From the Chapter President
Advancement is a Contact Sport
In our roles, everything we do relies on connection… real, human, intentional connection. You can have the best systems, the sharpest strategy or the slickest campaign, but without genuine relationships, none of it lands. I’ve been reminded of that constantly this year, including through my involvement in the Leadership WA Signature Leadership Program, where one idea kept resurfacing: connection isn’t the “soft” part of our work. It’s the hard part. And it’s the part that makes everything else possible.
The more I heard it, the more I recognised it in our sector. In advancement, we meet people at defining moments: families making decisions, Alumni reconnecting after years away, donors exploring their legacy, students finding their confidence, communities wanting to feel seen. We build trust in small, consistent ways, by listening deeply, by meeting people where they are, by staying present even when the pace is relentless. We’re shaping belonging.
That’s why educate+ works the way it does. It’s because the organisation is held together by people who care about one another and care about building something meaningful. At the recent WA Chapter AGM, that was clear. We connected, we learnt, and we thanked those who are stepping off the Committee, who have contributed time, energy, passion and wisdom. We also acknowledged those staying on, for their hard work to date and their contributions they will continue to make. And we also welcomed new Committee member, Julia Bairstow from Great Southern Grammar as our Regional Representative, adding an important voice from across the State. To all of you, thank you. And to our Sponsors and Partners, whose support strengthens professional learning and community-building across WA, we are incredibly grateful.
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As I look toward next year, I keep coming back to one thing: the heart of our work isn’t in the metrics or milestones, it’s in the moments of connection that allow all those things to happen (even if our managers claim otherwise)! When we show up with empathy, curiosity and presence, our impact reaches further. People feel it. Communities grow because of it.
So, as we head into summer, it’s worth remembering that in sport, the off-season isn’t just about rest, it’s where some of the most important work happens. Some of us will be taking a well-earned break, and some will be quietly laying the groundwork for the year ahead. Both matter. What’s important is that we each find the space we need to reset, refocus and return with energy and purpose, particularly so we can all meet up, fresh and ready to go at our Welcome Sundowner on Wednesday 18 February!
Advancement is a contact sport, and the way this community plays means we all come out winners. Heading into 2026, I’m energised knowing I have this network as my team, and I hope you feel the same.
All the best,
Laura Kendall
WA Chapter President
Director of Community & Sustainability
Guildford Grammar School
