St. Brigid's Catholic Primary School exists to provide quality Catholic Education to the families who choose to enrol their children. One of the key commitments families make to educate their children at St. Brigid's Catholic Primary School is the paying of school fees. School fees are an essential part of the funding for the operating expenses of the school. There is an expectation of regular payment of school fees and levies as they become due as clearly stated in this policy for enrolment and at the enrolment interview.
All issues with regards school fees will be treated confidentially and respectfully.
Fees and Levies collected at St Brigid's Catholic Primary School are used for the following purposes which are aligned to the Vision and Mission of the School:
- Provide teaching, administrative, classroom support and facilities
- Provide essential resources, materials, facilities and equipment
- Assist with providing activities such as excursions
- Support the School building program
- Maintain buildings, grounds and other facilities
The St Brigid's School Parents and Friends Advisory Group also collects a levy through the school fee structure to support the initiatives of the parents and community within the school.
Parent & Caregiver Responsibilities
- To pay fees by due date
- Advise in a timely manner if there is difficulty paying fees by the due date
- Approach the school if there is a need to apply for a concession
- If a payment plan is created the account holder agrees to commit to the arrangement
- If the account holder's financial circumstances change it is his/her responsibility to advise the school
For those families experiencing short or long-term genuine inability to pay fees, we are committed to providing support to ensure that enrolment is not compromised.
School Fee and Levy Collection Process
- School fees and levies are charged on a term basis during the third week of the term in accordance with the School Fees and Levies Schedule.
- Fees are due to be paid within 14 days of the issue of the Statement of Fees and Levies.
- Where a parent/guardian believes financial circumstances have arisen that will prevent or delay the payment of the school fee account, a variety of options are available:
A. Extension of Time
If an extension is required, please contact the School Finance Secretary prior to the due date.
B. Payment Plans
Payment of the school fee and levy account by regular instalments. All payment plans must ensure that the account is cleared by the last day of the school year or as negotiated with the Principal and or School Finance Secretary.
C. Fee Concessions
In cases of genuine financial hardship an application may be made for a Fee Concession.
a. Concession Applications are accepted at the commencement of each year or at any point initiated by the family. Concessions are issued for a maximum period of 12 months within a calendar year. Consideration for a subsequent 12- month period will require a new application.
b. A compassionate and just approach under the mission and values of Brisbane Catholic Education and St. Brigid's Catholic Primary School is used when reviewing applications. The same process is adopted by all Brisbane Catholic Education schools/colleges for assessing eligibility.
c. Concession Application forms are available at the School Finance Office.
d. All matters are dealt with on a confidential basis.
4. Recovery of unpaid fees
In fairness to families who pay their school fees regularly and on time, St. Brigid's Catholic Primary School will follow up
all overdue school fee accounts.
i. A reminder statement/notice/letter will be issued within 7 days to any family who has not settled their school fee account by the due date where a payment plan or other arrangements are not in place.
ii. If payment or a suitable response is not received within 7 days of the reminder statement, contact with the parent will be made via telephone, mail or email.
iii. If after two (2) weeks from this second reminder satisfactory arrangements have not been reached, the account may be sent to the school Debt Collection agency. In serious cases, where there is clear capacity to pay outstanding fees, legal options may be pursued by the school.
iv. Legal costs, direct debit rejection fees and any debt collection costs or other costs incurred will be at the family's expense.
School Fees can be paid by
Agreed Payment Plans
As mentioned in point 3b above, our school offers families the opportunity of paying the school fee account by regular instalments over the course of the year. All Agreed Payment Plans must be organised to include a regular schedule that will clear the school fees account by the last day of the school year. Any extensions to an Agreed Payment Plan must be negotiated with the Principal. To establish an Agreed Payment Plan, please contact the School Finance Secretary.
Late Start Enrolment
New students entering St Brigid's School after the commencement of the term may be charged on a pro-rata basis for the remaining weeks of the term where appropriate at the Principal's discretion.
Withdrawal of Enrolment
Fees will be payable for the whole term in which the enrolment is terminated. For a reduction in fees a written request must be made to the Principal at the time of notification and may be granted at the Principal's discretion.
Student textbooks, library books and laptops and all accessories are to be returned to the School. If any fees remain outstanding, they will be payable as per the normal payment terms and where appropriate, any fees in credit will be refunded.
Extended Leave/ Holding an enrolment place
Fees will be payable for the whole term in which extended leave is taken. For a reduction in fees a written request must be made to the Principal at the time of notification and may be granted at the Principal's discretion. Consideration will be given to the length of the break, the nature of the leave, the time the student has been at the college, the number of previous leave occurrences, and the existence of student waiting lists.
For further clarification regarding the above school fee and levy collection process, please contact the School Finance Secretary.