Face2Face Magazine 2023

MAGAZINE 2023

AI and the tin man Abhra Bhattacharjee

From SERPs to CHERPs Sue Ellson

Unleashing the power of ChatGPT: A fundraising and marketing guide Ana Gozalo

AI Cover Image Out-takes

In keeping with our theme of AI, we decided to test out an AI image generator to come up with a cover shot for this issue of F2F. Rather than choose a stock image, we wanted to see if we could use our team’s headshots to get a suitable image.

The images on this page were all generated from the initial staff headshots on the far left.

Some worked and, if you look to the image of ‘Michelle’ in the white shirt, you will see that some didn’t - although, with three arms she could probably get more work done than most of us!

These images were all generated via the site gencraft.com

Our CEO’s headshot was used for the final cover image with the prompt; ‘female professional with blonde hair in a bob cut, but not in a suit, holding a VR headset, colourful image, facing camera and smiling for headshot’ Other prompts included: happy, relaxed woman facing the front with events happening in the background female marketing executive, headshot in a business environment, Sydney female accountant, numbers and charts in the background The themes for the images were realistic and cyberpunk!

Contents Publication of Educate Plus ABN 48294772460 Editorial Team Mandy McFarland Danielle Hargrove Sandra Herd Heather Barker Vermeer Educate Plus 1300EdPlus admin@educateplus.org www.educateplus.org Cover Image Image generated via AI gencraft.com

EDUCATE PLUS NEWS

4 Educate Plus Board 2023 5 From the Chair of the Board 6 From the CEO 20 Chapter Report NZ 25 Advancement Practitioner Training 26 Chapter Report NSW/ACT 32 Chapter Report QLD 36 Chapter Report SA/NT 44 Chapter Report VIC/TAS 50 Chapter Report WA

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16 How AI is deepening the landscape of Educational Advancement

By John Batistich

22 The AI revolution in Educational Advancement

By Timo Nieuwoudt

38 Smart AI adoptions emerging in fundraising

By Merryn Parks

46 Revealing untold stories: The value of school archives

By Emanuella De Ruiter

Imagery Personal submissions Purchased stock photography Unsplash.com FEATURE ARTICLES Copyright Notice Copyright ©2023 by Educate Plus All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical - without permission from the creator. The material in this publication is of the nature of general comment only, and does not represent professional advice. It is not intended to provide specific guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on as the basis of any decision to take action or not take action on any matter which it covers. Readers should obtain professional advice wherever appropriate, before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law the authors and publisher disclaim all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking action based on the information in this publication.

8 AI and the tin man

By Abhra Bhattacharjee F.EdPlus

11 AI and the gift of time

By Myfanwy Stanfield F.EdPlus

12 From SERPs to CHERPs

By Sue Ellson

18 Unleashing the power of ChatGPT: A fundraising and marketing guide

By Ana Gozalo

28 How AI is impacting Advancement

By Scott Huntington

30 Revolutionising Educational Advancement

By John Groom

34 New realities in education

By Paulina Skerman

41 Enriching the creative landscape with AI and human creativity

By Catherine McVean

42 Transforming Education

By Kyle Thompson

48 St Cuthbert’s students’ experience

By Graeme Mullin

The brief to all the contributors for this issue of F2F was to discuss how they see AI impacting the Advancement industry. It is really interesting to note how similar many of the perspectives are regardless of where they are located, what their role is or which community they serve. Please enjoy their very personal and frank observations!

Please enjoy the digital interactivity of this issue of F2F Magazine.

Each article contains links to external information, from video links to contributor LinkedIn profiles. All of the embedded links will highlight on the turn of the page so that you can click on them in the article.

• Accept the cookies • Click on the Full page option • View the videos embedded • Check out more about the contributors (the flashing box on the headshots) All efforts have been made to ensure this eBook is readable on any device or computer.

EDUCATE PLUS BOARD 2023

Russell Davidson F.EdPlus Chair of the Board Director of Development and Alumni Relations Haileybury, VIC

Myfanwy Stanfield F.EdPlus Deputy Chair of the Board Director of Community Engagement Ascham School, NSW

Ana Gozalo F.EdPlus Treasurer SA/NT Chapter President Director of Philanthropy Pulteney Grammar School, SA

Claire Grlj Secretary QLD Chapter President Director Leading Engagement Solutions, QLD

Mandy McFarland F.EdPlus CEO Educate Plus

Ahbra Bhattacharjee F.EdPlus Educate Plus Director Development Director & Head of Foundation Tanglin Trust School, Singapore

Emma Zigan NZ Chapter President & Educate Plus Director Director of Advancement, Dilworth School, NZ

Lyn O’Neill F.EdPlus NSW/ACT Chapter President Director of Marketing and Enrolments New England Girls’ School, NSW

Dr Nicole Bassett Immediate past NZ Chapter President General Manager, Philanthropy, Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, VIC

Tracey Grobbelaar VIC/TAS Chapter President Director of Community Relations Siena College, VIC

Susie Gill WA Chapter President Founder/Director Admissions Consulting, WA

EDUCATE PLUS HEAD OFFICE TEAM

Danielle Hargrove Marketing & Communications Lead

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Sandra Herd Brand & Marketing Ambassador

Tina Fleming Member Relations Manager

Sona Swindley Events and Training Manager

Michelle Strawbridge Business Manager

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Reflections As I reflect on my final few months as Chair of Educate Plus, I wanted to share what it has meant to me to have been a member and leader of this organisation.

Through my attendance, reading and seeing images of the various Chapter Summits this year, it has reinforced in my mind the value of our organisation to our members. The sheer generosity provided by our volunteers, the breadth of professional development and the engagement from members creates such a positive, fulfilling and warm environment and this is what encapsulates Educate Plus.

Just prior to my tenure as Chair of the Board, the Board at the time set a strategic plan that covered four key areas: 1. To establish alternative income streams outside of the International Conference to cover operational expenses within five years.

2. To establish a leadership pillar to engage with leaders and aspiring leaders in institutions, Boards, Alumni Boards and Foundation Boards.

3. To invest in appropriate resources and systems to deliver and increase value to members.

4. To invest in data to inform decision making and action.

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We have developed a range of advanced webinars designed to engage with those in leadership from within our membership, coupled with an Excellence Series showcasing the best from our profession.

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We continue to investigate developing programs designed to educate leaders, prospective leaders and Board members in schools and universities about the Advancement profession.

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A significant amount of work has gone into optimising the efficiencies of our staff. I am delighted with the output being delivered, the level of responsibility being taken on and the engagement of our staff across all areas.

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We have continued the enhancement of our CRM program, including the ability for it to track engagement levels across membership.

I am proud to have been involved with an organisation that has made some clear strides forward. Much of this is due to the hard working and diligent team led by CEO, Mandy McFarland. It has been wonderful to witness the positive changes that have occurred in the past two years, most notably the way we are communicating with our members and the products and services that we are delivering.

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made on each of these, and that the current Board has taken further steps to cast an eye into the future to ensure that we stay ahead of the game and that our members are provided with even greater value and resource. As an example:

Our professionalism as an organisation has lifted and, for that, I thank the entire team.

Sincere thanks to my fellow volunteer Board members and, indeed, all the volunteers who put so much time and effort into this organisation. Your efforts are visible and have a profound effect on our members and the education industry as a whole.

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Significant work has been completed on the reimagined Partnership program, which will seek to provide greater support for our key partners and deliver stronger income levels.

Thank you.

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We are looking strategically at new pillars to support those working in education and canvassing geographical areas of growth.

RUSSELL DAVIDSON CHAIR OF THE BOARD

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD AND CEO

The transformative impact of AI and technology on educational Advancement The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology is changing the face of education like never before. Not only in the classroom but in our sector, where we are re-shaping the way we work, how we engage with our communities and how we make more effective decisions Broadly speaking, AI and clever technology have helped us refine who we are speaking to, through personalised segmentation. We have enhanced accessibility and engagement with our communities and colleagues (online meetings have completely changed our working day). We’ve automated more administrative tasks which gives us back more of that precious commodity of time.

And we’ve been able to access and interpret data like never before.

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Identifying prospects: AI-driven algorithms can help identify potential donors and suggest personalised giving opportunities to boost campaign planning.

Each one of our pillars has evolved through embracing more technology – it is literally changing the way we operate every day:

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Donor profiling: AI can help understand donors better, segmenting them for tailored appeals and stewardship.

Admissions

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Predictive giving: Algorithms can predict donor behaviour, which is really useful in targeted fundraising campaigns.

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Automated processes: Chatbots and AI- driven application portals are streamlining administrative tasks, reducing workload and improving efficiency.

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Fundraising

Marketing and communications •

Social media management: There are so many AI tools to automate social media posting and analyse performance for improved reach, investment and campaign planning.

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Customer journeys and targeted communication: AI and technology has transformed marketing and communications strategies, with so much more data available to inform approaches through a variety of channels.

Personalised experiences: AI can offer personalised content to prospective families, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.

Alumni Relations Enhanced engagement: AI-powered chatbots and personalised communication tools can facilitate constant interaction with our alumni, fostering a sense of connection with our institutions.

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Data-driven insights: Advanced analytics tools enable institutions to gain valuable insights into alumni preferences, helping tailor engagement strategies more effectively.

As with all new applications, there are both opportunities and risks to consider. The opportunities are considerable, but there are also security and ethical impacts to consider. We need to navigate issues related to data privacy, algorithm bias, and ensure our personal touch remains real and authentic. AI is there to augment and to add another tool to your arsenal. It will hopefully never fully replace human interaction, however, or detract from those incredibly valuable relationships we work so hard to create.

The integration of AI and technology has ushered in a new era of Educational Advancement. By leveraging this technology thoughtfully, and ensuring a balance between automation and human touch, we can navigate this transformative landscape successfully, ultimately benefiting our parent communities, our alumni, our donors and our institutions overall.

MANDY MCFARLAND EDUCATE PLUS CEO

As we come to the end of a remarkable 2023, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. Together, we have achieved incredible success in our institutions, in our Chapters and in our organisation, whilst looking forward with strategy and insight.

This year has been a testament to the strength of a team, the excellence of our professional development and services, and the unwavering commitment of our hundreds of volunteers. We have not only exceeded our goals, but have set new benchmarks in innovation, engagement and mentoring. Thank you!

I have no doubt that the future holds even greater achievements for Educate Plus and I am proud to walk beside you. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and passion. Together, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season!

Go well.

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AI and the tin man Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suddenly entered mainstream conversation with the launch of ChatGPT. Since its launch, millions of people have experimented with the tool. Some use it to improve their personal lives and boost productivity, others to develop code, write real estate listings, and create lesson plans. While a few others have made teaching the best ways to use ChatGPT a career in itself!

It didn’t take long for fundraisers to wonder how AI could be used for donor relations and philanthropy. If a computer can solve a particular problem or perform a particular task as well as (or better) than a person, wouldn’t it free up fundraisers to do more of what they do best engaging with donors? Why not use it to optimise processes that humans aren’t good at, such as crunching vast amounts of data?

The answer, like life, is complicated!

An old joke says that an infinite number of monkeys banging away on keyboards, would eventually recreate the genius of Shakespeare, but the internet clearly proved that wrong! With apologies to Google, who have launched their own rival artificial intelligence chatbot, ominously called Bard, the large language models that generative AI is built upon, promise to bridge the missing link! But while the personal tone of conversations with an AI bot like ChatGPT can evoke the experience of chatting

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with a human, the technology, doesn’t (yet) speak with sentience and doesn’t ‘think’ the way people do.

Machines make assumptions that humans have learned to avoid. A colleague recently shared how he got an email with his email address in the subject line. The body of the email went on to explain how to create a ‘conversation’ with donors by using their first names in emails and how automation would let him do that with a click of a button. What automation was unable to do was distinguish between their name and their email address! I concluded that we fundraisers have a robot problem on our hands. And, as in any good sci-fi movie, the robots come bearing gifts.

Automation and machine learning can make our lives simpler. They can save us time, money and, without them, some nonprofits would never reach the number of donors they need. AI can also automatically learn from donor behaviour and

tailor communications to their specific likes and habits. It can even draft those emails for us, typo-free and at little, or no, cost. Imagine developing the first draft of an appeal letter, then using a tool like GPT, Bard or AI Assist to enhance the content or create variations for diverse types of donors across different communications channels? For example, one letter could be customised for people that have given before but not recently (lapsed donors), while a different one would target young active donors, or Tanglin staff.

What’s not to like about an assistant that never sleeps, doesn’t require much more than an extension cord and is always available?

Y

Well, several things. For starters, it can insult our donors’ intelligence. It’s perfectly OK to use someone’s name in an email to get their attention, but that doesn’t mean you have a relationship, and they know it. It’s also a little dishonest to pretend a computer-generated email came from the CEO. The real danger is that AI can change the relationship we have with our donors. Much has been written about how AI mimics human behaviour, but AI can also encourage humans to mimic robots. And the more we act like robots, the more our donors being to look like ATMS to us!

To belabour the point, a colleague once asked ChatGPT to explain why that’s a bad thing: “It means that it is functioning in a mechanical and impersonal manner. This can include automating communication with donors and lacking a personal touch in its interactions with them. When a non-profit treats its donors like ATMs, it means that it is only interested in extracting

What’s not to like about an assistant that never sleeps, doesn’t require much more than an extension cord and is always available? financial donations from them, rather than building a genuine relationship with them. This type of behaviour can be off-putting to donors and can lead to a decrease in charitable giving.”

So true, it’s creepy!

By way of counterpoint, let me tell you about a recent meeting I had with a Foundation Guardian. They recently made an extraordinary commitment to support our Centenary Arts Trail.

When I asked them why they were persuaded, they explained how much art means to them, the importance of aesthetic surroundings for deep learning and how they felt that this was an institutional priority where they could make a real impact.

They shared about places and institutions that were incredibly

meaningful for them, and I was able to share how my own school campus helped shape my love of education nearly 40 years ago. That lunch taught me more about our supporters than any algorithm ever could.

We need to use AI and automation to increase our effectiveness, but never let it replace our judgment or our passion for our missions. We need to remember that, like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, fundraisers may have the right tools, but they are nothing without a heart.

ABHRA BHATTACHARJEE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF FOUNDATION, TANGLIN TRUST SCHOOL, SINGAPORE

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AI and the gift of time I must admit, I am certainly no expert in the space of AI. I have so much to learn – and everything keeps changing so rapidly it triggers a palpable fear of being left behind! I suspect I am not alone…

So, when I was approached to write an article about how AI is impacting Advancement, I curiously asked ChatGPT. Its braggadocios response spat back 13 answers and I realised, with some relief, I wasn’t quite the novice in this space I had thought I was.

Fellow Advancement professionals: You know only too well the power of segmentation, data analysis and personalising campaigns to maximise success.

Whether it be to convert enrolments, fundraise, friend-raise or communicate change, I encourage you to explore, upskill and maximise AI tools to manage this more accurately and efficiently. Now, more than ever, we have the tools to move away from manual processes that can leave us open to mistakes, which can heartbreakingly unravel years of developed relational trust in seconds.

Automating your stewardship processes from womb to tomb and enhancing your content creation across all communication channels, from invitations to social media, are ways to work smarter not harder.

Other exciting areas that demand closer inspection are predictive analytic tools, prospect scoring and tools that track trends to analyse your campaigns. These enable us to predict patterns of engagement and, in some cases, make informed decisions to tweak our campaigns in real time to optimise success.

For those leading teams, we spend valuable time with our heads down in strategic planning and optimising human resourcing. Data-driven insights can not only inform long-term enrolment, stakeholder engagement and donor-retention strategies but, importantly, where and when we should allocate our resources to achieve our goals.

However, amidst all this data-driven progress, we must not forget our core mission: People, relationships, connection and belonging. We strive to create the opportunities where stories are shared, and significant memories are made. To truly understand what motivates our communities to engage and give, requires a high-touch engagement strategy. And high-touch engagement takes time.

Time – our most precious resource – should be used wisely. AI should not replace human interaction, but rather complement it. By creatively maximising AI tools, we can buy back time for those invaluable face-to-face interactions that define the essence of true engagement with our communities. In doing so, we can achieve a harmonious balance between technology and the personal touch, ensuring a brighter future for Advancement professionals and the communities we serve.

MYFANWY STANFIELD EDUCATE PLUS BOARD DEPUTY CHAIR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ASCHAM SCHOOL

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From SERPs to CHERPs

How to be found in generative AI Chat Experience Results Pages (CHERPs), not just Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) Most of us have been using artificial intelligence (AI) without even knowing it, within various software tools, and some of us are using AI prompts to generate results so that we can complete relevant tasks in a quicker and easier way.

I am the first to admit that there are already issues with using AI. I find that most people fall into one of two groups. Firstly, using AI to do what they already know how to do faster – the concept of using a faster horse rather than creating a car.

As high domain authority websites, schools, colleges and universities know that in most SERPs for the name of the institution, they will appear, even if they haven’t updated or refreshed their website recently.

The second group are challenging the tools and discovering the limitations and the possibilities. It is not an easy process, as constantly iterating can be frustrating and time-consuming. And given the speed of machine learning, the temptation is to just ‘wait’ until a solution is developed and to let someone else do all the hard work.

Search engines receive a query from you and draw on information from multiple sources (website, social media, reviews, links on other websites, mentions, bylines etc) kept in their own databases. They use algorithms that mine the information and weigh different variables to produce results.

But this is also the challenge.

Essentially, results are based on complex equations that are regularly changed by search engine providers. (In other words, we are at the mercy of the algorithm creators and what they deem is important). To counter this effect, algorithm developers analyse data and trends to produce better results and measure what people do after receiving those results to produce reliable results in the future.

I was working with a school principal in Tasmania recently who went to ChatGPT to learn more information about his school as an independent ‘researcher’. Sadly, his school did not appear in any of the chat experience results pages (CHERPs), despite the fact that the school has a website and a reasonable online presence.

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If we want to be found in the future, to secure results in CHERPs, we need to: 1. Move to website first. Add more content related to potential chat prompts to your website and make sure your website department and social media departments work together all the time.

2. Improve your content publishing strategy.

Add as much content as possible to your website (don’t just send out newsletters via email, publish them on your website as well). Set up practical archiving processes so that you can keep your history away from the main focus of your website but still keep it in AI datasets. This could mean more content is added and kept in a categorised ‘blog’ area of your website.

AI Chat receives a prompt from you and uses huge datasets, large language models, natural language processing and machine learning to produce results. Essentially, results are based on probability rather than scientific calculations. (In other words, we are at the mercy of the regularity of words that are published and added to the datasets, with many of those words being in English, from Western countries, coming with unconscious biases). To counter this bias, machine learning from multiple user prompts and the thumbs ups provided by users (or the lack of regenerations) from those results, will aim to produce better results in the future.

So, either way, we are at the mercy of both people and machines!

Essentially, the big difference in my mind between chat experience results and search engine results is populating the dataset effectively, rather than gaming the algorithm with the latest trend.

The irony is that all of the above suggestions will help you appear in both CHERPs and SERPs! References: From SERPs to CHERPs: Generative AI results need their own name, by Danny Goodwin, 8 August 2023 https:// searchengineland.com/cherps-serps-generative-aisearch-430436 SERPs and CHERPs: A Guide of Two Search Paradigms, by digiXL Media, 10 August 2023 https://digixlmedia. com/blog/serps-cherps

3. Label everything. Ensure that you use words and labels for images, audio and video so that these can be found and included in datasets.

Incorporating universal design also helps people using assistive technology.

4. Include citations and statistics. Where possible, include references and reputable statistics as content with citations is highly regarded (and more likely to have been created by an expert) than content without citations.

5. Include possible questions. Add these, as well as follow-up questions related to your website content. (I can see marked up FAQ-style content becoming very helpful on your main content pages in the future.)

6. Include markup code more often. This is code to emphasise text: Headings, bold, quotations, numbered lists, links etc. And add snippets on each page, or post, to emphasise the most important components of your content.

This will also help AI identify this information quickly and index it accordingly.

7. Include your byline or brand name. If you want to be found for your byline (your name) or your brand (your institution name), remember that you will need to include this more frequently in your pages, posts, articles and newsletters. I also encourage you to create specific name pages on your website (not just the About page or the Principal’s page but the specific person’s name page, which may even remain after they have finished employment).

8. Improve the language you use. Avoid ‘writing voice’ language or the ‘failed attempt to sound like a witty journalist headline’ and make sure that every word you write aids comprehension and provides meaningful value in relation to a potential AI prompt.

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Experimenting with AI If you would like to experiment with AI, here are three places to get started:

Microsoft Edge’s Bing Search Engine (within Microsoft Edge Internet Browser) already has ChatGPT included in search results. I encourage you to develop a Facebook Reviews strategy to ensure online reviews will appear in CHERPs. I love getting both search and chat results on the same screen.

ChatGPT is learning quickly and is very helpful for going from a blank page to a useful framework. It can also learn and adapt to your preferences over time. However, some organisations are already banning its use in the workplace.

SUE ELLSON SUEELLSON.COM INDEPENDENT LINKEDIN SPECIALIST, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR, CAREER DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONER, CONSULTANT, TRAINER

Google’s Bard is currently operating independently of Google Search and I have not found it as useful as Bing.

If you would like to include Google Search information in results, you need to choose the ‘Google it’ button.

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How AI is deepening the landscape of Educational Advancement Meet ChatGPT, a ground-breaking tool that has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide. Since its debut in November 2022, ChatGPT has taken the digital landscape by storm, amassing one million users in its first five days and an astounding 100 million users within its initial months.

And from there, I was able to mould the product to say what I wanted to say. Is that cheating? Well, I guess it depends on what the purpose of the article is. Is it to test my ability to write? Or is it to convey a message to an audience? I already know my authoring skills aren’t great, and I’m not sure there’s any benefit in making you guys know that too (I already use a spell checker to hide my horrendous spelling). Assuming the desired end result or conveying a message to an audience is the most important factor, the only way this could be considered cheating would be if I used AI but didn’t take the time to ensure the article was delivering the right message.

So, is it cheating to use AI in your job? I guess it comes down to the same question: What are you trying to achieve and will you achieve that better with AI? What makes this trickier, in the field of Advancement and fundraising, is that a key element of this is making people feel connected and engaged. If the community gets the slightest hint that you can’t even be bothered writing an email yourself, you may end up losing them for good. So, from a practical perspective, it just depends on whether you’re using it to be lazy, or as a tool to produce a better result.

Are there any other ethical considerations?

To kick off this discussion, I’d like to share a recent conversation I had, which brought up some interesting questions about AI. We

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were presenting at the IDPE conference in the UK, where we were showing off our latest AI integration system, which ‘trains’ AI on individuals.

This takes all an individual’s engagement data such as read/click stats on emails, event attendances, donations or general payment history, and other data sources, to let AI analyse what the individual might be interested in and how it may be able to help them in the future. The data is categorised so that the AI knows it can reference things like donations or event attendances directly in the message, but other data, like click statistics, is just to get a feel for the individual and shouldn’t be referenced. We showed this to one of our clients who commented, “This is amazing, but useless.

There’s no way we’d risk using this on our top donors; I’m always going to write those emails myself.”

He was absolutely right. No matter how much you train the AI, there’s a chance it may not know a key element, or that the donor who probably knows our client well, might be able to tell it’s not him. So, I asked our client why he was taking the time to write to his top 100 donors individually (a task which took a few weeks). He explained that the only way to ensure a positive outcome for the school was to ensure this group of people felt as if they mattered. They were worth the time and effort required to reach out to each donor personally.

But AI isn’t about your top 100 donors, it’s about the next 30,000. Keep writing personally to your

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top 100 donors, but why not make the next 30,000 community members feel they are important as well? You may want to read every email and make changes, but that’s still going to be hugely more efficient than writing each one of them yourselves.

Through our ‘Mailhouse API Integration’, at the click of a button you could also send AI messages in physical cards, with customised artwork in your handwriting! As our client said, making donors feel like they’re worth the effort is the only way to ensure a positive outcome. But there’s no doubt there would be potential donors in that next 30,000 you reach out to- people who, right now, are likely feeling as if the school doesn’t care enough to contact. And there could well be more than 100 of them out there This brings up the important question of privacy. In a world where you’re constantly being watched by social media, Google Advertising and many other online platforms, aren’t we now just handing over private information to an AI system which is likely storing the data to use in the future for who knows what? The answer is a resounding ‘no’. At Potentiality, we go to great lengths to ensure data is anonymised and can’t be used in any way by the AI system.

someone attended an event, but it has no idea who. If there’s a need for the communication to have private information such as a name, we insert that after the AI has drafted the email.

Also, we’re using a single account with the AI system to do all the training. If you used your own account to do the same thing, the AI might be able to reverse engineer some information about the recipient of the email by knowing things about you. With our system, the AI doesn’t even know what country you’re in.

Of course, you should make up your own mind.

But in my view, the main questions thrown up in this example are: Do you feel comfortable allowing AI to shortcut the authorial process?

Does it actually deliver authentic personalised communications? (My experience with this is a resounding ‘yes’.) And, can we cover off the privacy implications of using a third-party service? The last question is the most important one, in my mind. I’m comfortable with what we, at Potentiality, have done to ensure privacy of data.

JOHN BATISTICH OWNER, POTENTIALITY PTLY.COM

Firstly, the data we use to train the AI with has no identifiable information. The AI system knows that someone made a donation, and that

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Unleashing the power of ChatGPT: A fundraising and marketing guide Meet ChatGPT, a ground-breaking tool that has captured the imaginations of millions worldwide. Since its debut in November 2022, ChatGPT has taken the digital landscape by storm, amassing one million users in its first five days and an astounding 100 million users within its initial months.

With the University of Pennsylvania reporting that users are 30% to 50% more productive, it’s not surprising that many have become secret fans, using it without a whisper to their bosses.

The benefits ChatGPT brings impressive processing power and speed to the table, enabling users to work faster and more creatively. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, 40% of people primarily use it as a writing assistant .

Given that a significant portion of our days is dedicated to drafting, editing, and repurposing communications, ChatGPT can save you time while assisting you in making your marketing messages stand out. Furthermore, in the often under-resourced world of Advancement, it helps you build and maintain momentum.

But before you start envisioning it as a magical genie, it’s important to understand that ChatGPT is more akin to a trusted calculator – it enhances your capabilities rather than replacing them.

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The shortcomings ChatGPT isn’t without its limitations. It lacks the human touch and emotional intelligence crucial for certain tasks and may struggle to fully grasp complex contexts. While it can provide a wealth of information, facts and figures should always be cross-checked for accuracy, as there’s always a risk of bias in the data.

One important note: As an AI language model, ChatGPT cannot access the internet or external links, so you can’t use it as a Google search. It can only provide information and answer questions based on the text it was trained on. It also lacks the playful personality of Siri or Alexa.

Practical applications in fundraising and marketing ChatGPT is your all-in-one assistant. It’s your grammar guru, helping you spot errors and format text into different lengths and presentations. It crafts personalised communications, rewrites content for different media channels, and even handles donor thank

you emails. With its versatility, it shifts tones effortlessly and can transform bullet-point meeting notes into engaging paragraphs. When you find yourself stuck, ChatGPT becomes your idea generator, brainstorming concepts and offering compelling subject lines and call-to-action suggestions.

ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your productivity in the fundraising and marketing domains. As you delve deeper into its capabilities, you’ll discover its potential to automate substantial portions of writing and other tasks. Embrace it as your ally, and you’ll find it accelerates your work, providing you with a creative edge and enabling you to focus on what truly matters.

MAKING THE MOST OF CHATGPT

PDefine clear goals: Begin each interaction with a clear objective in mind.

PMonitor for accuracy and bias: Always

verify responses for accuracy and remain vigilant against potential biases.

PUse high quality data: The specificity of your input directly impacts the quality of results you obtain.

PTraining is key: Ensure your team is well-

versed in using ChatGPT effectively and interpreting its insights.

PQuality prompts: Craft prompts that ANA GOZALO SA/NT CHAPTER PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY, PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL, SA

function like a role, define tasks, specify the audience and channel, provide context, and outline the desired output format.

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New Zealand

Kia ora koutou, Our New Zealand Chapter has had a very successful year. We are continuing to develop a strategic alignment with Independent Schools NZ to get in front of principals, Board chairs and decision makers within schools to demonstrate the value of your advancement team and what Educate Plus can offer to support them.

In March, Vice President Emma Zigan and myself attended our first International Board meeting in Sydney. It was a pleasure to meet the other Chapter Presidents from across Australia.

In May, we hosted a novel new roadshow for our partners and sponsors across the country, which proved to be very successful, providing valuable networking opportunities for our members to get together. After three years of not being able to do much in person, it was great to see people interacting face-to -face.

Our biggest highlight was undoubtedly our hugely successful New Zealand Chapter Summit in September, which was attended by over 130 members and exhibitors. Christchurch turned on some spectacular weather just for us. We hosted a series of very popular pre-Summit workshops at Christ’s College and celebrated with a welcome cocktail event in the school’s prestigious Hogwarts-style dining hall, which left many wondering if there was also a quidditch match close by.

The following day, we headed out to Lincoln

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University for the main event. We were very lucky to be the first users of the spectacular new Science Centre at Lincoln. Our keynote speaker Garth Wynn, Principal of Christ’s College, gave a fabulous talk about creating a culture of philanthropy. And our second keynote speaker Matt Chisholm, former television host of Celebrity Treasure Island and Survivor NZ, spoke about his personal mental health journey.

Both were truly inspiring. But the highlight for everyone was the gumboot throwing competition held at lunch time.

Thank you to everyone who assisted in making the Summit so successful, particularly the teams at Lincoln University and Christ’s College. A very special than you to Mandy, Danielle and Sona who travelled to New Zealand to help us out – ladies you are legends.

As we head into the last quarter of the year, I am mindful that Educate Plus would not be what it is without all the volunteer time that our members give so generously. Thank you to everyone who has mentored a colleague, had a chat with a fellow member, hosted a webinar, attended a networking event, presented at our Summit, or attended one of the many PD opportunities.

You all help to make Educate Plus the successful organisation that it is.

Ngā mihi nui, DR NICOLE BASSETT CHAPTER PRESIDENT 2023 GENERAL MANAGER, PHILANTHROPY, FLOREY INSTITUTE OF NEUROSCIENCES AND MENTAL HEALTH, VIC

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The AI revolution in Educational Advancement In the ever-changing tech landscape, one phenomenon stands out as a gamechanger across various industries: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Its impact on education is the talk of the town and it seems it’s here to stay.

For K-12 schools, AI is creating a whirlwind of opportunity, dynamic changes and, if we’re completely honest, hesitation. Those willing to embrace AI are realising its potential to revolutionise how departments operate, particularly in school Advancement.

The AI revolution unveiled As we step into an AI-powered era, it’s clear that this unfathomable technology is no passing fad. According to research by InData Labs, AI technology adoption raked in $93 billion in 2021, reflecting a whopping 972% growth over seven years.

If that growth continues, which many say it will, AI will soar towards being a $997 billion industry by 2028. This outlook tells us that AI is not just here to stay; it’s here to make an impact. For those in the education sector, it’s set to redefine how daily

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tasks are approached — and not in a scary sci-fi film way.

Bringing AI into the education ecosystem Integrating AI into the school ecosystem requires careful consideration and strategic planning. The first step is assembling a dedicated team with expertise or interest in AI, made up of your IT professionals, school administrators, marketing specialists, and academic staff. This team can lay the groundwork for AI integration and champion its benefits across your school.

Understanding how your community feels about AI is also pivotal. Test the waters through social media engagement and surveys to gauge receptivity and address any concerns. Once a framework is in place, it’s important to make AI implementation a bit of fun so that its benefits can be properly appreciated!

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Begin considering the many ways in which AI can assist your school teams. Will AI-generated images replace photos displayed publicly by your school and improve child safety? Will AI change the way parents find your school and create an opportunity for savvy marketing? The possibilities are endless, and early adopting schools will reap the benefits.

AI’s potential for school marketing The speed and precision with which AI can process numbers offers huge opportunities for the ways schools understand and process their all-important data. This can mean quicker and smarter decision-making and greater school success. Whether it’s writing school newsletters or attracting a high calibre of leads, AI’s data prowess has the potential to reshape the foundations of the education space.

AI-powered content creation tools can help educational institutions produce engaging, relevant, and informative content at an unprecedented scale. However, it’s crucial to tread carefully and ensure that AI-generated content aligns with your school’s values and branding.

The way parents find and choose schools is also undergoing a sizeable shift. AI-driven algorithms can analyse data to recommend schools that best match a family’s values and requirements, simplifying the complex process of school selection.

AI-powered content creation tools can help educational institutions produce engaging, relevant, and informative content at an unprecedented scale.

Navigating the unknowns: The road ahead for AI in education While AI holds a whole lot of potential, it’s important to remember that we’re navigating uncharted waters, and ethical and regulatory concerns also loom large. If your school plans on using AI technology, be sure to use it responsibly and cautiously, casting a discerning eye over everything AI delivers.

Here at Digistorm, we’re embracing our position as a technology-forward company and carefully considering how we can bring the benefits of AI into our products in a responsible way.

One thing’s for sure: This is a space worth watching.

TIMO NIEUWOUDT HEAD OF MARKETING, DIGISTORM

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CHAPTER REPORT

New South Wales Australian Capital Territory

Thriving Together: A Year of Collaboration and Growth I am thrilled to share the vibrant year 2023 has been for our Chapter, marked by inspiring professional development, collaborations, and networking. Our collective dedication has not only ensured our Chapter has thrived but also propelled us individually towards new levels in our professional growth. It is a privilege to be part of education advancement.

I want to start by acknowledging our members and volunteers. Your engagement in the Chapter activities, whether at the Summit, online webinars or attendance at the special interest groups (SIGs), is our ‘Why’- as a Chapter, it is to serve you, our members. Thank you to the members who led, hosted, presented, facilitated panels, or organised events. Your generosity in sharing your expertise is the cornerstone of Educate Plus.

A special thanks to anzuk.education and Sonic Sight for partnering with our Chapter this year.

Your support is integral to our success and deeply valued. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the NSW/ACT Summit sponsors and exhibitors; we greatly appreciate your support and for being with us in Canberra. As a Chapter, we also acknowledge Educate Plus Strategic Partners. We thank you for your continued support and role in growing our organisation.

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At a personal level, I would like to thank the NSW/ACT Chapter Committee, who gave countless hours and delivered valuable opportunities for us to learn, advance and network.

Thank you to Yvette Graniero, Grant Birse, Sandy Goddard, Mary Cook, Geoff Anderson, Hannah Atwell, Dana Casimaty, Jackie Dalton, Paul Dennett, Levina Huirua, Lyn Jarvis, Clare Slattery, Karen Smith, Myfanwy Stanfield, Sebastian Wattam and Phillippa Zingales.

As a Committee, we are incredibly grateful for the support, passion and dedication of the Educate Plus team. Thank you to Mandy, Tina, Michelle, Danielle, Sona and Sandra.

2023 Highlights 2023 began with the Advanced Practitioner Training in Sydney. The positive feedback highlights the value of coming together and learning from each other. Though our institutions vary, we face similar challenges in our roles and teams.

The Summit hosted by Canberra Grammar in Term 2 drew over 180 delegates. The theme ‘Passion and Impact’ was brought to life through engaging discussions, insights and innovative presentations. The Summit Dinner at Old Parliament House was an evening that celebrated achievements across our Chapter and allowed us to bid a heartfelt farewell to Marilyn

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Rickard. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on our Chapter.

Throughout the year, the Committee has delivered a range of SIGs and webinars, from round tables to panel discussions, opportunities to hear from leading experts and for us as practitioners to lean in. A highlight to end the year was the ‘Michelin Star’ Dinner hosted by Cranbrook College, focusing on bringing experienced and emerging fundraisers together for an evening of conversation and shared learning.

I wish you well for the rest of 2023 and I look forward to building on our shared experiences and success as a Chapter in 2024. We are committed to enhancing our member engagement and value your contributions immensely. Together, we strengthen Educational Advancement in our region.

LYN O’NEILL CHAPTER PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND ENROLMENTS, NEW ENGLAND GIRLS’ SCHOOL

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How AI is impacting Advancement Those who are involved in the Advancement space in education are likely champions of technology. But what does AI have to offer to us? And will it enable me to be sipping margaritas on the beach in early retirement? Or will I be spending my free time hunting down store specials and coupons for fuel after been made redundant?

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The hope is that AI won’t just do things better, it will do better things!

That is more like fishing with bait tailor-made for each specific fish!

One of the most obvious uses for AI in Advancement is souped up data analytics, but there is much more coming. Imagine you want to reach a very niche market, say for a cathedral chorister scholarship for boys in Year 3, on the south side of town, from a particular religious denomination who also love to sing. Using traditional marketing methods to attract these boys is a bit like fishing with a shotgun: It looks impressive and makes a lot of noise but it is relatively useless.

When it comes to the images you use in your ad, Photoshop has just introduced significant AI power to make changing or extending backgrounds, including being able to remove an unfortunate hand gesture from an otherwise lovely image of teenagers, simple and quick (see images of Charlie at the school camp). ADOBE Firefly can go one step further and completely generate the image to your specifications. It is not perfect (see the image of the grass below the building - top right), but it has only been out for less than a month.

Alternatively, you can use tools like Google Analytics to push out an ad to people who search for church music, boys’ schools (or just boys’ toys), singing, and anything else you think will get a hit.

FAQ pages on a website are a bit like bicycles without electric motors; you can use them, but WHY? Chatbots (with nice names), can answer way more questions, save your staff answering

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THAT question for the millionth time, and get the enquirer’s email address at the same time.

AI-generated emails can generate reminder emails and complete many other mundane tasks. While we are on emails, if you have colleagues who may be wonderful at all things, except generating appropriate emails to parents, ChatGPT could be their new best friend - one that could save you all a bit of embarrassment!

In the philanthropy space, algorithms identify not only specifically targeted donors. They can build a database of information about each specific donor, so that you can talk about your shared love of miniature ponies, or whatever it is they’re into.

AI is not without its drawbacks. If we can get over the fact that it knows where you are, at all times, and assuming you are not having too many ‘Terminator’ flashbacks, these are some things to consider: According to AI guru Arijit Sengupta, in many cases, AI is a waste of time and money because it’s not built to achieve tangible goals and specific outcomes. Although AI is still in its infancy, with minimal EI and common sense, it will likely mature at exponential rates

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grammar and a million other things, who still has the skill to check the AI? Are we training ourselves to becoming dumber or, at least, less capable?

There is also the concern that AI undermines the process of learning and imagination. In the bigger picture, there are equitability concerns, not just around access to AI, but also that AI will just replicate and magnify unconscious (hopefully unintentional) human bias through its human programming.

Love it or hate it, AI is here. You can either jump on board and use it to your advantage, or keep doing what you are doing, just like that company called Kodak!

SCOTT HUNTINGTON DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, ANGLICAN CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL (CHURCHIE), QLD

One of the other main issues is that anything generated by AI still needs to be proofed by a real person. This is where the conundrum kicks in.

If we are all using AI to help us spell, use correct

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Revolutionising Educational Advancement How AI is building bridges and breaking barriers In an era marked by rapid technological development, the Educational Advancement landscape faces a pivotal shift. The realm of possibility is expanding rapidly, yet we find ourselves at an inflection point, where transformation must be embraced with determination.

Fundraising – Beyond tradition Traditionally, school fundraising was a practice honed through years of experience, reliant on human intuition and tireless effort. It was an art form that celebrated personal connections and understanding community dynamics. But in our modern era, where data drives decisions, fundraising has reached that point where science meets art, creating a new vista of opportunity.

By analysing past giving patterns, social engagement, and community involvement, AI algorithms can pinpoint individuals and organisations most likely to contribute.

Predictive models allow schools to anticipate the size and likelihood of donations, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and strategically target efforts.

Algorithms can tailor messages to resonate with individual donors, maintaining the individualised touch that has always been at the heart of successful fundraising, but on a scale previously unimaginable.

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The use of personal data requires a delicate balance, maintaining trust while leveraging information. Clear communication about how data is used by your institution can help maintain this balance.

While AI can provide insights, human judgment and empathy remain crucial. Ensuring that technology serves as an aid, rather than a replacement, preserves the human connection that fundraising thrives on.

Globally, schools are beginning to witness the benefits of AI-driven fundraising. From identifying previously overlooked donors to crafting campaigns that resonate across diverse communities.

Fundraising, as a critical aspect of Educational Advancement, has embraced a seismic shift, moving beyond mere tradition. The fusion of human ingenuity with algorithmic precision heralds a new age of opportunity. It is not a mere technological addon; it is a reimagining of what is possible, bringing together the best of human insight with the undeniable power of AI.

Alumni – A new connection AI-driven predictive analytics have revolutionised how educational institutions interact with their alumni. By analysing past interactions, donation history, and social media behaviour, schools can now create personalised outreach strategies.

AI-powered chatbots can provide a constant channel of communication between institutions and their alumni.

These tools can provide realtime updates on events, answer queries, and solicit feedback, transforming the relationship into a dynamic conversation.

Automation tools powered by AI enable institutions to maintain an active and engaging presence on various social media platforms, where many alumni are active. This not only fosters a sense of community but also provides opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Integration of AI in Educational Advancement

AI can analyse data from previous alumni events to create more appealing and engaging future gatherings.

Insights derived from machine learning models can guide everything from venue selection to thematic content.

Some schools have implemented AI-driven platforms that match current students with alumni mentors based on shared interests and career paths. This fosters a new level of interconnection within the school community.

The integration of AI in alumni relations isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift. Where alumni engagement was once limited to newsletters and occasional

reunions, AI now facilitates an ongoing, interactive relationship, harnessing data and personalisation to foster a new era of connection.

These innovations align with broader trends in customer relationship management, where personalisation and real-time engagement are seen as key drivers of success. By applying these principles to Educational Advancement, schools are not only strengthening their connections with former students but also creating a vibrant, engaged community that transcends traditional boundaries.

mere technology. It is a fundamental reimagining of Advancement’s core, promising a future that is more engaging and produces better outcomes. The imperative is clear: Embrace AI as a strategic partner, not just a tool.

This article was written in a fraction of the time that it might have taken previously, by partnering with ChatGPT. JOHN GROOM DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT, HUTCHINS SCHOOL, TAS

AI’s integration into Educational Advancement goes beyond

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Queensland

Reflecting on 2023, it was a very good year.

As a Chapter, we held multiple PD events and celebrated excellence in advancement at the biennial Chapter Summit.

It has been wonderful to gather as a community and reconnect with Advancement colleagues from across Queensland.

We welcomed several new members to the EP family. Relationships with schools, tertiary members and connections were strengthened through learning from one another and networking.

Acknowledgements and thanks go to our Strategic and Summit Partners, and exhibitors whose support of our mission is vital to the success of our community and its members.

A final word of gratitude to members of the Queensland Chapter Committee and Summit Committee who spend countless hours outside of their busy roles to contribute to the advancement of our advancement profession - thank you for your support, actions, and insights.

Looking ahead to 2024, there will be new projects, new opportunities and new events to attend. We hope to see as many members as possible at the Empowering Success International Conference in Perth.

PD delivered in 2023 POne Chapter Summit PTwo webinar sessions PTwo face-to-face workshops

PFour SIG sessions, including one regional 32

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Chapter Summit Review The Queensland Summit was run very successfully, with 246 in attendance. We welcomed 55 speakers to sessions and 23 partners. A wide variety of topics were covered including school archives, cybersecurity, AI, admissions contracts, gender diversity, environmental social governance, bequest programs, the future of Advancement, social media and fundraising.

Delegates were welcomed from Townsville, Warwick, Rockhampton, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and greater Brisbane. We celebrated excellence in advancement at the awards breakfast and showcased the work of our winners.

Thank you to our independent panel of judges: Jeff Buchanan - consultant and Educate Plus Fellow, Karen Spiller - retired Principal and Glenda Fitz-Payne - retired Fellow.

Speaker highlights Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM, 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year, doctor, lawyer, disability advocate and researcher John Groom, Director of Advancement & Alumni Engagement, The Hutchins School, Tasmania Heidi Cooper, CEO, Business Chamber Queensland Delegate feedback Overall, I was really impressed with the event. Great set up. Great presenters. Great exhibitors. Great networking opportunities. Looking forward to the next Summit!

Excellent opportunities for networking - this part of the Summit was fantastic.

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Great diversity South Australia in the andsessions. the Northern Wish I could Territory, have often overshadowed attended more. by their eastern counterparts international headlines, Stimulating andinthought-provoking speakers.are Loved hidden gems in Australia.

After calling Adelaide being taken out of my narrow school role, which can home the past 17 years, the common be quitefor constricting at times. question I’ve encountered is, “Why Adelaide, I came away with some ideas from all the sessions I and not Melbourne or Sydney?” In truth, visa attended. constraints left us with limited choices, and Special andasfarewell Adelaidethanks emerged an appealing option.

A very special thank you to the hardworking Contrary to misconceptions, South Australia Queensland Chapter Committee who have given is more than the ’city of churches’; it’s better tirelessly this year to serve our Members. described as the ‘city of schools’. The frequent We sadlyhere Sue is, Russell, Fellow, past member, inquiry “Which school didBoard you attend?”

Chapter President, Chapter Conference the While this may seem cliché,and it underscores member and mentor. deep sense of community in South Australia. In During herthe extensive career in Advancement, contrast, Northern Territory offers a unique and with huge generosity of spirit, Sue embodied way of life, immersed in breathtaking natural professionalism, strategic leadership, landscapes, scorching weather, and amentoring rich and commitment.

She has demonstrated indigenous culture—a place with no universities visionary leadership and service in Educational but plenty of choices for high-quality schools.

Advancement through her contributions and Yet, what truly makes these regions special initiatives as a volunteer. Sue served Educate Plus are their people. And the SA/NT Educate Plus for over 15 years. We salute you, Sue, for your Chapter Committee is a testament to this. Our many achievements, and we wish you well in your team of 14 dedicated volunteers, representing retirement. diverse schools across the region, has been Thank you, Sue, enormous contribution to instrumental in for ouryour success this year.

Their the Queensland Chapter and to Educate Plus! unwavering commitment and passion have driven our achievements.

CLAIRE GRLJ

CHAPTER PRESIDENT & EDUCATE Engaging the community PLUS BOARD SECRETARY

Throughout this year, we’ve LEADING ENGAGEMENT SOLUTIONS adopted innovative approaches to

New realities in education Lumination learning labs

Keeping students engaged in learning and staying one step ahead of competitor schools are concerns faced by all Australian independent schools in today’s competitive market. Finding and communicating points of difference can make all the difference, as can ensuring enrolment strategies evolve rather than go stale.

At Santa Sabina College in inner western Sydney, we are surrounded by high-calibre competitor schools. And while we have many points of difference, such as award-winning wellbeing programs, spectacular success in areas such as Music and TAS, the IBDP as well as the HSC, and our 97-hectare outdoor ed campus in regional NSW, we are also always ready to embrace cutting-edge expertise and resources – for early adopter advantage.

Our latest creative solution, which is allowing us to stand out among other schools and attract enrolment interest, leverages emerging technology that is benefitting our students.

This year we installed two Lumination Learning Labs. These are automated, multi-purpose and immersive smart classrooms supporting students to achieve exceptional results using Extended Reality, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

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We are the first and only school in Sydney’s Inner West to build such labs, which have the power to transport students to the streets of ancient Rome, allow them to venture into the depths of the ocean to study marine biology or journey through outer space to learn about the universe.

These state-of-the-art, fully flexible labs are transforming our teaching across all areas of the curriculum. Learning in these spaces, students are more engaged than ever before. They become immersed in their lessons, deepening their understanding, enhancing collaboration and creativity. They may also be preparing themselves for jobs of the future, which don’t yet exist.

These digital technologies are expanding the possibilities of traditional learning environments, turning passive learning into learning that is active, immersive, and experiential. The immersive experiences are allowing students to extend their

reality, so they can learn and practise new skills, while in a safe environment.

As a girls’ school, we are aware that our Lumination Labs provide another and a unique opportunity to lift female students into the STEM sphere. We are challenging the national trend of declining participation by girls in elective STEM subjects as this exciting technology enlivens STEM lessons and attracts greater elective participation.

Not only do these multi-purpose smart classrooms increase the engagement of our students in their learning, but they also give us a marketing edge in retaining and increasing our enrolments.

They are one of our unique selling propositions; giving us a leading edge in our admissions, communications, marketing and fundraising activities. They are the focal point for one of our Building Fund campaigns, with their obvious appeal to our forward-thinking donors. They provide new content for our marketing and communications activities – photos and videos of students and staff working together using the technology have proven to be great content on all our communications channels. Our labs are in use every day, so there is an endless supply of new and colourful content.

Our Discovery Tours, which happen once a term for prospective families, now include visits to the Lumination Labs. Our visitors love engaging with the space and seeing how their children will learn when enrolled at our school.

Emerging technologies have a wide reach in education, and not just for educational purposes in the classroom. They are valuable assets for marketing, which show prospective school families that we are at the forefront of education and are well-placed for future teaching and learning developments.

PAULINA SKERMAN COLLEGE PRINCIPAL SANTA SABINA COLLEGE

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South Australia/Northern Territory

South Australia and the Northern Territory, often overshadowed by their eastern counterparts in international headlines, are hidden gems in Australia. After calling Adelaide home for the past 17 years, the common question I’ve encountered is, “Why Adelaide, and not Melbourne or Sydney?” In truth, visa constraints left us with limited choices, and Adelaide emerged as an appealing option.

Contrary to misconceptions, South Australia is more than the ’city of churches’; it’s better described as the ‘city of schools’. The frequent inquiry here is, “Which school did you attend?”

While this may seem cliché, it underscores the deep sense of community in South Australia. In contrast, the Northern Territory offers a unique way of life, immersed in breathtaking natural landscapes, scorching weather, and a rich indigenous culture—a place with no universities but plenty of choices for high-quality schools.

Yet, what truly makes these regions special are their people. And the SA/NT Educate Plus Chapter Committee is a testament to this. Our team of 14 dedicated volunteers, representing diverse schools across the region, has been instrumental in our success this year. Their unwavering commitment and passion have driven our achievements.

Engaging the community Throughout this year, we’ve adopted innovative approaches to engage our members and the community: 36

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• A remarkable collaboration with Pembroke School during their Old Scholars’ Week brought together all alumni associations and presidents, past and present. This event fostered fruitful collaborations among volunteers and enhanced relationships with Educate Plus members in alumni relations.

• We expanded our coffee catch-up events to forge stronger connections among our members and the wider community. These gatherings took place at Westminster and Scotch College, where attendees not only enjoyed networking but also informative tours of the facilities.

• A Special Interest Group (SIG) event during the July school break allowed for in-depth conversations in a relaxed atmosphere, much to attendees’ delight. The day included networking, presentations, and engaging round table discussions. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art Wellbeing and Sports Centre at Scotch College.

• Our networking drinks events now incorporate an educational component. We hosted a panel discussion on ChatGPT, which was so well received that we replicated it in a webinar format, featuring Dr. Vitomir Kovanović, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning at UniSA.

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Stronger Together Summit In mid-September, we had the privilege of hosting the Stronger Together Summit in the Adelaide Hills.

With over 120 delegates, speakers, and partners in attendance, the event provided a diverse range of professional development sessions and networking opportunities. Such a substantial event couldn’t succeed without the support of many contributors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Summit Partners, advancelife photography, OBH, and the SA/NT Summit Committee, who poured immense effort into the program, which included networking events and a fun masquerade dinner. Their hard work certainly paid off.

The Summit’s rich and engaging program featured presentations on topics ranging from celebrating Aboriginal cultures, engaging with alumni, leadership, giving days, and wellbeing.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Chapter this year. Whether you attended our events, volunteered to speak, participated as an exhibitor or partner, or offered one of your colleagues as a helping hand and trusted ally, your involvement is highly valuable and appreciated.

Thank you! It’s because of you that we are stronger together.

ANA GOZALO CHAPTER PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY, PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

SA/NT Chapter Committee

Smart AI adoptions emerging in fundraising While still relatively new to the mass market, artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing about transformative changes in various sectors and education is no exception.

While the academics discuss plagiarism vs inspiration on student work, Advancement teams are feeling their way, primarily via the free, simple and accessible ChatGPT. Further, this year, leading software (including toucantech!) began to incorporate AI features into their product propositions. The focus has been providing more efficiencies for their clients. After all, who doesn’t need time back in their day?

Naysayers have criticised the use of AI chatbots, saying it will erode authenticity and trust - with donors, in particular. However, larger non-profits have always outsourced communications to specialist agencies or consultants. Isn’t this just another cost-effective alternative?

TIP #1 “It’s easier to criticise than to create,” quipped author Linda Rapport. When the black screen stares you down, simply jot down the key 38

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points of a message, word length you need and get a tool like ChatGPT to generate your first draft.

Go forth and critique!

TIP #2 - Consider using ChatGPT to extend your existing appeals. Rewrite for new segment personas? Translate into another language? Or convert from eDM to DM postal content.

But are there examples of AI adoption outside of content creation? Yes, but they are limited for education institutions.

Queensland’s QUT discovered, via predictive AI modelling, that their efforts were better spent on relationship-based fundraising engagement activities, specifically major gifts and appeals. This was due to annual giving day donors delivering a lower lifetime value. Specifically, those donors had low retention rates and responded poorly to second gift solicitations . (Source: dataro.io)

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Schools, especially, face a challenge in leveraging machine learning and predictive AI, which accounts for the lack of experimentation and documented results.

The barrier to adoption, aside from budget, is the requirement for a substantial dataset, such as 10,000-plus donors, along with their donor history. This is a difficult bar to meet, even for the most successful school philanthropic programs.

Consequently, it will be higher education institutions who are better positioned to leverage this kind of AI technology in the first instance.

Despite this, schools would do well now to focus on the collation of data, alongside longitudinal giving histories in their database/CRM. Specifically helpful will be the tracking of engagement insights that correlate with the likelihood to donate, regular event attendance, high email opens, volunteerism, board or committee involvement and so on.

Disclaimer: AI only used for a little grammatical rework!

MERRYN PARKS GENERAL MANAGER ASIA PACIFIC TOUCANTECH

TOUCANTECH’S GENERATIVE AI TOOLS

PProvided the option to generate

attention grabbing headlines. Simply enter a few key words and indicate the tone of voice you want and presto!

PA simplified process of finding and

choosing the right images for your content - no more scrolling and scrolling on free image sites!

PSpell check is not new. Through

AI we have taken it to the next level with options to expand or rephrase sentences in addition to grammatical improvements.

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Enriching the creative landscape with AI and human creativity The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has garnered significant attention, particularly for its ability to generate content. However, this capability has sparked a valid question: Does the prevalence of AI-generated content undermine the value of human creativity?

Contrary to this concern, I firmly believe that AI, when harnessed thoughtfully, can not only coexist with human creativity but it can also enhance and amplify it.

As Alumnae Manager at Lauriston Girls’ School, I have witnessed firsthand the relationship that can develop between AI and human creativity. Rather than displacing human originality, AI can act as a catalyst, igniting fresh sparks of creativity and expanding the horizons of what’s achievable.

One of the key benefits of incorporating AI into creative workflows is the saving and recalibration of time. By delegating routine and repetitive tasks to AI tools, creative professionals gain the invaluable gift of time for more profound exploration of ideas and concepts. This new timeframe encourages creative thinking, enabling minds to explore new ideas and create richer, more meaningful stories.

Furthermore, AI serves as a proficient collaborator, enhancing the quality and efficiency of creative outcomes.

At Lauriston, I’ve observed that

leveraging AI to handle seemingly mundane tasks not only ensures accuracy but also empowers me to channel my energies into the creative process. The result is a combined effect between human intuition and technological precision, culminating in an elevated standard of creative output.

Yet, amidst these advantages, it’s essential to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement.

Authenticity remains the cornerstone of compelling creativity. Genuine human experiences, emotions, and insights are the foundations upon which meaningful stories are created. AI can amplify these narratives, refine their presentation, and streamline production, but it can never replace the inherently human elements that captivate audiences.

In my personal experience, AI has proven invaluable in refining and optimising content. Whether it’s writing a condolence card, a speech, fine-tuning social media posts to resonate with diverse audiences, or transforming alumnae narratives into engaging

articles, AI is lending a helping hand, allowing me to focus on crafting more captivating narratives.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the integration of AI into creative processes is not a threat, but an opportunity.

It invites us to transcend the conventional boundaries of creativity and embrace a harmonious partnership between human imagination and technological intelligence.

As we navigate this dynamic landscape, the key to harnessing AI’s potential lies in retaining our authenticity, ensuring that the heart and soul of creativity remain uniquely human.

This article was written by me, Catherine McVean. AI made it shine!

CATHERINE MCVEAN ALUMNAE RELATIONS MANAGER LAURISTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL

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Transforming Education The Role of AI in Advancement

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, schools are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance their operations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in the education sector, offering transformative solutions across various facets of school management.

The first step is to understand AI and its continued evolution. Easily said. Not so easy to do. One of the challenges is finding the time to fully explore this and discover the efficiencies. This article explores AI’s transformative impact on school Advancement departments and the tools enabling our Advancement professionals to focus on creativity and the human elements of their roles.

AI-driven tools are enabling Advancement professionals to analyse customer behaviours and trends. This, in turn, facilitates customised campaigns targeting specific individuals and demographic groups. For instance, in fundraising, AI-driven tools can analyse donor data to identify potential contributors and tailor campaigns. It can also predict donor behaviours, allowing school marketers to personalise fundraising appeals.

Similar analytics tools are employed in the Alumni Engagement sections of our schools. Predictive analytics assist in identifying alumni likely to

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become active supporters or mentors, enabling customised engagement strategies. Additionally, AI is used to analyse social media and online platforms, monitoring alumni sentiments and opinions, to inform schools’ engagement decisions.

Undoubtedly, AI-powered chatbots are useful tools that are increasingly prevalent across school websites. Chatbots and virtual assistants manage routine enquiries related to enrolments, guide potential new families through the application process, and even conduct initial screenings.

AI-driven process automation is also revolutionising the operations of Advancement teams, particularly in school admissions. Enrolling families, the transferral of data and account setup is now a process that requires little human input.

The use of AI for this process results in efficiencies that, in turn, allow our Advancement professionals more opportunities to focus on big picture projects.

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However, it can all sound a little daunting, right?

While the world of AI can overwhelm us with the promise of productivity gains and algorithms to analyse the behaviours of our community to the nth degree, it is critical that we approach the implementation of AI in a pragmatic and responsible manner. I often like to use the term ‘hasten slowly’. This, for me, means that it is ok to take time to assess what works best in each of our areas, while also understanding the potential challenges and risks associated with AI technologies.

For schools, privacy and data security are paramount when managing information relating to their communities. Equally, it is critical to recognise bias in AI algorithms. Have you ever accidentally clicked on an ad and been redirected to a website for something you’re not actually interested in?

And to then be served by even more ads for similar products thereafter? The algorithms don’t always get it right. Schools need to address this and investigate appropriate mitigation strategies to offset these biases.

To this end, the human touch and the creative minds of our Advancement professional remain vital in all of education. While AI can automate many tasks, it should complement, not replace, human interactions. Schools must strike a balance between efficiency and personalised attention to maintain the quality of education and engagement.

While AI is reshaping the Advancement functions of our schools, delivering time efficiencies

and ultimately enhancing experience for their communities, its implementation must be delivered with responsible considerations. Schools are human organisations. We must never lose sight of that and the value of our interactions as people. As technology evolves, schools embracing AI are better positioned to thrive in the everchanging educational landscape.

Then again, we could just ask it directly how it might help?

KYLE THOMPSON PRINCIPAL, SCOTS PGC, QLD

POINTS TO NOTE:

PAI driven tools are driving

efficiencies in all areas of Advancement and school operations

PIt’s tricky, but invest the time to see how you can save time by using AI tools

PHasten slowly – be aware of the risks and proceed responsibly

PSchools are human organisations – it’s important to strike the right balance

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Victoria/Tasmania

In an ever-evolving landscape, school Advancement professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the institutions we serve. Marketing, philanthropy, admissions, communications, community engagement leaders and emerging leaders all work tirelessly to enhance our school and universities’ reputations, build on brand, increase enrolments, and create meaningful community connections that contribute to the financial stability and growth of our communities.

Our Victorian/Tasmanian Educate Plus community is incredibly strong and vibrant.

At every single event I attend, I am struck by the level of connectedness, comradeship and the generosity of our members in the selfless sharing of ideas and knowledge. This openness and kindness in our community helps us all in our respective roles and grows the impact on our communities.

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• We held our biennial Summit, Nexus: Stronger Together, hosting a record number of 275 delegates including 24 partners and exhibitors • We held our annual Welcome Event • Multiple coffee mornings were held in both Victoria and Tasmania • A regional networking lunch took place in Geelong • A professional development day Hobart at the University of Tasmania • Recognising the importance of flexibility, Educate Plus held webinars across all strategic Advancement pillars providing PD opportunities for us all in the comfort of our own office or home.

We are certainly a community thirsty for learning and opportunities to come together, and there are still more events to come this year.

In 2023, our membership has grown, and it will continue to grow. We have welcomed 148 new members. We have also seen several Catholic schools join our ever-expansive network, adding to the richness of our member base. Excitingly, we have had members join who are new to our industry. We are keen to embrace knowledge from other industries and commit to support and mentor new members in the nuances of the Educational Advancement.

The Educate Plus Vic/Tas Chapter is not a static group; it is a dynamic partnership that continually evolves to meet the changing needs of our members. You may have ideas or needs that you would like to see met in the future? We encourage you to reach out to any of us on the Committee if you have suggestions to enhance our network and learnings.

Here, I capture a little of what the Educate Plus Vic/Tas Chapter has been able to offer our members this year:

TRACEY GROBBELAAR

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Your input is always welcome.

CHAPTER PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS, SIENA COLLEGE

CHAPTER REPORT

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Revealing untold stories: The value of school archives Archives are more than just a collection of official records; they also serve to safeguard and celebrate the memories and achievements of communities.

In the case of schools, archives are increasingly seen as a vital component of alumni engagement programmes.

By sharing their archives, schools not only preserve their community’s special heritage, surfacing important historical milestones, but also foster a greater sense of belonging and identity.

To facilitate this, many schools are developing digitisation strategies, supported by online platforms like Recollect, to invite wider public access and engagement. With a few

clicks, individuals can explore yearbooks, newsletters, magazines, photographs, regalia, uniforms, and other materials that might otherwise remain stored away in boxes.

New Zealand Micrographic Services (NZMS) recently spoke with Auckland Grammar School’s archivist and historian, Peter Stanes and Victoria Morris, Kristin School’s Community Relations and Marketing Manager, to understand how their archives have benefited from online engagement, increased accessibility, and

digitisation.

Auckland Grammar School is a public secondary school for boys, with a small boarding facility. It was founded in 1869 and, since 1916, has been located in Epsom, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The launch of Auckland Grammar’s Recollect site in late 2018 was timed to coincide with the school’s 150th celebrations. It now provides public access to over 18,000 photos, 840 videos, school lists, chronicles, Ad Augusta magazines, and more.

It is an important resource for

Students playing recorders, 23rd September 1976, image courtesy of Kristin School.

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staff, students, researchers, and anyone interested in New Zealand history.

— Victoria Morris, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Kristin School

Kristin School is a private coeducational for students from early learning to Year 13, situated in Albany on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s North Shore. It was founded in 1973 by a small group of parents and is now owned by the Kristin School Charitable Trust, a non-profit organisation. Kristin Archives Online was launched earlier this year as part of the school’s 50th Jubilee celebrations, initially uploading photos of recent events, communications, publications, and memorabilia.

Feedback from the community is vital in shaping the archive’s growth. This leads to new knowledge surfacing and discussions taking place, including about specific histories based on community interests. Recollect fosters community engagement by allowing members to contribute and upload their own videos, documents, and other important historic material.

The opportunity for users to participate in this way adds a meaningful dimension to the archive, reinforcing a sense of community, ownership, and collaboration.

“The heritage of our school is so precious, especially in a digital age where photo albums can be relegated to basement boxes, and thousands of more recent pictures might be stored on phones. People aren’t likely to have access to photos from their school days.

Bringing them to the forefront again for people is just delightful - I love it. It’s a really powerful way to engage a community and bring them together. And it’s a little bit like an online reunion when you share them on social media and people get chatting. It’s a wonderful way of bringing your heritage and those memories to life for our community.”

Prior to 2019, Auckland Grammar was using another platform to upload digitised content online. It soon became evident that the quantity of material and range of formats needing to be digitised required a more rigorous archival system and more powerful search functionality than the platform they were using.

“Originally, the purpose of the site was to assist in the advancement of the school – as part of all the elements that go into the Development Office. The online

archive was seen as a necessary and helpful building block in the whole mix of things that come together to create the advancement process for the school.”

— Peter Stanes, Archivist and Historian, Auckland Grammar School School archives often contain information that is relevant to individuals outside of their immediate community. Local school history is an increasingly valuable resource for those researching topics related to regional and national history too.

Access to primary source material offers students an opportunity to examine eyewitness accounts, explore a range of perspectives, and understand how values and attitudes change over time.

Sharing and preserving an archive ensures that your school’s legacy and traditions endure, inspiring present and future generations to connect with the school’s heritage.

EMANUELLA DE RUITER MARKETING COORDINATOR NEW ZEALAND MICROGRAPHIC SERVICES

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St Cuthbert’s students’ experience Teaching for the future with new Digital Co-Labs

Auckland-based school, St Cuthbert’s College, recently opened a new technology area dedicated to enhancing girls’ technological learning and experiences through the creation of Digital Co-labs.

A Girls Innovate event was held to launch Digital Co-labs at the school, where guests were able to take part in hands-on activities including robotics, VR experiences, badge making, an e-sports tournament and technical Lego construction.

Students were also thrilled by the giant dancefloor that was installed for all to enjoy for three days leading into the event.

The Digital Co-Labs are a proudly community and college-funded resource, and the success of the opening was the result of significant fundraising initiatives and community event planning.

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Fundraising The establishment of Digital Co-Labs was possible due to successful fundraising from St Cuthbert’s 2023 annual appeal.

Called ‘Gifting Amazing’, this fundraising drive surpassed its target by delivering more than $250,000. The funds raised enabled the creation of five new initiatives including a Performing Arts Recording Studio, support for students to be able to attend co-curricular events when in financial need, sports recording equipment, three staff scholarships and the Digital CoLabs.

The ‘Gifting Amazing’ fundraising campaign was hosted online and all communications to potential donors were directed to this. Where the use of printed materials and signage was incorporated, QR codes were included to funnel donors to the online source.

One of the benefits of hitting the target early is that the projects can be delivered within the year, and this was key to raising the funds in a concentrated timeframe.

Community Event Preparations for the community engagement activities for the

opening of the Digital Co-Labs started with harnessing student excitement and involving them in the process. Notes were added into the student’s diaries inviting them all to attend. Other activities included: 1. An email campaign to all stakeholders, including parents across the school (junior and senior), the Trust Board and the Principal.

2. Social media support in reacting to donor responses.

3. Strong printed magazine coverage, sent to every single member of our parent and alumni community.

4. Internal assembly and student updates.

5. Frequent review of all communications to gain an understanding of which

One of the benefits of hitting the target early is that the projects can be delivered within the year... messages were triggered responses.

Louise May, Senior Manager Advancement for St Cuthbert’s said, “The opening of the new Digital Co-Labs was the focus at our 2023 Girls Innovate event and the buzz was simply electric. We were delighted to see record numbers of families in attendance to witness how St Cuthbert’s College is teaching for the future through our technology offering.”

increase in awareness from parents to support the vision of ‘Teaching for the Future’. The Advancement team is excited to see what support next year’s Gifting Amazing Annual Fund will bring to the college to further enhance girls’ learning and lives .

GRAEME MULLIN DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT ST CUTHBERT’S COLLEGE, NZ

Suzanne Joyce, Director of Advancement at St Cuthbert’s College, said she was delighted to have such a high turnout for the opening, with such a notable

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CHAPTER REPORT

Western Australia

2023 has been another successful year for the WA Chapter of Educate Plus largely due to the enormous contribution of the WA Chapter Committee.

The year kicked off with a resounding success at our Welcome Event, where we witnessed a robust turnout of members eager to engage and connect. The Swan Valley PD Day mid-year further underscored our dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for professional development. Special Interest Group events throughout the year centred around our pillars and served as invaluable platforms for members to share insights, resources and camaraderie.

With the support of Fotoworks (our Chapter Sponsor), we were in a good financial position to start the year, which allowed us to put on some wonderful events for our members. We have been able to take advantage of both local and national opportunities for professional development (both in-person and online), and, of course, enjoy the fantastic culmination of the year with our Chapter Summit!

Our calendar gained a harmonious rhythm, with the start-of-year social event proving to be a perennial success. This gathering not only facilitates reconnections but also serves as a vital forum for members to voice their training and professional development needs.

In a departure from the conventional, this year’s Chapter Summit transformed traditional

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corporate settings into a soul-inspiring vista. We aimed to offer our delegates a space to pause, breathe and savour the present moment amid the company of their colleagues. Recognising the potential stress of stepping away from the office, we hoped the breathtaking view would serve as a gentle reminder that personal growth is a worthy pursuit.

With 22 sessions, 95 delegates and 7 very happy exhibitors, it was an impressive and enjoyable Chapter Summit. Of course, it would not have been possible without the efforts of all the members of the Committee. It is a wonderful group of people to work with, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their efforts and their commitment to our organisation.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce our role as hosts for the Empowering Success International Conference in 2024. We eagerly anticipate welcoming colleagues from around the globe to our vibrant city for what promises to be an exceptional event.

As my tenure as the Chapter’s leader concludes after three rewarding years, I express my gratitude for the privilege of serving this incredible community. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the WA Chapter of Educate Plus in the capable hands of its future leaders.

SUSIE GILL F.EDPLUS CHAPTER PRESIDENT FOUNDER/DIRECTOR ADMISSIONS CONSULTING

CHAPTER REPORT

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Educate Plus would like to acknowledge and thank our Strategic and Chapter Partners for their generous support in 2023

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