SZ Insider - 2025 Edition 4
From the CEO's Keyboard
G’day Schoolzine Community,
It’s only been a month since the last edition of the Insider, but there’s already a lot happening behind the scenes at Schoolzine. Between security updates, conference planning and some new backyard additions, things are ticking along nicely.
Security Might Not Be Flashy, But It Matters
We’ve recently passed another round of external security assessments. It’s one of those low-key wins that doesn’t make a lot of noise, but it’s a critical part of how we operate. Our engineering team does a huge amount of work to stay ahead of growing cyber security threats, and these checks are one of the many things we do to keep your data safe.
Looking Ahead: Roadmap in Motion
We’ve also been finalising our internal product roadmap for the months ahead. There are some exciting new features and tools on the horizon, spanning a few different parts of the Schoolzine platform. The tech team is gearing up to kick off development soon, so stay tuned. We’ll be sharing updates in future editions and through our Help Desk notification system.
Heading North to the Sunshine State
In August, Dion and I will be heading up to Cairns for the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference. It’s always great to connect with schools and diocesan leaders in person. If you’re attending, come and say hi. We’d love to hear what’s working well for you and where we can do more to help.
Down South: Chickens and Cold Weather
On the home front, life in Tasmania continues to keep me on my toes. We’ve added seven baby chickens to the mix, and while they’re not laying yet, they’re already ruling the backyard. I’ve also discovered the true meaning of winter. While the locals are still walking around in shorts, I’m layered up like the Michelin Man just to put the bin out. We’re loving the slower pace, even if it takes a bit of adjusting.
Thanks for reading and for being part of the Schoolzine community. Whether you’ve just joined or have been with us for years, we appreciate you.
Cheers,
Dan Dawson - CEO/CTO Schoolzine
What's New At Schoolzine?
There’s always something happening behind the scenes at Schoolzine. We’re constantly working on new features, improving our systems, and making small changes based on the feedback you send through.
Want to stay in the loop when new features are released or if something's affecting the system?
Make sure you're signed up to receive Help Desk Notifications. You'll get short, helpful updates that keep you informed.
Image Editor Going Strong
The new Image Editor has rolled out to the Media Library and the response has been fantastic! Thanks to everyone who has tested it out and sent through feedback. We've already made a few tweaks based on what you told us, and the tool is running smoothly!
We’re now in final testing to release the image editor into both the DIY eNewsletter Builder and Website Pages. You should see it in your account within the next couple of weeks.
Behind the Scenes Upgrades
At the start of this year, we let you know about some big changes to the systems we use to support you. We moved from six separate platforms that didn't talk to each other into one central system.
The last six months have been focused on getting our team comfortable with the new setup and ironing out any issues. Just a few weeks ago, we completed a major upgrade to our phone system too. It now connects directly with the Help Desk, which means we can access your details faster and resolve things more efficiently.
These updates have laid the foundation for smoother, faster support and a better experience all round.
Video Explainers on Trial
We're currently trialling a new way to help. If you send us a request, like wanting to know how to update an image on your website, the team may respond with a short video showing exactly what we did. These videos give you a clear, visual reference so you can give it a try yourself if you want to.
The early feedback has been really positive. If you get one of these replies, we'd love to hear what you think!
A Few Changes to the Insider
We had some great feedback after the last edition, when we mixed things up a little and Stacey shared an editorial-style piece that had nothing to do with Schoolzine at all. The response was overwhelmingly positive. You told us you loved the personal feel, and that it helped you connect with us as real people, not just the names on the other end of the phone. So we've decided to lean into that and introduce a few standing articles from different members of the team.
From the Help Desk
Our Customer Success team are taking turns writing this one, based on real questions, tips or funny moments from their very active (and slightly chaotic) group chat. If something’s come up more than once, or made us all say “That’s a good one to share,” you’ll find it here.
The Download with Dion
Each edition, Dion will share something relevant from his conversations with Education Departments, Catholic Diocese teams and individual schools. Expect practical insights, a few laughs, and the occasional spicy take.
Scribbles With Stacey
This is where Stacey shares whatever’s on her mind that month. It could be the juggle of work and mum life, raising neurodivergent kids, running her backyard flock, or reflections on what it’s like being a first-time female GM in the tech world. Sometimes it’ll be personal, sometimes it’ll be a spotlight on a Not for Profit or another organisation doing great work in the community. Either way, it’ll be honest, thoughtful and very Stacey.
We’re looking forward to sharing more of who we are and what we care about, and we’re really glad to have you along for the ride.
From the Help Desk
Welcome to From the Help Desk. In each edition of the Insider, you’ll hear from a different member of our Customer Success Team, sharing tips, wins, and stories straight from the frontline.
We’ve got a group chat that’s equal parts chaos and gold. It’s where we brainstorm, ask each other for help, troubleshoot weird one-off issues, and cheer on the schools we support.
After seeing all the great stuff that comes out of those conversations, we had a bright idea. Each edition, someone from the team will write an article based on a real moment, question, or comment that popped up in the chat.
First up is Jordan. Or as we call him, Jazz Hands Jordan. (There’s a story behind that nickname… we’ll save it for another time.)
First Distributions and the Warm Fuzzies
by Jordan Filmer
One of my favourite parts of this job is that moment right before a school sends out their very first newsletter.
Sometimes we call to check in. Sometimes they call us for a quick look before hitting publish. Either way, it’s always the same energy. A bit of nerves, a lot of pressure, and that feeling of needing to get it just right.
We get it. You’ve been given a whole new system to learn, you had a toolkit session with Adam last week, and now the clock is ticking. Everyone is waiting to see what the new newsletter looks like and how your school community is going to respond.
That’s why I love these calls. I’ll take a look at their draft, let them know it’s looking great, offer a couple of quick pointers or answer any last-minute questions. And you can hear it. Their confidence starts to build. The stress fades. They’re proud of what they’ve created.
We talk about it in our group chat all the time. Someone will say, “Just helped with a first dist. They were so proud of themselves,” and the whole team jumps on to their newsletter to have a look and we all gets the warm and fuzzies. Because it’s not just about sending a newsletter. It’s about knowing there’s someone there to help, someone in your corner who cares that it goes well, someone to cheer you on.
That's my favourite part.
Top Tips & Tricks
Using Tables in Your Newsletter Without the Headache
Tables are a great way to organise information. Whether you’re sharing bell times, uniform details, or student of the week awards, popping it into a table can help things feel clean and structured. But there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your tables don’t cause formatting issues, especially when viewed on a mobile phone.
Here’s how to make sure your tables stay tidy and readable:
Stick to Three Columns Max If You Can
Anymore than three columns and things start to get tricky on mobile. The content gets squashed, the text wraps in strange places, and it becomes impossible for your readers to follow. Less is definitely more.
Keep Your Column Headings Short
Short headings help your table breathe. Long headers force the columns to stretch and wrap, which looks messy and makes it harder to read.
Always Test on Mobile
Before you hit publish, check the preview on different screen sizes. Previewing different sized screens is built in to the eNewsletter builder and will save you from having to rework things after a parent calls to say they can't read the table. Tables can behave perfectly on desktop preview and still look completely different when scaled down.
Skip the Dot Points – Seriously
If there's one golden rule when it comes to tables in your newsletter, it’s this: don’t use dot points. Don't copy them from your Word doc, don't add them directly in your table, not anywhere. Dot points might look tidy, but they have hidden formatting gremlins in them that can wreak havoc—especially on mobile.
We’ve seen it too many times: what looks fine on desktop turns into a jumbled mess on a phone. If you really need to list something, use a dash instead. And always paste your content into a plain text editor first to strip out any sneaky formatting before building your table in the Schoolzine editor. Trust us, your mobile readers will thank you.
Used well, tables can make your content much easier to read. But when they’re over-complicated or carry formatting from somewhere else, they’re one of the fastest ways to throw your layout out of whack.
If in doubt, give us a shout. We’re always happy to double-check and help get it right before you hit publish.
Want to see how it's done? Check out the video below for a quick guide showing you exactly how to create a table, check the different previews, and avoid the common mistakes. (P.s. this is the new tool we're trialing for our video responses to Help Desk questions - let us know what you think!)
The Download with Dion
You Deserve More Than a Launch and Leave
You’ve probably heard me talk a lot about newsletters. I reckon they’re one of the most powerful tools a school has to build connection. But websites? Just as important. In fact, they often come first. Before a parent opens your newsletter or rings the school, they’ve usually checked your website. It sets the tone for everything that comes after.
It doesn’t matter how polished it looked on day one. If six months later you can’t update it, can’t log in, or can’t get anyone to help, it becomes another stress you just don’t need. Schools are already stretched. You shouldn’t have to chase someone down just to update your staff list.
And if your website isn’t working for you, it’s working against you.
That’s why I’m genuinely proud of the team we’ve built at Schoolzine. Especially our Customer Success crew.
These are the people who pick up the phone, reply to your email and answer your live chats. They don’t send you off to read an article and figure it out on your own. They know what it’s like when the pressure is on. When enrolments are due, or you’re juggling ten other jobs, and the website just needs to work. In that moment, knowing someone has your back makes all the difference.
This has been part of the Schoolzine DNA from day one. A good website is important, but it only gets you so far. It’s the support behind it that builds real trust.
And if you partner with us already, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Catch you next time,
Dion Guthrie - Head of Global Sales
Team Highlight: Meet Luke
This edition of the SZ Insider, we’re shining the spotlight on someone who’s become a bit of a legend around here. Meet Luke, our Senior Customer Success Specialist and one of the longest-standing members of the Schoolzine team.
Role: Luke is our go-to guru when things get tricky. As a Senior Customer Success Specialist, he’s the one we all turn to when we need a hand solving a problem, untangling a request, or figuring out a weird system issue. He’s been with Schoolzine for almost 10 years, and if you’ve ever called the Help Desk and thought, “Wow, that guy knew exactly what I was trying to do before I even finished telling him,” there’s a good chance it was Luke.
Fun Fact: Luke is a Magic: The Gathering nerd in the best possible way. For anyone who hasn’t heard of it, it’s a collectible card game that mixes strategy, logic and creative thinking. Think of it like chess, but with dragons. Luke loves the problem-solving side of it, which probably explains why he’s so good at what he does.
Favourite Work Snack: Coffee. Just coffee. As Luke puts it, “It’s my life source.”
Hidden Talent: Luke wouldn’t say he has a party trick (he doesn’t go to many parties), but if quietly slipping out without saying goodbye counts, he’s nailed the Irish Goodbye.
Favourite Things: When he’s not helping schools, Luke’s usually on the mats training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It’s a grappling-based martial art that focuses on leverage, technique and strategy. Think less punching, more problem-solving, with a bit of wrestling thrown in for good measure.
Although he’s just come back from a knee reconstruction thanks to one too many enthusiastic rolls, so his physio might have a few thoughts about that.
Luke also aims to travel at least once a year and still has Alaska, Egypt and Japan on the bucket list. He’s a fan of heavier music and wholeheartedly believes The Butterfly Effect is one of the best movies of all time.
What They Love About Schoolzine:
“I like problem solving and helping people.” Short and to the point, just like the way Luke works. He’s all about finding answers, getting things done, and making life easier for the community we support.
And we’re very glad he’s part of the team.
Luke Living His Best Life!
Scribbles With Stacey
Reflecting Culture, Building Connection: A Look at Our Yarning
With NAIDOC Week just around the corner, I want to take a moment to share something close to my heart. I want to introduce you to a not-for-profit program that’s making a real difference for First Nations children across the country: Our Yarning.
Our Yarning is a First Nations-led initiative within Library For All, a not-for-profit social enterprise of Save the Children Australia. Full transparency: I used to work for Library For All. But I’m not sharing this as a former team member. I’m sharing this because I still deeply believe in their mission, especially the work being done through the Our Yarning program.
Our Yarning: Culturally Authentic Stories for Every Classroom
Our Yarning is a powerful literacy and cultural inclusion initiative that brings First Nations voices into classrooms and communities across Australia. Created with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Our Yarning offers a growing collection of culturally authentic books that reflect the lived experiences, languages and knowledge systems of First Nations communities.
At its core is a simple but important belief: every child deserves to see themselves in the stories they read. Our Yarning is designed to make sure First Nations children are seen, heard and valued in their learning environments. The books are written by First Nations creators and each title is carefully aligned with the Australian Curriculum, particularly the Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.
The Our Yarning Artist in Residence Program is another way the initiative supports First Nations communities. It brings creativity, storytelling and cultural knowledge directly into schools and provides mentoring to First Nations artists to support their pathways into publishing.
With books spanning every Key Learning Area, Our Yarning helps educators embed First Nations perspectives across the curriculum in meaningful and respectful ways. Whether you're teaching English, Science, HASS or the Arts, these stories help build cultural understanding and deeper connections in the classroom.
The team at Library For All is made up of passionate people who work hard to deliver culturally relevant and age-appropriate books to children around the world. One of those people is Dr Lara Cain Gray, who heads up the Acquisitions team. Lara is a brilliant mind in the world of children’s literature. I could listen to her speak for hours. She’s also written a book called The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books, which is an incredible resource for primary school teachers, librarians and parents alike.
One of the first things I learned from Lara when I joined Library For All was the concept of mirror and window books. Window books help children see the world beyond their own experience. Mirror books show them their own lives, families and communities reflected back at them. That idea has stayed with me ever since.
Because children can’t be what they can’t see.
That’s what makes Our Yarning so special. It ensures First Nations children have access to books written by First Nations authors, with illustrations and stories that come from their communities. Books that feel like home.
During my time with Library For All, I had the opportunity to travel to Doomadgee to deliver professional development workshops and Spark Kit training at the 54 Reasons Community Children and Family Centre. It was my first time on Garawa, Wanyi and Gangalidda Country, and I loved every minute of it.
One of my favourite moments was sitting with one of the Aunties who had authored a story for the Our Yarning collection. She had just received her printed copy for the first time. It was beautifully illustrated and seeing it in her hands was something I’ll never forget. We sat together over a cuppa and she shared the story behind the book in her own words.
Later that same day, I visited the river where her story was set. I could see every part of it play out in front of me, hearing her voice retell it in my head. That moment captured everything Our Yarning is about: connection, storytelling and pride in culture.
Resources to Help You Celebrate NAIDOC Week and Beyond
NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration. It's a moment to recognise the strength, resilience and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's also a time for all Australians to listen, learn and reflect on how we include First Nations voices, perspectives and histories in our schools and communities.
This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, invites us to honour those who came before, celebrate those leading today, and uplift the voices and dreams of young First Nations people shaping the future. It’s a powerful reminder that change happens when stories are told, shared and passed on.
For schools, NAIDOC Week is a meaningful starting point. But the real impact comes when those stories and perspectives are woven into learning all year round. That’s where Our Yarning comes in.
From June to September, schools can access Our Yarning NAIDOC Packs. These curated bundles of culturally authentic books are designed to support this year’s theme and help educators bring First Nations stories into their classrooms in thoughtful and respectful ways.
If you're keen to explore more, head to www.ouryarning.org where you can check out the full collection, order classroom resources or download the free Our Yarning app. With over 300 original titles created by First Nations authors, and more than 400 books in total, there’s something for every classroom and learning area.
The app is completely free and is already being used by more than 23,500 readers and has reached over 60 communities across Australia. It's a simple way to bring more meaningful, culturally rich stories into your classroom.
That's a Wrap!
If you're feeling like this term flew by and dragged on at the same time, you're not alone. Between reports, parent/teacher interviews, excursions, carnivals and the usual organised chaos, Term 2 brought it all.
We know how much effort goes in behind the scenes to keep your community informed and your school running smoothly. Whether you’ve been battling inbox overload, trying new features or just figuring out how to get that table in your newsletter to behave, we’ve been right here with you.
Last edition, we snuck a sneaky poll into the side panel of the Insider asking the age-old question: does pineapple belong on pizza? The results were controversial, to say the least. We’ve added a new poll this edition, so if you’ve got strong opinions about staffroom lunch etiquette, make sure to have your say.
And if your desk looks like a cyclone hit it and your brain feels like it’s running on low-power mode, same here. But you made it. And we hope you get a chance to rest, reset and maybe even forget your login for a week or two.
We’ll be here when you’re back and ready for Term 3. Until then, take care and enjoy the break, whatever that looks like for you.
From all of us at Schoolzine.