WA President’s Report / Welcome

There is a palpable buzz at the beginning of a new academic year. As the students arrive, the air is bursting with hope and optimism for the year ahead. In many ways it is the same for us, returning to work with renewed energy after a blissful festive period with our loved ones, a time that will now be a distant memory. While some staff may be able to ease into the New Year, advancement staff often have to hit the ground running, otherwise the year can quickly get away from us.

This is where Educate Plus can help, to assist you with not only keeping on top of your annual program, but also finding clever ways to make a bigger impact or to increase productivity.

The Educate Plus Board has identified the need for standardised, high-level professional development suitable for both tertiary and school-based professionals. With this in mind we have engaged Nick Jaffer, President and CEO of Global Philanthropic, who will visit all chapters in early 2018 and provide a Masterclass on top-tier initiatives in fundraising and alumni relations, and how to engage your leadership to secure their support. WA’s turn for this exceptional opportunity will be at 1.00 pm to 5.15 pm on Friday 23 March, at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

The International Conference, in Auckland on Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 September, is shaping up to be a monumental event. The event’s progress has been discussed at a Board level, and the Conference Committee have put together an absolute show-stopper, ensuring the Conference will be at the zenith of professional development opportunities in Australasia. I remind you that in recognition of the challenges WA faces with regard to the tight economy and high travel costs, the Board has approved a 30% discount for all WA members that register during the Early Bird application period, bringing the Early Bird rate of $1240 down to $868, so book soon to take advantage of this rate before the Early Bird period expires on 30 April 2018 (use the code “EPAID2018”). As in previous years, 8 x $500 scholarships are also available for regional institutions and/or those who require financial assistance to attend the Conference. This is a separate needs-based process administered via a simple application form HERE and is available to every Chapter (scholarship applications close 30 March 2018). To read more about the International Conference, the WA discount and scholarships, CLICK HERE.

Keep an eye out for information on SIGs for Fundraising, and Marketing and Communications.

While on the subject of Marketing and Communications, Margo Bastow, our Chapter Vice President, has written an informative piece on the recent changes to Facebook’s algorithm and how this affects your reach.

In this edition we also pay tribute to one of our sensational Chapter Sponsors, Trinity Residential College. Click here to read more about Trinity’s wonderful facilities for meetings, seminars and conferences, as well as their comfortable accommodation.

Finally, I wish to remind you that we are a member-driven organisation and I invite you to contact me if you ever would like to discuss Educate Plus and what it can do for you. We deeply appreciate member feedback as it ensures we remain relevant, and I thank everyone who participated in our member survey at the end of last year. It is not too late to have your say, and I encourage you to complete the survey if you haven’t already done so, COMPLETE SURVEY.

I look forward to seeing soon at one of our professional development events!

David Williams F.Edplus
WA Chapter President

Tel: 9377 8522

Email: david.williams@ggs.wa.edu.au

Engagement and Effective Communication with Millennial Parents

The Millennials, also known as Gen Y, are defined as the generation born between the early 1980s and 2000, the largest generational cohort in history. They are now embracing parenthood and with their unique background, shaped during a time of change and digital immersion, their outlook and values will shape their expectations for their children (Gen Z). These children will be the most technically literate generation ever, the most formally educated and the most entertained and materially endowed.

You will play a part in this!

Millennials are tech savvy

As ‘digital natives’, Millennial parents expect personalised engagement and communication using social media. Data analytics are essential to guide strategic communications and engagement and using digital specialists (either in house or outsourced), a blended multi (or omni) channel approach will maximise your engagement.

Communication

Millennials communicate through constant digital connections and the mobile or tablet is their tool of choice. They demand ongoing and instant knowledge. (Patience is not a strong characteristic of this cohort). The printed newsletter or magazine is quickly irrelevant and Millennials demand immediacy and authenticity. Share your achievements and those of your students to validate your mission and values. Tell a story, share videos and photos on social media to connect with your community.

Decision Making

With an abundance of information and a wealth of choice available, much research has taken place before decisions by parents are made. Remember you are no longer speaking with just the mothers at home. Their choice of school will be shaped by those who can demonstrate added value, are authentic, and whose brand reflects the values of Millennials, a global approach to learning, a sense of social responsibility and service to others, along with a commitment to both lifestyle and learning outcomes.

Loyalty

On average, the Millennials stay in a job for three years and have a number of different careers in their working lifetime. They learn, get the most out of it and move on. Will this also be a pattern for their children? Will we see students moving between schools regularly due to disenchantment, demand or just looking for a change of scenery? This will certainly be a challenge for schools’ enrolment and communication professionals.

Respect

Respect is no longer a given, it must be earned. Millennials have regard for people, not institutions so personalise your engagement. In an era of digital connectedness, the human element remains essential. Show empathy, creativity, patience and respect for your customers (current and future). Be available and responsive. Personalise your connection and make your community part of your Advancement team.

Learning

Millennial parents see their children as a priority, and the classroom, home, work and extended out of school activities have become an integrated learning space. Despite the use of technology within these spaces, emphasis on educational outcomes, personal relationships and connection remains Number 1. We must respond to and monitor the needs, concerns and behaviour of parents and their interaction with others in the community via social media. They, too, are part of your collaborative marketing and public relations team.

As we acknowledge the values and expectations of Millennial parents, how do we as Advancement professionals, address the unique challenges of engaging and communicating with them in an educational setting?

How can we best attract them to our brand, connect with them and secure and maintain their commitment? 

As competition for gaining and maintaining enrolments intensifies, securing and growing your brand is paramount. Rising to the challenges of successful engagement and communication with your Millennial parents, and indeed the whole school community, is not a choice but a necessity if your institution it to remain viable and strong as it moves towards an unknown but exciting future.

Member Survey and 2017 Winner

Thank you to all WA members who took the time to complete our 2017 member’s survey before the Christmas break.

Our congratulations go to Mandy Cosser, from St Mark’s Anglican Community School, who completed the survey and won the $50 Coles Myer Gift Card. Happy Shopping!

As Educate Plus is member-driven, your feedback is invaluable to the WA Chapter Committee and Head Office to ensure our programmes provide the best possible value for our members.

We have kept the survey link open for another month, so there is still time to have your say if you haven’t done so already.

 COMPLETE SURVEY

Fundraising SIG

Prospect Research – Building Relationships to grow your fundraising

Want to grow your fundraising? Then you need to know your donors! The more you know about the individuals the more successful your relationship will be.

Join like-minded advancement and fundraising professionals for a hands-on session in prospect research and building prospect profiles.

Date:      Friday 16 March

Time:     3.30pm to 5.00pm

Venue:   Perth College – Boardroom (enter via Main Reception) 31 Lawley Crescent, Mount Lawley MAP

Parking is available in the surrounding streets, however additional parking is available in Mount Lawley near Westpac Bank and the Post Office, all a short stroll from Perth College.

Marketers Beware – Facebook Changes Affect Us All

Are you freaking out about the Facebook changes? Here are six actions to start working on today.

You may or may not be aware that Facebook announced significant changes to the Facebook algorithm on 11 January this year. These changes affect us all!

Here is the link to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s post announcement:

Read the full article here

So, what should you do first?

1. Understand what posts are currently performing for you.

Use the Insights tab to discover which content is performing on your Facebook Page. Look at the Engagement rate of your posts.

2. Create conversations

Encourage conversations…open questions are great!

For example: Your first day at high school can be filled with emotions. What was your first day like? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos.

3. Ask your audience to prioritise your posts

The last step to ensure people see your content is to enable the See First feature in News Feed Preferences.
Ask your audience to mark your Facebook Page as See First by updating their Following preferences directly on your page:

IN YOUR NEWS FEED ask them to select See First
Under NOTIFICATIONS, ask them to select On (Events, Suggested Live Videos)

4. Create a livestream strategy
   A few days after Zuckerberg’s announcement, Adam Mosseri, Facebook’s head of news feed, indicated that livestream would get six times more interactions than regular videos. Start brainstorming opportunities using this technology.
5. Start using Facebook Ads

If content marketing is part of your marketing strategy, I suggest you use Facebook ads to disseminate your blogs. Sharing content like we used to is not going to get the same reach.

6. Investigate other social media platforms

I would not recommend that any business rely solely on one social media platform. It is now a great time to start looking at how other social media platforms can help you to achieve your goals.

It is very challenging trying to keep up-to-date with social media, especially because many schools are under-resourced and one person undertakes many different roles. For all of you out there, start with posting content that encourages a conversation and get your followers to make your Facebook Page a See First.

All the best

Margo Bastow
WA Chapter Vice President

WA PD Masterclass in Advancement

Join our Perth Masterclass on 23 March to learn about top-tier initiatives in fundraising and alumni relations (for tertiary and school advancement professionals), and how to engage your leadership to secure their support. This masterclass is part of an Educate Plus initiative to ensure high-level advancement training is available across Australasia, with Nick Jaffer travelling to all chapters in early 2018.

Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity for your Professional Development.

Join this TWO-PART MASTERCLASS presented by Nick Jaffer, President and CEO of GLOBAL PHILANTHROPIC. Designed for Advancement professionals working in university and schools, this high-level Masterclass will see Nick draw on his vast industry experience, utilising case studies to help participants gain insights into top-tier Advancement practice and enable them to identify ways to take the next step up.

Part 1: Top-tier initiatives in fundraising and alumni relations (for tertiary and school advancement professionals)

Part 2: Engaging your leadership and securing their support

FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER TODAY

WA Chapter Sponsor Feature

Trinity Residential College – available for conferences, seminars and meetings

Trinity is a residential college at The University of Western Australia, made up of vibrant and young people from all over the world.

While we offer student accommodation, our facilities are also available to the public for fully catered conferences, seminars, meetings and training sessions.

We have year-round accommodation available for casual guests and conference delegates starting from just $130 per night in the heart of the western suburbs.

If you are looking to host a conference, seminar or meeting, please contact our friendly team at admin@trinity.uwa.edu.au or (08) 9423 9423.

Thank you for coming! Alumni and Admissions SIG 23 March

Thank you to all who attended our Alumni and Admissions Special Interest Group last Friday, 23 March.

2018 Committee

Each Committee member is responsible for a portfolio covering (noted below) each of the key pillars of Educate Plus.

Our Committee for 2018 is as follows:

Chapter Support

Ashley Kershaw                      
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar   
ashley.kershaw@bcgs.wa.edu.au          

Admissions SIG
Allison Mackenzie                     
Presbyterian Ladies’ College
amackenzie@plc.wa.edu.au

Admissions SIG 
Jane Hard                               
Presbyterian Ladies’ College 
jhard@plc.wa.edu.au

Intl Conference – Admissions Stream Convenor 
Joanne Haynes
Hale School
joanneh@hale.wa.edu.au

2018 International Conference – updated program available!!!!

A professional development opportunity not to be missed, with more than 70 sessions delivered by experts and thought leaders from across Australasia and overseas.

Please download our latest  Conference Program 22FEB

Please extend this invitation to any advancement practitioners you know who are not members of Educate Plus

 Scholarships – helping you get there $$$$

I remind you that in recognition of the challenges WA faces with regard to the tight economy and high travel costs, the Board has approved a 30% discount for all WA members that register during the Early Bird application period, bringing the Early Bird rate of $1240 down to $868, so book soon to take advantage of this rate before the Early Bird period expires on 30 April 2018 (use the code “EPAID2018”). As in previous years, 8 x $500 scholarships are also available for regional institutions and/or those who require financial assistance to attend the Conference. This is a separate needs-based process administered via a simple application form HERE and is available to every Chapter (scholarship applications close 30 March 2018).

Please CLICK HERE to access accommodation and flight options.

Please CLICK HERE to meet our incredible Leadership Keynote Speaker – Corrinne Armour

Australian participants – register here

New Zealand participants – register here

 Full registration package includes:

• Attendance at any session in any stream
• Welcome drinks (Tuesday 4 Sept) and Sponsor’s Drinks (Wednesday 5 Sept)
• Morning and afternoon refreshments and lunches during conference (incl Awards Lunch)
• Conference Gala Dinner (Thursday 6 Sept)
• Conference satchel, lanyard, program
• Delegate contact list

 Day Registration and Half-Day Registration Package includes:

• Attendance at any session included in full day or half-day period
• Refreshments served during full-day or half-day sessions
• Conference program

 Additional Social Program tickets

Please note that ‘Full registration’ includes: Welcome Drinks, Awards Lunch and Gala Dinner. Fill out these options only if you require extra tickets for the events.

 Stay in touch

Follow us on Social Media for the latest updates

#epauckland2018
 

Welcome to new members

We warmly welcome our new members who have recently joined the Educate Plus WA Chapter. We look forward to meeting you at one of our upcoming events.

Development & Fundraising – Synergetic

Are your school’s development and fundraising campaigns being managed as well as you’d like them to be? Taking control may be easier than you think.

The Synergetic Development and Fundraising module boosts your campaign efforts by leveraging your organisation’s data within your existing Synergetic community database to strengthen relationships with your community.

Benefits include:

• Making the most out of the data you’re already maintaining in Synergetic, such as students, parents, staff & suppliers, which is directly consumed by the Development & Fundraising system, eliminating double data handling and assisting privacy compliance
• Generate a deeper understanding of your community by producing profile reports and relationship trees
• Powerful search facilities that generate specific record sets such as previous donors, prospective donors or those who have attended specific events in the past, allowing you to tailor your campaigns to suit
• Save time & improve efficiencies with the smooth integration of the Synergetic finance system, including ePayment portal and events management system
• Simplify processes around future pledges by efficiently capturing receipt due-dates and issuing reminder letters and remittance slips. Have records updated with payment amounts and next payment details
• Manage appeals and pledges based on your school’s needs and set individuals or companies as ideal targets to contribute to your appeal
• All associated prospecting activities can be recorded, so you’ll have background information before making that all-important follow-up call

Unlock the full potential of your Synergetic database and boost your campaign prospects with our integrated Development & Fundraising system.

To make an enquiry, click here

For more information, contact us today on +61 3 9803 8000  or via email solutions@synergtic.net.au

Follow us

Are you missing out the latest Educate Plus updates?

For the latest updates and news, follow Educate Plus on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. And don’t forget to like, share or re-tweet anything.

You may have missed this video about why you should make the 2018 International Conference on our facebook page:

WA Chapter Sponsors

Our sponsors are a very important part of Educate Plus.

They provide a host of amazing products, benefits and services. Can I ask that you check in with them regularly because without their support the flow on benefits to us as members would not be possible.

Chapter Sponsors

Chapter Conference Sponsors

Organisational Sponsors