b'From the ChairMandy McFarlandThis issue of F2F celebrates the successes, the milestones andreviewing this over the past year and as we complete the next the many highlights achieved by our members. It also shines athree year Strategic Plan for Educate Plus, we will be reflecting light on the hundreds of partners and volunteers who supportthis changing landscape. Educate Plus and who so deeply enrich our organisation.As Chair, I would personally like to thank each and every member I would like to acknowledge all our partners who have eitherwho has volunteered their time and talent this year. Whether this sharedtheirexpertiseorhavefinanciallysupportedthebe those serving on the Board, the Conference Committees organisation. You have allowed us to present so much highor the various Chapter Committees, our organisation is all the quality professional development this year.stronger for your efforts.Our partnerships are very important to us and, together, weThank you and go well into 2020!collectively work hard to keep adding value for our existing partners and to keep expanding our professional reach through new relationships. Thank you to each of you for your unwavering and loyal support and thank you for always putting our members first. MANDY MCFARLAND F.EDPLUSVolunteerism remains core to our culture and has been keyEP CHAIR tomuchofoursuccess.However,ourpersonalworkloadsDIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT arechangingandtheexpectationfromouremployersisST CATHERINES COLLEGE, WAeverincreasing,makingtheavailabilityofvolunteertime from members, a precious commodity. The Board has been From the CEONeil McWhannellWhat a busy year it has been for us all!Educate Plus membership continues to grow exponentially, now As the year rapidly draws to a close, I have reflected on theover 2100! Our challenge is to keep developing ourselves and vibrancy and breadth of activities currently being offered toto ensure we meet the demands and needs of our members. members.Withthisinmind,wehaverecentlydistributedaMember Satisfaction Survey. The results of this will inform the Board as In recent months, each Chapter has organised and hosted itsit works on updating our current strategic plan.own regional conference. These have proved to be incrediblyI was greatly saddened to learn of the recent passing of two of popularwithjuston1000membersattending.Theseour distinguished members, Astrida Copper F.Edplus and John conferenceshaveinvolvedaround200speakers,withtheLewis F.Edplus. An obituary highlighting Astridas significant conferences planned and executed by around 70 Educate Plusservice to our sector is included in this magazine. John served volunteers. Survey metrics from all of the conferences haveon the Victorian Chapter Committees for a number of years been outstanding with an average 94% of attendees meetingalong with a number of International Conference Committees. or exceeding their expectations in attending.In recent years he has been working as a senior consultant for MysincerethankstoallthosewhohaveservedontheseMarts & Lundy. Our thoughts are with their respective families.committees, presented at the conferences or supported themI also wish to make special thanks to my staff who have all through sponsorship.worked tirelessly and diligently to support you. These include; Activity has not just been limited to these conferences. WeTina FlemingOperations Manager, Jayne CreeMarketing have brought out two International speakers, Lynne Westerand Communication Manager, Sheila MolloyEducation and and Geordie Mitchell to present a series of Master Classes toTraining Manager, Michelle StrawbridgeFinance Manager. appreciative members. Chapters have also organised a host ofIwishyoualltheverybestfortheremainderoftheyear other PD days and SIGs which have also been well attended. and trust the Christmas break will provide you with rest and WenowturnourfocustotheAdelaide2020Internationalrelaxation and the special time to celebrate the precious gifts Conference. Planning is well under way for this event, with anof family and friends.outstanding group of presenters currently being finalised. Thecommitteemembershavebeenkeentoensurethey present a new and exciting conference that meets the needsNEIL MCWHANNELL JP GAICDand expectations of our members. Each stream leader hasCEO surveyedmembersforinput,withsignificantresponsetoEDUCATE PLUSassist and guide them. As a result of this, we will be offering a lot more advanced and workshop style sessions. Registrations for this event will open in December.DECEMBER 2019 5'