From the Chapter President

Dear Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Members,

At Educate Plus, we aim to think outside the box when considering how best to connect with our members and, most importantly, to find the most suitable times. 

Therefore, we are pleased to announce our Term 2 ‘in-person’ offerings.

We will continue to offer our popular morning Coffee Catch-ups on Thursday 1 June and Networking Drinks on Thursday 22 June. Please mark in your calendar and don’t forget to register here and here.

• SA/NT Coffee Catch-Ups: Thursday 1 June (3 Locations) – Register Here
• SA/NT Networking Drinks & Panel Discussion: Thursday 22 June (Robin Hood Hotel) – Register Here

In addition though, we are also excited to be adding something completely new to our calendar of events this Term!

I know that scheduling an early morning event often sees members arrive happy to see others, but then are constantly having to monitor the time, knowing work is mounting back in the office. Late afternoon events sound more favourable until 30 minutes before you are about to leave the office and that urgent deadline suddenly becomes urgent, and you know you’re not going anywhere. So, what is on offer? We are proposing Educate Plus Special Interest Groups (SIGs) during the Term 2 holiday break!

The SIGs will start with a light breakfast and an opportunity to mingle with colleagues, along with some of our Partners who will be in attendance to discuss their business solutions. Then we will move into two areas of discussion in a Round Table format:

• Marketing & Communications, covering topics such as content and video marketing, social media strategies for community engagement, using Facebook and Instagram Live for real-time engagement, and milestone celebrations.
• Admissions, covering aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Admissions, student retention strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on enrolments.

Of course, you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions and receive answers from your peers in the industry. To cap it off, we will take a tour of the new development at Scotch College, the Purruna Spencer Newton Centre. You’ve probably heard plenty about this amazing building, so now’s your chance to see it up close!

• SA/NT Special Interest Groups: Thursday 20 July (Scotch College) – Register Here

Looking beyond the school term, registrations are now open for our SA/NT Summit, to be held at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre on 14-15 September. The Summit will provide you with an opportunity to update your knowledge on current Advancement trends and promises to be a formative event for practitioners at all levels. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity for 2 days of Professional Development and Networking with colleagues, old and new!  

• SA/NT Summit: 14-15 September (Adelaide Hills Convention Centre) – Register Here

Wishing you all a productive and enjoyable term, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Ana Gozalo
Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter President

Director of Philanthropy – Development Programs, Pulteney Grammar School
Executive Member of the Pulteney Foundation
e: ana.gozalo@pulteney.sa.edu.au | t: 08 8216 5537 | m: 0437 822 264

The First Coffee is On Us!

EVENT | SA/NT Coffee Catch-Ups

The SA/NT Chapter is hosting Coffee Catch-ups at three different locations for your convenience, so choose the one that suits you best and start your day feeling more connected with like-minded individuals. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new faces or catch up with some existing friends.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 1 June 
• Time: 7:30 – 9.00am
• Cost: Your first coffee is on us!
• Venues: For your convenience, there is a choice of 3 locations (select upon registration): 
• • 30 Acres (The Parade, Norwood)
  • Milk + Honey (King’s Baptist College, Wynn Vale)
  • Café Finniss (28b Finniss St, Marion). 

Registration Details

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enjoy connecting with peers from other schools!

… and did we mention the first coffee is free!

More Info / Register | Coffee Catch-Ups

Join us at the Robin Hood Hotel

EVENT | SA/NT Networking Drinks & Panel Discussion

Success Strategies for Volunteer Engagement – A Panel Discussion. Join us for a relaxed evening of networking and socialising with fellow industry professionals, and what will be a fascinating panel discussion on the topic of Volunteer Engagement. The discussion will look at how to attract volunteers, how to look after them and how to make them an effective force in your organisation. We invite you to enjoy some delicious canapes and a complimentary drink as you connect with like-minded individuals.

Everyone is welcome – whether you are a member or not. So come along and meet new people, catch up with old acquaintances and hear the latest industry news. 

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 22 June
• Time: 5:00 – 7:30pm
• Location: The Robin Hood Hotel, 315 Portrush Rd, Norwood SA 5067
• Cost: Free for members; $50 for non-members (includes one complimentary drink on arrival)

Registration Details

We look forward to seeing you there and providing an update on all the latest industry happenings! 

More Info / Register | Networking Drinks

Sharing for Success

EVENT | SA/NT Special Interest Groups (SIGs) 

Your SA/NT Committee invites you to come along to a special, free, half-day event in the school holidays. This is an opportunity to take some time out in the last week of the July school holidays before the busyness of Semester 2 starts. 

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 20 July
• Venue: Purruna Spencer Newton Centre, Scotch College, Carruth Road Torrens Park
• Time(s): 9am-12.30pm
  • 9am: Light breakfast & networking. 
  • 9.30am: Round Table discussions.
    • Marketing & Communications SIG, covering topics such as content and video marketing, social media strategies for community engagement, using Facebook and Instagram Live for real-time engagement, and milestone celebrations.
    • Admissions SIG, covering aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion in admissions, student retention strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on enrolments.
  • 11.30am: Tour of Scotch College’s new Purruna Spencer Newton Centre. You would have heard so much about this amazing building so here is your chance to view it up close!
• Cost: Free

This event is brought to you by our SA/NT Chapter Partners, OpenBook Howden (OBH) and Nicknack, who will also be on hand during the event to talk about their business solutions. 

Registration Details

We hope you can join us!

More Info / Register | SIGS

Summit Registrations Now Open

EVENT | SA/NT Summit

Registrations are now open for you to join us at the 2023 SA/NT NEXUS Summit – which promises to be an incredible opportunity to reconnect, learn and grow Stronger Together! 

The SA/NT NEXUS Summit will provide immense value for all those working in any aspect of educational Advancement including:

• Fundraising & Development
• Admissions & Enrolments
• Marketing & Communications
• Alumni Relations & Community Engagement
• Leadership

We welcome all Members and Non-Members across all the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education sectors of our schools and universities.

Be inspired! We are STRONGER TOGETHER!

Event Details
Date: Thursday 14 and Friday 15 September, 2023
Time(s): 9.00am-4.45pm (Thursday) 
Time(s): 9.00am-4.30pm (Friday)
Place: Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, Hahndorf
Includes:

• 6.30pm Summit Dinner (Thursday)
• 7.30am Leadership Breakfast (Friday)

Summit Program 
The SA/NT Summit Committee has worked tirelessly to create a fabulous line-up of Workshops, Sessions and Speakers.

The SA/NT NEXUS Summit will provide the opportunity to attend a choice of over 16 Professional Development Sessions, hear from inspiring Keynote speakers, experience a Leadership Breakfast, Networking Lunches, and the chance to meet with Expert Exhibitors and relax with colleagues at the Summit Dinner.

To view the Program, CLICK HERE

Summit Pricing

Early Bird (until Friday 30 June)

• Member Registration: $460 (+gst)
• Non-Member Registration: $550 (+gst)
• Includes the 2-Day Summit, Dinner, the Leadership Breakfast and Closing Drinks

Standard (from Saturday 1 July 2023)

• Member Registration: $575 (+gst)
• Non-Member Registration: $690 (+gst)
• Includes the 2-Day Summit, Dinner, the Leadership Breakfast and Closing Drinks

Flexipass (available if colleagues want to share the Registration)

• Member Flexipass: $690 (+gst)
• Non-Member Flexipass: $828 (+gst)

Registration Details

This conference has something for everyone, so bring your whole team. It’s a chance to come together to learn and network and be inspired by the experiences that your peers and colleagues have created, led and celebrated!

More Info / Registration | SA/NT Summit

Upcoming Webinars

June is Jam-Packed with Professional Development Opportunities!

We invite you to join us from the comfort and convenience of your own desk! 

Facilitating Digital Community Engagement

Event Details
Date: Thursday 8 June, 2023
Time:  11am-12pm AWST 
Place: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free for Members; $35 (+gst) for Non-Members
Presenter: Merryn Parks, ToucanTech

More Info / Register | Facilitating Digital Community Engagement

Let’s Go On An Enrolment Journey

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 13 June, 2023
Time: 11am-12pm AWST 
Place: Online (via Zoom). 
Cost: Free for Members; $35  (+gst) for Non-Members
Speaker: Julie Drew, Registrar, Strathcona Girls Grammar, Melbourne

More Info / Register | Enrolment Journey

Excellence #5

Event Details
Alumni &/or Community Publication

Date: Thursday 15 June 2023
Time: 11am-12pm AWST
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free for Members: $35 (+gst) for Non-Members
Presenters:

• Rebecca Bauer, Old Girls’ Association, Somerville House
• Susan McGinley, Director of Advancement, The Womens’ College at UQ

Facilitator: Global Philanthropic

More Info / Register | Excellence #5

Advanced Virtual Presentation Skills

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 20 June 2023
Time: 11am-12pm AWST
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: $35 for Members (plus gst) and $ 50 for Non-Members (plus gst).

Hurry … This webinar is only available for the first 100 registrations!

More Info / Register | Presentation Skills

Introducing Alexandra Gonzalez-Salas

Each eNews, we would like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a Question & Answer type interview article. 

Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is Alexandra Gonzalez-Salas: Publications Officer, St Aloysius College …

1. Tell us something that might surprise us about you. 

I love to paint in my spare time. Painting is one of my favourite hobbies. Over the years, I’ve sold a few pieces of art, big and small. In my second year in Australia, I received an award from the Royal South Australian Society of Arts and have been involved in well-known exhibitions such as the SALA Festival. A few years later, one of my digital creations was published as the cover of the SA Writers Centre Inc magazine. I have painted 4 murals and recently, during my last vacation in South America (Venezuela), I was invited and inspired to design, sketch and paint a big wall at my childhood school. 

And … I love all things sweet, except chocolate (surprisingly!)

 2. What led you to your present role? What is your favourite aspect? 

I believe the combination of having worked in a school and being creative prepared me well for my role as Publications Officer at St Aloysius College. 

Early on in my career, I completed one year of a Teaching degree and realised that I loved working with people and becoming influential in their lives. Also, there were many educators in my family and being part of a school environment felt like second nature.   

While working in a private bilingual school in Venezuela as a Reading/Computer & Art assistant and helping with Communications/Admin services, I decided to pursue my artistic passion as well and completed a bachelor’s degree in design/illustration. Over three years I was submerged in creative studies with a focus on visual communications and expanded my studies in the USA (Boston, Massachusetts) undertaking more creative courses. 

Over the years I’ve built a portfolio and experience in creative and technical fields (Freelance design, Photography, Visual Arts, Digital Media, Website & Marketing materials). After working for a local Design Studio in Adelaide, photographing properties and producing floorplans, I realised that my heart lay in working with people and contributing to education. This led me to seek out a role where I could make a useful and effective contribution, ultimately bringing me to St Aloysius College.

My role at SAC has evolved significantly over the past nine years. I’ve enjoyed sharing my skills and learning from others. I’ve realised that capturing and sharing moments and producing fundamental publications and materials for our marketing campaigns are my favourite aspects of the role. Being part of the SAC Marketing team establishment was exciting as we focused on refreshing our branding and our vision for the coming years. It has been fascinating to see how big projects come together with great ideas, strong concepts and teamwork.

3. How long have you been a Member of Educate Plus?

I have been a member of Educate Plus for only a year, but I have already enjoyed it and aim to make the most of being part of this organisation. In fact, my enthusiasm for the group led me to run for a position on the Chapter Committee during the last AGM in November, and it was great to be elected. 

4. What has being a Member done to help your career development?

Being a member of Educate Plus has helped me and our SAC Marketing team to remain up-to-date in the industry. Things are constantly changing, and innovative Professional Development opportunities are indispensable and important for all workers in this field.

5. Who would you like to have lunch with and where?

I would have loved to invite my 100-year-old grandma for lunch at my home in Adelaide. My grandma lived overseas and recently left this world, and she used to host the most incredible, refined and delicious lunches and made the best desserts for our family gatherings. In an ideal world, I would’ve invited her years ago and made her proud by showing her around beautiful Adelaide. My grandma was a true example of how to live your life to the full. I am grateful for her meaningful and inspiring legacy and everything that I learned from her.

6. Favourite food and why?

I really love Thai food. I wonder if it’s because of the contrasting flavours. Having been born so close to the Caribbean, the taste of fresh vegetables, mild spices, and sweet and savoury flavours like peanuts, pineapple, and coconut are bliss to me! I could eat Thai food every day of the week and my family wouldn’t be surprised. 

I also love arepas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arepa). I can’t live without them.

7. Where is your favourite travel location and why?

Anywhere with bright blue clear waters! I just love being near the ocean.

One of my all-time favourite destinations is Los Roques, a Venezuelan archipelago around 160 kilometres north of the capital Caracas in the Caribbean Sea. It is renowned for its isolated and white-sand beaches. A true paradise! 

In South Australia, I’ve been transported and filled with the same excitement when exploring similar paradises including Kangaroo Island, Coffin Bay, Second Valley and Rapid Bay. I mostly like to travel where there are beautiful beaches, landscapes and sceneries. 

8. What does success look like to you?

To me succeeding looks like reaching a goal or accomplishing something you really worked hard to achieve. The main thing about real success is when these accomplishments and achievements align with who you really are and your values. I’d call this the best of the best success.

9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

Never forget your roots and where you’ve come from. Never stop learning. Always believe in yourself and do things one step at a time as the pieces will eventually come together. Always focus on how far you’ve come. “Experience is the teacher of all things.”

10. When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?

I’d like to be remembered as someone who intended to live life to the fullest. As someone who grew and learned from experiences and from others and was constantly seeking an opportunity for something better and greater. I’d like to be remembered as someone caring and who aimed to look after my family in the best possible way.

Building and Managing Your Volunteer Army

Article by Helen Karapandzic | Director of Advancement, Prince Alfred College

Across Australia, volunteering is in decline. According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, volunteering among people aged 18 years and over has fallen from 36.2% in 2010 to 28.8% in 2019[1]. COVID-19 has further impacted volunteer engagement and the ability of organisations to welcome volunteers on site.

This creates a challenge for schools. Volunteering is critical to the delivery of many schools’ priorities to build engaged and inclusive communities and, at a more fundamental level, to their delivery of programmes, activities and events.

It is a great time to take stock and get your volunteer programme working for you. Even in today’s challenging environment, by creating the right conditions for volunteering, you can set your school or institution up for success. 

1. Articulate a range of volunteering opportunities

Volunteering can take many forms: from sports coaches and classroom readers to career mentors and event organisers. Promoting a range of opportunities can allow volunteers to engage in ways that align best with their skills, interests, and availability.

2. Be explicit about the commitment

There is nothing worse than putting your hand up to help, only to find that the activity or the time commitment is different from what you were led to believe. Be realistic and upfront about the time commitment, duties and expectations so that volunteers know what to expect.

Board and Committee members, for example, should be provided with an overview of the group’s purpose, constitution or terms of reference, a position description and expected outcomes. Not only does this set expectations and focus proceedings but can also provide  a helpful reference point in the event of disagreement between members.

3. Structure volunteering opportunities to broaden engagement and ‘share the load’

Would-be volunteers are usually time poor. So often, the responsibility falls on the same few (worn out!) parents. Pairing year levels to volunteering opportunities can help attract new volunteers and share the load.

Break volunteer opportunities down into ‘bite size’ chunks.

4. Anticipate cancellations

When rostering volunteers, anticipate cancellations and aim to oversubscribe.

Sending a reminder 1-2 days before the  event to confirm participation is good practice and encourages people to let you know if they are no longer able to make it.

5. Create a positive experience for volunteers

The big day has arrived! Ensure volunteers are welcomed and briefed on arrival, know their roles and that someone is there to check in on them. 

Volunteering at an event can be hard work. Create opportunities for volunteers to take a break.

6. Thank your volunteers

Thanking your volunteers is a must and is often overlooked. Ideally, thank your volunteers individually within 24 hours, and collectively in any event write up on social media or in the school newsletter.

As part of your broader volunteer strategy, consider ways you can acknowledge your volunteers throughout the year. Perhaps hold an annual appreciation event for donors and volunteers or or give a small gift / handwritten card at the end of the year.

7. Promote the impact of volunteering

Volunteer hours are a form of giving. Aim to record volunteer hours and share the impact of volunteering in your communities, whether on social media, your website or annual Impact of Giving report.

By planning your volunteer programme strategically and creating the right conditions for volunteering, you can set yourself up for success. Creating a positive experience for volunteers is an important part of nurturing long-term supporters and fostering an engaged and supportive community. Do it right, and your volunteers may well turn out to be your greatest ambassadors.

Article by Helen Karapandzic | Director of Advancement, Prince Alfred College

Vice President, Educate Plus SA/NT Chapter Committee

[1] ABS 2020, viewed 20 November 2022: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/volunteers

Thank You to our Valuable Partners

We are grateful for your support!

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable partners, who support 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.

Welcome to our New Chapter Members

We can’t wait to meet you!

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

Our next ‘New Member Meetup’ is on 7 June, 2023. Closer to the date, we will send you a link to participate in this online session, which is open to all new Members across all Chapters. 

These sessions are a wonderful, informal way catch up with other new Members, and to hear more about the benefits of being a Member and what is available to you on our website. 

If you are new to Educate plus, click below to register for the New Member Meet-Up.

More Info / Register | New Member Meet-Up

Are You Connected on LinkedIn?

Connect on the Educate Plus Socials!

Stay connected 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 in the Advancement sector, please connect with Educate Plus on LinkedIn.