Welcome to the new VIC/TAS Chapter Committee
We are thrilled to welcome our new Chapter President Adam Liddiard. Adam has served on the Chapter Committee for a number of years. We would also like to welcome our newest members Marion Cape and Tracey Grobbelaar. Marion joins us from Strathcona Girls Grammar and Tracey from Siena College. We look forward to working with Tracey and Marion in 2021.
Welcome to Tracey Grobbelaar, Director of Development and Community Relations, Siena College
1. What is your current role at your school and what does this involve?
I am the Director of Development and Community Relations at Siena College. My role includes the strategic direction and operations of the College’s Development Office encompassing admissions, marketing and communications, development and advancement, our alumnae community and archives. Positive engagement across community stakeholders and groups is a key aspect as is collaboration with team members, staff and members of the wider community to ensure effective and efficient promotion of the College. I am also responsible for fundraising, master planning, capital development and our scholarship program.
2. Why have you decided to join the Educate Plus VIC/TAS Committee?
I have been a member of Educate Plus since 2009 and have attended many conferences and Educate Plus events. I feel it is time to give back to the education sector and assist where I can.
3. What are some of your interests outside of work?
I love running, walking and being outdoors.
4. Who have been some of your great mentors in your life.
I have been lucky enough to be mentored by several people including my previous principal, Gaynor Robson-Garth, Ivan St Clair, Partner at Ernst and Young and Tony Grant, Siena College Business Manager.
5. Favourite travel destination and why.
Europe, in particular Vienna. In 2019 I travelled to several European destinations and spent much of my time in Munich as part of my MBA studies.
6. Best book ever read?
I have just completed the book by Ronni Kahn – A Repurposed Life, she is an incredible lady, the OzHarvest charity queen. Ronni is not only an innovator but also a truly inspirational lady making a difference in our world.
7. Tell us one thing about yourself that many might not know.
I have just completed two years of study at ACU completing an Executive Masters of Business Administration. I have not studied in over 27 years, I really challenged myself but have finally finished.
Welcome to Marion Cape, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Strathcona Girls Grammar
1. What is your current role at your school and what does this involve?
I am the Director of Marketing and Admissions and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Strathcona Girls Grammar. I have an extensive career in the schools’ sector, encompassing community engagement, admissions, marketing, alumni, communication, event management and PR. At Strathcona, together with my team we work towards building healthy levels of enrolments whilst providing a high level of customer service to prospective families. We are also an integral part of the Professional Staff Team at Strathcona, here to support staff, students, alumnae and families. It is our role to work strategically to communicate and elevate Strathcona’s brand presence and to showcase the exceptional level of learning, engagement and care of the Strathcona community.
2. Why have you decided to join the Educate Plus VIC/TAS Committee?
Throughout my career in independent schools I have been fortunate to be supported and mentored through a very connected, generous and vibrant community of networked colleagues. The exchange of ideas, support through challenging times, factual practical advice and friendships have been an important part of my working life. Educate Plus is a vital cog in keeping us all connected and provides a continual learning platform. I wanted to be part of that contribution.
3. What are some of your interests outside of work?
Family, travel, reading and long walks on the beach.
4. Who have been some of your great mentors in your life.
My grandfather was my earliest mentor. He instilled into me very early in my life the value of education leading to my own study and ultimately working in this field. It is a very rewarding career knowing you contribute to the education of young people. I have also been generously mentored by my current and previous Principals, my husband, with his extensive career in management and my good friend Donna Galloway with her expertise in Admissions.
5. Favourite travel destination and why.
Sri Lanka, my first employment was working for Air Lanka as a general sales agent in Melbourne. I was fortunate enough to take a few Agent Familiarisation trips. I love the diversity of the country from the beauty of the beaches, the vibrancy of the cities to the green rolling hills of the Tea Plantations. The history and beautiful colonial buildings are fascinating. The Sri Lankan people are warm and friendly natural hosts with wonderful food!
6. Best book ever read?
I Know This Much Is True, by Wally Lamb. It’s a beautiful story about family, commitment and sacrifice.
7. Tell us one thing about yourself that many might not know.
English is my second language and I am reasonably fluent in Dutch. My parents and grandparents were migrants and I did not start speaking English until I went to school in Prep. This does give me an affinity and appreciation of newly migrated families who are still learning our language, especially new students.
