eReturns
eReturns
Currently, schools need to complete a paper return as well as send an electronic file. This student data file, known as the "moe file", is sent automatically from a school’s Student Management System (SMS) during the roll return collection. eReturns is the name given to the functionality that allows a school to send their moe file to the Ministry of Education.
The eReturns function is available in all data sharing approved SMS. Schools are required to submit their student data file after signing and posting their Roll Return form.
Schools that are unable to use the eReturns function are able to send their moe file to the Ministry via the e-Admin portal. However, if eReturns does not become available, or you are concerned the file may not have been sent, contact your SMS vendor in the first instance.
Using the e-Admin portal requires the school user to leave their SMS application, login to e-Admin, search for and identify the appropriate file and then upload it. eReturns saves time and is a very secure way of passing on private student details. Details on how to access the portal are available on the Education Counts website.
Having the disaggregate data in the moe file allows a more thorough and meaningful analysis of the data and thus better informed policy decisions. Student addresses are also collected in the moe file. Student residential address data is used to identify school catchments to assist schools with short, medium and long term planning, transport issues and for the legislative requirements of enrolment schemes.
Roll return testing
Every year all SMS packages are tested to ensure they are fully compliant with the following year's requirements for producing roll returns. The SMS packages are also now tested to see if they comply with the eReturns specification. Any SMS that passes this test can be used by schools to produce the March and July Roll Return.
The results of the testing are published in the Education Gazette. More information about roll returns is available on the Education Counts website.