From the Chapter President

I hope this finds you well and feeling restored after the long weekend. It is a busy time of year across our schools and institutions and, as we settle into the rhythm of winter, I hope you are finding moments to recharge.

Our calendar of Chapter events is well underway and it has been wonderful to hear such positive feedback from The Changing Landscape of Admissions session held last month at Open Book Howden. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation – your openness in sharing ideas and experiences is one of the great things about our community.

Looking ahead, our mid-year professional development session will be held on Wednesday 17 July, focussing on the important topic of Communicating with Confidence. Whatever your role, this practical and interactive session will offer valuable tools to strengthen your communication and presentation skills. We look forward to sharing more details with you very soon.

And of course, our flagship event, the Make Tomorrow SA/NT Chapter Summit, will be held at the Victor Harbor Convention Centre on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September. Whether you are new to the sector or a seasoned professional, the Summit offers a valuable opportunity to hear from leading practitioners, connect with colleagues, share insights, and gain fresh perspectives tailored to our local context. It is always a highlight of the calendar and we would love to see as many of you there as possible.

With close to 50 registrations already received (and still 3 months to go!) it’s shaping up to be an outstanding event. Hurry though – Early Bird registration closes on Friday 27 June, so now is the perfect time to secure your place.

• To register or find out more, CLICK HERE
• To view the Program, CLICK HERE
• To apply for a Bursary, CLICK HERE

A limited number of bursaries are available to support attendance – please click above or contact me directly for more information. Please also remember to book your accommodation using the delegate booking form to access the special conference rates.

As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions – whether it is a topic you would like us to explore or ways we can improve. Please feel free to get in touch with me at hkarapandzic@pac.edu.au.

Thank you for all that you do in your roles and for your ongoing commitment to strengthening our professional community. I look forward to seeing many of you at an upcoming event.

Helen Karapandzic F.EdPlus
SA/NT Chapter President

Director of Philanthropy
Prince Alfred College

Welcome to our Newest Members

We can’t wait to meet you!

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us. We are thrilled to have you as part of our SA/NT Chapter community!

New Member Meet-Up Webinar

We invite all new members to join us for an opportunity to find out more about the value of an Educate Plus Membership and to ask any burning questions you may have. 

The New Member Meet-Up Webinar, specifically designed for new members, will help you to discover the many benefits available to you through your membership, and will assist you in navigating the Educate Plus website to unlock the vast wealth of knowledge and resources available.  

You will also have the opportunity to meet the team from Head Office, and the chance to meet and network with fellow members from around Australia, New Zealand & Asia, who have also recently joined Educate Plus.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 19 June 2025 *NEXT WEEK*
Time: 1.00 – 2.00pm AEST. Please check your local times
Venue: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: This is free to attend for our Members. This is a Member only event.

Register Here / Find Out More | New Member Meet-Up

Welcome to our new SA/NT members who joined this quarter: 

Join us at the SA/NT Chapter Summit … the Premier Event of 2025

You are invited to join us at the SA/NT Chapter Summit!

The Program features an exceptional lineup of speakers and expert practitioners who are shaping the future of Advancement, and includes a mix of:

• 1 Leadership Breakfast with Guest Speaker
• 4 Inspiring Keynotes
• 18 Engaging Sessions
• plus 2 Sit-Down Lunches, Networking Drinks and a Summit Dinner

The SA/NT Chapter Summit is designed to equip you with the latest insights, practical strategies and real-world solutions. And, at just $525 (Member Early Bird Rate), the 2-Day Summit represents extraordinary value, providing the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and like-minded professionals who, like you, are committed to making a lasting impact!

We welcome members and non-members across all education sectors of our SA/NT schools, colleges and universities.

Event Details
Date: Thursday 11 and 12 September 2025
Time: 2 Full Days
Place: Victor Harbor Convention Centre

• To view Program, CLICK HERE
• To apply for a Bursary, CLICK HERE

Hurry … Early Bird rates close on Friday 27 June 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity … Let’s Make Tomorrow —together.

Register Here / Find Out More | SA/NT Chapter Summit

Thank You to our SA/NT Principal Summit Sponsors

Convenient Online Learning

We invite you to join us for these Online Professional Development events …

		WEBINAR | Excellence Award Series – Fundraising Capital Campaign / Major Gifts Event Details  Date: Tue 17 June *NEXT WEEK* Time: 1.30pm-2.15pm AEST Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; $75 (+gst) for Non-Members Presenter: Susan Ali, St. Aloysius’ College  Facilitator: Thank you to our 2024 Excellence Awards Partner, Global Philanthropic for facilitating this session. Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE
		WEBINAR | New Member Meet-Up Event Details Date: Thurs 19 June Time: 1pm-2pm AEST Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; $75 (+gst) for Non-Members Presenter: Tina Fleming, Danielle Hargrove & Sona Swindley, Educate Plus

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

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 John Kramer, Senior Consultant, Philanthropy

About John Kramer
John Kramer has dedicated more than 30 years to the field of educational advancement, building a distinguished career marked by integrity, leadership, and impact. He began his journey at Scotch College Adelaide in 1991 as Executive Officer of the Foundation, later becoming Head of Advancement with oversight of marketing, communications, enrolments, public relations, and the Foundation. He went on to serve as Director of Development at Westminster School and spent several years as a consultant.

In 2017, John returned to Scotch College Adelaide, where he was a key member of the Philanthropy Team that helped raise over $10 million for DARE: The Centenary Campaign.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to educational advancement across Australasia, John was awarded the prestigious Trevor Wigney Award in 2006, an honour that acknowledges exceptional service to the sector in Australia.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you…
Before moving into Advancement, I was a qualified Arts teacher with degrees in Arts and Education. I taught Art for 20 years across the Northern Territory and South Australia. That rewarding chapter of my career continues to influence how I approach creativity and connection in my work today.

What led you to your present role? What is your favourite aspect?
I was drawn to this role because of my strong connection to the Scotch community and my passion for working with people. I really value being part of a collaborative team, and what I love most is helping individuals and families bring their dreams to life by making meaningful gifts to Scotch. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of their generosity on the lives of others.

How long have you been a member of Educate Plus?
I’ve been a member since 1991, back when it was known as ADAPE. At that time, there were just five of us sitting around a table, so it’s been wonderful to see how Educate Plus has grown over the years. The connections I’ve made and the opportunities that have come from being part of this community have been invaluable, both professionally and personally.

How has being a member contributed to your career development?
Being a member of Educate Plus has been invaluable to my career. The connections I’ve made across Australia and internationally have opened countless opportunities for learning and growth. One of the highlights of my career was visiting the Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, USA, an experience made possible through the networks and relationships built through Educate Plus. It’s these kinds of connections that have truly enriched my professional journey.

Who would you like to have lunch with and where?
I’d love to have lunch with John Maxwell, who has written hundreds of books on leadership. His insights into leadership and personal growth have had a lasting impact on me. I’d choose Maude, Chef Curtis Stone’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Beverly Hills, CA—not only for the exceptional food but also because it would give me the chance to visit my son who lives in Los Angeles.

Favourite food and why?
A really good steak—simple, delicious, and best of all, it’s gluten-free.

Where is your favourite travel location and why?
Breckinridge, Colorado. It’s a vibrant mountain town with excellent powder snow and some of the best skiing I’ve ever experienced.

What does success look like to you?
Success means leaving a meaningful legacy both personally and professionally. It’s about making a lasting difference that reflects your values and positively impacts others long after you are gone.

Thank you John Kramer! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!

How to Make School Photography Easy …

Thank you to advancedlife for their support of the QLD Chapter!

For more than 40 years, photographed Primary Schools and High Schools with enrolments ranging from four to 4000 students nationally. As the largest family-owned school photography company in Australia, we bring unparalleled expertise to coordinating, photographing, and delivering your school photos. At advancedlife, we are dedicated to making images and data useful and accessible, so you can focus on more important things.

We use the highest quality Canon cameras and industry leading printers to ensure every photo is crisp, clear, and professionally finished. Our advanced systems and products are designed to be easy to use, instantly available, and responsive to your evolving needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient photography process that delivers high-quality images schools and families can rely on. We capture, print, and archive stunning school photos that your community will love.

We have been a proud Chapter sponsor for Educate Plus in Educate Plus in South Australia and the Northern Territory for eight years, supporting the professional development of those working in school administration, Admissions, Marketing, and Fundraising. As a Chapter Sponsor, we are committed to strengthening our connection with the education sector and contributing to the success of professionals who help schools thrive.

Our free online school photography services streamline the entire process, making it easier for schools to manage student records and access high quality images. Our offerings include:

• advancedaccess, a secure image archive for schools
• advancedcapture, which allows schools to take images of newly enrolled students using a mobile device
• create & print, which enables schools to customise artwork using their own images and data
• advancedyou, a personal image archive for every student, ensuring memories are preserved and accessible

We make school photography easy so you don’t have to worry.

Want to know more? Let’s talk.
📧 contactus@advancedlife.com.au
📞 1300 728 972
🌐 www.advancedlife.com.au

Why Schools Should Continually Refine Their Enrolment Process

Thank you to EnrolHQ for their support of the SA/NT Chapter!

The Enrolment journey is one of the most critical touchpoints between a school and prospective families. First impressions count, and a seamless process can set the tone for a strong, long-term relationship. But just because your enrolments process worked well five years ago doesn’t mean it’s still the best approach today. Schools that regularly refine their enrolment processes stay ahead of changing family expectations, technological advancements, and competitive pressures.

Meeting the Expectations of Modern Parents

Today’s parents expect efficiency and convenience when enrolling their child. “Expecting parents to just follow your antiquated and restrictive enrolment procedures doesn’t cut it in 2025”, says Director of Product, Eddy Chan from FrollQ. “Most parents are accustomed to seamless digital experiences in all aspects of life, from banking to booking a session at the gym to online shopping. If your school’s enrolment process feels slow, confusing, or outdated, families can quickly form a negative perception before they even step foot on campus.”

As a first step, Eddy suggests asking some questions like:

• Are families getting lost in a maze of paperwork or online forms? Do they call or email and ask lots of questions about the process?
• Are your online forms mobile-friendly?
  Are follow-up emails timely and engaging?
• Are you asking parents for the same information over and over?
• Do you have an easy way to track the enrolment documentation that has been supplied?
• What is the source of truth for all your enrolment data and how easy is this to manage?

Knowing that, for example, you have many silos of enrolment data or need help with getting orientation forms submitted on time, helps you plan the next steps. “Once you know what the issues are, it’s time to ask around and do some research as we know that most schools typically experience the same or very similar problems.” Eddy says. “Utilising the Educate Plus forums and catch-ups or talking to vendors and consultants in the admissions space can be a massive help. You also may need someone external that can help you implement change and sell the new direction to your leadership.

Technology and the Power of Switching Tools

In the last 3 years, enrolment software has evolved rapidly, and clinging to your current system may be holding you back. If your team is still juggling duplicate profiles, taking information offline into spreadsheets, or relying on multiple tools to get the job done, the enrolment experience may be more frustrating for staff than it needs to be.

As enrolments specialists, we know the freedom and power that comes from schools that move to a fully integrated system. They benefit from fully online processes, automated workflows, seamless communication, and real-time reporting. Instead of manually chasing documents or tracking forms across different systems, staff can focus their time on personalising the experience for families.

As Eddy says “The right system doesn’t just make enrolment easier for parents–it also helps schools capture and convert more enquiries into confirmed places.

Strengthening Retention

Finally, a well-structured, user-friendly enrolment process isn’t just about getting students through the door. It also contributes to higher retention rates which are so important.

Families who experience a smooth transition into the school community are more likely to feel positive about their choice and recommend your school to others. Did you know parents are most vocal to their family and friends about their choice of schooling in their first six months of starting at a new school? The onboarding process plays a critical part in this period.

So, how do I make improvements?

As a start, have a system in place to ask for parent feedback. At regular times, listen to your enrolments team about their frustrations, and use data to analyse the time spent completing various tasks. Knowing both qualitative and quantitative data about your process to help implement change will ensure your school remains responsive, efficient, and attractive to prospective families. Enrolment isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing commitment to improvement.

Article supplied by SA/NT Principal Chapter Sponsor, EnrolHQ

Alumni Giving: How to Build a Sustainable Culture of Giving Back

This article written by Clive Pedley, CEO and Director, Giving Architects

Alumni play a crucial role in the sustainability and growth of educational institutions. Their contributions, whether financial contributions, volunteering, or through mentorship and advocacy, help create opportunities for current and future students. Establishing a culture of Alumni Giving is about fostering a lasting sense of belonging, gratitude, and shared responsibility for the institution’s continued success. 

At Giving Architects, we are big believers in extending the definition of Alumni beyond graduating students. We have found that where relationships are nurtured many past participants in the life of your institution may choose to stay connected and support your vision. Past parents, grandparents, past staff, past Board and committee members or anyone who has been involved in the life of your institution – in our opinion they all represent your wider Alumni Community. You can still preserve a special place for past students and traditional Alumni, but there is so much more to be gained from taking this broader approach. 

Encouraging Alumni Giving often begins with strengthening connections from the moment all of these people enter the institution. If that is not a strength of your past, you can change so it is true from today onwards. Creating meaningful experiences, engaging students in philanthropy early on, highlighting the impact of historical giving and fostering the value of lifelong relationships can lay the groundwork for sustained giving. Universities and schools need to communicate the impact of Alumni support and involvement through great storytelling and testimonials, reinforcing the value of many types of personal contributions. 

Personalised engagement strategies are key to maintaining strong Alumni relationships, especially when embracing the wider Alumni constituency. Institutions can use data analytics to tailor outreach efforts, but this is best supplemented with ongoing personal conversations with diverse Alumni from different eras, ensuring all Alumni feel valued and connected. Whether focused on the giving of time, talent, treasure or testimony that positively contributes to your institution’s future, a donor journey mapping process embedded into strategy and planning will undoubtedly build a greater culture of giving back. 

Effective communication that resonates with a broad Alumni can be challenging. Personalised and segmented regular updates through different channels and exclusive Alumni events can enhance a sense of belonging. Doing this well often requires ongoing testing and measuring as technology solutions evolve. Recognising and celebrating Alumni achievements and connections through storytelling, presentations that demonstrate how you truly value these important relationships and how they contribute back to the life of the institution. 

Offering flexible giving options is another important factor in sustaining giving from your wider Alumni. Providing multiple ways to contribute, from one-time gifts and recurring donations though to collective endowments and planned giving, ensures that Alumni can support the institution in a way that suits their circumstances. Traditional campaigns, giving days, matching gift programmes, and crowdfunding initiatives can also boost participation and engagement. But ultimately nothing will grow the culture of giving back more than attention for personalised relationship management. 

By aligning Alumni contributions with the vision of your institution’s leadership and strategic priorities, as well as consistently demonstrating tangible outcomes and impact, your institution can build trust and encourage a culture of generosity.  

Ultimately, fostering a sustainable culture of Alumni Giving requires consistent effort, great communication, and genuine engagement. By embedding the meaning of philanthropy into Alumni relationships, educational institutions can create a lasting legacy of support that benefits generations to come. 

Giving Architects has the pleasure of working with many institutions to establish, restart, build and capitalise on a variety of Alumni starting points. There are many variables to factor in when creating an informed and effective strategy that optimises outcomes from each starting point. Reach out to schedule an obligation free discovery call and let’s discover some direction for your future improved Alumni Giving. 

Thank You to Our Valued Partners

Thank You …

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic and Chapter Partners, who support Educate Plus and the SA/NT Chapter in our activities and enable us to provide wonderful opportunities to our members and non-members. We ask that you please consider supporting them, so that in turn, they can continue to support us. 

Thank You to our SA/NT Chapter Sponsors

Thank You to our SA/NT Chapter Professional Development Sponsors

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Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners

Connect with Colleagues

Stay Connected…

Keep in contact with your fellow Advancement professionals to keep abreast of best practice, discover new approaches and technologies and gain valuable industry insights.

To keep you to up to date with what’s happening at Educate Plus and within your sector, please connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.