We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.

Fees

Fees are charged on an annual basis. The first fee statement is issued in February with the annual charges shown. Subsequent fee statements will then be issued during the year.

For 2024 the annual fees are as follows –

Description of Fee Types

Tuition Fee

A tuition fee of $1,600.00 per family will apply. This fee is levied to assist with the running costs of the school.

Capital Levy

A Capital Levy of $400.00 per family will apply. This fee is levied for the ongoing capital upgrade of school facilities.

Fundraising Levy

Families will be required to pay a fundraising levy of $150.00 per student. The fundraising levy assists with the local contribution required to supplement the state and federal funding to run the school. This fee also enables the ‘Drummo Social Circle’ to focus on community rather than fundraising.

Student Fee

A student fee of $360 per child will apply. This fee includes stationery & materials, swimming and excursions.

Other Charges

- Camp fees for years 5 and 6
- Fundraising levy - $150 per family
- Device fee - $150 per student in Foundation and year 1, and $100 per student in years 3 to 6.

Student Departures and Withdrawals

Parents and guardians are reminded that early written notification of a student withdrawing during the school year is required. Where a student exits the school during a Term, fees are payable to end of the Term the student exited. Fee accounts will be adjusted pro-rata for tuition fees and the capital levy.

Payment Options

Fee Payment Agreement

A Fee Payment Agreement must be completed by all families and returned to the school by December of the year prior. Fees are due and payable in full by November each year unless a payment plan has been completed.

The following options are available for the payment of school fees:
• Payment in Full we would prefer by 31 August or another date in consultation with the school.
• Instalments. The following instalment arrangements are available:
o Fortnightly payments (direct debit)
o Monthly payments (direct debit & credit card)

Other instalment plans may be arranged to suit family budgets. Please contact the Office if you require assistance to determine the payments required to settle the account balance prior to the end of the school year.

Payment Facilities

The following facilities are available for the payment of accounts:
Cash
Cheque
Direct Debit
Credit Card
Centrepay deduction

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested tested Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Affairs Pensioner Gold Card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF.

How to Apply: Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF_application_form.pdf.

Support for the Cost of Education

Where families are eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding, they can also apply for the Family Fee Assistance Scheme. Families that qualify for the scheme will pay $520 per annum ($10 per week) for primary school tuition fees and the capital levy.

How to Apply: Contact the school office to obtain a Family Fee Assistance Scheme application.

Further Support

If you have any concerns regarding payment of school fees, you are encouraged to discuss these at any time with the Principal. To arrange an appointment please contact the office on 03 5332 7680.

It is a condition of enrolment that all families contribute to the cost of education. We recognise that circumstances may change, and it is an expectation that the fee payer will contact the school to negotiate an alternative payment plan or seek concessional support.

Debt Collection Procedures

As a last resort the school will commence debt recovery or take legal action where no adequate response has been achieved from approaches for fee payment. Costs incurred by the school from such methods are fully recoverable from the Debtor. This is a last resort for the school but is necessary as a matter of justice for paying members of the school community and the financial sustainability of the school.