Smart Schools Purchasing Newsletter Previous Edition

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BETTER BUYING POWER FOR SCHOOLS

Term 4, 2025 | Spring Issue

Wrapping up 2025 and looking ahead with purpose

As Term 4 begins and the school year draws to a close, ASCA would like to thank our member schools for your continued engagement and support throughout 2025. It’s been a year of growth, innovation, and impact—and we’re proud to stand beside you as we prepare for an even stronger 2026.

This year, thanks to your support, ASCA has been able to make record contributions to our Charity Partners through the ASCA Education Foundation. These funds directly support the education of vulnerable children across Australia.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce you to new and innovative suppliers—organisations that understand the unique needs of schools and deliver quality, reliability, and value. Supporting these suppliers is key to ASCA’s ability to continue funding our charitable work and delivering value to our members.

We encourage you to connect with ASCA on LinkedIn, where we share updates, supplier highlights, and sector insights tailored for school leaders. You’ll also find information about our ASCAplus program, which offers FREE access to personal perks and discounts for school staff—just one more way we’re giving back to our community.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our negotiated supplier arrangements, designed to help your school save time and money. And if you haven’t yet connected with your ASCA Area Manager, now is a great time. They’re a valuable resource for supplier introductions, purchasing support, and strategic advice.

Schools operating Canteens are also able to take advantage of ASCA’s advice - whether it be selecting a caterer to run your canteen, or appointing a manager yourself - Business Managers and Principals are now having to take on more responsibility in the running of the canteen, and ASCA is here to help you.

Most importantly, your support as an ASCA member—through ordering from our Preferred Suppliers —helps fund the education of vulnerable children through the ASCA Education Foundation. We strive to save schools money on their purchasing, and your loyalty translates to funds for our Charitable Foundation. Your participation makes a real difference. Please ensure you are aware of the ASCA suppliers to enable this - visit our website at www. asca.com.au.

Thank you for your partnership in 2025. Together, we’re building smarter schools and stronger communities. Let’s finish the year with purpose—and step into 2026 with confidence.

ACAS's School Supplier Partners

ASCA continually reviews the suppliers we recommend to bring your school savings and to assist with buying advice

If we can assist you in your procurement needs, please email office@asca.com.au – visit asca.com.au for more information

EDUCATION RESOURCES

BODY SAFETY AUSTRALIA

Promoting childhoods free from violence where children enjoy equitable and respectful relationships.

CAMPION EDUCATION

Your education resource partner

EDUCATION PERFECT

Online teaching and learning toolkit

ESSENTIAL ASSESSMENT

Numeracy and Literacy assessment platform

NÜDEL KART

Loose Parts Play Carts

OFFICEWORKS

General education resources

OFFICE SUPPLY and SERVICES

eFULFILLMENT SERVICES

Print and mailing solutions

ENQUIRY TRACKER

Enrolment management system

FLAGWORLD

Marketing and promotional flags and banners

JB HI-FI EDUCATION

Technology equipment and solutions.

LIVCOR

First aid training and equipment

OFFICEWORKS

General office products

ONSITE SHREDDING COMPANY

Secure document destruction

SCHOOLZINE

eNewsletters and digital communications

MORTGAGE CHOICE*

Mortgage brokers

THE GOOD GUYS COMMERCIAL*

Electrical equipment

THE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER ALLIANCE

photography, video and virtual tours

PARENT PURCHASES

CADBURY FUNDRAISING

Fundraising for schools

CAMPION AUSTRALIA

Printed and digital education resources

EDSTART

School fee management solutions

FLEXISCHOOLS

Online parent ordering and cashless payments

MY SCHOOL CONNECT

Online parent ordering and cashless payments

OFFICEWORKS

General home & office products

THE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER ALLIANCE

Photography, video and virtual tours

UMS

School uniforms

UNIFORM GROUP

School uniforms

PROPERTY, FACILITIES, and SERVICES

API ACCESS & SECURITY*

Locksmiths and security

BFX FURNITURE

Innovative furniture solutions

BUNNINGS TRADE

Facilities management and equipment

CHOICE ENERGY

Energy solutions advocate

CROWN PROPERTY SERVICES

Commercial cleaning and property services

FLAGWORLD

Marketing and promotional flags and banners

GYM AND FITNESS

Gym Equipment and fit-outs

JOHN DEERE

Turf care products

MAMACHI

Energy management – advisory and technology

RACV COMMERCIAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Solar energy solutions

STUDENT RIDE

Safe & Smart School Transport Solutions

THE GOOD GUYS COMMERCIAL*

IT and electrical equipment

SYSTEMS and TECHNOLOGY

CLASS CREATOR

Class creation software

ENQUIRY TRACKER

Enrolment management system

ESSENTIAL ASSESSMENT

Numeracy and Literacy assessment platform.

JB HI-FI EDUCATION

Technology equipment and solutions.

LEARNING WITH TECHNOLOGIES

IT and Computer hardware

RTG

IT equipment and services

SENTRAL

School Management System

SIMON

Learning management software for schools

THE GOOD GUYS COMMERCIAL*

IT and electrical equipment

CANTEEN and CATERING

See food and beverage suppliers in ASCA’s Canteen newsletter

ASCAplus STAFF BENEFITS

All school staff members are eligible to make personal purchases from our ASCAplus suppliers. See ‘*’ for those suppliers offering discounts and special pricing to your school staff.

Cameron Bell
Dishie Dharmapriya
Garrick Dostine
Michael Faustmann
Marcus Ferraro
Josie Filiaci
Curtis Filippig
Craig Honey
Rod Jonusas
Carley Logan
Benjamin Lynch
Jenna Natalizio
Kim O’Loughlin
Bella Ross
Sarah Whitehorn

CREATING SAFER CHILDHOODS TOGETHER

At Body Safety Australia, we believe every child deserves a safe, respectful, and inclusive childhood. Since 2015, our organisation has worked alongside schools, families, and communities to prevent child sexual abuse and promote wellbeing through Body Safety Education.

Our programs are designed to empower children with the knowledge and confidence to understand their rights, speak up, and seek help. We also educate the adults around them—parents, carers, and educators—so that the responsibility for protection shifts from children to the grown-ups who care for them.

What We Do -Body Safety Australia offers a range of programs for early childhood, primary, and secondary students, including:

• Body Safety Superstars! – Teaches children about bodily autonomy and how to communicate their right to feel safe.

• Unique You – Inclusive sexuality education from Foundation to Grade 6, covering families, bodies, birth, and puberty.

• Naked Truths – Helps older students explore online safety, relationships, and personal values in digital spaces.

• Over the Rainbow – Supports sex, sexuality, and genderdiverse students and helps schools meet Child Safe Standard 5.

• Imagine Me – Promotes positive body image and mental health, encouraging students to reflect on how media and society shape self-esteem.

These programs are delivered in small groups over multiple sessions, allowing students to build trust and seek help when needed. Our educators are highly trained, traumainformed, and experienced in responding to disclosures

with care and professionalism.

Supporting the whole community- We know that child safety is a shared responsibility. That’s why we also offer:

• Parent/carer workshops

• Professional development for educators

• Consulting and policy co-design

• Public speaking and presentations

Our approach is inclusive of all backgrounds, abilities, and family structures. As a women-led organisation, we are proud to include team members from LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal, disability, and culturally diverse communities.

Why It Matters- Children are among the least empowered members of society, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Body Safety Education builds on the Protective Behaviours model pioneered by Peg Flandreau, evolving it into a modern, inclusive framework that engages the whole community. We are also a trusted eSafety provider, working with the eSafety Commissioner to raise awareness about online risks, including image-based abuse and generative AI threats.

Let’s Work Together- Body Safety Australia is here to support your school community in creating safer, more respectful environments for children. Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, heard, and valued.

Want to book in one of our programs? Email us at info@ bodysafetyaustralia.com.au or head to the contact page on our website and fill out the Booking Enquiry Form.

Member Benefit: Every ASCA member that books with us will receive a free Resource Pack. Please mention that you are an ASCA member when booking to receive this.

Contact:

Email: info@bodysafetyaustralia.com.au

Phone: (03) 9471 2247

Website: www.bodysafetyaustralia.com.au

BODY SAFETY AUSTRALIA

BLUE SKY IDEAS

Our primary and secondary school programs

Body Safety Superstars! empowers and educates children to understand and communicate their right to bodily autonomy and equip communities with tools to prevent child sexual abuse.

Unique You offers curriculum aligned & inclusive sexuality education from Foundation to Grade 6 exploring the role of families, demystifying bodies, conception & birth, and puberty.

Naked Truths builds on students’ eSafety knowledge by exploring what their online world looks like and how they utilise the internet to enact relationships. Students critically engage with personal values and how they align with their online space.

Over the Rainbow is designed to affirm, increase empathy towards, and understanding of, sex, sexuality and gender diverse students and families. The program also supports educators and schools in meeting Child Safe Standard 5.

Imagine Me promotes positive body image and encourages students to reflect on physical, emotional, and mental health. It encourages students to understand how the messages we receive from media and society can influence how we feel about ourselves, our eating habits and our feelings and thoughts about our bodies.

Body Safety Australia believes in a whole-community approach to the care of your young people, which is why we offer professional development and parent information nights alongside the workshops for your students.

Our programs follow best practice by:

•Being evidence-based and evaluated

•Educating adults through parent workshops and professional learning

•Delivered in small groups to allow for relationships building and opportunities for help seeking

•Delivered over multiple sessions to allow for relationship building and for teachers and parents to continue the conversation between sessions

•Delivered by highly trained educators who use trauma-informed practices and who are experienced with protective interrupting and hearing disclosures

•The upper years also learn about safe and unsafe online scenarios to help them identify online grooming and increase help-seeking.

We are a trusted eSafety provider, working with the eSafety Commissioner to raise parental awareness of child sexual exploitation material and image-based abuse including generative AI facilitated imaged.

A+ services

for every school

Devices are just the beginning of your school’s technology journey - it’s the services around them that make the technology work seamlessly in Education.

That is why, JB Hi-Fi Education offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support seamless deployment and technology management for your school.

Our education services for devices include:

Device Managed Services

Deployment

Device care

End of life services

George Younan

You

When it comes to parts for your John Deere equipment, we’re now giving you more choices. When buying selected parts, you now have options that best suit you and your equipment no matter the age. Whatever your budget you can trust you are getting the right part at the right price to keep your John Deere performing at its best.

Talk to your local dealer about which parts are right for you or visit JohnDeere.com.au/Parts

BRIGHTER FUTURES: HOW SMART ENERGY MANAGEMENT POWERS AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS

As schools across Australia strive to provide the best possible learning environments, every dollar saved is a dollar that can be reinvested into vital resources – from textbooks and technology to extracurricular programs and teacher development. At Choice Energy, we understand that energy costs are a significant and often overlooked expense for educational institutions. In an increasingly volatile energy market, simply hoping for the best rates is no longer a viable strategy. It’s time for schools to take control of their energy future, and in doing so, unlock substantial savings that can directly impact student outcomes.

The Unseen Burden: Why Energy Costs Matter More Than You Think

Consider this startling fact: you’re statistically more likely to spot a shooting star (30% chance in 2025) than your school is to be on the absolute best energy rates (a mere 20% according to our assessments). This isn’t just a quirky observation; it highlights a widespread issue. Last year alone, Choice Energy identified savings for a staggering 80% of the bills we assessed. This means that for the vast majority of Australian schools, there’s significant untapped potential to reduce energy expenditure.

For many schools, energy bills are treated as a fixed cost, something to be paid without much scrutiny. However, with rising wholesale prices, network charges, and a complex array of tariffs, energy bills are anything but simple. Without expert analysis, it’s incredibly difficult to ascertain if your school is truly getting the best deal. These hidden costs can quietly drain budgets that could otherwise be used to enhance the educational experience.

Now is the Optimal Time: Seizing the Energy Opportunity

Why is now an especially critical time for schools to assess their energy consumption and contracts? We’re currently in a unique market window. Historically, autumn and spring represent periods of lower energy use across the market. This seasonal dip can create opportunities for more favourable contract negotiations.

Furthermore, the Australian energy market continues to be volatile for a multitude of reasons. Ageing infrastructure, delays in renewable energy projects, increasing maintenance costs for existing grids, international geopolitical events impacting fuel prices, and general inflation all contribute to an unpredictable landscape. This constant fluctuation means that an energy strategy from even a year or two ago might no longer be optimal. Proactive assessment isn’t just about saving money; it’s about mitigating risk and building resilience against future price shocks.

More Than Just Savings: The Value Beyond the Bill

At Choice Energy, we’ve already helped over 20 schools and educational organisations collectively save more than $85,000 in electricity expenses. These aren’t just abstract figures; they represent tangible benefits:

Reinvestment in Education: Imagine what an extra $5,000, $10,000, or even $20,000 annually could do for your school. New classroom technology, upgraded sports equipment, additional support staff, professional development for teachers – the possibilities are endless. Every dollar saved on energy is a dollar directly available for improving student outcomes and the learning environment.

Budget Certainty and Stability: Volatile energy costs make accurate budget planning challenging. By securing more favourable rates and implementing energy-efficient practices, schools can gain greater predictability over a significant operational expense, allowing for more confident financial planning.

Environmental Stewardship and Education: Beyond the financial benefits, optimising energy use aligns perfectly with schools’ roles in educating the next generation about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Demonstrating a commitment to reducing energy consumption through smart choices provides a powerful, real-world lesson for students. It also positions the school as a leader in community sustainability efforts.

Reduced Operational Stress: Navigating complex energy markets, understanding tariffs, and negotiating contracts can be a daunting task for school administrators already juggling a myriad of responsibilities. Partnering with an expert like Choice Energy frees up valuable time and resources, allowing school staff to focus on their core mission: education.

Future-Proofing Your School: The shift towards a decarbonised future is accelerating. Schools that proactively manage their energy not only save money today but also lay the groundwork for adopting future renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, more seamlessly. Understanding your consumption patterns is the first step towards integrating these technologies effectively.

Our Approach: Partnership, Not Just a Transaction

At Choice Energy, we believe in a partnership approach. We don’t just find you a better deal and walk away. Our process involves:

Comprehensive Assessment: We start by thoroughly analysing your school’s current energy bills and consumption patterns. This detailed audit helps us understand exactly where your money is going.

Market Expertise: Leveraging our deep understanding of the Australian energy market, we compare offers from a wide range of retailers, ensuring we identify the most competitive rates and contract terms specifically tailored to the unique energy profile of a school.

Negotiation and Procurement: We handle all the heavy lifting of negotiation, advocating on your behalf to secure the best possible outcomes.

Ongoing Support: Our commitment doesn’t end once a new contract is signed. We provide ongoing support, monitoring the market and your usage to ensure you continue to benefit from optimal rates and identify further efficiency opportunities. We can also provide insights into demand management strategies and technology upgrades that can further reduce consumption.

Invest in Your Students by Investing in Smart Energy

In the pursuit of academic excellence and holistic student development, every resource counts. Energy, while often an unseen cost, holds significant potential for savings that can be redirected to where they matter most: directly impacting the lives and learning experiences of students.

Don’t let your school miss out on the opportunity to secure a brighter financial future. Just as you invest in the best teachers, facilities, and curriculum, investing a small amount of time to assess your energy strategy with Choice Energy can yield substantial returns. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about empowering your school to do more, achieve more, and ultimately, provide a better education for all.

To discover how much you can save, contact Alycia McCarthy, Partnerships Specialist, for a no-obligation assessment by emailing a copy of your latest billalycia.mccarthy@choiceenergy.com.au

0478 670 420

IS YOUR SCHOOL INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIS)

RUNNING AT A 100%?

Discover the strengths and weaknesses of your SIS with our quick Health Check Quiz! Get insights on data, integration, user experience and more. It takes just 3 minutes Unlock results immediately Receive your customised results report from a Sentral Representative

The Uniform Group, one of Australia’s most trusted schoolwear providers, has officially launched STRIVE — a premium-quality sportswear brand designed specifically for students and school communities. Already gaining popularity in schools, STRIVE combines the elite-level performance of leading athletic brands with the durability and practicality schoolwear demands. The result is a fully customisable collection that delivers modern design, exceptional comfort, and long-lasting quality.

From the classroom to the sports field, STRIVE moves with students and their goals, supporting every school community. Developed by Uniform Group’s in-house design team, each garment is purpose-built for performance, designed to withstand training, competition, and everyday wear without compromising on comfort or style. Schools already trusting STRIVE include St Monica’s College, Kingswood College, Assumption College, Toorak College, and Loyola College, with staff and students alike embracing the range for its fit, durability, and contemporary look.

The collection features a complete range of sports apparel, from polos, performance tees, and jackets to shorts, leggings, and track pants. Each piece is engineered with fabrics that breathe, stretch, and endure, ensuring students feel confident on and off the field. Through Uniform Group’s bespoke production model, every garment can be customised with school colours, logos, and design details, ensuring STRIVE integrates seamlessly into a school’s branded range.

More than just sportswear, STRIVE sets a new standard for school apparel. STRIVE combines quality, performance, and value while reflecting each school’s unique identity. Whether for training, game day, or representing their school, STRIVE ensures students feel confident, comfortable, and perform at their best.

Designed for movement, engineered for performance, and tailored for school communities — STRIVE is sportswear with purpose.

Simplifying Gym Fitouts

“The wide range of equipment that we were able to purchase was a major reason why we used Gym and Fitness and we have been extremely pleased with the quality of the equipment we have purchased, particularly when com-

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, UNLEY HIGH

“Best pricing and range of equipment”

TEAM LEADER, XAVIER CATHOLIC COLLEGE

“I was contacted pretty much straight away by someone just to talk through what I selected and if I needed any further help. Their prompt communication and willingness to assist showcased their exceptional customer service, making the experience seamless.”

HEAD OF P.E, MAREEBA STATE HIGH

“Made the installation and set-up process super easy”

HEAD OF PDHPE, SOUTHERN CROSS SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

•Easy,

•Medium

•Steel

•Automatic

•40mm wide

• Nickel plated steel shackle for cut resistance

•4-digit set-your-own combination security for keyless convenience

•Restricted

•Limited Lifetime Warranty

Streamline School Communication with Schoolzine

Create Newsletters and School websites that celebrate student achievements, and WOW parents

Join over 1,600 Australian schools and discover the power of Schoolzine – the ultimate tool for creating engaging school communications. Say goodbye to the hassle of creating newsletters. Our platform offers intuitive features that make it a breeze to put together professional and engaging eNewsletters, even if you’re not a tech expert.

Bridge the Gap between Schools & Parents with Schoolzine

An industry leader since 2007, Schoolzine is the ultimate community builder for schools. We are not simply a parent engagement platform but a trusted community builder bridging the gap between schools and parents. Our mission is to connect all people with the heart of the community - the school.

Join the 1 in 4 Australian schools that are already benefiting from Schoolzine’s E-Newsletters.

� Built by Schools for Schools

� Unlimited Support & Training

� Simple and Efficient

� Government Compliant

� Plans to suit your budget

� Customisable templates

� Powerful Calendar

� Content Done Your Way

� Insightful Analytics

Human Kind Technology for Schools

We bridge the gap between people and technology, delivering smart, seamless solutions that work for you. With a vendor-agnostic approach, we tailor the right technology to your needs—not the other way around.

✅ Managed Print & Document Solutions

✅ Smart HR & Payroll Solutions

✅ Smart Contracts: Sign, Send, Simplify

✅ Records Management: Preserve, Protect, Access

✅ AI capability uplift program

✅ and more...

Murray Silver Director 0488 111 840 murray.silver@alyve.com.au

Brett Kidman Director 0432 253 106 brett.kidman@alyve.com.au

www.alyve.com.au/alyve-technology

A NEW APPROACH TO SCHOOL FEES

To find out how we can add value to your school, Come and chat to us at our stand! Our comprehensive fee management service helps deliver benefits for both schools and families.

Increased payment flexibility

Better experience for families

Reduced admin effort Predictable upfront cashflow

ONSITE SHREDDING COMPANY

We keep your data safe

World’s Best Practice secure document destruction.

We shred your confidential information ONSITE.

Victoria’s #1 rated shredding company with 600+ 5-star reviews.

We shred all paper and eWaste including hard drives and laptops.

We shred

- AVOs

- Exam results

- Student medical records

- Financial statements

Everything is shredded before we leave

Our equipment is approved by FBI and ASIO

Certificate of Destruction

Insurance compliance Certificate

We service all schools, large and small including

- Scotch College: Hawthorn

- St Kevins College: Toorak

- Bialik College: Hawthorn

- St Cecilia’s Primary School

Special projects for regional schools including Lavers Hill College in Colac.

Member benefit:

- First three months free for a regular service.

How to order

- Mention you are a ASCA Member when requesting a quote.

Contact:

- Tel: 1300 074 733

- Email: dkelly@onsiteshreddingcompany.com.au

- Web: onsiteshreddingcompany.com.au

Watch how 650+ schools transformed their admissions and marketing with our award-winning solution.

ASCA MEMBERS

15% off 12 & 18 month memberships*

ASCA15

*T&Cs apply.

When

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Expert mortgage support your staff can trust.

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