NT private schools cut fees to help struggling parents

TERRITORY private schools are offering to cut school fees by 20 per cent to help parents struggling to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus

Marrara Christian College is among six NT schools which will be cutting fees by 20 per cent to help families who are struggling due to the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Supplied

TERRITORY private schools are offering to cut school fees by 20 per cent to help parents struggling to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus.

NT Christian Schools CEO Phoebe van Bentum said their six schools are offering an automatic 20 per cent reduction in school fees in term two for all their families to help alleviate financial stress during these unprecedented times.

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This will apply to more than 1200 students who attend Marrara Christian College, Palmerston Christian School, Sattler Christian College, Nhulunbuy Christian College, Araluen Christian College and Gäwa Christian School.

“We are deeply committed to partnering with parents as a key value,” Ms van Bentum said.

“Parents have been given the option to continue paying full fees, which will be used directly to support families across the school communities experiencing financial difficulties to continue to receive the high-quality Christian education, training and care that NT Christian Schools offers.

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“Along with a substantial investment in e-learning, the automatic fee reduction is just one of the many measures NT Christian Schools has taken to adapt and support families during this

time.”

Essington principal Brian Kennelly said his school would not be cutting school fees to help struggling families.

“However we are asking families who are having difficulty to let us know,” he said.

“We are dealing with each family on an individual basis as the circumstance of each is different.”

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