From the Chapter President

Dear SA/NT Members,

As the end of term draws near, it is an ideal time to reflect on a year of growth, learning, and collaboration within the SA/NT Chapter. Our guiding theme, ‘Empowering Success’, has been at the heart of everything we have done. From our International Conference to local Chapter events, our focus has been on creating opportunities for professional growth, building strong connections, and fostering a collaborative network.

A big part of this has been learning from one another, with many of our events hosted at member schools. This includes a highlight of this term – a capital campaign case study with John Groom, held at St Andrew’s School.

If you have not yet registered for the Christmas Drinks next Wednesday, 27 November at 5pm at The Caledonian Hotel, we warmly encourage you to do so. (To register, click here) It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the year’s successes and connect with colleagues in a relaxed, festive setting.

None of what we have achieved this year would have been possible without the unwavering support of our Chapter Partners, Openbook Howden, advancedlife Photography, and communikate et al, and also our Event Partners, Little Shove Mentoring and Richmond Associates. Your involvement continues to elevate the quality of our events and opportunities, and for this, we are immensely grateful.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our incredible SA/NT Chapter Committee [Beck Healy, Joanna Arvanitis, Julie Dow, Ana Gozalo, Paul Bailey, Sue Cvijanovic, Alexandra Gonzalez Salas, Vanessa Grave, Jo Gray, Carly Hocking, Belinda Mears, Victoria Richardson and April Ridgway], and all those who have supported our Chapter as volunteers this year – whether as speakers, hosting events, as mentors or in other ways. Together, we have built a strong foundation for growth, and it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such passionate and dedicated professionals.

I also wanted to acknowledge and thank the following departing Committee Members, for their tireless efforts in serving our Chapter:  Ana Gozalo, Alexandra Gonzalez Salas and Carly Hocking. I am grateful to you for your many years of unwavering support to all of us in the SA/NT Community. I am also excited to welcome new member David Botha to the SA/NT Committee next year. It will be wonderful to work with you as we continue to add value to the SA/NT members.

Looking ahead, plans for 2025 are already taking shape, with the SA/NT Chapter Summit scheduled for 11-12 September in Victor Harbor. Please save the date – it promises to be an impactful and collaborative event, with further details to follow in the new year.

Thank you for being part of the journey with us this year. Together, we have fostered connections, shared knowledge and strengthened our Advancement community. As we close this chapter of 2024, I wish you all a joyful Christmas break and look forward to all that we will achieve in 2025.

With best wishes  

Helen Karapandzic
SA-NT Chapter President | Educate Plus

Director of Philanthropy
Prince Alfred College

hkarapandzic@pac.edu.au

Celebrate With Us at Christmas Drinks … This Wednesday!

You Are Invited…

Join together with the Educate Plus SA/NT Committee to celebrate a successful 2024 at Christmas Drinks on Wednesday 27 November.

It has been a year to remember with the International Conference in Perth, and some incredible professional development opportunities, including the recent presentation by John Groom, Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at the Hutchins School. Hobart.

Please join us to celebrate the year that was, as we prepare for a successful 2025, including the 2025 SA/NT Chapter Summit in September.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 27 November 2024
Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
Venue: The Caledonian Hotel, 219 O’Connell St, North Adelaide SA 5006
Cost: Canapés and your Welcome drink are included. Beverages at bar prices at your own expense

To Register:

Register Here / More Info | SA/NT Christmas Drinks

Thank you to Advanced Life, SA/NT Chapter Partner

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 this quarter (see below). We are thrilled to have you as part of our SA/NT Chapter community!

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

Recognition of Excellence

SA/NT Excellence Awards: Presented at the Educate Plus International Conference, held in Perth, Australia, 10-13 September 2024 

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our members and their institutions. 

Institution Awards:

• Fundraising Annual Giving – Giving Day: Winner | Westminster School, SA
• Fundraising Annual Giving – Giving Day: Finalist | Concordia College
• Fundraising Event: Finalist | Prince Alfred College, SA
• Admissions Impact on a Shoestring: Finalist | King’s Baptist Grammar School, SA
• Alumni Or Community Engagement Event: Finalist | Pembroke School, SA
• Marketing Publication or Collateral: Finalist | Pembroke School, SA

Image: Westminster School, SA

Take Your Career to the Next Level – Advancement Practitioner Training

Empower yourself for success!

The Advancement Practitioner Training (APT) Program is coming to Adelaide in March 2025!

The APT program is an outstanding opportunity to build your confidence, expand your expertise, and make a meaningful impact at your institution while advancing your career.

Whether you’re new to the field or an intermediate-level practitioner, APT provides the foundational skills, tools, and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving Advancement landscape. Led by experienced practitioners and consultants, this training offers practical strategies and invaluable insights that will keep you updated with the latest industry trends.

Why Register for the Advancement Practitioner Training?

• Enhance your professional credibility and demonstrate your commitment to Advancement.
• Elevate career opportunities and gain a competitive edge for promotions.
• Prepare for greater responsibilities with hands-on knowledge and skills.
• Expand your network with peers across Australasia, building connections that support your growth.
• Refine your expertise and stay current with best practices.
• Celebrate your achievements and strengthen your professional profile.

Advancement Practitioner Training Details

Dates: Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 March
Times: 2 Full Days Training (4 Programs, run concurrently)
Venue: Stamford Grand Adelaide

There are 4 courses, each running concurrently:

• Admissions
• Alumni & Community Relations
• Fundraising
• Marketing & Communications

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future—register for the APT Program (Adelaide 2025) and empower yourself for success in Advancement!

For payment information and course outlines (and to Register!), click below:

Register Here / More Info | Advancement Practitioner Training

2025 SA/NT Summit … Save the Date!

SA/NT Chapter Summit  

Get ready for a fabulous 2 days of Professional Development and Networking with your local colleagues!

Mark your calendars! We invite you to SAVE THE DATE to join us at the 2025 SA/NT Chapter Summit to be held as follows:

Event Details
Date: Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September 2025
Place: Victor Harbor Convention Centre

You won’t want to miss this transformative experience, in a fabulous venue, with colleagues from across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

There will be learning experiences in the 6 Educate Plus streams, including Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Leadership and People & Culture.

Make sure to include it in your budget now! Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network or be inspired by the latest Advancement practices, trends and insights … the 2025 SA/NT Summit is for you!

Registration will be open early in 2025.

Straight to the Heart: How Compelling Statistics and Deep Understanding Inform Powerful Marketing

This article was submitted by Communikate et al | SA/NT Chapter Partner

In a modern world where women are empowered to be leaders, innovators, disruptors, carers, thinkers, creators and challengers, a nuanced and data-informed marketing approach is crucial to successfully position an all-girls college in a competitive market.

The oldest all-girls school in South Australia, St Mary’s College (est. 1869), recently launched a brand and marketing campaign demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities girls and women face. Based on a comprehensive enrolment strategy, the approach is fresh and unique.

Central to the new campaign positioning is the insight that 1 in 2 girls today believe they are not enough. This belief impacts their wellbeing, education, and, ultimately, their future.

The “I am.” campaign focuses on the synergy of wellbeing and learning at St Mary’s. It recognises that a St Mary’s education provides students with security and support, which builds confidence and, in turn, fuels academic achievement. You simply can’t have one without the other.

Parents intrinsically understand the importance of this balance. The campaign speaks directly to the heart of every parent negotiating the world of self-image, societal expectations and modern opportunities with their daughter.

Reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the school community, the campaign features more than a dozen students. It highlights St Mary’s commitment to recognising and celebrating every student for their unique qualities and needs. This is communicated through a custom illustrative layered mark of four different typefaces, a newly expanded colour palette, and a series of “I am” statements from the students.

The integrated brand and marketing campaign was developed in partnership with communikate et al.

It included:

• Stakeholder research and focus groups
• Brand workshop, strategy and narrative development
• Campaign concept development
• Content shoot (video and photography)
• Campaign style guide
• Content marketing strategy
• Social media content
• Marketing advisory
• Design rollout and production management, including bus shelters, signage, collateral and digital assets
• Digital advertising campaign

Students, staff and parents have been effusive in their response to the campaign, saying that it beautifully captures the spirit of the school and the reality of raising and educating girls and young women. The video elicits laughs, knowing nods and, without fail, tears!

This is where the power lies in a carefully developed marketing strategy. It draws on the truth of the audience’s experience and tells the story they want their daughter to be a part of.

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 Julie Dow | Director of Admissions, Torrens Valley Christian School | SA/NT Chapter Secretary

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

I’m an absolute ballet fan.  I took classical dance lessons for many years and one of my most memorable moments was seeing Dame Margot Fonteyn dance in the Merry Widow in 1976.  At 12 years of age, I was completely star struck as I sat in the front row seat and watched her.

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

My mum worked in school libraries and I loved the idea of working in a school community.  I started in Administration and was drawn to Admissions as I truly enjoy the interaction with families and building relationships.  

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

I joined the Committee in 2021 but I was a member of ADAPE (Educate Plus was previously known as ADAPE) back in 2006 and always enjoyed the high quality PD and networking.  A highlight many years ago was attending an ADAPE breakfast hosted by Natasha Stott-Despoya.  

4.What has being a member of Educate Plus done to help your career development?

Educate Plus has added so much to my career development. The Advanced Practitioner Training really empowered me to review and improve our processes and being able to access relevant, contemporary PD means I feel confident we are keeping up to date with best practice. There have been many opportunities for me to meet people working in all types of schools and colleges who are happy to share their tips and expertise which, in turn, has allowed me to help others.  There’s no need to feel isolated even if you are in a team of one – the Educate Plus network is friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help.

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

Although it’s not possible, I would like to have lunch with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein. I am an avid reader, particularly of fiction, and have read their books over and over again. I understand they were good friends and I think their conversation would be clever and also very funny. I’d treat them to a bowl of cauliflower and chestnut soup at “Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem” – the oldest café in my hometown of Nottingham.

6.Favourite food and why?

I love an amazing cheese/charcuterie platter. I recently had one of the best ones I’ve ever tasted at Down the Rabbit Hole winery in Mclaren Vale.

7. Where is your favourite travel location and why?

Definitely Port Douglas. I have been there more than a dozen times and it’s my happy place.  It’s a complete change of pace for me. I love the sunshine, exploring the pristine rainforest,  snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical views (not the crocodiles, though!).  Also, the amazing fine dining.

8.What does success look like to you? 

To me, success is about being the best version of myself and positively impacting the world.  I believe that a balanced life is the key to success – faith, family and freedom of choice.

Thank you Julie Dow! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!

Introducing OBH’s New HP Indigo 12000

This article was submitted by OpenBook Howden | SA/NT Chapter Partner

No matter your familiarity with printing, you’ve likely heard of Digital and Offset printing. Both methods have unique strengths and applications. Offset printing—the traditional method using ink stations and printing plates—excels with large-scale publications, offering greater efficiency as job sizes increase. Digital printing, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller runs, especially considering schools and colleges are printing more on demand. This allows for frequent updates to marketing collateral, taking advantage of technical advances and supporting sustainability by conserving paper.

Traditionally, Offset printing offered economies of scale for larger print runs but required producing “make-ready” sheets to achieve the picture-perfect imagery you see in final products. When we introduced our digital OCE printer in 2019, we immediately saw an environmental benefit. For SASTA, for instance, we saved over ten pallets—equating to 356,400 sheets—for their textbooks, also reducing electricity usage by 60%.

This year, we’re excited to announce a groundbreaking addition to OBH: our new digital offset machine, the HP Indigo 12000. This machine combines the best of both worlds—the efficiency of traditional offset with the digital technology that supports sustainable practices. With the HP Indigo, we no longer need printing plates, excessive make-readies, or time for ink drying. As soon as sheets are printed, they’re ready for binding. We anticipate a 30-40% reduction in paper usage for book and publication projects.

The HP Indigo 12000 surpasses traditional offset quality with 812 dots per inch, with an ability to produce prints that meet art gallery standards. Its seven ink stations ensure precise colour accuracy, covering up to 97% of Pantone colours.

An independent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) comparing the HP Indigo with traditional Offset highlights the HP Indigo’s environmental benefits:

• Global Warming Potential: ~80% reduction
• Ozone Depletion: ~75% reduction
• Resource Scarcity: ~80% reduction
• Water Use: ~85% reduction
• Fine Particulate Matter Formation: ~90% reduction
• Land Use: ~80% reduction
• Ecotoxicity: ~60% reduction

This transition to digital isn’t just a game changer for OBH; it’s also a step towards reducing your environmental impact. Reach out to us today to explore how we can make a sustainable difference together.

To find out more … openbookhowden.com.au

More Than a Campaign – The work of Advancement is from the Heart

Post-Event Wrap!

The SA/NT Chapter were thrilled to host John R Groom, Director of Advancement and Alumni and Anna Beattie, Advancement Manager from The Hutchins School in Hobart in early November. John shared his personal journey, insights and opportunities realised from the seven-year Building Campaign, including the profound impact of Community Engagement, and the breadth of work his team his team deliver.

Stewardship remains a cornerstone of their approach. It’s not just about building physical spaces but also activating and nurturing relationships, fostering responsibility, and ensuring the work of Advancement continue to serve the community for years to come. The commitment to stewardship ensures that the legacy of generosity and hard work is honoured, and that future generations will benefit from the opportunities created today.

Thank you to St Andrew’s School for hosting the event, and for the Principals, Foundation Members and Business Directors who attended. The work of Advancement in schools would not be realised without your support.

How Technology, Policies and Processes Can Assist with Waitlists

This article was provided by Digistorm | 2024 Strategic Partner

Managing ever-growing waitlists has become one of the most significant challenges facing K-12 admissions teams across Australia. With parents applying at multiple schools and expecting more than ever from each of them, the independent school admissions environment has become increasingly frantic with frequent emotionally charged conversations with families. Although there’s no quick-fix solution, managers can lean into technology, policies and processes to help lessen the strain and support their teams.

The Challenges

Growing Waitlists

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, waitlists were not a major concern for most schools. In the years since, the K-12 landscape has changed dramatically, and most schools now face a waitlist issue of some sort. For some schools, long waitlists apply at every year level, whereas for others, waitlists only apply at peak entry years such as Kindergarten or Year Seven. In other instances, there’s an issue with waitlisting specific to one gender, leaving schools with a gap or imbalance.

Higher Expectations from Parents

In Digistorm’s 2023/24 State of Admissions Report, data showed that 74% of schools had felt an increase in contact and communication with future families. When asked how dramatic the increase in communication felt on a scale of 100, schools ranked it an average of 94.

Parents today are more proactive during the admissions process, often placing their children on multiple waitlists and weighing up the decision with a keen eye. Higher expectations are putting pressure on admissions teams in various ways, most notably the volume of communication. Compounding this stress is the fact that the average size of an admissions team has remained unchanged, with 62% of schools reporting that just 1 or 2 people handle their school’s admissions. This is putting additional pressure on already stretched team members.

Tougher Conversations

Admissions teams — who could previously accommodate all applicants — now find themselves in the difficult position of having to turn families away. These conversations are emotionally charged, as parents are deeply invested in their children’s education and have often waited years in hope of a positive outcome.

The Solutions

Strong Enrolment Policies and Transparent Processes

A strong enrolment policy is essential for any school managing a waitlist. Every decision should be guided by this policy, and it should be clearly visible and accessible. This transparency helps manage parents’ expectations from the outset and avoids any surprises down the track.

Being open about your admissions process, timelines and what parents can expect is crucial for keeping families happy. This can be achieved through comprehensive FAQ documents on your website and using tools like Digistorm Funnel to send automated reminders and updates to parents. This will also lessen workloads by reducing the number of questions coming in.

Training for Difficult Conversations

Equip your admissions team with the skills to handle tough conversations empathetically. In larger teams, establish a consistent approach to these discussions so that everyone is on the same page. For smaller teams or solo admissions officers, building a network with other schools can provide valuable support and spark ideas.

Utilising Technology to Find Better Fit Families

Tools like Digistorm Funnel can help schools identify the best-fit families through lead scoring. This involves assigning points based on criteria important to the school, such as religious affiliation, siblings enrolled or alumni connections. This method streamlines the selection process, ensuring that the top candidates are prioritised. You may even be able to move some families off your waitlist sooner.

Moving Forward

Managing Waitlists is undoubtedly challenging, especially given how emotionally involved most parents are in the school decision. By implementing clear policies, maintaining transparency, training staff for difficult conversations and leveraging technology, schools can navigate these challenges more effectively. This approach not only helps manage parent expectations but also ensures a smoother admissions process for all involved.

The Flaws Inherent in Fundraising Events

The following two articles were sourced from the recent LinkedIn posts by Jim Langley of Langley Innovations

ARTICLE ONE

The Flaws Inherent in Fundraising Events

The most successful fundraising comes from iterative, interpersonal discussion; no one-time event will ever achieve as much as deliberate dialogue in optimising the giving potential of any prospect 
 
Many events develop their own following – golf tournaments are more likely to draw those more interested in playing 18 than in helping an at-risk teen; galas have a stronger probability of attracting those more interested in showcasing gowns than in coping with Downs. 

• Sponsors fill the tables or foursomes they buy with their constituents not yours 
• Alcoholic drinks do not deepen altruistic aspirations or make audiences more attentive; messages get lost or not fully absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Five years ago, Emily Haynes of the Chronicle of Philanthropy wrote, “Charities don’t understand what makes donors give. A new study finds many charities(59%) think live events matter, but few donors(18%) say they are ever inspired to give because they attend galas, lunches, and other gatherings.” 
 
That was five years ago. That was before COVID. I suspect notably fewer donors today are inspired to give by events.  
 
Therefore: 

• Don’t use events to raise money from causal observers, use them curate the conscientious and cultivate those with shared convictions 
•  Don’t provide expensive entertainment, offer substantive, soul-moving experiences that money can’t buy 

•  Don’t rent fancy offsite facilities, bring your donors onsite and inside – grittiness can be more moving than prettiness 

•  Don’t tell them about your mission, show them how you are fulfilling it 

• Don’t just present, discuss 

ARTICLE 2

A Fundraiser’s First Obligation …

It is to philanthropy itself. 
 
All ethical fundraisers and fundraising organisations must commit themselves, at bare minimum, to do no harm to philanthropy. At best, they must commit to engaging in practices that reinforce, renew and reignite the philanthropic spirit.  

Harm is done to philanthropy when organisations: 

•  Over-promise and under-deliver on promises made to donors 
•  Fail to spend money donated for current use in a timely way 
•  Don’t honor and preserve donor intent 
•  Prove themselves incapable of relating money given to specific sustainable societal outcomes 
•  Pursue fundraising goals that are not tied to the betterment of those their missions call them to serve or self-aggrandizing goals that are pulled out of the air to simply set records or to raise more than other organizations they wish to be seen as superior to.  

When fundraising is put in pursuit of the false, egotistical, greedy or poorly thought out, it harms philanthropy by leaving the philanthropic dissatisfied if not disillusioned, wondering what difference they have made and whether they should give as generously as they once did or if they should give at all.  
 
Some might argue that the fundraiser’s first obligation is to the organisation – but the wisest of fundraisers understand that the best way to protect the credibility of the organisation and its future fundraising potential is put the protection, preservation and perpetuation of philanthropy above all else. 

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 Partners

Thank You to our SA-NT Event Partners

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.