Let’s Meet a Chapter Member
Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members through a question-and-answer interview.
In the hot seat this edition is Chunxiao Lu, Enrolment Registrar at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Wellington.
Tell us a little about your role at Marsden. What does an Enrolment Registrar actually do?
As Marsden’s Enrolment Registrar, I look after families throughout the Enrolment journey – from their first enquiry through to welcoming a new student on her first day.
A big part of the role is helping families navigate what can sometimes feel like a significant and complex decision. I work closely with families and with colleagues across the school to make that journey as warm, clear and seamless as possible, while also managing the student records and processes that sit behind it.
What I enjoy most is the human side of the role – getting to know families, understanding what matters to them and helping make their journey into the Marsden community a positive one.
Your career before moving into enrolments was largely in education. Tell us about that journey.
I was born in Dalian, China, and my background is in teaching and education. I hold a Master of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language and am a qualified ESOL teacher and trained IB Chinese teacher, with secondary school teacher registration in China.
Over almost 15 years, I’ve worked across education from preschool through to university, in teaching as well as programme and Enrolment management. I’ve taught across IB, NCEA and Cambridge curricula and have also delivered pre-posting language training for New Zealand diplomats.
Working in such varied educational settings has given me a broad perspective on what families and students need at different stages of their journey.
How has your teaching background influenced the way you approach enrolment?
My teaching background means I naturally look at Enrolment through an educator’s lens. Having worked directly with students, I understand how much relationships, learning environments and opportunities can shape a young person’s experience of school. I bring that perspective to conversations with prospective families. Rather than simply talking them through an Enrolment process, I want to understand their child, what matters to them and what they hope to find in a school.
What do you enjoy most about working in Enrolments?
I love connecting the dots and helping turn moments of uncertainty into confidence.
Choosing a school can be a very big decision for a family. There are often lots of questions, considerations and emotions involved, so it is incredibly rewarding to be able to make that experience easier and help a family reach a decision that feels right for them.
And, of course, one of the loveliest parts of the job is seeing a student you’ve come to know through the enrolment process actually arrive and become part of the school community.
What has working across different education systems taught you?
One of the biggest lessons has been not to compare education systems simply in terms of which is “better” or “worse”. Different approaches suit different students.
Working across different countries, age groups and curricula has taught me to stay curious and open-minded. It has also reinforced how important it is to understand the individual student rather than making assumptions based on a particular system or pathway.
What role do you think relationships play in successful Enrolment and Admissions work?
Relationships are central to Enrolment and Admissions. Families want to know that the school understands their child and that they can trust the advice and information they receive.
I believe trust is built through prompt responses, clear communication, genuine conversations, and taking the time to understand what matters most to each family. Those relationships often begin well before a student arrives at school, which makes them an important part of building a strong school community.
What is an achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of?
I had the privilege of designing and delivering pre-posting Chinese language and culture courses for New Zealand diplomats. I shared my passion for Chinese language and culture while also learning from the rich diversity of New Zealand’s cultures and communities.
What has been one of the greatest moments of learning in your career so far?
I would say it’s the value of strategic planning. I have learned that you do not always start where you ultimately want to be. Instead, it is important to focus on gaining the right experiences and developing the skills that will prepare you for future opportunities.
A piece of advice from my parents has stayed with me throughout my career: “Do the things you need to do first, so that one day you can do the things you want to do.” That mindset has taught me the importance of patience, lifelong learning, and being intentional about the choices I make. By building relevant skills and experience along the way, I have been able to recognise and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.
What advice would you give someone who is new to enrolments or educational advancement?
Enrolment is far more than an administrative function. In many ways, I think the role is similar to that of a product manager. It requires strategic thinking, data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and strong project management skills. The Enrolment team must understand the needs of prospective families, collaborate across the school, and guide initiatives that support sustainable growth.
What do you value about being part of educate+?
What I value most about educate+ is being connected to a community of like-minded education professionals. Advancement is a niche profession. Educate+ provides us with a place where people could share ideas, best practices, and industry insights. I really appreciate the culture of collaboration and support rather than competing with each other.
And away from work – how do you like to spend your spare time?
Language remains a lifelong passion of mine. Outside Marsden, I run my own language studio and find it incredibly rewarding to watch students grow and discover the way language can shape their thinking and their lives.
My husband is a semi-professional chef, and I am a passionate foodie. In my spare time, I’m always hunting for interesting recipes and fine dining menus to try. I like to think of myself as the researcher, while my husband does the hard work of turning those ideas into delicious meals, most of the time!
Thank you, Chunxiao – it’s been wonderful getting to know you!
