|
Keep up-to-date with us and what's happening in the education sector |
|
|
Reminder: Publishing the Annual Report & Audited Accounts:
If you’ve received your signed audited accounts from the auditor, please remember to submit these to the Ministry via the new School Planning and Reporting Application. For your reference, we’ve included a link to our previous Chalkboard newsletter, which explains the new process —please click HERE to access it.
In addition, please ensure that the reports are published on the school's website.
If your school does not have a website, the Ministry of Education can host your annual report on the Education Counts website. To request this, email: planning.reporting@education.govt.nz.
For schools that have not yet received their audited accounts, please note that we are following up with the auditors to have the remaining 2024 audits completed as soon as possible. |
|
|
Quarter 3 Operational Funding:
The Ministry of Education Quarter 3, 2025 operational funding notices will be published in Pourato on Thursday, 19 June and will be paid on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
If you are one of our monthly schools, you can access our Pourato & Secure Data Portal Checklist by clicking the button below.This checklist provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to download the data we need from Pourato and the Secure Data Portal, as well as where to upload it within Google Drive. |
|
|
Important Update: EdPay Logins Moving to ESL - Linking Instructions:
For those who may not be aware, EdPay has been working with the Ministry to link your EdPay login to your Education Sector Logon (ESL). This change will go live on the afternoon of Tuesday, 17 June. Once the linking process is complete, you’ll use your ESL credentials to log in to EdPay instead of your MoE number and password. This update aims to streamline access by providing a single sign-on for all your ESL services, while also enhancing EdPay’s security through multi-factor authentication.
It’s important that you read all the information and instructions about the EdPay–ESL linking process, including what you need to do before it goes live on 17 June.
To access the full details and instructions, click the button below to read the special edition of the Payroll Update. |
|
|
New School Procurement Guide Available:
The Ministry of Education has just released a fantastic new guide to help schools navigate procurement with confidence. Whether you're new to school purchasing or looking to sharpen your process, this resource breaks down key buying concepts and offers clear, step-by-step advice for running a competitive and effective procurement process — all designed to ensure value for money.
Access the guide via the Ministry of Education’s Buying section by clicking the button below — then just hit “Download” on the right-hand side. |
| |
|
XERO TIP OF THE MONTH: REMINDER - USE XERO’S AUTOMATE BILL ENTRY FEATURE |
We know that we’ve shared this tip before, but it’s so handy we think it’s worth highlighting again - especially for new admin staff or anyone who may have missed it the first time around.
Instead of printing and manually entering invoices, you can email them directly into Xero. This will allow you to send invoices from your email directly to your Xero inbox, saving you time and hassle.
To access your Xero email address, follow the instructions below: Now, whenever an invoice comes in, just forward it to that email address. Xero will automatically create a draft bill for you—ready to be coded and submitted for approval.
Give it a go if you’re not already using this feature—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference! |
|
|
XERO ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (XAP) ENDING 31 JULY 2025 |
Xero has announced that the Xero Assistance Programmme (XAP) will conclude on 31 July 2025.
Please inform your employees, as some may have used the programme in the past for mental health support or may have been planning to access it in the future. After XAP ends, customers will still be able to access professional wellbeing support at an exclusive discounted rate, thanks to Xero’s ongoing partnership with TELUS Health (formerly Benestar). |
|
|
We also recommend exploring other mental health resources, such as Small Steps.
Small Steps (smallsteps.org.nz) is a New Zealand-based initiative that offers free digital tools and resources to help people improve their wellbeing—especially during times of anxiety, stress, or low mood. The tools are designed to be easily accessible and focus on promoting positive thinking and mindfulness. |
| |
|
To access Small Steps, click the button below. |
SCHOOL HEATPUMP SERVICING: PETER FLOWER - ARCTIC SYSTEMS WELLINGTON |
|
|
With colder weather on the way, now is a great time to think about your school's heat pump maintenance.
Peter Flower from Arctic Systems—who some of you may already know—offers exceptional servicing for school heating systems and is available to help ensure your units run efficiently this winter.
Heat pumps work hard, especially in school environments where they often operate for extended hours. Without regular maintenance, performance can decline, energy consumption can increase, and costly breakdowns can occur—often when you need the system most. Regular servicing ensures: |
| |
|
- Better energy efficiency – saving your school money on power bills
- Healthier air quality – cleaner filters mean fewer allergens in classrooms
- Longer system life – catching issues early helps avoid major repairs
- Consistent comfort – students and staff can focus better in stable conditions
Peter and his team have extensive experience working with schools and can schedule maintenance outside school hours, minimising disruption. With years of experience servicing heat pumps throughout the Wellington region, Arctic Systems is known for its professional, timely service and commitment to keeping systems running at their best.
For more information or to arrange a service, click the below button. |
WELCOME TO THE TEAM: JOSH & NIK |
|
|
Josh is a local Wellingtonian with a strong foundation in accounting and a clear goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant. He completed his undergraduate studies in 2020, earning a minor in Accounting, and has since enhanced his expertise through the Chartered Accountants Foundation Programme.
As our new BAS Accountant, Josh brings valuable hands-on experience from his previous role as Office Administrator at Rāroa Normal Intermediate School.
There, he was responsible for managing accounts receivable, preparing monthly financial reports, and supporting the annual audit process. His exposure to accounting processes - and to our own work with Raroa - sparked a keen interest in pursuing a long-term career in the profession.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting lost in a good fantasy novel, and cheering on the Hurricanes. Enthusiastic, organised, and eager to learn, Josh is a fantastic addition to our team - and we’re excited to support his growth. |
|
Originally from Malaysia, Nik has called Wellington home for the past four and a half years. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Victoria University and joins us as a BAS Accountant, bringing practical experience supporting schools with financial management and reporting.
Nik is passionate about turning numbers into meaningful insights that help clients make confident, informed decisions. He’s highly proficient in cloud-based tools like Xero and is known for his collaborative approach and ability to streamline financial processes.
He is currently working towards his Chartered Accountant qualification and places strong value on continuous learning and professional development.
Outside of work, he enjoys catching up with friends, exploring new eateries, and browsing his local shops. We’re excited to welcome Nik to the team and look forward to the expertise and fresh perspective he brings. |
|
|
FAREWELL TO ALLISON HENDERSON |
|
|
|
As outlined in our recent email regarding the new support structure, sent on Thursday 12 June 2025, many of you will be aware that Allison Henderson, Associate Director of Accounting for Schools (AFS), will be leaving the team to take on a new role as Executive Officer at St Oran's College. Allison’s final day with AFS will be Thursday, 19 June 2025.
Over the past 13 years, Allison has made an exceptional contribution to the success of both AFS and the schools we support. Her deep expertise and unwavering dedication - alongside the leadership of Ben Duflou - have helped shape the high standard of service our schools have come to expect. |
|
|
While we will greatly miss Allison’s leadership and presence on the AFS team, we are excited for her as she begins this next chapter in her career.
Thank you, Allison - your colleagues and the many schools you’ve supported over the years will miss you dearly. We wish you all the very best in your new role. |
|
|
271 Willis Street, Wellington 6011
|
|
|
|
