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 Aimee Bartlett, Communications and Marketing Manager, Coomera Anglican College

What is the length of time you’ve been in educational Advancement?

I have worked in educational Advancement within the Independent School Sector for 5 years.

In a previous life, I worked in Student Recruitment for a Regional University, undertaking a number of different roles from Student Recruitment, Community Engagement into Advancement and Philanthropy working on a major appeal to create a fund that provides ongoing support for students to study at university and attend many of the work integrated learning components which are unpaid placements.

What is the achievement or accomplishment you are most proud of?

When reflecting upon achievements or accomplishments over the past number of years, it is always hard to identify one specific thing – but some key highlights:

Re-brand of Coomera Anglican College to the Anything is Possible Campaign.
This was a key strategic project to set the College ahead of major competitors within a very small geographic location. This was our turning point as we made a strong stance from where we were as a College to where we wanted to be in five years. This campaign repositioned the College and was vital in our position in 2024. This campaign helped the College grow by over 110 students from 2019 to 2024, reduce the impact of COVID-19 on potential withdrawal rates during a period of uncertainty, increased our waitlists significantly, filled an additional stream in Years 7, 8 and 9 and set up for an addition of a 5th stream in Year 10 in 2024.

Many Minds, One Heart Beat Coffee Table Book – the retirement of our Foundation Principal Dr Mark Sly.
This was an interesting project, to say good-bye to our Foundation Principal. With over 30 years of moments, history and events stored away within the mind of Dr Sly, my aim was to document the key milestones of the College into a beautiful Coffee Table Book as a departing present for Dr Sly without him knowing.

As a young College, setting up the framework around significance or archive collections, identifying history that is only stored within the memories of key people is always a hard thing to do. But as a result, we have over 250 pages of key milestones and achievements, photos and memories that now form a vital element of our College. With a new building under construction, that will house a purpose built archive room and our significant collection, it is a very exciting time moving forward for our College.
Sporting Academies – Netball, Basketball, Football
One of the important elements of any College is building a strong community. However what always needs to be balanced is the value proposition, and the customer experience with our parents. Our College currently offers three sporting academies – Netball, Basketball and Football (soccer). I am excited to step into the role of Head of Advancement, Clubs and Academies to work with our Sports Department on strategically redeveloping our Clubs and Academies to be a unique selling point for the College moving forward. This is an exciting project as we look at our corporate partnerships for student development and pathways post High School, talent ID and development, program development and process implementation to further develop our value proposition to our parents in this space.

What is your greatest moment of learning or a challenge that you’ve overcome?

The greatest challenge is around the role of education versus business. Teachers are teachers to educate young minds, to develop and help them grow. And, many independent schools do not see themselves as a business. This is one of the biggest challenges I have had to overcome, and still do to this day.

What is your favourite TV show or podcast that you are currently watching / listening to?

Bridgerton – Though I have been reading the books for the past 14 years
Greys Anatomy – rewatching this from the beginning
Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries – one of my favourite Australian TV Shows – available on ABC Iview.

What is your favourite travel memory? 

Taking my children to Uluru in 2023. It was a very grounding experience for us all.

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

Read and Research Wide. There are lots of resources and information to help you get started. Even looking at PDFs from other institutions is always a great starting point.
Continuous Improvement Mindset. Create a solid foundation and build from there. Everything doesn’t need to be perfect before you start. Start somewhere and build it up.
Measure. Measure everything and set yourself up with a good reporting dashboard. You won’t always remember the numbers and stats later. Measure different things – you never know when they will come in handy. (This would be a great topic for a SIG!)

What are three things you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Ha ha! With two strong minded, wild free-spirited children what is spare time?

My love language is cooking for people – so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen baking, or having people around for dinner (or going camping with friends and cooking for everyone).

I like to paint and create art, and I love fresh flowers – so am trying to grow my own and failing significantly.

Thank you Aimee! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!