20 December 2017 at 9:00 am

SIEBA membership grows to over 300 schools

It has been a busy year for SIEBA with a record number of members enjoying a series of workshops, seminars and information mornings as well as an inaugural hui. 

SIEBA
L-R: SIEBA’s Jennifer Kirkham, Karen Morrow, Angeli Lomas, John van der Zwan, Robbie Pickford at the SIEBA Hui.

Throughout 2017, SIEBA held 29 professional development workshops around the country for approximately 430 attendees, ranging from principals to international directors and homestay co-ordinators.

Jennifer Kirkham, SIEBA’s Professional Learning & Development Operations Manager, said the high level of interest in SIEBA’s professional development programme reflects the growing interest in a strategic approach to international education.

“Through these events, attendees learned about Code interpretation, good business practices and management skills, and had the opportunity to talk to each other, share their concerns, questions and best practices.

“We also hosted seminars on strategic planning where we encouraged schools to use their business plans for goal setting and self-review as a means to protect and grow their international business.”

As well as supporting education professionals, SIEBA also introduced information mornings for onshore agents. More than 60 agents attended the sessions in Auckland and Christchurch, and were appreciative of the opportunity.

“We informed agents of new responsibilities for schools as a result of the new Code, and the implications for agents in order to help agents and schools to work effectively together and manage risks to both of their businesses.” 

John van der Zwan, SIEBA’s Executive Director, said the key event this past year was the SIEBA Hui, which saw participation from 120 international directors and principals, and was a wonderful opportunity for collegial sharing and future thinking on how to grow the sector.

“Most of the presenters were international directors from within the sector. As well as it being a great professional learning opportunity, it was a chance to get together and celebrate our sector and the people within it.” 

John said SIEBA is already looking ahead to 2018, with more workshops and seminars lined up as well as another hui.

“The Second SIEBA Hui will take place in May at Te Papa in Wellington, and we have some exciting industry speakers lined up who will share their insights and expertise.”

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