It’s hard to believe we’re already well into the second half of the year. As schools continue to juggle day-to-day operations, compliance requirements, and planning for what’s ahead, now is a great time to check in on the systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly.
In this edition, we’re sharing key information on the upcoming Payday Super reforms and what schools should be doing now to prepare. We’re also reflecting on our recent visit to the ASBAQ Conference & Exhibition in Mackay, where we had the opportunity to connect with Business Managers and hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities schools are navigating.
You’ll also find insights from our Confessions of a School Systems Auditor blog, practical learnings from our work with Early Learning Centres, trusted partner solutions, and ideas on how better data can support stronger decision-making across your school.
We’re also excited to celebrate being recognised as one of South Australia’s Top 25 Fast Movers for 2026. Thank you to our team, clients, and community for being part of the journey.
We hope this edition provides valuable insights, practical takeaways and a few ideas to help your school navigate the busy months ahead with confidence.
BLOG ARTICLE: Payday Super Changes
From 1 July 2026, new “Payday Super” reforms will require superannuation contributions to be paid at the same time as wages and received by employees’ funds within 7 business days.
Schools will need to ensure timely payroll processing, accurate employee super details from commencement, and review existing onboarding and payroll practices to remain compliant.
To help schools prepare for these changes and ensure ongoing compliance, we would like to outline some of the key requirements and considerations that schools should be aware of ahead of implementation.
Listen to the latest Business of School podcast episode
COLE SCHOOL EXPERTS UPDATE: Insights from the ASBAQ Conference & Exhibition
We recently had the pleasure of attending the ASBAQ Conference & Exhibition in beautiful Mackay, where we connected with Business Managers from schools across Queensland and gained valuable insights into the challenges they’re facing.
A common theme emerged throughout our conversations: increasing compliance requirements and growing pressure on finance, payroll, and HR teams to do more with limited resources. It was a great opportunity to share how Cole School Experts’ outsourced services can provide practical, flexible support that eases workload pressures and strengthens day-to-day operations.
We were also excited to showcase our new outsourced HR services for schools, alongside our popular Finance, Payroll, and HR Health Checks. These generated plenty of interest throughout the event, with our resident “Doctor Cole” helping attendees diagnose common operational pain points with a touch of fun.
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand. We always value the opportunity to connect, learn, and explore new ways to support schools and their communities.
PARTNER ARTICLE: ELLBY
Accounts payable is often slowed by manual processes, data inconsistencies, and systems that struggle to handle real-world complexity. To address these challenges, Ellby developed a secure, AI-powered solution that combines advanced automation with human oversight.
By using generative AI to interpret invoices and intelligently escalating uncertain cases for review, the platform improves accuracy, efficiency, and security.
Discover how Ellby partnered with AWS to create a smarter approach to accounts payable in this recent case study.
COLE SCHOOL EXPERT SERVICES: Making the Cut for Fast Movers Awards
Cole School Experts has been recognised as one of South Australia’s Top 25 Fast Movers in the 2026 BDO Fast Movers SA Awards. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team, the trust of the schools and families we support, and our continued commitment to helping education communities thrive. Read the full announcement and learn more about this exciting milestone.
COLE SCHOOL EXPERT UPDATE: Expanding our Early Learning Services
Running an Early Learning Centre involves far more than delivering exceptional care and education. Behind the scenes, you’re managing payroll, finances, reporting, software and compliance—often with limited resources and time.
For more than 20 years, Cole School Experts has partnered with schools, early learning and education sector, acting as an extension of their teams. We take the time to understand how your centre operates today, identify areas for improvement, and implement practical solutions that make managing your centre easier tomorrow.
We understand the unique operational pressures ELC’s face, from lean teams to limited administrative capacity. That’s why our approach is focused on delivering support that is practical, sustainable and tailored to your needs.
For more information on the services we provide for Early Learning Centres read our brochure below.
THE BUSINESS OF SCHOOL PODCAST: Working smarter with AI
PARTNER ARTICLE: SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
Why Demographic Data Matters for Strategic Planning
Strong strategic plans are built on more than assumptions—they’re built on reliable data. From forecasting enrolment growth to assessing a community’s capacity to support school fees, demographic insights provide the evidence needed to make informed decisions. Whether planning future facilities, major capital works, or long-term growth strategies, access to accurate and up-to-date data helps school leaders and Boards plan with greater confidence.
BLOG ARTICLE: What audits really uncover
From password notebooks and spreadsheet empires to forgotten reconciliations and outdated policies, discover the most common issues uncovered during school health checks. This light-hearted but insightful look behind the scenes reveals how small system gaps can create bigger risks – and how schools can build stronger, more resilient operations.
