Catholic Education SA cuts primary school fees – with more to come
Fees for Catholic parish primary schools will be cut by hundreds of dollars to help families struggling during the economic downturn. And cuts to secondary schools are coming too.
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Parents of parish primary school students will get cuts averaging $300 to $500 a year off fees next year, Catholic Education SA announced on Thursday night.
The cuts would apply to 65 primary schools as part of a strategy to make the schools more affordable and give families financial relief during tough economic times.
Further cuts would be rolled out to the other Catholic schools after 2021 as part of a three-year plan.
“The South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools is acutely aware of the need to ensure high-quality outcomes as well as to continue to support families whose circumstances have been affected by COVID-19,” commission chair Denis Ralph said.
“Catholic Education is committed to providing greater accessibility and affordability for all families enrolled, or considering a Catholic education.”
Few relief would vary depending on individual schools. The minimum reduction would be $100/year with most in the $300 to $500 range.
At Tenison Woods Catholic School in Richmond, fees will drop by $630 per student to $2990 a year.
“It’s fantastic, my saving will be over $1200,” said Vinny Maresca, parent of Matilda, 10, and Leo, 8, who are in years 4 and 2.
“It takes a bit of stress off the bank account.”
Mr Maresca has a full-time job at a crash-repair business but his side business as a wedding photographer has virtually collapsed during the COVID-19 restrictions.
Tenison Woods has a mix of families from different socio-economic levels and cultures but a great volunteer culture, said Mr Maresca who sits on the school board.
Catholic Education SA did not immediately have a total cost of the reduction to its revenue. Enrolments rose by about 600 places this year but were still to be assessed for 2021.
Catholic Education SA has been expanding, with a new high school planned for the Riverland, a vision for a northern school taking shape and several schools adding year levels.
The reductions would extend to diocesan secondary and reception-to-Year 12 schools from 2022 and then to separately-governed Catholic schools.
The fee reduction would not affect the quality of schooling, Catholic Education SA director Neil McGoran said.
“We will continue providing high-quality education for over 46,000 students, with even more affordable fees,” he said.
Catholic Education will also simplify its fee structure down to two levels – a basic rate and a reduced fee for families with low incomes.
“In the past, some schools have had a range of levies and charges,” Dr McGoran said.
“We are moving to simplified fee structures that will give parents greater clarity and predictability.”