President’s Report

2021 was quite a year for all of us at Educate Plus. It was my first year as the Chapter President and as a board member and we faced many challenges along the way. From COVID lockdowns to the postponement of the International Conference and the recruitment of the new National CEO, there was not a dull moment this year! 

I was privileged to meet face to face with my fellow Australian board members back in March and have been mostly working virtually ever since. I have not shaken hands with my ‘kiwi’ counterparts yet, but somehow, we have managed to build a high level of camaraderie and collegiality through Zoom. We have ‘pivoted’, learnt, and grown so much together!

At a local level, we have been fortunate enough to meet in person on a regular basis. We have enjoyed informal coffee catch ups with members and networking evening events where we could share our successes and day to day challenges. 

I am incredibly proud of the SA/NT Chapter Committee. It has been a great year and I’m thankful to my fellow committee members: Sally Penn, Patrick Kelly, Abhra Bhattacharjee, Mon Saunders, Janine Atkinson, Helen Karapandzic, Steve Eden, Vanessa Grave, and Paul Bailey, who helped make it happen. They have been very generous in sharing their time and talents for the benefit of the Educate Plus community. Also, I would like to thank our long-term partners Openbook Howden, Torrens University and Nicknack for their trust and support. 

The end of the year is also a time to shout out to our Head Office team: Neil McWhannell, Tina Fleming, Sona Swindley, Sheila Molloy, and Michelle Strawbridge who provide so much support and contribute to successful outcomes in the best interests of every one of our members.

As we are heading towards the end of 2021, I invite you to join our fantastic upcoming Christmas Celebration, featuring our Chapter Partner, Openbook Howden. This exclusive event is open and free of charge to all our SA/NT members. Find out more and register here. I hope to see you there and share some Christmas cheer!

The success of Educate Plus is based on the relationships we have built over the years, and we really would not be where we are without you. 

Have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year.

Ana Gozalo
Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Chair
agozalo@scotch.sa.edu.au
T: 08 8274 4340
M: 0413 032 115

Thanks to Paula McManus Photography for header location shot.