EDITION 2 2026 | From the WA Chapter President

Most of us know from our own workplaces that strong communities are not built through one type of event or one way of participating.  

People engage in different ways. Some are energised by a large professional learning event; others value a small, trusted conversation with peers. Some are ready to contribute ideas and lead initiatives, while others may only have the capacity to attend occasionally, read an update or reach out when they need advice. 

A strong professional community needs to make space for all of those forms of participation. 

This has been an important focus for the WA Chapter this year. Rather than measuring success only by the number of people attending an event, we have been asking a broader question: are we creating opportunities that are useful, accessible and relevant to members at different stages of their careers and in different circumstances? 

Our monthly ed+Connect Coffee Catch Ups – Caffeinated by Fotoworks are one example. Their value is not only in growing attendance, but in the changing mix of people who come along- new members, familiar faces and members who may not usually attend larger events. The informal format creates a low-pressure way to connect, share a challenge or simply spend time with people who understand the work. 

We have also begun exploring more role-specific connection through our first School Directors Special Interest Group. The session brought together members leading advancement teams and created space for honest discussion, shared experience and peer support. It reinforced that, at times, the most valuable professional learning often comes from a trusted conversation with people navigating similar responsibilities. 

Regional engagement presents a different challenge. Distance means that face-to-face participation will not always be practical, and engagement may look different for regional members. Our responsibility is not to impose one model of involvement, but to keep listening and provide a thoughtful combination of communication, online learning and opportunities to connect in person when possible. 

The same principle applies to partnerships. Strong partnerships are not simply sponsorship transactions; they should add expertise, ideas and opportunities to the member experience. It has been encouraging to see relationships developed over the past year beginning to create new possibilities for our Chapter and I want to thank Of Note, DGB Global, Fotoworks and Geist Consulting have come on board to support our Chapter events, alongside our existing Chapter and Corporate Sponsors. 

The question for us as a Chapter Committee is not only, “How many people attended?” It is also, “Did this help someone feel more connected, more capable or better supported in their work?” 

That is the kind of Chapter we are continuing to build. One with multiple entry points, meaningful relationships and room for every member to participate in a way that works for them. 

Thank you to everyone who contributes to that community, whether by attending an event, sharing an idea, supporting a colleague or simply staying connected. 

I hope you enjoy this edition of the eNewsletter. 

Laura Kendall  F.EdPlus
WA Chapter President | educate+ 

Director of Community and Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School