Queensland President’s Report

Since we’ve last ‘spoken’ we have seen incredible attendance across the five events which were held in Brisbane, Townsville or Bundaberg with 148 attendees. Thank you to the host schools – IONA College, Brisbane Boys’ College, Shalom College, and Citpointe Christian College. The QLD Chapter, our chapter, continues to go from strength to strength!

I’m thrilled that our next event is a Masterclass in donor communications and stewardship with the US-based ‘Donor Guru’, Lynne Wester on 10 June at Emmanuel College, UQ. Lynne presented at our Auckland Conference last year and it was incredibly valuable. 

Our next benchmarking and networking opportunity is a combined Marketing and Admissions SIG (Special Interest Group) on 25 July at Nambour Christian College. I encourage all those working in those areas to attend this no cost, interactive session.

We already have over 150 registrations (not including sponsors) for the 2019 QLD Educate Plus Conference in Brisbane on 5-6 September. If you are only able to attend one PD this year, make it the Conference because your institution will thank you for the professional growth you return with. The Conference Committee has focused on members requests for assistance in ‘managing up’ with a strategic approach to Principals/Deputies, Business Managers and Board members joining a staff member at a 50% discount, if only for Day 1. It’s already bearing fruit with over 30 registered. Special thanks to Peter Franks, BBC for leading this initiative. View the program here

Congratulations to each of the 11 bursary or travel concession awardees as it will make all the difference in them attending our Conference and I know how inspired they will return to their institutions. There are still five remaining view details here

It is incredibly rewarding to see so many new members and conference registrations from our Regional initiatives in Townsville and Bundaberg this year, and Toowoomba and Rockhampton last year. Special thanks to Chapter Committee member Clare Grlj, Leading Marketing Solutions for leading this initiative.

Thank you to Digistorm as our 2019/2020 QLD Partner. We are grateful for the support of all our corporate partners as they enable the delivery of our quality program with exceptional value so please consider them for any opportunities you may have in the future. Special thanks to Chapter Committee member Alice Tidmarsh, St Aidan’s Girls’ School, for expanding this portfolio. Full list here.

Remember to make the most of your membership and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @Educate_Plus.

I look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events as our QLD chapter continues going from strength-to-strength and “a rising tide lifts all boats” (JFK) so jump on board!

Lea Walker-Franks F.Edplus
President – Qld Chapter