The Pickle
Gulf Harbour School needed a clever solution to sort out their financial processes, boost efficiency, and make life easier for everyone involved.
Working with Kindo
Two years back, Gulf Harbour School took the plunge with Kindo. Sharon Beard, the school's Financial Manager, reckons it's been a game-changer.
Sorting out the Admin Faff
"It has saved me time," said Sharon. "It has saved me having to reconcile the $5.00 weekly payments into our bank account as parents can just pay directly into Kindo now instead of the school bank account. "She's particularly chuffed with the reporting: "I love getting the weekly reports from Kindo each Friday so I can reconcile. I can send an update to any member of staff in a few minutes about whatever trip or event."
Making Life Sweet for Parents
Kindo's turned paying for school stuff from a chore into a cinch for parents. "I think from a parents perspective that they can pay as much as they want, when they want. Everything is in the one place," Sharon explains. It's especially handy for those big-ticket items: "For camp payments they are able to pay when they can, and the amount they can afford. "The school's streamlined everything too: "Instead of several different places to pay we have streamlined the process for them and they know that they can do it all through Kindo."
Boosting the School Coffers
Kindo has had a strong impact on the school's bottom line. Sharon's really pleased: "Our donations last year increased. Last year we reached 50% in school donations (which was great for our school) - so that was a huge achievement. "It's also keeping those unpaid bills in check: "Every time a parent goes into Kindo it will have a list of what hasn’t been paid yet, the reporting aspect has great information in whatever format I like, I can also follow up anyone who hasn’t paid yet by email directly."
Kindo Does the Lot
As Financial Manager, Sharon uses Kindo for all sorts: checkout gifting, donations, EOTC, events, ezlunch, fundraising, PTA activities, trips, camps - you name it.
Looking ahead
Gulf Harbour School says Kindo's a keeper. Sharon's advice to other schools? "Do it - don’t even think about it - I know change is a little daunting and sometimes overwhelming but the lovely Kindo team will keep you right until you get the hang of it. I love it!" All in all, Kindo's not just some fancy payment system for Gulf Harbour School. It's the full package - making admin a breeze, keeping parents happy, and giving the school finances a boost. As they keep finding new ways to use Kindo, it's become a real partner in making sure the kids get the best education possible.
