That’s a Wrap!

That’s a Wrap!

 

Thank you to the QLD Chapter Committee for organising a series of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that were held concurrently in August this year. Below is a wrap of each of the SIGs:

 
Alumni and Community Engagement SIG 

Topic: Running an Efficient and Effective Alumni Relations Office on a Limited Budget

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Alumni & Community Engagement SIG. It was fantastic to engage in a robust discussion where it quickly became apparent, that no matter the age of your institution or the size of your team and budget, we all want to do more with the resources we have.

Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and solutions – with a focus on how to manage and capture data more efficiently,  where to start when establishing an alumni program from the ground up, and how to host engaging and low cost events which meet the needs of multiple stakeholders.

Thank you all for making the session so enriching. We warmly welcome any feedback and your ideas for future SIG sessions to continue advancing our alumni engagement efforts. 

Georgia Mitchell 
Acting Director of Philanthropy and Stakeholder Engagement 
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School 

 

Fundraising SIG 

Topic: Effective and Engaging Stakeholder Communication in Fundraising Campaigns

In the realm of Fundraising, effective communication is not merely a strategy but an art. At the forefront of this art lies storytelling – a powerful tool that engages donors on a personal and emotive level. Recently, at the Fundraising SIG facilitated by Susan McGinley and Joanna Lovett, participants particularly focused on the nuanced techniques of compelling storytelling and its profound impact on donor engagement. 

The SIG provided a platform to exchange insights and experiences, highlighting the critical role of storytelling across various fundraising initiatives such as Capital Campaigns, Bequests, and Giving Days. Examples were shared of how storytelling has forged deeper connections with donors and enhanced campaign outcomes. 

Reflecting on the SIG, it was emphasised that storytelling isn’t just about conveying information; it’s about creating a narrative that resonates with donors’ values and aspirations. When done effectively, it inspires empathy and action, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and shared purpose – a testament to the enduring impact of genuine, effective communication in philanthropy. 

Susan McGinley
Director of Advancement
The Women’s College within the University of Queensland

 

Admissions SIG

Topic: Key Admissions Issues: Testing, Diversity and Pre-commencement Family Engagement 

The Admissions Special Interest Group (SIG) provided a fantastic opportunity for participants to connect, share experiences, and discuss key challenges facing Admissions teams today. The session delved into several important topics, including:

  • Pre- and post-enrolment testing: Should schools rely on external reports, or is additional testing necessary? What are the implications of conducting further assessments?
  • Holistic Admissions policies: Beyond academic grades, how can schools identify and admit students with diverse talents and abilities, ensuring alignment with their mission and values?
  • Engaging new families before the first day: With some enrollments finalised years in advance, how can schools maintain engagement and build connections with incoming students and their families?

Thank you to everyone who participated in this SIG! It was a valuable chance to collaborate, exchange ideas, and support one another in navigating the complexities of the Admissions process.

Scott Huntington
Head of Community and Strategic Development
Brisbane Christian College

 

Marketing & Communications SIG

Topic: How Schools Can Develop Strategic Ideas for Effective Marketing for 2025 and beyond 

In this Marketing & Communications-focused session, participants explored how schools can craft and implement strategic marketing initiatives to effectively connect with their target audiences.

The session emphasised aligning marketing strategies with your school’s core values, creating compelling narratives, and fostering meaningful engagement with your community. Attendees gained practical tools and insights to help attract prospective families, deepen relationships with current ones, and elevate their school’s brand.

A collaborative element encouraged delegates to bring their school’s unique challenges, annual themes, mantras, taglines, and ideas. Through group discussions and brainstorming, they worked together to develop innovative and actionable solutions to take back to their schools.

Ben Stocks
Brand and Marketing Manager
The Moreton Bay Colleges

Brady Downs
Managing Director
Look Education 

 

People & Culture SIG

Topic: Privacy Issues Relevant to the Education Sector 

The People & Culture SIG session on the Federal Government’s proposed reforms to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) offered participants valuable insights into the evolving landscape of data privacy. Against the backdrop of high-profile data breaches, the session emphasised the critical need for all Australian businesses, including schools, to manage personal information in line with the Act and the Australian Privacy Principles.

Participants explored potential reforms and their implications for the education sector, particularly for People & Culture teams. Key takeaways included:

  • A deeper understanding of privacy responsibilities.
  • Insight into how the proposed reforms could impact schools.
  • Encouragement to critically evaluate why and how personal data is collected, stored, and disposed of.

Thank you to all who joined this engaging and thought-provoking session! It was an excellent opportunity to reflect on these pressing issues and their significance for our schools.

Ben Foley
Legal Counsel
EREA Colleges LTD