Cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for Catholic school principals as children return to school in Victoria this week, with Catholic Education Ballarat moving to reassure families experiencing genuine hardship that fee relief is available.
“Catholic schools aim to serve their communities by providing a high-quality, faith-based education that is accessible to all families who are supportive of our ethos and values,’ Catholic Education Ballarat executive director Tom Sexton said.
“More lower-income families are facing financial hardship as cost-of-living has increased through higher rents, cost of groceries, energy, and the like, on top of back-to-school expenses.
“While our schools strive to keep fees as low as possible and minimise additional charges, we understand some families may be genuinely unable to meet their fees in full at this time.
“As a Catholic schooling system, we ensure relief mechanisms are available to support these families in this time of need.
“Parents are encouraged to confidentially discuss their situation with school principals on enrolment, or as needs emerge, so that appropriate fee arrangements can be put in place,’ he said.
Around 20 per cent of families across 52 Catholic primary schools in the Ballarat Diocese hold Health Care Cards and are asked to make only a small contribution to school fees through the Family Fee Assistance Scheme.
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 Catholic school fee relief available as cost of living pressures rise (Catholic Education Ballarat)
