IB Schools Australasia (formerly AAIBS) was established specifically to assist schools in Australasia, providing a network of professional support, information and service. Schools new to the IB programme will find such assistance particularly useful. The Association also organises an annual Speaker Series and produces a newsletter and a variety of support materials. The purposes of IB Schools Australasia are: - To support the goals and objectives of the International Baccalaureate Organisation and the IB World Schools schools in Australasia. - To provide support for the International Baccalaureate programmes in Australasian IB World Schools. - To facilitate communication among International Baccalaureate schools in Australasia. - To liaise on behalf of IB Schools Australasia member schools with the Ministries of Education and with professional educational organisations in Australasia. - To act upon request or when deemed necessary so as to promote the recognition of the International Baccalaureate Diploma as a qualification for entry to universities in Australasia. - To support the professional development programmes of the International Baccalaureate in particular those sponsored by the International Baccalaureate originating in member schools. - To promote research into the benefits of the International Baccalaureate programme and examinations.