Chapter President’s Report

In our field of Advancement, leadership takes many forms. Some of us sit on executive leadership teams, while others are the only person in their area. But every one of us is leading through the professionalism we bring to our roles, the stories we share that build understanding, and the way we move our institutions and our industry forward. 

That’s why I’m so excited for our next SIG (Special Interest Group), “Who Me? Yes, You! Influence, Impact and Initiative at Every Level” on Thursday 4 September at ECU Mount Lawley. It’s a chance to explore how each of us, regardless of role or title, can create real impact and demonstrate leadership in our daily work. Being a combined SIG, this will give us an opportunity to come together for a fantastic in-conversation Panel Session, following by breakout Sessions into our various streams (Admissions, Alumni, Marketing, Fundraising, People & Culture and Leadership) or interest groups to delve a little deeper into specific matters. This is a free event, so I hope to see as many of you there as possible. 

We’ll soon be calling for nominations to join the Chapter Committee. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, now’s the time. The Committee is a fantastic way to extend your influence, connect with peers, and play a role in shaping Educate Plus in WA. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with me for a chat before nominations open leading into the AGM. 

We’ve also got some other excellent opportunities to connect before the year wraps up: 

• Save the Date | 22 October – Breakfast PD 
  Kick-start your morning with insights and ideas to set you up for the next planning cycle and still be in the office by 9.30am. 

• Save the Date | 20 November – AGM & Christmas Drinks 
  We have a professional learning session planned (more information to be released soon), followed by the AGM, and then stay to celebrate the year with our end-of-year drinks! A great way to finish on a high before the festive season gets underway. 

Our Chapter thrives because people are willing to share generously, learn from one another, and contribute to the growth of our profession. That’s what leadership from every seat looks like, and it’s what makes this community so valuable. 

I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events. 

Laura Kendall
Director of Community and Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School

Thank You …

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

Thank You to our WA Chapter Professional Development Sponsors

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners

Welcome to our Newest Members

We Can’t Wait to Meet You!

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us since the last WA Chapter eNewsletter. We are thrilled to have you as part of our WA Chapter community!

New Member Meet-Up

We invite all of our new members to join colleagues from across Australasia, at the next New Member Meet-Up as follows:

Event Details
Date: Thursday 18 September 2025
Time: 1pm-2pm AEDT
Venue: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (Member only event)

To Register:

Register Here / More Information

Welcome to the following WA Chapter Members who have joined since the last eNewsletter:

Upcoming In-Person Events

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect face-to-face with peers at the upcoming WA Chapter SIG …

… where real growth happens through shared insights, fresh perspectives, and lasting professional relationships. Join us to expand your network, sharpen your skills, and be part of shaping the future of our industry together!

WA CHAPTER SIG | Who Me? Yes You! Influence, Impact and Initiative at Every Level

Leadership isn’t just reserved for those with a title — it lives in mindset reflected in the choices we make, the culture we shape, and the impact we make every day.

Join us for this energising, in-conversation style session with a powerhouse panel of education professionals — Mary Henry (Director of Community, Wesley College), Madison Wales (Director of Marketing and Communications, Trinity Residential College), and Helen Aguiar (Director of School Programs and Service, AISWA) — as they share real stories of leadership across all sectors and seniority levels, offering insights from the frontlines, behind the scenes and everywhere in between.

Open to professionals from all streams, this session explores how leadership can emerge from every part of an institution, not just from the top down, but also from the bottom up and sideways too.

Whether you’re just starting your career, leading a team of one, or managing a large department, you’ll walk away inspired with practical insights on how to:

• Lead with purpose, regardless of role
• Influence culture and build trust
• Take initiative and drive change

Come to be inspired. Leave ready to lead — right where you are.

After the panel, delegates will join Special Interest Group discussions to reflect on challenges and aspirations as we approach the final stretch of 2025. We’ll then enjoy light refreshments and networking — a perfect way to recharge and reconnect. This is a free event open to all members — come along, be part of the conversation, and reignite your spark for the months ahead.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday 4 September 2025

Time: 3:30 – 6:00pm AWST.

• 3:30 – 4:30pm – Panel Conversation
• 4:30 – 6:00pm – Special Interest Groups, Nibbles and Networking

Venue: Building 3, Lecture Rooms 3.210 and 3.212, Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley Campus, 2 Bradford Street, Mount Lawley, WA 6050

Parking: Best Car Park is in Car Park 1, off Bradford Street. Guests will need to display a valid permit or purchase a visitor ticket from the machines between the hours of 7am – 5pm. Visitor Parking is charged at $1.50 per hour. Further information can be found here ECU | Parking or by contacting parking@ecu.edu.au 

Cost: Free for Members. $75.00+gst for Non-Members

Presenters:

• Mary Henry, Director of Community, Welsey College
• Madison Wales, Director of Marketing and Communications, Trinity Residential College
• Helen Aguiar, Director of School Programs and Service, AISWA and former School Principal

To Register:

Register Here / Find Out More

Make sure to diarise the following dates – we can’t wait to welcome you to these events!

• 22 October – Breakfast PD 
  Kick-start your morning with insights and ideas to set you up for the next planning cycle and still be in the office by 9.30am. 

• 20 November – AGM & Christmas Drinks 
  We have a professional learning session planned (more information to be released soon), followed by the AGM, and then stay to celebrate the year with our end-of-year drinks! A great way to finish on a high before the festive season gets underway. 

Upcoming Online Events

Working Together on School Budgets: A Guide for Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Leaders

This article submitted by Dr Ian Anthony, Chief Financial Officer, Scotch College 

Preparing for your annual budget isn’t just about numbers, it’s about aligning your plans with the school’s strategic goals and ensuring financial transparency. Here’s how to work smoothly with your Business Manager or main Finance lead. 

Understand the Big Picture 

• Know the school’s strategic plan: Every budget request should link back to a strategic objective – whether it’s boosting enrolments, improving community engagement, or enhancing student experience.
• Ask about financial constraints: Understand what’s already committed and what flexibility exists.

Budget Analysis & Forecasting 

• Review last year’s budget: What worked? What didn’t? Use this to guide your new proposals.
• Forecast realistically:
  • Base projections on actual data (e.g. past event income, campaign ROI).
  • Avoid overly optimistic estimates – your credibility depends on accuracy. Business Managers like dependability… they dislike surprises! 
• Include all costs: Think beyond direct expenses—include any external costs, software required – implementation and annual running expenses, training, staff time, etc.

Requesting New Line Items 

• Be clear and specific:
  • Name the item (e.g. “Digital Open Day Campaign”). 
    
  • State the cost and provide firm quotes where possible.
    
  • Outline expected outcomes (e.g. “Increase enrolment inquiries in the early learning years by 20%”). 
• Tie it to strategy: Explain how the item supports school goals.
• Include measurable outcomes: This helps justify the spend and track success.

Tips for a Smooth Budget Process 

• No surprises: Keep your Business Manager informed early—don’t wait until the last minute.
• Use templates: Ask if there’s a preferred format for budget submissions.
• Document assumptions: If you’re estimating costs or income, explain your logic.
• Be open to feedback: Finance teams may suggest adjustments – see this as collaboration, not criticism. They’re usually trying to balance requests across many areas and will lean towards spending that supports the ongoing growth of the school.

Build a Strong Relationship 

• Meet regularly: Don’t just talk at budget time – build rapport throughout the year, seek feedback.
• Share wins: Let your Finance lead know when a campaign exceeds expectations—it builds trust.
• Ask for help: They can often help you find savings or better ways to structure your budget.

By working closely with your Business Manager, you’ll not only improve your budgeting accuracy – you’ll also strengthen your case for funding and help your school achieve its goals more effectively. 

Dr Ian Anthony 
Chief Financial Officer 
Scotch College 

Engaging the Next Generation of School Parents

Article submitted by Grant Dusting, Director of Strategy at McCrindle. 

Understanding the emerging generation of parents 

You don’t need me to tell you that the education landscape is transforming. But while everyone is talking tech and AI, our stakeholders are people at the end of the day (at least, for now)! Engaging your parent community means understanding Generation Y (born 1980-1994) and Generation Z (born 1995-2009), who over the next decade will become the dominant cohort of parents. As digital natives expecting greater flexibility, accessibility, and approachable leadership, this emerging generation of parents brings distinct expectations for communication and engagement to schooling. 

Realities for today’s parents and barriers to engagement 

Our latest research reveals parents, despite a strong desire for involvement, are often time-poor. The increasing number of women and mothers in the workforce, and families feeling rushed, highlights the need for flexible school involvement. Common barriers like lack of time and work schedule conflicts exist. Schools must develop robust engagement strategies with clear communication, minimising administrative burdens, and aligning with the digital expectations of Gen Y and Z. 

Shifting parental expectations: from contributor to consumer? 

We’re observing a subtle but significant shift towards a ‘consumer’ approach to education. While parents desire partnership, many view the school as leading, sometimes transactionally. Schools that can reframe this mindset and foster genuine partnership are more likely to have a highly engaged parent community. 

Leadership response: develop a robust parent engagement strategy 

Looking to the decade ahead, creating strong partnerships with parents is crucial for fostering thriving learning environments. Effective leadership demands a robust engagement strategy to enhance trust and collaboration. This strategy must acknowledge the evolving expectations of Gen Y and Z, supporting their involvement, mitigating barriers, and adapting to the shifting parent-school dynamic. McCrindle’s Thriving Schools Index offers a valuable framework for enabling schools to understand community needs, pinpoint barriers, and craft targeted approaches for stronger connections. 

For a deeper dive into these insights and an exploration of the future of education, the full Reimagining Education Towards 2035 report is available. Access it free with your McCrindle+ subscription for exclusive content.  

Download our free Reimagining Education Towards 2035 infographic. 

Sign up for McCrindle+ here.  

Educate Plus members receive 10% off our Thriving Schools Index package – mention your membership when enquiring. 

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question and answer type interview article.

This week the Member in the hotseat is: Filippos Tritas, Prospect Researcher and Data Analyst at Edith Cowan University. 

What is the length of time you have been in Educational Advancement and what is your prior Experience?
I have been working in Educational Advancement for over six years, focusing on Alumni engagement, donor strategy and prospect research at Edith Cowan University. Before this, I worked in Business Development, Marketing and Market Research within a variety of sectors and held leadership roles in other industries, including several years as a military officer in the Greek Army. My career has taken me from Greece to Hong Kong and now Australia, giving me an international perspective, a strong strategic mindset, and the ability to bring fresh ideas to diverse teams. 

What is your proudest achievement? 
One of my proudest achievements was contributing to securing a transformational $30 million gift from the Minderoo Foundation to Edith Cowan University. It was the result of careful research, strategic thinking and strong collaboration across the team, and it will help create world-class facilities and opportunities for students and researchers for years to come. It also reinforced for me how persistence, preparation and building genuine relationships are at the heart of successful Advancement work. 

What has been your biggest challenge? 
One of the biggest challenges in my role has been managing the growing demand for high-quality prospect research and insights while also shaping the strategic direction of our Advancement work. As I integrate a greater strategic focus, I am constantly working to balance deep, detailed research with the need to provide timely, actionable intelligence that supports transformational Fundraising opportunities. It has taught me the importance of prioritisation, clear communication, and aligning research with the bigger picture so it truly drives Advancement outcomes. 

What is the most impactful book or podcast you’ve consumed recently?
I have a guilty pleasure for true crime podcasts! In one recent episode, the investigator unravelled a decades-old mystery by piecing together the smallest of clues. It struck me how much that mirrors prospect research, sifting through fragments of information, connecting the dots, and building a complete picture that can change and lead to a meaningful philanthropic outcome. 

 Give us three tips or words of advice for new members and/or those new to Advancement…  

1. Capture everything in your CRM so nothing is lost. Small details can lead to big opportunities!
2. Look ahead and spot opportunities early.
3. Connect your work to the bigger vision of your team so it has real impact.

What do you find most valuable in being a member of Educate Plus? 
Even though I have only been a member for a short time, I have already found great value in connecting with like-minded professionals, accessing resources, and attending meaningful seminars and events that broaden my perspective. It is a community where I can both learn and contribute. 

Thank you Filippos! It’s been wonderful getting to know you!

The Challenges in the Superannuation Industry

Raelene Seales, CEO Prime Super speaks of the challenges in the superannuation industry …

The superannuation industry is designed to help people grow their retirement savings, but as our CEO, Raelene Seales, explains in the video below, there are two key challenges which are member engagement and confidence in retirement.

Many Australians don’t see their super as their own money. Many trust their fund to manage it but don’t actively engage with it. “We’d like members to become more engaged – little contributions over time could make such a significant difference to their retirement,” says Raelene.

The other challenge comes in retirement itself. Those who have saved well are hesitant to spend, fearing they’ll run out of money. “We’re finding that a lot of our members who reach the pension phase are not spending their money in the same way. They have a fear of running out of money in retirement.”

Recent research from ASFA shows that Australian couples need $690,000 in super to retire comfortably, while singles need about $595,000. While these figures can seem daunting, small contributions over time can help you reach your goals. At Prime Super, we provide guidance, tools and support for our members so they can build their super with confidence.  

Watch the full video to hear Raelene’s insights and how we’re here to help our members.

Prime Super 2024. Prime Super Pty Ltd ABN 81 067 241 016 AFSL No. 219723 RSE Licence No. L0000277 Prime Super ABN 60 562 335 823; RN 1000276

Connect with Colleagues

Stay Connected…

Keep in contact 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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