Congratulations to Hale School, WA, who were recognised as winners in the 2026 educate+ Excellence Awards.
Category: Alumni or Community Campaign.
The following represents a summary of their submission:
Traditional Alumni programs have long focused on networking, reunions, sport, Fundraising and social connection. While these remain valuable, Hale School recognised an opportunity to provide Old Boys with deeper, more structured support during some of life’s most significant transitions.
Research undertaken in 2024 explored men’s wellbeing, existing support services and the changing needs of Hale Alumni. It highlighted that men are often reluctant to seek assistance or actively engage with health and wellbeing information. This reluctance can become particularly significant during periods of change, when challenges relating to identity, relationships, career, health and purpose may intensify.
The research identified five key life stages where targeted support could make a meaningful difference:
- Post-school transition
- Early career development
- Entering fatherhood
- Midlife adjustment
- Retirement
Rather than adopting a generic or crisis-based model, Hale School partnered with the Old Haleians’ Association and a network of trusted experts to develop a proactive, accessible and evidence-based response.
Launched in January 2025, EMPOWER provides free workshops, services and resources specifically designed for the needs of Old Boys at different ages and stages.
The Program Includes:
- Support for recent graduates, including career pathway guidance, confidential counselling, financial literacy webinars and mentoring from experienced Old Boys.
- The Expecting and New Dads workshop, which helps participants prepare for their first child and navigate the early months of fatherhood.
- The Longevity Blueprint, developed with Dr Whife to help participants manage long-term health risks, improve longevity and maintain energy and resilience during midlife.
- Thriving in Retirement, developed with UWA wellbeing researcher Jackson Mason Stephens and centred on the physical, psychological, emotional and social pillars of wellbeing.
As illustrated on the accompanying poster board, these initiatives form a connected framework that supports alumni throughout their lives, rather than engaging them only at traditional milestones.
From January 2025 to June 2026, EMPOWER workshops and webinars engaged 211 participants from graduating classes spanning 1972 to 2025. Online Financial Skills for Life sessions reached alumni across Australia, Asia and Europe, while in-person workshops encouraged deep connection and shared experience. Some participants returned to the Hale School campus for the first time in more than 15 years.
Participation figures tell only part of the story. Workshops are intentionally kept small to encourage trust, discussion and personal relevance. Each offering is informed by evidence and continually refined through participant feedback. The addition of the Longevity Blueprint in March 2026 demonstrates the program’s responsiveness to changing needs.
Main Takeaways
- Start with evidence: Research the needs and behaviours of alumni before designing the response.
- Focus on life stages: Timely, targeted support can be more valuable than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Remove barriers: Free and accessible programs encourage broader participation.
- Use existing trust: Schools can extend established relationships to support alumni beyond graduation.
- Measure meaningful impact: Connection, belonging, participant outcomes and renewed engagement matter alongside attendance.
EMPOWER demonstrates how Alumni engagement can evolve into a lifelong commitment to wellbeing, strengthening individuals, deepening Alumni loyalty and creating enduring value for the wider Hale Community.
