SCHOOL FEES POLICY

SCHOOL FEES

To maintain our excellent Catholic Education system at St Joseph’s Primary School, school fees are an unavoidable necessity. The Government subsidies which apply to your child/children are applied to providing the teaching establishment in our school as well as specialist services. Building costs and the day to day running costs of our school.  The bulk of this must be met from school fees.

With the benefit of long experience, a benchmark fee has been established which is reasonable and relative to a normal household. This fees are adjusted annually to meet increasing costs and extraordinary items such as Information Technology, insurance premiums, new curricula etc.

Tuition Fees - Secretarial, cleaner's and groundsman’s salaries (full award wages), insurance, electricity, Council rates and charges, telephone,  copy and art paper, printing, photo-copying materials, cleaning materials, stationery and Office supplies, furniture, fittings, appliances, educational requisites and resources, text books, teaching aids, postage, maintenance and repairs of fittings, freight and subscriptions.

Resource Fees - Basically, these cover items which are directly for the use of the children in the classroom e.g. paper, exercise books, workbooks, art supplies, some text books, crayons, pastels, tape, paint, cardboard, craft materials, paintbrushes, clay, graph paper and digital devices, co-contribution to digital subscriptions.  

Grounds & Maintenance - Funds are directed towards:  the serving of school loans, capital purchases within the school, depreciation on capital school equipment, school maintenance, the use of parish buildings, insurance, depreciation on maintenance equipment.

An account will be sent out during Term 1,  Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4. Installment plans are available and if families experience difficulties overing School Fee payments, please discuss the matter with the Principal.

Payment options available include: cash, cheque and EFT.

This may be paid: 

• Annually in advance; 

• Term 1, 2, 3 and 4 instalments;
• Internet banking - weekly, fortnightly, monthly, per term, annual in advance.

The School Budget is formulated during October/November each year. As a result, Tuition Fees, Grounds & Maintenance and/or Resource Fees may be subject to a slight increase based on these budgetary figures and recommendations from the Parish Finance Committee.

FAMILY ENROLMENT FEE

There is a one-off charge of $150 levied on all families at the time of enrolment.

FEE GUIDELINES

1. All families are expected to pay the full prescribed fee as determined by the Parish Finance Committee.

1. No Catholic child will be deprived of a Catholic Education at our school solely due to genuine financial difficulties.

1. If your family is experiencing difficulties or there are extra-ordinary circumstances which are affecting your capacity to pay fees, PLEASE make an appointment to speak with the Principal.

1. In the case of difficulties, our policy is that we expect all families to contribute to School Fees.  The Principal will discuss with genuine cases to secure an outcome that is realistic for both the family involved and the school.  In so doing you are assured of the strictest confidence.

1. Cases of School Fee Reduction are reviewed annually.

1. It is preferable to use our Direct Debit Payment system. Forms are available in your enrolment package or through the School Office.

NON PAYMENT OF FEES

As clearly stated, The Fee Assistance Program is readily available to people who are experiencing genuine financial hardship. While genuine inability to pay school fees will never be a cause of an enrolment being refused or discontinued, all families are expected to fulfill their individual commitment to the payment of fees. School Fee Accounts must be finalised by the completion of each school year.

The essential ingredient in negotiating a fair and relevant fee is open and honest communication. In cases where fees are not being paid and there is no communication with the school or the School Fees Manager, enrolment may be terminated. Such drastic action would only take place after an extensive process which includes several reminder notices and phone calls to discuss the situation. In cases where there is no attempt by parents or guardians to communicate or cooperatively resolve the issue, the enrolment may be terminated and other forms of debt collection (including the possibility of legal action) will be implemented.

DEPARTURES

It is a requirement that parents or guardians contact the school regarding departures, otherwise school fees may continue to be charged up until formal notice is received.

CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS

It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to advise any changes of address or other relevant contact details. The school and Parish office should also be contacted regarding other significant issues which may alter or affect the ability to pay school fees.