26th October 2026
Transforming school management through one connected platform
See how Daymap by Civica gives Yankalilla Area School a connected platform for attendance, reporting, learning management and student information.
- Easier reporting and attendance processes
- Centralised student data for clearer insights
- Phased rollout that built staff confidence.
Nestled on South Australia’s picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, Yankalilla is a gateway to Kangaroo Island, known for its rolling farmland, coastal beauty, and strong sense of community. Yankalilla reflects a lifestyle shift increasingly sought by families – offering a balance of country living with access to nearby urban centres. This growth is mirrored at Yankalilla Area School, where enrolments have risen steadily in recent years, bringing greater diversity and complexity to school operations.
Supporting approximately 400 students from Reception to Year 12, the school provides a continuous learning journey under one roof. For Magda Nobis, IT Leader at Yankalilla Area School, this evolving environment has required equally dynamic systems.
“I’ve been here since 2012, and as is often the case in schools, my role has evolved over time,” says Magda. “I’ve gone from librarian to IT leader, timetabler and Daymap administrator – it’s been quite a journey.”
The need for connected school management
Like many schools, Yankalilla Area School faced growing challenges with legacy systems that were no longer fit for purpose. A period without comprehensive school management software highlighted the need for a more integrated, modern solution.
“We had a very old, clunky system that wasn’t web-based, and for a while, we really had nothing that brought everything together,” Magda explains. “It made even basic processes more difficult than they needed to be.”
The introduction of a new state-wide Education Management System (EMS) brought further complexity, particularly as an early adopter. Gaps in functionality led the school to explore complementary solutions, ultimately selecting Daymap by Civica.
“Daymap ticked all the boxes for us – attendance, reporting, learning management – and it was something we knew other schools trusted.”
A phased, people-first approach
Implementation was approached thoughtfully, recognising the pressures on staff already adapting to new systems.
“We were very conscious of not overwhelming our teachers,” says Magda. “So we introduced Daymap gradually, starting with attendance, then reporting, and building from there.”
“It probably took us close to two years to fully embed everything, but that was intentional. It gave people time to build confidence.”
While the journey wasn’t without its challenges, the long-term impact has been overwhelmingly positive.
“There were definitely moments where it felt like a lot – learning timetabling, EMS and Daymap all at once, but once things clicked, we could really see the value.”
Easier reporting and better-connected student information
Today, Daymap is the school's central platform for student information, attendance, reporting and learning management, supporting teachers, administrators and leadership in their day-to-day work.
“The reporting process is a standout. Once it’s set up, it’s incredibly efficient. Teachers consistently tell me how much easier it is compared to what we had before.”
The platform has also supported the school’s increasingly diverse student cohort, including a growing number of international and ESL students.
“We’re seeing more families from overseas and across Australia choosing Yankalilla,” Magda explains.
“Having a system like Daymap helps us manage that complexity and keep everyone connected.”
A partnership built on understanding schools
A key part of the school’s success has been its relationship with Civica’s Daymap team. “Our account manager – Tennille, has been fantastic,” says Magda. “She really understands schools, having worked in them herself, and that makes a big difference. When I’ve needed help, she’s been there.”
Supporting the school's continued growth
Yankalilla Area School continues to expand its use of Daymap, with plans to further leverage modules such as Staff Hub, assessment tools and excursion management.
“We’re always looking at how we can get more out of the system,” says Magda. “It’s about continuous improvement and making things easier for staff and better for students.”