From the President

Dear VIC/TAS Members

I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits.

Summit Success: We are still in celebration mode following on from the successful VIC/TAS NEXUS Summit, held in Camberwell on 13 and 14 July. We are thrilled that we have received such positive feedback from the Summit, which saw over 270 Delegates, Partners, Exhibitors and Staff converge upon Siena College for 2 days of professional development and networking opportunities. 

The NEXUS ‘Stronger Together’ Summit provided such an incredible opportunity for us to showcase the talent, expertise, and accomplishments of our chapter and the wider Advancement community. It also successfully served as a platform to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and address critical challenges that shape our industry’s future.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Summit Committee members and volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to ensure the success of this Summit. Your commitment, creativity, and attention to detail were remarkable, and I am delighted that together, we delivered an outstanding event that surpassed all expectations.

I would also like to acknowledge our wonderful Partners, whose support enabled us to curate an exceptional program that included engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions, which all provided invaluable knowledge and inspiration to our Members.

Digistorm, Giving Architects, Potentiality, ToucanTech, Firefly, OpenBook Howden (OBH), Anzuk Education, Spectrum Analysis, NovaFlow Digital, YouTour, The Social School, DMC Group, iDAT, Alumnly, Fundraising Research & Consulting, Eastern Press, Gembridge, Charidy, Enquiry Tracker, JWB&Co, Meritis, Schoolbox, School House Agency, Arthur Reed Photos and Siena College, Camberwell

Together, we helped to shape the future of our industry and achieved new heights of success.

Welcome: I am delighted to welcome three new committee members to the VIC/TAS committee:

• Connie Parashis, Head of Events & Alumni Relations, Westbourne Grammar School
• Mirella Busso‑Lee, Alumni Coordinator, Ivanhoe Grammar School
• Anna Beattie, Advancement Manager, The Hutchins School, TAS

We congratulate Connie, Mirella  and Anna on their appointment to the Committee and look forward to working with them over the coming months. 

Upcoming In-Person Events: With the Summit now behind us, the VIC/TAS Chapter Committee have continued to work behind the scenes to plan the Professional Development and Networking Events for the remainder of the year. Further information will be published shortly, but in the interim we encourage you to save the dates for the following:

• Regional Networking Drinks: 8 September, 4pm-6pm, at the Wharf Shed, Geelong
• Tasmania PD: October
• End of Year Event / AGM: 23 November, 4pm-6pm (At locations in both Melbourne and Tasmania)

I look forward to welcoming you all to these in-person events and to meeting with as many of you as possible.

Warm regards,

Tracey Grobbelaar
VIC/TAS Chapter President
Director of Development and Community Relations
Siena College

Upcoming Events and Webinars

We invite you to join us at the following Professional Development and/or Networking opportunities:

Regional Networking Lunch

Event Details
Date: Friday 8 September 2023
Time: 12.00pm-2.30pm
Location: The Wharf Shed, Geelong. 15 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Cost: $20 for Members; $30 for Non-Members. Includes a drink (Beer, wine or softdrink) and a meal. Cash bar available for additional purchases.
Partner: Thank you to Arthur Reed Photos

Click Here for More Information and to Register

Online Marketing SIG

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 8 August 2023
Time:  2.30pm–3.15pm AEST (12.30pm AWST; 4.30pm NZST)
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free for Members, $35 for Non-Members (plus gst).
Facilitator: Clare Underdown, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School

Click Here for More Information and to Register

Excellence Series #6 – Alumni and/or Community Campaign

Event Details
Date: Friday 11 August 2023
Time: 1pm-1.30pm AEST (11am AWST; 3pm NZST)
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free for Members; $35 (+gst) for Non-Members
Presenters: Linda Sprott, Executive Director and Rachel Muir, Associate Director, Caulfield Grammarians’ Association Thank you to our 2022 Excellence Awards Partner Global Philanthropic for facilitating this session.

Click Here for More Information and to Register

A Savvy Marketer’s Guide to Website Design

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 15 August 2023
Time: 1pm-2pm AEST (11am AWST; 3pm NZST)
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: Free for Members; $35 (+gst) for Non-Members
Presenters: Timo Neiuwoudt and Amy Wadell, Digistorm

Click Here for More Information and to Register

We Need to Redefine the Concept of Value

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 22 August 2023
Time: 1pm-2pm AEST (11am AWST; 3pm NZST)
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: $35 (+gst) for Members; $50 (+gst) for Non-Members
Presenter: Andrew Griffiths, Corporate Advisor, International Speaker and Media Commentator

Click Here for More Information and to Register

Partner Thank You

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable partners, who support the 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 Educate Plus Strategic Partners

Strategic Partner – Digistorm	Strategic Partner – Giving Architects

Strategic Partner – Potentiality	Strategic Partner – ToucanTech

Strategic Partner – Firefly	Strategic Partner – OpenBook Howden

Thank You to our Summit Partners

Summit Partner and Leadership Stream Partner	Summit Partner and Marketing & Communications Stream Partner

Thank You to our Social, Awards Lunch, Lunch, Satchel, Session Stream and Newcomer Scholarship Partners

Introducing Connie Parashis

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

Therefore, in the hotseat this edition, is Connie Parashis, Head of Events and Alumni Relations, Westbourne Grammar School

1. When and where did your career in education begin?

My first experience in education began at my very first job! I worked in the TAFE sector as a temp during my university studies. Following my studies, I moved into a member organisation and worked in higher education events. I joined Westbourne Grammar School in 2015 and have been part of this great community since!

2. What interests you most in terms of your role?

Every day is different! No two events look the same – and there is always room for change and growth. This coupled with the sheer amount of people I get to interact with – students and teachers, suppliers, incredible venues, and entertainers!

3. What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

Event day! Seeing my vision come to life – and watching the excitement and gratitude when our guests enter the room.

4. Who is your biggest role model in terms of leadership?

My first manager, a lovely mentor by the name of Ruth who I am still connected with! She proved to be an incredible guide during my early career – and most certainly influenced my style of working and encouraged me to be the best version of myself.  

5. What aspect of your role do you love the most?

In my new role I have the opportunity to work very closely with our Westbourne Alumni Association – at present the most exciting part for me is getting to know our Alumni, their deep personal connections with the school, and the journey we are on to continue the interactions with our students’ past school life. 

6. What are you currently doing that would be of interest to other members in Educate Plus

Westbourne is actively working towards frequent interactions with our Alumni, including our inaugural Alumni Networking event coming this October – designed to bring past students together to network and spend the evening learning about current global issues!

7. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Passionate, methodical, detail-oriented, organised and fun!

8. For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them?

Get to know your audience! Whilst there are always set ways to do any sort of Advancement role, I believe strongly in tailoring experiences based on your own community – it provides the much-needed personal touch that communities seek and goes a long way in engaging new life into Advancement!

Introducing Mirella Busso-Lee

In this edition of the VIC/TAS eNews, we are lucky to be introduced to not 1, but 2 of our wonderful Chapter Members. Therefore, we’d also like to introduce you to another of our new Committee Members: Mirella Busso-Lee, Alumni Coordinator, Ivanhoe Grammar School

1. When and where did your career in education begin?

Back in August 2011 through my network I was approached by a Committee Member at the Old Paradians’ Association (Parade College) to assist with an event on a seven-week secondment. I was working part time in the corporate sector at the time so agreed to work the extra 2 days for 7 weeks to help them out and ended up staying 8 years! 

I joined Ivanhoe Grammar School in March 2019 and attended my first event on day three!

It has been great working in both the Catholic and Independent Sectors of the Education Industry as well as an all-boys and now a co-ed environment.

2. What interests you most in terms of your role?

I am passionate about people and increasing community engagement across all areas of Advancement.

3. What do you find the most rewarding part of your job?

Engaging with people at all levels throughout Development; whether that be Alumni, all staff, current student body, parents, donors. I feel very fortunate to have a role that provides the ability to be involved with reconnecting people.

4. Who is your biggest role model in terms of leadership?

On a personal level, unquestionably it is my Dad. He has taught me the art of understanding and respecting people. Dad owned his own business for 40+ years and by watching his interactions I was able to learn early on in my life the value of speaking and interacting with people. Dad gives so much to people around him and is a thoughtful, caring human who knows the balance between family and a work career.

Professionally, I have worked under some fantastic leaders. In the corporate world Sue Norfolk & Marie Mills. Two strong, fair, determined, and professional women who were leaders in their respective fields and had a high attention to detail, but also knew how to laugh!

In the education sector Lewis Derrico, a former teacher, Assistant Principal, HR consultant and past President of the Old Paradians’ Association. I admired Lewis’ passion for education, his selfless and giving nature, and his ability to listen. He was a confidant who supported and encouraged new ideas. He spoke from the heart and his support of me was unquestionable.

5. What aspect of your role do you love the most?

There are so many but the moment a function starts and the interactions between the attendees would have to be my favourite. It’s just like having front row seats at the arrival hall at an International Airport!

 6. What are you currently doing that would be of interest to other members in Educate Plus

I have a designated prefect team that I work closely with throughout the year. Supporting their ideas and events, mentoring this team, and building relationships with them. They are often the advocates for staying connected to the cohort once they complete their schooling. These new Alumni are invaluable in achieving the mission of the Association to reach, connect and support.

7. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Friendly, Giving, Supportive, Passionate and Connector.

8. For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them?

• Not everyone wants to be connected or stay connected and that’s ok!
• Be open to pivot and changing paths. Also, as important as it is to connect the community, ensure you are developing yourself and connecting with your peers via organisations like Educate Plus!

Leading with Passion

Written by John Phillips |  Director of Advancement, Brighton Grammar School  |  First Published in F2F Magazine, 2022

I love a good inspirational quote. I have certainly read plenty over the years but there is one, and only one, that takes pride of place on my desk. It is this:

“To succeed you have to believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a reality.” 

The quote, attributed to Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, resonated with me when I first came across it many years ago and continues to serve as a constant prompt.

The Britannica Dictionary defines passion as ‘a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something’. Reflecting on my time at Brighton Grammar School as Director of Advancement, being passionate has certainly meant I have maintained a sense of enthusiasm and excitement for my role.

I believe passion is one of the most important qualities of a good leader. Passionate leaders have a strong desire to achieve their goals and help others in their team.  They are fully committed to what they do and have a positive energy that can encourage others.  

Having spent many years in school development, I’d like to share three tips I believe can help shape passionate leadership:

1. Be Positive

As Anita Roddick eluded, your thinking creates your reality.  If you believe in something with such a passion, it will happen.  This is something I firmly believe.  Of course, you cannot be positive all the time but it’s important to push back should negative thinking limit your achievements.  Your positivity also impacts those who work with you so make positivity a priority!

2. Be a Passionate Team Builder

Building a team of school development professionals who share a passion for the mission at hand is essential.  I think particularly of Brighton Grammar’s ground-breaking work in the online ‘giving day’ space, back in 2017.  The success of our inaugural giving day, and those that have followed, simply would not have eventuated without a team of likeminded, passionate colleagues who shared a common goal to achieve.

3. Be a Risk Taker

Passionate people are more likely to implement new or different ways of doing things, particularly if they believe these will move their organisation forward.  The team I currently have the immense pleasure of working with, in the Brighton Grammar School Development Office, are all committed to this belief; they share a passion for always pursuing better things.    Encouraging such risk taking also increases passion. 

So, make positivity a priority, build a passionate team around you and take a few risks.  You might even find that being passionate in all that you do at work has consequences that can affect other areas of your life as well.  As Jon Bon Jovi said, “Nothing is as important as passion.  No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.”

John Phillips

Director of Advancement, Brighton Grammar School

Dip. T., Grad. Dip. Ed. Tech., M.Ed., F.Edplus

Coffee Morning

Recently we hosted two networking coffee mornings, the first at Dish and Spoon in Camberwell and the second at Sacred Heart Geelong. The coffee mornings were a delightful gathering that brought together our community members, supporters, and friends for a morning of warmth, connection, and shared conversations. It provided a wonderful opportunity for individuals to come together, enjoy delicious beverages, and engage in meaningful discussions. 

Our thanks and appreciation to Edstart for sponsoring these sessions. Edstart is a leading technology and financial services company providing funding and payment services for education.  We are grateful for their support of the VIC/TAS chapter.

A huge thank you also to Catherine Middlemiss and her team for their hospitality. 

New Member Welcome

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 VIC/TAS Chapter community!

Our next ‘New Member Meetup’ is on 17 August, 2023. After registration, 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

Stay Connected

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

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