Fees & Funding
Funds for our school are derived from three main sources.
GOVERNMENTS
Funding from both State and Federal Governments is paid to our Diocesan Catholic Education Office in Rockhampton. This office then distributes funds to schools. For example all salaries, both teacher and ancillaries are paid by our Diocesan Office.
GOVERNMENTS
Funding from both State and Federal Governments is paid to our Diocesan Catholic Education Office in Rockhampton. This office then distributes funds to schools. For example all salaries, both teacher and ancillaries are paid by our Diocesan Office.
PARENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Government contributions to Catholic Schools are significantly less than the contributions made to State Schools. As a result, Catholic Schools must charge fees to make up for the funding shortfall.
- Tuition Fees, a percentage of which is kept by our school.
- All Purpose Levy
- Parents’ & Friends’ Levies: State and School
- Technology Levy
- School Building Fund
- Specific Fundraising
School fees can be a sensitive topic in some school communities. However, while current government funding models continue, at both State and Federal levels, fees are a vital part of Catholic Education.
Many Catholic schools were founded on the tradition of education for the poor. I support the equity of this model and will always listen to and work with families who have fallen on hard times. Families who are experiencing severe financial difficulty due to whatever reason can follow a process and apply for a concession.
Equity is also includes ensuring that those who do pay fees and make payment a priority should not have their child’s education disadvantaged by those who choose not to make paying fees a priority.
With everyone paying fees or making the best contribution to paying fees that they can, resources can continually be updated, professional development of teachers can continue, and facilities can be first rate.
Equity is providing what’s promised, equity is fair contributions from all, equity is ensuring that when the school is approached and kept informed, we can assist families when necessary.
SCHOOL FEE COSTING
Diocesan School Fees and Building Fund are the same for all schools throughout the diocese. Other levies may vary among schools. For families with children in primary and secondary systemic schools, there is consideration for fee discounts. Secondary tuition fee schedules are available from the office.
Diocesan School Fees and Building Fund are the same for all schools throughout the diocese. Other levies may vary among schools. For families with children in primary and secondary systemic schools, there is consideration for fee discounts. Secondary tuition fee schedules are available from the office.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTS
Accounts for term fees are sent to parents in Week Two of each term and are payable within thirty days. Parents who wish to arrange to pay fees by weekly or monthly instalments are able to do so by contacting the school.
Payments of accounts may be made by BPAY, cash, credit card, through internet banking or direct debit. School fees, along with any other monies sent to the school, should be placed in school payment envelopes which are provided by the school. Receipts are issued and given to students to take home.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
St John’s has a genuine commitment to providing a Catholic education for all of our students as stated in our Enrolment Policy and it is appreciated that many families sacrifice a great deal to keep their children at Catholic schools. In the case of financial hardship, please contact the principal, who in confidence will negotiate appropriate concessions with you. As fees and levies continue to rise, parents are encouraged to accept this offer if needed.
The Diocesan Policy states:
“No students should be excluded from a Catholic school because of the inability of their parents to pay the prescribed fee - in whole or in part.” Total or partial exemption from the payment of fees is available on application to the Principal to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
