Contributions and Charges

The following information is provided in the hope of making the school charges and contributions structure clear for parents and caregivers.  Tom Price SHS has directed our efforts towards keeping costs as low and as equitable as possible.  The Tom Price SHS Board and Finance Committee have examined the contributions and charges structure in detail and approved the amounts shown in accordance with the Education Act.

The State Government through the Department of Education provides placement at educational facilities for all students who choose to attend public schools.  The Department also pays for the wages of all teaching and non-teaching positions plus costs such as repairs, maintenance and utilities.  Government does not provide for many goods and services which students use and it is reasonable for parents to meet these costs.

Where do contributions and charges go?

Some examples include ingredients in home economics, transport, photographic equipment and supplies, art materials, timber, metals, consumable tools, external instructors, sporting equipment, textbooks, etc.

How much can be charged?

For Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 the maximum contributions a school may charge is currently fixed at $235, however additional charges for optional school-based activities above that figure can be requested for consumables and additional resources.

For Years 11-12, charges will depend upon the course chosen.  Some specific courses will incur higher costs dependent upon such items as textbooks, subject specific resources, materials, excursions, certificates, and work placement. Students involved in work placement must pay the associated charges prior to commencement of the work placement.

The course and unit charges listed in the 2024 Handbook are approximate only. Finalised charges will be provided in December 2023. There may also be texts and other costs in addition to these course or unit charges.

Who should pay?

Given that all students benefit from the pool of collected fees, it is fair to expect that all parents should pay the balance of contributions and charges.  Parents of students who choose the more expensive option subjects need to consider the costs during the subject selection process.  All would agree that it is unfair for those parents who meet their financial commitments to be seen to subsidise the education of those students whose parents do not pay their contributions and charges.  This school is committed to an even-handed and responsible approach and it is our expectation that all parents should make contributions towards their children’s education.

A Compassionate View

This school is only too aware that the payment of school contributions and charges can be a financial burden for some families.  Payment plans, deferred payments and credit card debits are all available to support parents experiencing difficulties.  However, we do need to talk to you about this.  Ignoring accounts and reminders is unhelpful to all parties.  The school is also keen to assist parents in selecting options that they can afford.  To this end subject charges will always be provided to parents prior to selection of subjects.

Collecting Contributions & Charges

  • Tom Price SHS will take a positive approach to collecting contributions from parents/caregivers of students in Years 7 to 10. In particular, the school will highlight the benefits to students if all parents meet their contributions.  With respect to charges for Years 7 to 12, the school will actively seek full payment of charges when appropriate.
  • Tom Price SHS Board and the Finance Committee have endorsed and passed all subjects costs charged by the school. They are in full support of Tom Price SHS chasing up any outstanding debts owed by parents.

Tom Price SHS Board have endorsed the following actions:

  • Regular statements will be sent home to parents
  • Parents who refuse to communicate with the school and have made no effort to pay will referred to our debt collection agency as permitted in the regulations.

PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES

Tom Price SHS believes that the best way to provide quality education is through the provision of modern resources and equipment for students.  Declining payments of contributions may result in a poorer standard of educational materials for your child.

As you are aware, the financial support provided to the school by parents as a contribution plays an important role in extending the resources available to your child adding value to their learning experiences.

Parents and carers are asked to start making financial plans now so that they are in a position to pay for Contributions and Charges prior to the end of Term One, 2024.   Tom Price SHS is aware that the cost of contributions and charges can be a burden for some families, and it is possible to negotiate a payment plan.  In order to arrange this, please contact Tom Price SHS Manager Corporate Services, on 9188 3650.

Payment Options

The school makes provision for the following payment options:

  • Direct Deposit:
    • BSB: 036 182
    • Account No: 910 244
    • Reference: Student’s full name and year (eg, John Smith Yr8)
  • By completing the credit card information at the bottom of the Contributions & Charges Sheet and posting to Tom Price SHS
  • By telephone, using credit card facilities on 9188 3650
  • In person during office hours (Mon-Fri, 7.30 – 2.45)

Secondary Assistance Scheme

The Secondary Assistance Scheme is available to secondary students whose parent/caregiver holds a Centrelink Family Health Care Card, a Pensioner Concession Card or a Veteran’s Affairs Pensioner Concession Card.  The scheme is available to students up to and including the year in which they turn 18 years of age.

Applications are made by the parent or carer for students enrolled in Years 7 - 12.  It is preferable that applications are made prior to the beginning of the school year or as early as possible in Term One.  To discuss your application please make an appointment to speak to our Finance Officer to process your application.   Application forms must be submitted prior to the end of first term.

  • $235 Education Program Allowance paid directly to the school
  • $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/carer or the school, with the provision to use this towards school fees if not used for school clothing.

The Education Programs Allowance will be paid directly to the school and will be applied to voluntary contributions for Year 7 - 10.  For Year 11 and 12 students in receipt of the allowance, the money will be applied towards their charges.