President’s Welcome

Dear WA Chapter Members,

What a whirlwind start to the year it’s been! As we navigate through the start of the calendar year, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful moments that have already filled our calendars. With the Easter break just behind us, it was a good reminder to pause, breathe and focus on our own professional learning to set ourselves up for a successful remainder of the year.

Fresh from Brisbane, where I attended the Educate Plus Board meeting and Advancement Practitioner Training, I am energised by the connections made and the invaluable knowledge shared among peers from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The camaraderie, support and extra-special vibe at Educate Plus events are truly inspiring.

We kicked off the year with a vibrant Welcome Sundowner, welcoming both familiar faces and new members alike. The atmosphere was electric, fostering meaningful connections and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead. Plus, who could forget the impromptu video shoot, capturing the spirit of WA to promote our upcoming International Conference? Thank you to all who participated in the video. If you haven’t yet seen it, be sure to check it out here. Spoiler alert: there might have been a cameo that’s best left unmentioned!

Our recent breakfast PD session, “Unleashing the power of video in school marketing”, was a hit among members. It’s fantastic to see our community engaging in professional development opportunities, even amidst busy schedules. A special thanks to Steven Wellbeloved for hosting us at St. Mark’s Anglican School.

If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendars for 10-13 September as we host the International Conference right here in Perth! This is a golden opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in a world-class event without the burden of extensive travel expenses. There are bursaries available, ensuring that all members have the chance to participate, so I encourage you to investigate if you are having challenges in attending, in particular for our regional members.

In this newsletter, you’ll find a thought-provoking piece on the “Importance of help-seeking and giving environments.” This serves as a segue into our new People and Culture stream at Educate Plus and sets the stage for discussions at the upcoming conference. Spread the word to your Business Management and HR colleagues, as this stream offers valuable insights for those in their roles, but also how they can support and work with us in educational Advancement.

Stay tuned for a plethora of upcoming events, including our upcoming webinars and professional learning opportunities, in particular our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in Term 2. These SIGs provide the perfect opportunity to network and exchange ideas. And remember, don’t shy away from attending SIGs outside your immediate area—they offer a broader perspective that can enrich your professional journey.

Let’s rally the troops, Perth! Together, we’ll make a splash at the International Conference that’ll have everyone talking.

Kind regards,

Laura

Laura Kendall
WA Chapter President, Educate Plus

Director of Community and Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School