President’s Welcome

It has certainly been an unusual start to our year with a pandemic, unprecedented social distancing from colleagues and students and the need to step up our online interactions for working, teaching and learning in our institutions. Never before has a collegial organisation like ours been more important.

As the newly-elected President of the Queensland Chapter, I’m thrilled to be writing my first newsletter. Having been involved in Educate Plus for over 18 years, I know first-hand the value we offer our members, both formally and informally. We are a unique organisation that works towards positive outcomes for our profession and the development of our individual practitioners.

I would like to thank Lea Walker-Franks for her expert guidance over the last two years during my time as Vice-President, I couldn’t have asked for a better role model. Lea is now leading our organisation as Chairman, a job I know Lea will embrace with the same skill and vigour she has shown in Queensland!

Professional Development continues through COVID-19

Our Professional Development showcasing the 2019 Queensland Chapter Award winners has been rescheduled to Thursday 10 September. Details for new registrations will be released soon – all previous registrations will be rolled over to the new date.

We were lucky enough to slip in our regional Professional Development day in Cairns before restrictions were imposed. We welcomed many of our northern members and prospective members at the session where myself, Lea and Claire Grlj shared case studies, ideas in community relations, alumni and fundraising.

Our online professional development program has seen a large number of webinars hosted over the last two months; I hope you’ve had the opportunity to engage with some of them. Upcoming events include a wide range of topics from Facebook Ads, SEO, Managing Yourself Through Change, Online Admissions, Communications, Fundraising and more. To view what’s currently on offer and to register, please visit https://www.educateplus.edu.au/event/. Past events are also available for viewing through the Educate Plus website, simply log in and click on the Resources and then 2020 Recordings.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the expertise by our experienced practitioners.

2020 International Conference Adelaide rescheduled to 29 March – 1 April 2021

I’m pleased to confirm that the 2020 International Conference has been rescheduled to run from 29 March to 1 April 2021 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. If you have already registered, we will transfer it to the new dates. There are still a number of bursaries and travel assistance packages available for members, so please reach out and enquire.

The Year Ahead

To our members, I wish you a successful and productive time despite the COVID-19 challenges. Know that Educate Plus is here to provide support you, both technically and collegially as we all work towards giving our absolute best to our institutions and to our profession.

To our 2020 QLD Partners, Troop, School Bench, New Word Order, Charidy and Digistorm, thank you for your continued support of our vibrant chapter.

On behalf of the Chapter Committee, we look forward to continuing to serve you and to working with all members across the state. I invite you to reach out to me any time with your questions, suggestions and feedback so we can continue to improve and develop our work together.

Stay safe and well.

Sue Russell
President – Qld Chapter