Catholic schools are typically seen as great value for money, providing high-quality education supported by quality facilities and learning environments. It is the policy of the Catholic Schools Office that financial hardship should not prevent any child from attending a Catholic school and no child will be denied a Catholic education because of a family’s genuine inability to pay the required school fees. Any family experiencing financial difficulties is entitled to fee assistance; your local school Principal will be able to discuss this with you.
Together with parents, clergy and school staff, St Joseph’s is committed to offering the children in the Merriwa region access to schools in which their faith can be nurtured in outstanding learning environments. We seek to assist young people to realise their full potential, taking into account their unique spiritual, intellectual, physical and social needs.
The greater part of diocesan schools’ funding comes from State and Commonwealth government grants, but the commitment and continuing financial contribution of parents and parish communities is still essential to fill the gap between the funds provided by government and the actual cost of running our schools. School fees are comprised of three components – Diocesan tuition fees, individual school resource and service fees and Diocesan Family School Building Levy (DFSBL).
There is a Resource Fee of $280 per year for primary students. This fee covers stationery items as well as specialist materials needed for particular KLA areas. Resource costs are set by the principal in consultation with staff, parents, Parish Priests and the CSO. Excursions and some incursions are an additional expense and must be paid prior to the date of the event.