NZ Chapter eNEWS – March 2024 - 6 March

President’s Welcome

 
Kia ora e te whānau o Educate Plus ki Aotearoa, 

Happy New Year to all our NZ Chapter members! Wishing you a year filled with success, growth, and meaningful achievements in 2024. 

Now that we’ve returned to our educational institutions, it’s time to look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await us as members of Educate Plus. The year 2024 holds much promise, and I am thrilled to share some key updates with you. 

PD SCHOLARSHIPS INITIATIVE RE-OPENED! 
We’re delighted to announce the reopening of the Professional Development Scholarships initiative. You can apply for up to NZ$2,000, along with an AUD$500 travel grant. This special opportunity ends on 24 March 2024. Act promptly to seize this chance to enhance your professional development. [For more information and to apply, see the Scholarship page in this eNewsletter, or to apply, CLICK HERE] 

EXCELLENCE AWARDS – Call out for NZ submissions. 
Educate Plus Head Office has put out a call for submissions for Excellence Awards at the International Conference in Perth. I strongly encourage all our NZ members, whether attending the conference or not, to consider showcasing the exceptional work you’ve undertaken over the past year. Recognition of individual or team efforts across all Advancement pillars is crucial. Submissions close on July 19, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. [For more information, CLICK HERE] 

WE NEED YOU! Volunteer on the NZ Chapter Committee 
Our dedicated volunteer Committee Members met recently to plan the year ahead. We have sub-committees working on various areas aligning with our mission, and we’re looking for volunteers from different regions and Advancement pillars to join us. Your expertise and passion can make a significant impact. If interested, please contact me via email at e.zigan@dilworth.org.nz, or text me at 021 0855 0656. Your involvement is eagerly awaited!  

REGIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Networking Events 
You’ve received invitations to our March Networking events. Please register your attendance. These events, organized by members like you, provide valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing. Take the time to connect with colleagues and gain insights that can enhance your work. Remember, these events are free for all members and non-members. [For more information and to register your attendance, see the ‘What’s In Store’ page in this eNewsletter] 

In closing, Educate Plus is your membership organisation, and we are here to support you. Our strength lies in the collective efforts of amazing members across Aotearoa and Australia. If you need assistance, whether in joining the Committee, applying for a Professional Development Scholarship for Perth, or guidance on your Awards submission, reach out to us. We are here for you! 

Wishing you all the best for a successful and fulfilling 2024. 

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui  

 

 

 

Emma Zigan 
NZ Chapter President & Board Director | Educate Plus 
Director of Advancement | Dilworth School

Welcome to our Newest Members

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 NZ Chapter community!

Our next ‘New Member Meetup’ is on Thursday 21 March, 2024. Closer to the date, we will send you a link to participate in this online session, which is open to all new Members across all Chapters. 

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. 

To Register:

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

More Info / Register | New Member Meet-Up

 

This Quarter We Welcome:

 

New Member Position Organisation
Burke, Rebecca Development Manager – Scholarships & Projects Victoria University of Wellington
Byford, Nerys Alumni and Sponsorship Coordinator Long Bay College
Dennis, Sarah Marketing and Communications Long Bay College
Gilbert, Sarah Alumni & Events Executive St Cuthbert’s College
McKinley, Katrina Marketing and Communications Executive St Cuthbert’s College
Whiffin, Ed Event & Community Engagement Manager Dilworth School
Cox, Kara Community Builder St Kevin’s College, NZ
Robles, Rocio Digital Marketing Co-ordinator St Andrew’s College, Christchurch
Scott, Ange Donations and Office Administrator Victoria University of Wellington
Whitehouse, Danette Alumni Manager Massey University

 

Scholarship Applications Now Open (Close 24 March 2024)

Scholarship Applications Now Open (Close 24 March 2024)

 

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity exclusively for our NZ Chapter members – the reopening of our Professional Development Scholarships!

You might recall our special offer at the end of 2023, where numerous scholarships were granted to deserving candidates who met the criteria set by the NZ Chapter Committee. Understanding that some of you may have missed the previous deadline, we are pleased to extend this exceptional opportunity once again.

Act quickly to secure this member-only offer and apply for one of several Professional Development Scholarships available to our NZ members. This is your chance to enhance your professional skills and broaden your horizons.

The reopened Scholarships cover the upcoming International Conference:

Date: 10-13 September 2024
Location: Perth

The Scholarships, valued at up to $2,000 per person for Perth, provide a unique opportunity for professional growth and networking.

Criteria for Application:

  • To be eligible for these prestigious scholarships, you must:
  • Be a current NZ Chapter member.
  • One Scholarship awarded per institution.
  • Fulfil the specific application criteria.

Scholarship recipients may be requested to share their insights and takeaways from the Conference, contributing to the collective learning of our community.

Act Fast – Deadline Approaching:

Don’t delay your application! All Scholarship applications must be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 24 March 2024. Seize this chance to invest in your professional development and take a step towards advancing your career.

Apply now and join us in making 2024 a year of growth, learning, and success!

We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting you on your journey to professional excellence.

 

Apply Now for a Professional Development Scholarship

See You in Perth

See You in Perth

 
Have you seen the International Conference Program yet?

Congratulations to the International Conference Committee who have worked for months to craft an innovative, inspiring and impactful program and are, as we speak, securing talented and experienced speakers to present at the 2024 International Conference in Perth.  

The program they’ve curated is designed to bring together leading practitioners, industry experts, thought leaders and suppliers to share their knowledge and expertise with you in your role. The program is also designed to offer content for larger teams that have advanced level practitioners and for those who work with very lean teams or as solo operators. Quite the balancing act across 50 dedicated sessions!

All Streams Covered, and a New Stream for 2024!

This Program really does contain something for everyone! In addition to the traditional streams of Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Marketing & Communications and Fundraising, the quality and depth of the Leadership stream and the newly introduced People & Culture stream is quite phenomenal and we are so excited about it. I strongly encourage you to invite your Heads, Business Managers and HR staff to attend this Conference with you and your Advancement team, as the content will be of unprecedented value to a vast number of staff in your organisation and will showcase the very best our industry has to offer.

View the Program Now!

  • To view the PDF version of the Program, CLICK HERE
  • To view the WEBSITE version of the Program, CLICK HERE

Nominate for the Excellence Awards 

Nominations for the 2024 Educate Plus Excellence Awards, partnered by Global Philanthropic, are NOW OPEN! 

Our New Zealand Chapter is filled with expertise, innovation, and excellent delivery of inspiring projects, and we can’t wait to celebrate you, your teams and your organisations, at the International Conference in Perth!

We are delighted to invite submissions for the highly anticipated 2024 Excellence Awards. These prestigious Awards showcase our industry and are your opportunity to share your talents or the achievements of others, with delegates across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

  • To find out more and to nominate for the Excellence Awards, CLICK HERE

Event Details (Early Bird Closes 31 March)
Date: Tuesday 10 September – Friday 13 September, 2024
Place: Crown Perth Convention Centre, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood, WA

To Register:

More Info / Register | International Conference

 


 

For easy access to the International Conference Website pages, click on the icons below

 

Website Website Awards
EDx Social (Soon) Speakers
Fees & Payments Support Package Accommodation

 


 
Thank You to our International Conference Partners

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDS PARTNER GOLD PARTNER

 

WELCOME EVENT PARTNER CONFERENCE CELEBRATION PARTNER

 

SILVER PARTNER – FUNDRAISING SILVER PARTNER – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SILVER PARTNER – ALUMNI & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

 

SILVER PARTNER – LEADERSHIP PHOTOBOOTH PARTNER COFFEE STATION PARTNER

 

What’s In Store for 2024?

What’s In Store for 2024?

 

The NZ Chapter Committee is thrilled to be able to invite you to attend your regional Professional Development & Networking Events in March 2024.

Our Educate Plus NZ Chapter is excited to kick off the year with our first Professional Development & Networking events, and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us. With the first two regional events being a huge success, we invite you to join us for the remaining four events at a location near you!

In addition to the scheduled regional events below, the Chapter Committee is planning Special Interest Group (SIG) casual meetings across major cities throughout the year. These gatherings will take place in local cafes and focus on various topics related to our Advancement pillars: Alumni Relations, Fundraising, Admissions, Community Engagement & Events, Marketing & Communications. Watch out for information on these new SIG events and be sure to participate—they promise to be fun, informative, and relaxed.

 


 

Join us! With six Regional Events on offer – there’s sure to be a location near you!

We are thrilled to announce that these events are FREE for both members and non-members. In an effort to foster collaboration and inclusivity, we encourage you to bring along your peers and colleagues, whether they are members or non-members, at no extra cost. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network and share insights with others in the education sector.

Refreshments will be provided at each event. Make sure to mark these dates in your calendar and join your committee and fellow NZ members for these enriching professional learning and networking opportunities.

To Register: See the details of each of the remaining regional events below.

 


 

 Waikato Regional Event Details

This is a wonderful opportunity for Educate Plus members and non-members to meet the team at Waikato Diocesan and network over light refreshments.

We are delighted that former Educate Plus President and Fellow, Janice Lapwood (Development Director at Momentum, Te Puaawaitanga o Waikato), will join us to talk about Momentum Waikato’s work on the Regional Theatre, and the challenges of fundraising in the current economic climate. Janice is excited to have the opportunity to reconnect with her Educate Plus family.

Date: Tuesday 12 March 2024
Time: 11am-12pm
Place: Homestead Meeting Room, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, 660 River Road, Chartwell, Hamilton, Waikato
Cost: Complimentary

To Register: For more information and to register for the Waikato Regional Event, CLICK HERE


Otago Regional Event Details

The Otago Regional Event will be a great opportunity to join Kirstyn Sandall, General Manager and Director of International at John McGlashan College, to network and enjoy a light breakfast.

Date: Wednesday March 13
Time: 8am-9am
Place: John McGlashan College, 2 Pilkington Street, Maori Hill, Dunedin, Otago
Cost: Complimentary

To Register: For more information and to register for the Otago Regional Event, CLICK HERE


Auckland Event Details

A valuable networking opportunity for those in the Auckland region to meet the team at Kristin School, and hear Executive Principal, Mark Wilson, present on the School’s 50th Jubilee.

Date: Wednesday 20 March
Time: 11am-12pm
Place: Kristin School, 360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland
Cost: Complimentary

To Register: For more information and to register for the Auckland Event, CLICK HERE


Palmerston North Regional Event Details

A great networking opportunity over a light lunch at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, for those in the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Whanganui regions.

Nicola Parsons, Director of Marketing and Advancement, Lindisfarne College, Hawke’s Bay, will lead and give Educate Plus members and non-members the opportunity to have wide discussion on Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications and Leadership.

Date: Wednesday 20 March
Time: 12.30pm-2pm
Place: Boarding Hostel – College House, Corner of Featherston Street and North Street, Palmerston North Boys’ High School
Cost: Complimentary 

To Register: For more information and to register for the Palmerston North Regional Event, CLICK HERE


 We can’t wait to welcome all of our NZ colleagues to these events!

The strength of Educate Plus is our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn and grow within the Educate Plus community!

See you there!

Webinars and Training – Invest in Yourself

Webinars and Training – Invest in Yourself

 

You are invited to join us at the following Professional Development Opportunities … 

 

WEBINAR | Excellence Awards Series – Capital Campaign / Major Gifts Program / Bequests

Webinar Details
Date: Thursday 7 March 2024
Time: 3pm-4pm NZDT. (Check your local time)
Place: online via Zoom
Cost: Free for members; $35 (+gst) for non-members
Presenters: John GroomThe Hutchins School; Ana Gozalo, on behalf of Scotch College, Adelaide
Facilitator: Global Philanthropic

To Register:

More Info / Register | Excellence Series Webinar

 


TRAINING | Advancement Practitioner Training

Training Details (Just over 2 Weeks to Go)
Date: Monday 18 – Tuesday 19 March 2024
Place: Amora Hotel Brisbane, 200 Creek Street, Brisbane 4000
Includes: Networking Drinks (Monday, from 4.45pm-5.45pm)

Admissions, Alumni & Community RelationsMarketing & CommunicationsFundraising

To Register:

More Info / Register | Advancement Practitioner Training 

 


 

 

WEBINAR | Creating A-Grade Awards and Grants Submissions

Webinar Details
Date: Tuesday 26 March 2024
Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm NZDT. (Check your local time)
Place: online via Zoom
Cost: Free for members; $35 (+gst) for non-members
Presenters: Jeff Buchanan, Business Development Advisor and Fundraising Consultant

To Register:

More Info / Register | Creating A-Grade Awards and Grants Submissions

 

We look forward to welcoming you to these events!

Introducing …

Introducing …

 

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 Aroha Webster, Head of Brand, Communications and Community Relations, Kristin School

 

How long have you been working in Educational Advancement?
I started at Kristin School in April 2022 and got Covid in my second week! It has been a whirlwind since then and I feel very privileged to work in such a special place that has a really amazing community.

I’ve also worked at Dilworth School and before that, I was a journalist and worked in corporate communications at organisations including Fonterra, Auckland Council and New Zealand Post.

What is the achievement you were most proud of?
Kristin celebrated our 50th Jubilee last March. This was a huge undertaking for our school and for the team I work with in particular. They had started preparing for the celebrations a few years in advance, a long time before I joined Kristin, with the planning and commissioning of a book about Kristin’s unique history as a school founded by families for families.

Over the jubilee weekend we hosted four days of events at Kristin including Alumni sports games, a Cocktail evening, a Chapel Service, Gala Dinner and the finale, which was an incredible Performing Arts concert where past and present students performed.

We received a lot of wonderful feedback about the celebrations from our community, which is always the best endorsement. We also raised a significant amount of money for our scholarships for students to attend Kristin.

What is the greatest moment of learning in your career so far?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one. I have been lucky to have had some incredible roles, and I’ve learned so much in each of the workplaces I’ve been in.

I do think it’s important to focus on continuous improvement. Here, we are always looking for ways we can do things better and improve the Kristin experience for our community.

What is the most impactful book you’ve read or podcast you’ve listened to?
Book would be In My Father’s Den by Maurice Gee. I remember reading it for school in seventh form (Year 13). I had a really great English teacher who really solidified my love of literature. So much so, that I went on to study English Literature at university. He also introduced us to Shakespeare and Wuthering Heights, another one of my favourite books.

What are three tips or words of advice you have for new members and/or those new to Advancement?

Firstly, I think it’s really important to get to know the community – staff, students, parents, guardians and alumni. Take some time to become part of the community and listen to what is important to them. Their input and feedback will be instrumental in your success.

Secondly, I’m a firm believer in less is more. Schools are busy places, which keeps it interesting as there is always a lot of variety and opportunity. But sometimes if you want to really make a difference, you need to do less and do it well.

Lastly, get to know people in the industry. There are so many who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Educate Plus is a great place to start!

What do you do in your spare time?
I have 17-year-old twins, so they keep me busy, and I love spending time with them. This year we are very much focused on their plans for beyond school, so it is an exciting time.

I am an animal lover with two rescue dogs and taking them out walking is one of my favourite things to do. I’m a trustee of South Pacific Animal Welfare, which provides much-needed free veterinary care to a number of islands where there are no vets. They do such an incredible job and I’m in awe of the vets and vet nurses who generously give their time to help animals in need.

When I do get some downtime, I like nothing more than enjoying a good book and some peace and quiet!

Thank you Aroha Webster! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!

 

Bring the Evidence

Bring the Evidence

 

Article written by Clive Pedley  | CEO & Director | Giving Architects

 

The following article relates to the current fundraising environment and how it is important to provide evidence regularly to your leaders about what is going on within and beyond your organisation. Allowing them to be informed and make good decisions about investing in the success of the purpose they serve.

Important fundraising decisions will be required for many charities in 2024.

The social and environmental needs many exist to serve and solve are increasing in scale and urgency, and philanthropy has an increasingly critical role to play in partnering with effective charities who can demonstrate how, together with their donors, they can make a positive impact on people, planet and place.

Often the opportunity to do more means raising more money and greater giving in all its forms including individual giving, funding, sponsorship, volunteering and advocacy. As a sector, we have an abundance of evidence that effective investment can produce better outcomes in all these areas. This evidence, alongside the evidence of unmet needs to be served, must be presented effectively to the leaders of our organisations so that they are compelled to invest in achieving more and fulfilling their purpose.

Having presented to many Boards who are grappling with the challenge of investing to address unmet needs, here are a few of the key areas where I think fundraising and for-purpose sector leaders need to present clear evidence.

1.Where the money comes from.

Regardless of your current giving portfolios, it is important to regularly present data from the wider charitable sector to show the balance of giving to charities. JBWere have provided some of the most effective evidence in recent years and are committed to continuing with their great work. There are also opportunities to participate in benchmarking groups and to see their collective experience, which can be more or less relevant, depending on their sample and your place in the market.

All of this helps for-purpose leadership understand what sustainable balanced giving looks like and how more could be achieved with investment and time to secure greater resources for impact.

2. The reality of the giving environment.

There is no point sugar coating the declining number of giving households over the past 40 years. There is also no point accepting the narrative that the money is ‘out there’. Donor acquisition and retention, commitment to meaningful and effective donor care and relationships, lifetime value and unlocking philanthropic ambition at all levels – these are all critically important details for organisational leadership to richly and deeply understand if they are to withstand the realities of declining donor numbers and stagnant net fundraising growth.

Simply trying to take more market share of a shrinking pie is not a solution.

3. Critical success factors for different channels vary.

There are wide gaps between the benefits of effectively using AI (not a certainty) and building warm, powerful and mutually enriching donor relationships. Fortunately, not all charity leaders need to be experts in all channels. There are experts and specialist providers. Our recent collaborations with Precision Fundraising, Fundraising Logic, Fundraising Research & Consultancy, Gemelli Consulting and others have shown us and our clients how bringing in specialist knowledge and services for a while can transform donor relationships and the impact of giving. Investing in these effective working relationships, where you and your team are equipped and better prepared for future fundraising success, makes sense at every level. There are numerous Case Studies that specialists can present to demonstrate this.

There is, of course, much more important evidence you need to regularly present to your leaders about what is going on within and beyond your organisation. We cannot expect them to make good decisions about investing in the success of the purpose they serve otherwise.

 

Bring the evidence.

Thought Leadership – Dr Phillip Heath AM Writes…

Thought Leadership – Dr Phillip Heath AM Writes…

 
Aspiration and Sacrifice or Privilege and Elitism

Article written by Phillip Heath AM, Head of Barker College, NSW  

The emerging reality of the public commentary in Australian education demonstrates a shift in the mindset – our schools are caricatured as bastions of privilege rather than as symbols of aspiration and sacrifice. This article examines the impact of the mindset and considers how we might influence the future narrative. We must find a coherent answer to the question “what’s the good of independent education in Australia?” The current trajectory in independent schools has the risk of foundering on the hostile reefs of political commentary. Our answer to what’s the good of independent schooling will set a course for the coming decades of educational policy, development and philanthropy in education.

Principle 1: Independent education is portrayed in the public discourse not as evidence of aspiration but as a bastion of privilege.

Principle 2: Despite attempts made by the Gonski Review into School Funding, the failure to implement the reforms has created a resource gap in Australian education and it is perceived to be widening.

Principle 3: Our schools are regarded as some of the wealthiest schools in the land. Barker College, for example, notwithstanding our debt from capital works, is seen as a case in point. Nearby schools are struggling to hire staff and find resources for classrooms. The completion of our magnificent award-winning Rosewood Centre and more recently, the Senior School Hub and the lodging of an expansive SSDA, makes it hard to argue otherwise. With a student enrolment of 2800, our comparative income is also high.

Principle 4: Expressions of social justice through Indigenous Education and, more recently, Humanitarian Education initiatives are important but may not be sufficient to demonstrate an answer to “what’s the good of Barker” nor to negate the three principles listed above.

Principle 5: Public funding of independent schools remains a complex political issue, particularly in the light of the seemingly entrenched social disadvantage. Higher fee schools that receive around 10% of income from public funding (such as Barker) are characterised as symbols of privilege. It will be almost impossible to cut through this perception.

Principle 6: The charitable status of independent schools is under threat in the UK, where there is virtually no government funding.

A way forward:

  1. Use public funding while it survives to demonstrate commitment to social impact economics – the hour is coming when this funding will be under threat.
  2. Demonstrate public good by
    • Sharing facilities
    • Providing assisted places for disadvantaged students
    • Educating students for social conscience
    • Reducing social and cultural impact of our schools
    • Demonstrate social conscience in sustainable practices
  3. Managing the message by
    • Avoiding excessive demonstrations of wealth and privilege
    • Celebrating causes that create social impact, reduce disadvantage and enable change
  4. Reduce the division between government and non-government education
  5. Resist the success narrative in independent education, particularly in League Tables, Trophies and competitions.
  6. Explore ways in which the educational advantages enabled in some of our schools can be shared with other schools
  7. Explore a new narrative or new metaphor for independent education, not be arguing that the points made against us but by setting a new story about our public good.

 

Phillip Heath AM
Head of Barker College, NSW

 

Phillip Heath achieved a First Class Honours degree in Reformation History and taught at Trinity Grammar School Sydney and King’s School Ely (UK), before becoming Deputy Head of The William Clarke College in Kellyville, and then Headmaster of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Sydney, where he formed the Gawura Campus for indigenous inner city children.  Author of “Trinity, the Daring of Your Name”, and numerous journal articles, Mr Heath became fifth Principal of Radford College ACT in 2009 and the school received the Order of Australia Association (ACT) Award for Community Service twice under his leadership. He was made a Fellow of the ACT Branch ACEL in 2011, in 2018 was awarded as a Member in the general division of the Order of Australia for his service to education and his commitment to creating greater opportunities for Indigenous students and was awarded the Australian Principal of the Year at the 2023 Australian Education Awards.

Mr Heath was appointed as the Head of Barker College in 2014, and in 2016 it was announced that the School would transition to be fully coeducational by 2022. In 2016 Mr Heath formed the Darkinjung Barker Campus for Indigenous children on the Central Coast of New South Wales and in 2020 the Ngarralingayil Barker Campus for Indigenous children in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. In 2021, following the signing of an MOU with the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Dhupuma Barker commenced as a school for Indigenous children On Country in North East Arnhem Land.

Mr Heath has served on the NSW Board of Studies representing the Independent Sector (2000-2009) and is also a past National Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (2013-2015). He is currently working on an unpublished manuscript titled “One Life at a Time”, exploring his journey and work to create greater educational opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people.

Thank You to our Valuable Partners

Thank You to our Valuable Partners

 

Thank You to our Partners … 

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic and Chapter Partners, who support Educate Plus and the NZ 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 NZ Chapter Partners … 

 

 

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners … 

 

Connect with Colleagues

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 FacebookInstagram and LinkedIn pages.