Administration Officers from Sandhurst Schools gathered in Bendigo on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August for a two-day conference.  

It was an action-packed couple of days involving presentations from a broad range of speakers, as well as some valuable down time for our hard-working admin staff.

As the primary point of contact for families, Administration Officers juggle a wide range of responsibilities – answering phones, managing sick bays, handling complex accounting and reporting requirements, administering first aid, producing newsletters, updating websites, and keeping everything running smoothly in the school. They truly are the heart of the school community, making it crucial to offer them professional development and networking opportunities to support them in their roles.

Around 75 Admin Officers attended the conference, the first one to be held since 2019. Day 1 was packed with practical information essential for daily operations, covering topics such as daily organisation, timesheet automation, eSIS and eHR tips, and finance team transactions. Afternoon sessions included a GST refresher, paperless workplace initiatives, and additional eFIN tips.

The afternoon concluded with an address from the Executive Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL), Kate Fogarty, who also hosted a panel discussion on "Women in Leadership," featuring CESL staff.

The evening entertainment added a fun touch to the conference. Attendees were treated to a performance by a roving magician, who entertained with a series of impressive tricks and illusions. The night continued with the band Basix, featuring many familiar faces among the musicians, including the lead singer; a popular principal by day, a rock star by night! In fact, several former Sandhurst Principals could be spotted on stage, not to mention on lead guitar!

The second day continued strongly with sessions on procurement, payroll, recruitment and sponsor presentations.

The conference was a great success, offering CES Admin Officers valuable information, practical tips, and opportunities to enhance their professional networks. It highlighted the importance of ongoing learning and collaboration for creating a supportive and efficient educational environment.