March 2025

Keep up-to-date with us and what's happening in the education sector

• 2024 Annual Accounts
• Important Notices
• Banking Reminder - Accessing Higher Interest Rates
• Xero Tip of the Month: New Invoicing Keyboard Shortcuts
• Welcome to the Team: Dominique McCrostie
• Why Your School Needs a Maintenance Plan
• Looking ahead

We are pleased to report that several 2024 Annual reports have already been sent to the auditors, and we are working hard on completing the remainder of our schools by the deadline of 31 March.

If we require any additional information from you, we will contact you. To avoid any delays, it would be appreciated if you could provide us with the requested information as soon as possible.

Should you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the team on (04) 909-7729 or send us an email to admin@afsl.nz.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

2025 Confirmed Staffing:

The confirmed rolls and staffing entitlements will be published on Pourato on 27 March 2025.

If your roll grows after 1 March, you may be eligible for a staffing roll increase. Please refer to the Ministry of Education website for further information by clicking the button below.

Applications for roll increases can be accepted from 27 March.

Banking Staffing Final Balance:

Banking staffing final balance letters will be available in the Secure Data Portal on 7 April 2025. These letters will advise your school whether you have a nil balance, underuse, or overuse balance for the end of the year and provides next steps where necessary. For any overuse, the calculated recovery amount will be included in your July Operational Grant payment.

From the 2024 staffing year, only Kaupapa Māori and Māori medium education settings can be reimbursed for any underused banked staffing. Any reimbursements due will be included in your July operational grant payment.

For more information, click the button below

Heat, Light and Water One-off Costs for Self-Supply Schools:

Any schools | kura that are not on town water supply or not on a district sewage disposal scheme may be eligible to have certain one-off heat, light and water costs reimbursed. Applications for reimbursements must be received within 12 months of the date on the invoice. For example, costs dated 17 March 2024 must be received by 17 March 2025.

To apply click the button below.

Heat, Light and Water Operational Funding:

Any new schools or schools that may have had a building added or energy generation change in 2024 resulting in an increase in heat, light and water expenditure by more than 10% of its annual allocation, can apply for a review. Applications must be received within 12 months of the last invoice.

For example, for a review of costs dated from January to December 2024 the application should be sent to us by December 2025 at the latest.

To apply click the button below.

BANKING REMINDER - ACCESSING HIGHER INTEREST RATES

If you have any extra funds sitting in your school current account which are not required in the short term, it is a good idea to transfer these funds to your Savings or Call account in order to benefit from the higher interest rates that are now available. 

And if you have funds that will not be required for more than three months you could also consider putting these on term deposit to earn even higher interest.

XERO TIP OF THE MONTH: NEW INVOICING KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Speed Up Your Xero Invoicing with New Shortcuts!

Xero has just launched a helpful guide featuring all the keyboard shortcuts for the new invoicing system. These shortcuts will help you navigate tasks more quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on what matters most.

Click the button below to download the guide. Saving it to your desktop will provide easy access to these time-saving shortcuts whenever you need them!

Please note: some shortcuts are only available when an invoice is in a particular status, such as draft or approved.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM: DOMINIQUE MCCROSTIE

Dominique is an experienced financial professional with a diverse background in accounting and school management. After studying Accounting and Psychology at Otago University, she became a Chartered Accountant in 2008. 

Over the years, Dominique has gained extensive experience, having worked as an Office Manager at a school for eight years and managing a Linehaul Trucking business with her husband. She is passionate about providing accounting support to help schools meet all their financial needs.

As our new BAS Manager, Dominique will work closely with you to prepare monthly reports, offer valuable financial insights, and provide strategic advice to support your school's success.

Outside of work, Dominique enjoys baking, reading, and pursuing her love of snowboarding and water sports.

WHY YOUR SCHOOL NEEDS A MAINTENANCE PLAN

As a school, you're already familiar with how busy your environment can be, with students, teachers, and staff working together each day to foster a positive learning experience. But to ensure these spaces stay safe, comfortable, and supportive of learning, it’s important to have a well-planned maintenance strategy in place. A solid maintenance plan helps manage and preserve your school’s infrastructure, from classrooms and hallways to sports fields and playgrounds. Here’s why every school should have one:

1. Safety First

A maintenance plan helps identify and address potential safety hazards in the school environment. Broken windows, faulty electrical systems, and uneven flooring can all pose serious risks to students and staff. Regular inspections and quick repairs are essential to keep everyone safe.

2. Preventing Costly Repairs

By regularly maintaining school buildings and equipment, schools can catch small issues before they turn into big, expensive problems. For instance, a leaky roof left unchecked could eventually lead to significant water damage. Fixing problems early saves money in the long run and ensures that the school’s resources are being used wisely.

3. Creating a Positive Learning Environment

A well-maintained school is more inviting and comfortable for both students and teachers. Clean, functioning facilities – such as working air conditioning, bright lighting, and functional restrooms – help maintain a productive atmosphere. When students feel comfortable in their environment, they can focus better and succeed academically.

4. Extending the Lifespan of School Property

Schools invest a lot in their buildings and equipment. A regular maintenance plan helps extend the lifespan of these assets. Proper care of things like furniture, heating and cooling systems, and playground equipment ensures they last longer and continue to serve students well over time.

5. Compliance with Regulations

Schools must comply with local or state regulations regarding safety, accessibility, and the overall condition of their facilities. A maintenance plan ensures that schools stay up-to-date with these requirements, avoiding potential fines or legal issues.

In essence, a proactive maintenance plan is not just about fixing things when they break – it’s about creating a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for everyone. By investing in a strong maintenance plan, schools are ensuring that their facilities are ready for the challenges of tomorrow and supporting the success of students today.

271 Willis Street, Wellington 6011

P: 04-909-7729  l  P: 0800-275-237  l  

E: admin@afsl.nz  l  W: afsl.nz

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