Materials and Services

Coonalpyn Primary School may legally claim Materials and Services Fees for each student under the Education Act 1972, section 106A. This may be for the entire school year, or part of depending on the student enrolment date. This charge is based on compulsory curriculum materials and services as determined by the school.

Parents and Legal Caregivers of a student are legally liable to ensure that these fees are paid by the end of term 1 for a continuing enrolment or new enrolment in term 1. A student commencing after term 1 will be charged the appropriate amount depending on how many terms remain in the year. The End of Term 1 due date is set by current legislation under the Minister of Education.

Coonalpyn Primary School Governing Council has agreed to set its Materials and services Fees at $182.00 for 2007 in line with School Card payments and the recommended amount set by DECS. This amount will be reviewed annually.

The charge is intended to cover the costs of the essential items and services used or consumed by individual students during the course of their study. These costs are for items such as textbooks and stationary not covered by school budgets allocated by Government. Examples of Government provisions include:

Enrolment processes

• First aid
  
• Hygiene and supplies
  
• Student reporting
  
• Staffing
  
• Teaching materials
  
• General school Facilities, maintenance and equipment.

A costing template for the Materials and Services for Coonalpyn Primary is attached. This has been approved by Governing Council and DECS Site Financial Policy Unit.

Parents will be provided with a tax invoice for the charges at the commencement of the new school year.
Payment of the charges can be made to the school in a lump sum, or in instalments through negotiation.
If a student transfers to another school during the year after fees have been paid, they will not be refunded in accordance with DECS Policies. The Materials purchased can be transferred with the student. If payment has not been made before a student transfers to another school, the new school may seek payment of fees.

Parents that believe they are in financial hardship may wish to apply for 'School Card Supplement'. Information and forms are available in the school administration. If eligible, a family will have their compulsory fees paid for by the Government. This amount is indexed in June each year and is only available to families on low incomes.

UNPAID FEES
A school can legally pursue outstanding Materials and Services Fees. This can take place after the school has moved through the following steps.

1) Parents have received a schedule of School Charges.
2) Parents have received a tax invoice for their Materials and Services Fees.
3) A written notice of outstanding fees is sent at the end of the first term.
4) A final statement is issued at the beginning of term 2 informing that further action will be taken if the account is outstanding after a period of 14 days.
5) Governing Council will then make a decision whether they will take recovery or legal action.

Schools have the option of pursuing unpaid fees through:

1) The Small Claims Court
2) Debt Collector
3) DECS Debt Collection Services