As we tumble head-first into Term 1 (wondering how it’s Week whatever already) and feel autumn sneaking in like a kid late to assembly, it seems the perfect moment to check in with our brilliant community of Business Managers. You juggle budgets, systems, people, crises and the occasional “urgent” request that absolutely could have waited — so this edition is packed with practical insights to make life a little easier, keep the wheels turning smoothly, and maybe even spare you a future spreadsheet-induced eye twitch.
In this issue, we’re diving into stories and insights that reflect the real-world challenges and opportunities you navigate each day. You’ll find reflections from the field through our Why outsourcing fee follow-ups keeps family relationships strong blog, a thoughtful look at strengthening family relationships by outsourcing fee follow-ups, insights from school visits, and practical roadmaps to implement. We’re also highlighting partner contributions on future-ready finance, cybersecurity governance, and emerging student population trends -all designed to support strategic thinking as the year unfolds.
We hope this edition offers both inspiration and practical value as you guide your schools through the busy energy of Term 1 and the fresh season ahead.
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BLOG ARTICLE: Why Outsourcing Fee Follow-ups Keeps Family Relationships Strong
If you’ve worked in a school for longer than five minutes, you’re probably used to awkward conversations with families. Whether it’s about the ‘creative’ language used in the playground or that ‘incident’ with the trombone, school staff are brilliant at handling tricky moments.
But where do they freeze? “Hi, just wondering when that school fee payment might be coming through?” That’s the high-stakes, low-comfort conversation no one wants. Schools rely on fee income to keep the lights on, yet chasing late payments can strain the vital relationship between staff and families. The good news? You don’t have to be the one to have it.
In this article, we explore why outsourcing fee follow-ups to a specialist team can protect both your school’s cash flow and your community’s trust. It reduces stress for your team and helps ensure parents continue to see staff as educators, not debt collectors.
PARTNER ARTICLE: ALII
Universities and colleges in Australia are increasingly targeted by cyber threats, and it’s no longer just an IT issue. Boards must now take a strategic role in strengthening cyber governance, compliance, and mitigating risks.
From evolving regulatory frameworks to rising threats like data breaches and ransomware, this article breaks down the key challenges and practical governance priorities for 2026 and beyond, including how board management software can strengthen cyber oversight.
If you’d like to see what this could look like in your school, you can also request a short workflow review or demo at info@myalii.cloud
COLE SCHOOL EXPERTS UPDATE: On the Ground at Scotch College
At Cole, we’re incredibly fortunate to spend time in the field visiting our schools. There are plenty of early flights, airport lounges, hotel rooms and the occasional late-night quote — but the real highlight, and the reason we do what we do, is always our schools (and those soon to be part of our community).
Recently, our Head of Software and Consultancy, Jamie, had the privilege of visiting Scotch College and witnessing something truly special. He was invited to watch the Senior School boys assemble for their march – all 800 of them gathering on the oval in full formation, accompanied by a pipe and drum band.
It was an impressive display of tradition, pride and community spirit. Being on-site offers a genuine insight into the broader school community and the impact of the work we contribute each day. From behind a screen or across a phone call, it’s easy to focus purely on finance and payroll, but standing there, watching that moment unfold, reminded us we’re part of something much bigger.
Many people at the school level may not see the breadth of what we do behind the scenes. From systems and compliance to payroll and financial guidance, much of our work happens quietly in the background. Knowing we’ve contributed, even in a small way, to schools that create moments like this makes the travel, late nights and hard work completely worthwhile.
Experiences like this remind us why we do what we do — and just how special the education community really is.
PARTNER ARTICLE: VERACROSS
The sixth edition of Digistorm’s annual State of K-12 School Admissions report has recently been released. Drawing on data, trends and insights from over 150 independent schools across Australia, it explores what’s really happening behind the scenes of admissions, IT, leadership, business, and beyond.
From enrollment trends and waitlist pressures to changing parent expectations and the growing role of data and technology, this report captures both the challenges schools are facing and the progress they’re making, whilst sharing ideas and actionable tips along the way.
Some of what you’ll learn:
- What parents value most when choosing a school (hint: it’s not facilities)
- How school size plays into the country’s documented enrolment trends
- Why waitlists are no longer an admin task, but a strategic pipeline
- Where admissions teams are investing time, skills and technology
- How schools are planning for enrolment growth in 2026 and beyond
COLE SCHOOL EXPERT SERVICES: Unlock the Full Potential of Your School Software
Not sure if your school’s software is working for you? At Cole School Experts, we help you get more from the systems you already have, with practical guidance, smart insights, and real support.
PARTNER ARTICLE: SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
This White Paper, by Peter Buckingham, explores notable trends of future student populations around Australia based on 13 different aspects including Australian total fertility rates, school location demographics, changing female employment over time, inner suburban versus outer suburban forecasts, school type preferences, funding of government schools, student spread in different socio-economic areas, additional campus locations, mergers and acquisitions, new migrant locations, housing approvals, single sex schools and co-educational schools and childcare demand and is suitable for early years education centres, schools, colleges and universities.
Each section includes Notable Trends, and you are welcome to request additional information directly.
Contact Peter Buckingham directly via peterb@spectrumanalysis.com.au or +61 411 604 921 for more information.
THE BUSINESS OF SCHOOL PODCAST: Meet Wendy Limbert
PARTNER ARTICLE: CONVENE
Universities and colleges in Australia are increasingly targeted by cyber threats, and it’s no longer just an IT issue. Boards must now take a strategic role in strengthening cyber governance, compliance, and mitigating risks.
From evolving regulatory frameworks to rising threats like data breaches and ransomware, this article breaks down the key challenges and practical governance priorities for 2026 and beyond, including how board management software can strengthen cyber oversight.
