educate plus 2023 VIC/TAS Chapter Summit was held on 13-14 july, where Gembridge was a newcomer scholarship partner.
The Scholarship was available to applicants who were new to the Advancement/Education sector, and assisted with funds that enabled their attendance.
Here, we talk with one of the recipients - Grace Chan - about her experience at the Summit.
Grace Chan is the Marketing and Communications Officer at The Hutchins School
What is your background?
I have been working in the marketing industry for a couple of years, but this is my first time working at a school.
What do you love about advancement/your role?
I enjoy working at school, I’ve got so many opportunities to create campaigns and my goal is to increase enrolment.
What are your 3 takeaways from the Summit?
Making the Most of Giving Days:
The session led by Catherine Middlemiss, Eliza Goding, John Philips, and Mandy McFarland was a standout experience. Their insights on maximising the potential of Giving Days provided a fresh perspective on fundraising initiatives. By sharing their experiences and best practices, they demonstrated how schools can effectively engage with their community, foster a culture of giving, and secure vital support. I am now equipped with valuable knowledge to prepare and execute a successful Giving Day at The Hutchins School.
Jack Stevens from Edstart captivated the audience with his session on retaining enrolments and marketing strategies in the face of inflation. His valuable insights shed light on the challenges schools may encounter and provided practical solutions to overcome them.
Tracey O'lloran and Brett McGeroge from AEAS presented an eye-opening session on the importance of diversifying the student market through international student recruitment. They emphasised the significance of identifying growing countries such as China, Vietnam and India with untapped potential and tailoring marketing efforts to suit the needs and preferences of these student populations. Their insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the strategies required to attract and retain international students, thereby enhancing the global reach.
What did winning the Newcomer Scholarship mean to you?
I feel incredibly fortunate to receive the Newcomer Scholarship. This scholarship enabled me to fully participate in the Summit and gain invaluable knowledge and connections.
I am excited to apply these learnings at The Hutchins School.