Gold Coast private schools brace for drop in enrolments as parents struggle to afford full fees amid coronavirus chaos

A disgruntled parent of a student at one for the Gold Coast’s most prestigious private schools said he was frustrated they were not offered a discount, despite the likely move to online schooling.

GOLD COAST private schools are bracing for a drop in students as parents struggle to afford high tuition fees, while students learn at home.

A disgruntled private school parent said he was frustrated they were not offered a discount, despite the likely move to online schooling.

“It is very poor taste. The invoice was issued with full tuition fees due in three weeks, no mention of a discount for the fact online learning will most likely take place next term, parents can pay reduced fees at other schools and still have online learning,” he said.

“We as restaurant owners are haemorrhaging money each hour this global crisis is occurring and they send a bill out for the term.”

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However a teacher at one of the Gold Coast private schools said they are working more hours, not less.

“The teachers are learning new technology to keep connected with students, preparing online courses, recording video lessons plus doing face-to-face classes with children of essential workers,” she said.

“On top of all of that kids are title submitting assignments for kids marking, which is a big load on the secondary system.”

Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ), the body for private non-Catholic educators said: “ISQ anticipates many independent schools will come under increasing financial pressure as the economic fallout from this crisis deepens over coming months and will be working closely with schools and Queensland and Australian Governments on a way forward.

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Parents and Friends committee surprised teachers last week with lunch to thank them for all their efforts in caring for students. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“Schools have been reaching out to their parent communities to ascertain the level of financial hardship families may be experiencing and are providing whatever support they can. At the same time, they have been working incredibly hard to re-cast how they deliver learning to students.”