NT government offers Back to School vouchers to cut down on costs
The Territory government is offering parents and guardians ‘back to school’ vouchers to ease cost of living pressures. Find out how one school is distributing the offer.
Education
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A Northern Territory school is cultivating its young students’ literacy skills by offering each child a good book and an ”encouragement to read“ award.
Leanyer School principal Leah Crockford said the chosen text would depend on the interests of each preschool student.
“They’re rich texts for the preschoolers, so books that are written by, obviously, authors that are well-renowned,” she said.
“Usually, it’s around the rich text, quality pictures, and obviously the vocabulary being quite rich that can help scaffold the child with their learning.”
Ms Crockford said the books were available to young students through the Territory government’s Back to School Payment Scheme.
“It’s a great initiative for us to be able to support families with $150,” she said.
Parents and guardians of children enrolled in an NT school are given one voucher per child in term one of each year to beat the back to school blues and combat the rising cost of living.
The vouchers can be used to purchase uniforms, hats, book bags, textbooks, stationery, school excursions, student ID cards, student photography, school caps, and elective activities.
The vouchers are administered to the guardians of children from transition to Year 12, regardless of whether they attend a government or non-government school.
Acting Education Minister Nicole Manison said the back to school bill could add up quickly.
“Whether it’s paying for textbooks or uniforms, or helping students attend camps and excursions, this scheme makes going back to school just that little bit easier,” she said.
“Investing in our children’s futures is something the Territory Labor Government will always do.”
Parents and guardians should contact their schools to access the vouchers.
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