Coronavirus Qld: Churchie cuts term-two fees by 10pc

A Brisbane elite school that came under attack from parents for not cutting fees amid the coronavirus pandemic has become the latest southeast Queensland school to do so.

PARENTS have been given relief at one of Brisbane’s top inner-city elite private schools, with another one joining ranks and dropping fees 10 per cent.

Anglican Church Grammar School has told parents fees would be discounted by 10 per cent this term in a goodwill gesture to parents as the school moves to remote learning.

Elite Brisbane school St Joseph’s Nudgee College slashes fees amid coronavirus pandemic

John Paul College slashes fees for Term 2 online classes

Parents call for reduction in school fees as schools move online

In a letter emailed to parents today, school council chairman Daniel O’Connor and headmaster Dr Alan Campbell said, as expected, many within the school community had been impacted financially through loss of employment or closure of business.

“Our recent conversations with affected families and their feedback has assisted us to tailor the nature of the support provided,” the letter said.

The school announced it would slash fees after the council had reviewed the school’s financial position and modelled various scenarios for an eventual resumption of normal operations.

“Accordingly, school council has approved a 10 per cent fee discount for term two, which will be applied to each account in coming days.

“If you have already paid your fees, then this will reflect as a credit against your term three fees.

“For families who have paid annually in advance, the credit may be applied to 2021 fees or other incidental charges accruing during 2020 (e.g. music lessons).”

The letter said that in keeping with school values, the Churchie Foundation would be establishing a bursary fund to help families who face long-term significant hardship, by redirecting 20 per cent of the building levy for term two.

“The school is, of course, reviewing its costs and reducing expenditure across all areas,” it said.

“However we are also mindful of the need to also be fully prepared to return to full operations by mid-term two, if permitted.

“We can also confirm that there is no change or increase in government assistance to the school at this time.”

The letter said the school was grateful for donors, parents and old boys who had contributed to bursaries to help students in the school’s history.

“When the time is right, we hope that those of you who have been less impacted by this current event may make a contribution as you are able,” it said.

The fee cut comes a day after St Joseph’s Nudgee College made a similar move, and after The Courier-Mail revealed parents were outraged Churchie had not offered a discount at the end of term one.

A parent said it was “nothing short of disgusting” that while parents paid over $20,000 in fees, there would be no reduction despite moving to remote learning, and only payment plans for those who had lost jobs.