VIC/TAS April Newsletter 2017 - 18 April
President’s Message

President’s Message

What a fantastic start to the year with two very successful SIG events already! I’d like to thank our recent SIG hosts at Camberwell Girls Grammar and Swinburne University of Technology. The generosity from our hosts enables us to deliver esteemed speakers with fresh ideas providing what we hope to be great value for you, our members. 

Penny Bowman (Alumni Relations & Development Manager, Toorak College) reflecting on her fundraising SIG at Camberwell Girls School hosted by Director of Advancement – Jane Harris on 29 March.

Jane and DoMoCo representatives gave tangible examples I could literally implement tomorrow on how to improve fundraising strategies within girls schools.

……I really enjoyed the round table discussion that followed.

As Mack Jones F.EdPlus – Director of Philanthropy at the Carey Baptist Grammar School aptly observes:

FRIENDRAISING IN MOST SITUATIONS PRECEDES SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING – “YOU DON’T GET MARRIED ON THE 1ST DATE”.

Karl Brown (Alumni Relations Manager, Faculty of Science – The University of Melbourne) reflects on his Tertiary Roundtable SIG – Alumni Volunteer Engagement and Cultivating & Stewardship Bequest Prospects, hosted by Jasmine Groves, Associate Director, Alumni Engagement, University Advancement Office, Swinburne University of Technology on 4 April:

We discussed best-practice and new ideas in the fields of alumni volunteer engagement and bequest stewardship. 

This lively roundtable covered many facets of these important elements of tertiary advancement, and those in attendance left with much food for thought, and an appetite for further discussion. 

Before the conference in June, I’m pleased to confirm our next SIG on 21 April: New Ideas for your annual fund  is filling up fast. You will find more information in this newsletter to register for this event. Stay tuned for further invitations to register for similar networking roundtable sessions, providing you with fresh strategies and ideas across all our pillars.

I would like to thank our current Vic/Tas Chapter sponsors for their ongoing support:

mgm wireless       logo-of-print-tasmania-reduced     Try Booking copyMMG Edu copy      action-words-logo   Adams Print logo jpg              Happy Medium Photo


The VIC/TAS Educate Plus Conference is the premiere event for advancement professionals who want to develop, network and take their careers to the next level.

On 26 – 27 June, you are invited to attend our Leaps + Bounds conference at Brighton Grammar School, which is shaping up to be a dynamic and innovative event tailored especially for school and tertiary professionals.

Over 1 ½ days, we’ll explore the latest advances in our industry, hear from those who are leading the way in their field, learn a raft of new skills and network with colleagues.

More about our conference in this newsletter. Please SAVE THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY as registrations will open soon.

 

 

  

CEO of Educate Plus Neil McWhannell says that our chapter conferences are indeed essential professional development for those working in advancement:

Our conferences have an IMPRESSIVE REPUTATION FOR PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS THAT INSPIRE AND INFORM MEMBERS.

You will find the conferences A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK AND SHARE YOUR LEARNINGS, AS MANY MEMBERS OFTEN FEEL ISOLATED IN THEIR ROLES… SO A MUST FOR ALL VIC AND TAS MEMBERS!

 

On behalf of the Vic/Tas Committee we send our best wishes to you.

 

Warm regards

Maria

President

Maria Mercuri F.Edplus
Manager, Advancement
Methodist Ladies’ College
mercurmn@mlc.vic.edu.au

Need an outstanding printer in Tasmania?

Need an outstanding printer in Tasmania?

We’d like to introduce one of our supporters – Print Tasmania. They are an independently operated Print Management Agency, which was established in 2012 to provide a more intuitive, and more strategic approach to print procurement.Our Mission is to most efficiently partner our clients’ needs, with suppliers of premium quality printed materials from within the expansive Print Tasmania network.

Operating collaboratively with, but independently of the printing and associated industries, we are the only organisation that can provide all the benefits of reliable project management, whilst utilising the resources of more than one print provider. This business model is designed to deliver not only reliable services with protection of brand and key corporate focus, but also transparency, integrity and unparalleled cost efficiency.

We have a very long and proud history of working closely with schools, universities and other tertiary institutions, as well as State Departments of Education to deliver a vast scope of product, including general print and paper based materials such as stationery, year books, prospectus and the like, through to acquisition mail, signage, display and promotional items.

 Learn more at www.printtasmania.com.au or contact Jonathan Eadie directly at jonathan@printtasmania.com.au or 0417 372 314

Events made easy: bookings, registrations & selling tickets online

Events made easy: bookings, registrations & selling tickets online

With the school year now in full swing, it’s important to ensure your upcoming events are a success. TryBooking, who are well established in the school market, have recently announced a new range of features that both school event organisers and parents can take advantage of.

TryBooking’s new features include:

  • A brand new look and mobile-responsive booking pages, meaning guests can now book and pay for tickets anywhere they are.
  • The ability for parents to hand back their tickets for events, allowing organisers to better gauge attendance rates.
  • Embeddable widgets to increase event visibility and boost ticket sales.

TryBooking continues to be the leading event ticketing, bookings and registrations software for Australian schools. The platform provides a simple, affordable solution for schools to run all types of events and bring the local community together.

For more information on these updates or to learn how TryBooking can streamline your next event, simply call 03 9012 3460 or email info@trybooking.com

Your 2017 Chapter Committee

Your 2017 Chapter Committee

We are pleased to introduce your 2017 Chapter Committee:

 Maria Mercuri
 
President
Maria Mercuri F.Edplus
Manager,  Advancement

Methodist Ladies’ College

John Phillips

Vice President
John Phillips F.Edplus
Director of Advancement
Brighton Grammar School
jphillips@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

 Joyce taylor

Secretary
Joyce Taylor 

Director of Development
The Geelong College
joyce.taylor@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

Russell-Davidson-2

Treasurer
Russell Davidson F.Edplus
Director of Development & Alumni Relations
Haileybury College
russelldavidson@haileybury.vic.edu.au

adam_liddiard-

Adam Liddiard F.Edplus
Director of Community Relations
Woodleigh School
aliddiard@woodleigh.vic.edu.au 

 laura-bird

Laura Bird 
Marketing and Communications Officer
Fahan School, Hobart
birdl@fahan.tas.edu.au

Karl-Brown

Karl Brown 
Alumni Relations Manager, Faculty of Science       
The University of Melbourne
karl.brown@unimelb.edu.au

Lisa Pretorius

Lisa Pretorius 
Registrar
Launceston Church Grammar School
lpretorius@lcgs.tas.edu.au

maasburg-laura-small

Laura Maasburg
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Toorak College
lauram@toorakc.vic.edu.au

 

carolyn-roney-small

Carolyn Roney
Head of Advancement
Firbank Grammar School
croney@firbank.vic.edu.au

jasmine-grove

Jasmine Grove
Associate Director, Alumni Engagement | University Advancement Office 
Swinburne University of Technology
jgroves@swin.edu.au

 

Welcome aboard new members for 2017!!

Welcome aboard new members for 2017!!

Peter Morgan Principal Emmanuel College, Warrnambool
Margaret Moloney Registrar Emmanuel College, Warrnambool
       
Catherine McVean Alumni Coordinator Haileybury College
       
Donna Galloway Admissions Lauriston Girls’ School
Susan Just Principal Lauriston Girls’ School
Cathy Tan Business Manager Lauriston Girls’ School
Kate Nixon Alumnae Relations Coordinator Lauriston Girls’ School
       
Sophie Tudor Communications Coordinator Mentone Girls’ Grammar School
Emma Souter Admissions Officer Mentone Girls’ Grammar School
Sarah Yang Admissions Officer Mentone Girls’ Grammar School
Debra Campion Alumni & Publications Coordinator Mentone Girls’ Grammar School
Laura Kenny Enrolments & Scholarship Coordinator Mentone Girls’ Grammar School
       
      University of Melbourne
       
Anne Bright Director of Development Westbourne Grammar School
       
Wendy Lawler Manager of Marketing & Communications Melbourne Grammar School
Penny Richards Fowler Manager of Alumni & Community Relations Melbourne Grammar School
       
Lisa Dauparas Admissions Officer Tintern Grammar School
Kushla Smith Communications & Marketing Events Coordinator Tintern Grammar School
       
Kristy Arnold Administration Manager Launceston Church Grammar School
Kate Torney Alumni & Events Officer Launceston Church Grammar School
       
Kristin Mannix Development & Planned Giving Officer Murdoch University
       
Jenni Musgrove Development Coordinator, Community Ruyton Girls’ School
       
Paul Quilty Database Administrative Officer Victoria University
Alison Whan Alumni Relations Coordinator Victoria University
Michelle Plane   Victoria University
       
Bernadette Batten Assistant Director of Foundation & Community Relations Xavier College
       
Bronwyn Blackie Assistant to the Registrar & Administration Fintona Girls’ School
Ann Hawker Director of Development Fintona Girls’ School
       
Samantha Moon Admissions Assistant Ivanhoe Grammar School
Fundraising: 7 last-minute improvements to your annual appeal

Fundraising: 7 last-minute improvements to your annual appeal

You are nearly set to go with your annual appeal letter. Here are seven simple improvements you can make to raise more money, suggested by AskRIGHT fundraising consultants.

1.   Launch

Phone your top 20 donors and invite them to attend a small reception to launch the annual appeal. Indicate you are asking them because of their previous support, and that you will ask them to make the annual appeal response before the launch as the Principal can announce a “Gifts so far” total at the launch. Ask Board members and senior staff to attend also and to make early responses.

2.   Phone

The week before mailing, phone your best 100 donors from last year to tell them you really appreciated their support for the last appeal, and ask them to look out for the appeal in the mail next week.

3.   Email

Email all those not contacted for launch or by phone, and tell them you really appreciated their support for the last appeal, and ask them to look out for the appeal in the mail next week

4.   Match

Try to find a donor, or get internal agreement for internal funds to match donations from a certain group of donors (perhaps last year’s school-leavers). Let the group know that donations made by a specific date will be matched. This is a good way to get first-time donors.

5.   Thank

Build the culture of philanthropy within the school or college by the easiest job of all, thanking people. Set up phones in the staff common room for one hour of phoning after school. Simple scripts: “I am … . I am phoning to thank you for your support of the school and our students through the annual appeal. It is really appreciated.” Accept pledges of further support if offered.

6.   Record

Finish the thank-you phone call with “Do you mind telling me what motivates you to support the school?” Write down the answers and record it on the database on each individual record. When you review the annual appeal results, analyse the motivations, and use these to inform next year’s appeal.

7.   Persist

Build in come reminders – don’t just rely on the initial request, and make you motto “no donor left behind.” Keep contacting the donors from the last two annual appeals until you get either “Yes” or “Hell, no”.

When it is all over:

  • Plan to test any changes to next year’s appeal before full implementation;
  • Write into the EducatePlus Queensland newsletter and let your colleagues know how you went.

 

AskRIGHT fundraising consultants have more than 100-year combined experience. Since 2004, AskRIGHT has helped many schools raise more money for their important project. Visit the AskRIGHT blog for more articles on fundraising and to talk to a fundraising consultant about your strategy and challenges.

Register Now: SIG – New Ideas for your Annual Fund

Register Now: SIG – New Ideas for your Annual Fund

We’d like to remind you about our next Special Interest Group event which is filling up fast!

Date:    21 April 2017
Time:   10:00AM – 11.30AM
Place:  Ruyton Girls’ School, 12 Selbourne Road,  Kew, Victoria.
Host:   Kim Downes – Director of Community Relations
RSVP: 19 April 2017

Please go to the Main Reception where you will be directed to the Conference Room.

PLEASE SIGN IN AT RECEPTION UPON ARRIVAL

 

2017 VIC/TAS Chapter Conference: Leaps & Bounds

2017 VIC/TAS Chapter Conference: Leaps & Bounds

Dear Colleagues,

The VIC/TAS Chapter Conference Committee is delighted to confirm one of our esteemed keynote speakers for the 2017 Chapter Conference Leaps & Bounds

Great People are Great with People

A published researcher, compelling consultant and engaging and motivational speaker, Carolyn has an international reputation as a transformational master coach. She works across the globe taking people from good to great: “Great people, are great with people”.

With years of experience at the top of government agencies (including as Head of Communications) and extensive experience supporting Not for Profits, Carolyn went on to grow her own leading consultancy firms with social research and people development at their core. Her post graduate work in psychology, coaching and neuroplasty has supported her work as a leading expert in behavourial science.

She makes amazing connections with people – you will be drawn to her warmth, her bright mind, her humour and energy – you’ll leave inspired.

Exceptional success demands exceptional people and that means being exceptional with people. Are you one of those people? It’s not an easy discipline to master. Learn how, by enjoying a rare opportunity to hear Carolyn speak.

In addition: Get personal with Carolyn
It’s likely that something will be triggered when you hear Carolyn speak – so how amazing is this – you can explore your thoughts in person! Carolyn will be available for private time throughout BOTH conference days. This is a rare opportunity to get up to 30 mins with Carolyn.

 

Registrations will be open soon – watch this space!

 

 

Old school apps leaking private information

Old school apps leaking private information

Most schools are unaware that their school app lacks important data security, meaning anyone worldwide has access to student, parent and school’s private information and pictures, which is cause for alarm.

MGM Wireless has released a new app called School Star to combat this and other critical problems found with all older school apps. They guarantee that all school communication reaches all users – even those that don’t have the school app installed on their smart device.

In 2002, MGM Wireless invented and pioneered School SMS solutions. Now with over 1400 school clients, 1.7 million parent and student users and 15 years in business, there is no other experienced and trusted provider of school communications in Australia.

The most effective way to deliver school communications to parents is on their mobile phone, and there are many ways to achieve this, such as; phone calls, mobile websites, email newsletters, emails, social media, SMS and apps.


Here are some alarming facts:

  • 99 per cent of schools that are using other school communication apps, other than School Star, have no idea that the app is insecure, (to verify this for yourself, download any school app from Apple or Google Play and you will be able to access sensitive information and pictures stored from any school you choose;)
  • Other apps only rely on mobile data to deliver messages, so if mobile data fails, messages won’t be delivered, this also includes social media apps like; Facebook ,Whats App, We Chat and others;
  • Some people don’t use apps, so they will never receive messages if sent via an app;
  • In an emergency ‘lock down’ situation it’s difficult to notify parents via other school apps, phone call or social media without causing public alarm, in this situation, an email would also be too slow;
  • School’s private information, messages, news, student photographs, and parents’ names are public using all other school apps, which can be damaging to the school’s brand, students, parents and alumni.

CEO of MGM Wireless, Mark Fortunatow says,

It’s amazing that most schools are totally unaware that anyone can download and access sensitive school information like student names, pictures, parents names, school news and much more. It’s just wrong. School’s risk exposure is massive and it’s a direct breach of student, parent and school privacy laws.

The other key difference between School Star and other school apps on the market is that others only rely on mobile data to send and receive messages. The exciting thing about School Star is that in the event of a mobile data outage, School Star will ‘Auto Switch’ to SMS messaging, meaning messages will always be delivered to every registered user’s mobile phone, even if mobile data is disabled and even if they haven’t installed the app. We don’t know of any other message provider that has these abilities”, Fortunatow says.

However SMS messaging still remains the only reliable way to ensure messages are delivered. It works on all phones because it cannot be disabled. So, for more urgent communications like, informing parents of student absences or emergencies, SMS capability is crucial.

School Star also allows school staff to see which parents are using the app, and which news articles and messages they are reading and “like’’ most. This gives schools the data and feedback to further refine and improve their communication and engagement strategies.


Important Facts Schools Should Know About School Star:

  • The School Star app is 100 per cent secure (meaning the sensitive information stored can never be accessed without the school’s permission;)
  • School Star offers 2-way in-app messaging with ‘Auto Switchover’ to 2-way SMS delivery (this means schools, parents, students and carers can receive and respond to messages at all times;)
  • Auto Switchover technology ensures that even if parents, students or carers don’t have the School Star app installed they will always receive an SMS message with important information;
  • School Star provides the school with data on who is using the app (this allows schools to see the name of the person using the app and what they’re using it for;)
  • The app includes analytics and graph tools, storing data on click through rates and user engagement (this is a great way to see if the school is reaching readers with the messages and content shared;)
  • Parents can choose to read posts in any language, always making communication accessible (ideal for students with family overseas;)
  • Student safety is paramount, if a student does not attend school with permissions; parents or carers are immediately notified via app or SMS message using a customised message based on individual circumstances;
  • School Star’s unique features allow users to configure the app, allowing a highly personalised experience, resulting in better user engagement.

 

Free consultation for Educate Plus Members

Contact MGM Wireless to book your complimentary 1-hour consultation to discuss and review your school’s communication and parent engagement process.