, siblings enrolled or alumni connections. This method streamlines the selection process, ensuring that the top candidates are prioritised. You may even be able to move some families off your waitlist sooner.

Moving Forward

Managing Waitlists is undoubtedly challenging, especially given how emotionally involved most parents are in the school decision. By implementing clear policies, maintaining transparency, training staff for difficult conversations and leveraging technology, schools can navigate these challenges more effectively. This approach not only helps manage parent expectations but also ensures a smoother admissions process for all involved.

The Importance of Bequests: A Key to Securing the Future

This article was supplied by Jackie Dalton | NSW/ACT Chapter Vice President (2024) | Director of Philanthropy, Frensham Schools

Bequests are a vital cornerstone in ensuring long-term financial stability of schools and universities. By encouraging supporters to leave a legacy through a bequest, these institutions can establish a dependable and growing Endowment Fund, providing a sustainable future for generations to come. At Frensham Schools, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of a robust Bequest Program through our award-winning Winifred West Legacy.

Starting just five years ago in 2019, we have increased the number of bequestors (or ‘Custodians’ as we call them) by 217% and received five bequests, with an average bequest gift size of $762,000. The return on investment (ROI) from our Bequest Program over the last two years has exceeded 6,000%, underscoring the tremendous impact that even a modest investment in bequests can yield.

Bequests offer more than just financial support; they foster deep connections between alumni, parents, and the wider community. In girls’ schools, in particular, where women often outlive men, bequests offer an opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting legacies.

These gifts also allow us to honour the wishes of our supporters by directing their funds toward particular projects if so desired, which align with their values, such as scholarships, bursaries, or capital works.

At Frensham, every bequest gift is treated like a major gift, with personalised stewardship and ongoing engagement with our ‘Custodians of The Winifred West Legacy’. This approach has allowed us to build trust, foster loyalty, and strengthen the philanthropic culture within our community.

If you’d like to learn more about how a bequest program can benefit your school or would like advice on how to grow your own program, I would be delighted to share our experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I look forward to the conversation!

Jackie Dalton
Director of Philanthropy, Frensham Schools
jdalton@frensham.nsw.edu.au

The Heart of a School is its Community – A Regional Perspective

This article was provided by Lyn O’Neill | NSW/ACT Chapter Secretary | Director of Marketing & Enrolments, New England Girls Schools

Schools are more than just places of learning; they are communities, each with a distinct character shaped by the people within them and the shared values they uphold. Whether nestled in the middle of a city, spread across suburban streets, or located in the quiet of a regional area, each school carries its own unique spirit. While every school offers its own distinctive strengths, one of the most defining qualities is its community. Being part of these communities is a privilege. Teachers, staff, families, and students come together, creating a tapestry that supports and shapes each person within it. 

In a regional school, this sense of community often feels even more profound, amplified by the interconnectedness of a smaller, close-knit area. These connections run deep, extending beyond the school grounds and weaving into the fabric of daily life. In this environment, students are not just classmates; they’re neighbours, teammates, and lifelong friends. Teachers and staff are more than just colleagues—they’re familiar faces at local events, they know each other’s families, and often, friends whose lives are interconnected through shared histories and ties to the region. 

After spending three years in a regional school community, I’ve witnessed the power of these connections firsthand. When we come together to organise school events, the strength of this community truly shines. Everyone contributes with an enthusiasm that goes beyond duty—a commitment that comes from a place of genuine care. There’s an ingenuity and teamwork that I’ve seen here that’s rare. 

Ultimately, the heart of a school is its community, shaping the identity and resilience of every student. In regional schools, this community is not just a feature—it’s a powerful asset and a reminder of the importance of close connections. It shows how schools play a vital role in building resilient, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals, ready to support one another and embrace the world beyond. 

The Flaws Inherent in Fundraising Events

The following two articles were sourced from the recent LinkedIn posts by Jim Langley of Langley Innovations

ARTICLE ONE

The Flaws Inherent in Fundraising Events

The most successful fundraising comes from iterative, interpersonal discussion; no one-time event will ever achieve as much as deliberate dialogue in optimising the giving potential of any prospect 
 
Many events develop their own following – golf tournaments are more likely to draw those more interested in playing 18 than in helping an at-risk teen; galas have a stronger probability of attracting those more interested in showcasing gowns than in coping with Downs. 

• Sponsors fill the tables or foursomes they buy with their constituents not yours 
• Alcoholic drinks do not deepen altruistic aspirations or make audiences more attentive; messages get lost or not fully absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Five years ago, Emily Haynes of the Chronicle of Philanthropy wrote, “Charities don’t understand what makes donors give. A new study finds many charities(59%) think live events matter, but few donors(18%) say they are ever inspired to give because they attend galas, lunches, and other gatherings.” 
 
That was five years ago. That was before COVID. I suspect notably fewer donors today are inspired to give by events.  
 
Therefore: 

• Don’t use events to raise money from causal observers, use them curate the conscientious and cultivate those with shared convictions 
•  Don’t provide expensive entertainment, offer substantive, soul-moving experiences that money can’t buy 

•  Don’t rent fancy offsite facilities, bring your donors onsite and inside – grittiness can be more moving than prettiness 

•  Don’t tell them about your mission, show them how you are fulfilling it 

• Don’t just present, discuss 

ARTICLE 2

A Fundraiser’s First Obligation …

It is to philanthropy itself. 
 
All ethical fundraisers and fundraising organisations must commit themselves, at bare minimum, to do no harm to philanthropy. At best, they must commit to engaging in practices that reinforce, renew and reignite the philanthropic spirit.  

Harm is done to philanthropy when organisations: 

•  Over-promise and under-deliver on promises made to donors 
•  Fail to spend money donated for current use in a timely way 
•  Don’t honor and preserve donor intent 
•  Prove themselves incapable of relating money given to specific sustainable societal outcomes 
•  Pursue fundraising goals that are not tied to the betterment of those their missions call them to serve or self-aggrandizing goals that are pulled out of the air to simply set records or to raise more than other organizations they wish to be seen as superior to.  

When fundraising is put in pursuit of the false, egotistical, greedy or poorly thought out, it harms philanthropy by leaving the philanthropic dissatisfied if not disillusioned, wondering what difference they have made and whether they should give as generously as they once did or if they should give at all.  
 
Some might argue that the fundraiser’s first obligation is to the organisation – but the wisest of fundraisers understand that the best way to protect the credibility of the organisation and its future fundraising potential is put the protection, preservation and perpetuation of philanthropy above all else. 

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 NSW/ACT Professional Development and Promotional 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.

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