OWNA Resource Library
About OWNA
St Nicholas will soon be introducing OWNA across our Early Education and OOSH services. OWNA is a secure digital platform that makes it easier for us to connect with you by sharing real-time updates, important information about your child’s education and care, and announcements from your service—all in one convenient app.
Rollout
When OWNA becomes available at your service, you will receive a setup email with step-by-step instructions to create your account and get started.
Please wait to download the OWNA app until you receive this email. The onboarding email will include a link to download the special St Nicholas version of the app, which is required for access.
OWNA will gradually replace our current child care management systems—Qikkids for Early Education and Xplor for OOSH—bringing everything families need into a single, easy-to-use platform.
We will begin by introducing the operational features of OWNA, including:
- Signing children in and out of care
- Billing and account management
- Communication of service updates and announcements to families
Once these are in place, additional features—such as programming, tracking of daily routines, and more detailed updates about your child’s learning—will be introduced gradually. This staged approach ensures families and educators have time to adjust and feel confident using the new system.
Getting started with OWNA
You will be notified when it is time for your family to set up your OWNA account.
Once you have received your onboarding email, please complete the following steps to ensure you are ready:
- Download and log in to the St Nicholas App (OWNA) using the link and details provided in your onboarding email. Please ensure you use this link to download the St Nicholas version of the app. Do not download the standard version of OWNA through the app store.
- Sign your Complying Written Agreement (CWA) in OWNA.
- Complete your Direct Debit Request (DDR) form in OWNA.
Simple instructions for steps 2 and 3 can be found here. Instructions for step 4 can be found here.
Benefits
- Convenience – manage sign-in/out, billing, and updates in one secure app
- Stronger connection – receive real-time messages, service notices, and announcements directly from your centre
- Greater insight – new features being introduced gradually will provide visibility into your child’s learning journey and daily experiences
- All-in-one access – families with children in both Early Education and OOSH can manage everything through a single platform
- Cost savings – enjoy reduced credit card and dishonour charges
Parent resources
Feedback and enquiries
We value your input as we introduce OWNA across our services. If you would like to share your thoughts or experiences, please complete our short feedback survey – click here.
For any questions or enquiries about the rollout, please speak to your Centre Director (Early Education) or Nominated Supervisor (OOSH) in the first instance, or contact us directly at contactus@stnicholasmn.org.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is OWNA?
OWNA is a secure app that connects families and educators, providing easy access to updates, billing, sign-ins, and communication from your St Nicholas service.
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Why is St Nicholas moving to OWNA?
We are adopting OWNA to streamline communication, give families real-time updates, and provide a single platform for billing, enrolment, and daily information.
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When will my service start using OWNA?
When OWNA becomes available at your service, you will receive a setup email from support@owna.com.au with step-by-step instructions to create your account and get started.
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How do I download the OWNA app?
Your onboarding email will include a link to download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Please ensure you use this link to download the St Nicholas version of the app. Do not download the standard version of OWNA through the app store.
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How do I log in for the first time?
Your onboarding email will include your login details and step-by-step instructions on how to get started in OWNA.
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Do I need to create a new account?
No. St Nicholas will set up your access. You just need to download the app and log in using the information provided in your onboarding email.
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Will I need to re-enrol my child?
No. Your family’s data will be securely transferred across to OWNA. However, you will need to confirm that your information is correct once you log in.
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What can I do in OWNA?
We will begin by introducing the operational features of OWNA, including:
- Signing children in and out of care
- Billing and account management
- Communication of service updates and announcements to families
Once these are in place, additional features—such as programming, tracking of daily routines, and more detailed updates about your child’s learning—will be introduced gradually.
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Will OWNA replace all other communication methods?
Yes. OWNA will gradually replace our current child care management systems—Qikkids for Early Education and Xplor for OOSH—bringing everything families need into a single, easy-to-use platform.
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Will my billing details transfer automatically?
Yes. Your existing billing arrangements will be transferred into OWNA. However, you will need to confirm that your details are correct when you first log in.
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Is my information secure?
Yes. OWNA uses encrypted, secure servers to protect your family’s personal and financial information.
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Who can see my child’s information?
Only authorised St Nicholas team members and your family contacts set up in OWNA will have access.
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What if I have trouble logging in or using the app?
A range of support resources are available on this page, including checklists, how-to guides, and video tutorials.
For any additonal questions or enquiries, please speak to your Centre Director (Early Education) or Nominated Supervisor (OOSH) in the first instance, or contact us directly at contactus@stnicholasmn.org.au.
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I am a family of St Nicholas Early Education Fletcher and already use OWNA. Why do I need to download the new app and set up my account again?
While Fletcher families have been using OWNA for some time, we are now moving to a new and improved version of the platform. This version includes additional features and functions designed to enhance your experience and streamline communication between families and educators.
Please note that the previous version of OWNA currently in use at Fletcher will no longer be used after Friday 31 October, and all families will transition to the new St Nicholas App (OWNA) from Monday 3 November.
It is essential, if you have not already, to ensure you are set up and ready to use this version of OWNA, as it will become the primary platform we use to share updates about your child’s education and care, bills, incident reports, and other important information.