Brisbane school supplier Sequel Books and Stationery struggling to fill orders before Term 1 start

A major Queensland stationery supplier linked to 55 schools admits they will struggle to deliver outstanding orders in time for the start of Term 1 after being plagued by workforce issues. SEE IF YOUR SCHOOL IS AFFECTED

Thousands of Queensland students face starting school without their required stationery as a major South East supplier admits they will struggle to deliver outstanding orders in time.

Sequel Books & Stationery, based in Willawong in Brisbane’s south, has been inundated with more than 1700 customer emails and turned off comments on their Facebook page.

The family-run business with almost 30 years’ experience is in business with dozens of schools across the state, carrying 55 schools’ book and stationery lists on their website.

They emailed customers last week to apologise for delays and advise that they could not give an assurance that order will be finalised in time for the start of Term 1.

“We have encountered challenges this season, including the departure of our warehouse manager at the beginning, and issues sourcing a reliable casual workforce that have significantly impacted our usual efficiency,” director Anna Henderson wrote on January 5.

With little more than a week until Queensland children head back to school, those awaiting orders from Sequel Books & Stationery may not get them in time. Photo: Glenn Barnes

“We have prioritised all orders placed before our November 30 cut-off, implemented a night shift for the first time, and actively engaged with members of our local community, including parents, who have proven to be more efficient at processing and dispatching orders.

“Regrettably, I cannot assure you that orders placed after the November 30 deadline, or outstanding backorders, will be ready for Term 1 commencement.

“We have advised your child’s school of these issues and made them aware that this will mean some students may arrive at school without all their requirements.

“Customers who placed orders before November 30 are welcome to have their orders changed to click and collect from our warehouse.

“Please know that I share your disappointment in this situation. Rest assured, we will be addressing these concerns comprehensively post season.”

Parents have taken to social media to voice their frustration.

“They were awful this year. So many tech problems with our Year 7 book lists, and then a bunch of back orders and inability to provide certain items as well,” Rebecca Catlin said.

“Unfortunately people who ordered after me were getting theirs, after multiple attempts of contact I cancelled my order and requested a refund. I was told even though I ordered before the cut off, my order would still not likely be available until week 2 of school. They were so easy and efficient last year,” Trina Milligan said.

Ms Henderson posted a video update on the company Facebook page on Thursday saying they had five staff responding to 1700 customers emails, and five more answering calls.

“We’ve finally got a team of great workers, we’ve pretty much got a full roster turning up every day … we’re now punching out about 500 orders per day, which is fantastic,” she said.

“We are catching up, we are here working until 11pm every day. We are not trying to do the wrong thing here, we are working our butts off to try to get your orders out.

“In Sequel’s nearly 30 years of business we have never let our teams down the way we have this year and I’m so apologetic for the situation we have found ourselves in.

“This is the first year we have had these kinds of challenges.”

Sequel announced an official partnership with P&Cs Queensland in October.

Several client schools have reassured parents that teachers will be understanding.

“For those who have ordered books and stationery through Sequel, we ask that you please bring these items in once you have received them, teachers will be informed of this delay,” independent Brisbane Prep-Year 12 school Wisdom College advised.

“Please do not stress if Sequel book packs are late arriving to school. Sequel is working hard to rectify. This is not their standard practice and it will not dissuade us from using them again. We all know that hiccups happen,” Walloon State School P&C in Ipswich posted.

The Department of Education confirmed it is aware of the Sequel delays.

“State schools affected by the delay will be supported by the department so that no child is educationally disadvantaged,” a Department spokesman said.

“Teachers have access to a range of strategies, including digital resources, to ensure the planned teaching and learning proceeds on schedule.

“Parents who have questions or concerns about resource arrangements at their school are encouraged to speak with their principal.”

The Courier-Mail contacted Sequel Books & Stationery for further comment.

The 55 schools listed on Sequel Books & Stationery’s website:

All Saints Anglican School

Aspley State School

Aquinas College

Bellbird Park State Secondary

Belmont State School

Berrinba East State School

Brisbane Grammar School

Brookfield State School

Burleigh Heads State School

Canungra State School

Citipointe Christian College

Centenary State High School

Clairvaux MacKillop College

Fig Tree Pocket State School

Grovely State School

Hilder Road State School

Hillcrest Christian College

Hills College

Holland Park State School

Jamboree Heights State School

Jindalee State School

John Paul College

Kenmore State High School

Kilcoy State Primary School

Longreach School of Distance Education

Marist College Ashgrove

Marsden State High School

Manly West State School

Mitchelton State School

Mount Alvernia College

Mount Kilcoy State School

Mt Saint Michael’s College

Northside Christian College

Our Lady College Annerley

Padua College

Parklands Christian College

Queensland Academy of Science Mathematics and Technology

San Damiano College

San Sisto College

Seton College

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls Schools

St Francis Xavier Primary School Goodna

St Joseph’s Catholic School Corinda

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

St Mary’s College

St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly

St Philomena School

The Lakes College

Walloon State School

West Moreton Anglican College

Westside Christian College

Wisdom College

Wishart State School

Wondall Heights State School

Yeronga State School.