About
Redcliffe Primary School caters to a very diverse group of students from mid- to low-socioeconomic backgrounds, who collectively speak over 35 languages at home. Having previously relied on multiple systems for day-to-day operations, Redcliffe Primary needed a single, user-friendly system that would benefit its entire school community.
“Definitely recommend Compass as a platform across the school… We’ve taken on a lot of modules in a very short amount of time, and I think that is a testament to the fact that it’s a good system… And it’s definitely saved us money because we’re not having to purchase different apps.”
Redcliffe Primary School
The Challenge
Prior to joining Compass, Redliffe PS were juggling several different platforms for day-to-day tasks. In addition, many of their processes were still paper-based, and they often had to do things manually.
A major part of the initial process involved substantial data migration to ensure that all student records, attendance histories, and other essential information were accurately transferred. Understandably, there were some initial concerns, particularly around onboarding new staff and ensuring everyone was confident with the new system.
Choosing Compass
Redcliffe PS were looking for a single platform that they could use across the whole school, and integrate well with the program they use, which the department supplies. One key incentive for switching to Compass was its comprehensive system, spanning all facets of school management: communications, events, payments, reports, attendance, canteen, and more. In addition, it was important to find a system that is user-friendly, which would help get staff and parents on board and make the most of the features and functionality.
Results
Originally hoping to ease into implementing Compass by starting with just a few modules, the school quickly decided to add more features than they had planned. While initially concerned about the uptake from parents, Lyn Clark, Manager of Corporate Services, says that it has been a really positive experience for them so far. Today, around 90% of their community is using the app for communications, payments, giving consent for school trips and more.
Staff are seeing real benefits from the events and attendance modules, noting in particular how much time they save and how convenient it is to do everything from one place, online. The ease of access to key information is enabling greater accountability and transparency.
One module in particular is doing wonders for the school Canteen. Our Education Assistant shares that it offers very simple and straightforward processes around creating and uploading menus, keeping track of orders and generating reports. Prior to taking on the Compass Canteen module, the school received around 40 orders a week and sold around $3,800 worth of food and drink items per year. Today, the weekly order number has grown to 100+, and their yearly canteen sales have skyrocketed to $15,000+.
