In November, each year, parents will be posted a Voluntary Contributions and Charges Statement for each enrolled student.
Information for Years 7 – 12
The following information is provided in the hope of making the school charges and contributions structure clear for families. Gilmore College has directed our efforts towards keeping costs as low and as equitable as possible. The Gilmore College Board has examined the contributions and charges structure in detail and has approved the amounts shown in accordance with the Education Act.
The Legal Position
The State Government through the Department of Education provides placement at educational facilities for all students who choose to attend Government 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 and consumable tools, external instructors, consumable sporting equipment, text books, etc.
How much can be charged?
For Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 the maximum voluntary contributions a school may charge is currently fixed at $235, however additional compulsory charges above that figure can be requested for consumables and additional resources.
For Years 11 and 12 there are no maximum charges set by the State Government. Schools endeavour to set their own charges for these years and such charges are compulsory.
Who should pay?
Given that all students benefit from the pool of collected contributions and charges, it is fair to expect all families to pay their share accordingly. Gilmore College is committed to an even-handed and responsible approach so all parents/caregivers should make contributions towards their children’s education. Parents/caregivers of students who choose the more expensive subjects should consider the incurred costs during the Subject Selection Online (SSO) process.
All Year 11 and 12 course costs are compulsory charges and must be paid. If these charges are not paid, the outstanding amount will be carried over into the following year. For Year 12 students, the non-payment will remain a debt.
A Compassionate View
This College is only too aware that the payment of school contributions and charges can be a burden for some families. Part payments, 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 College is also keen to assist families in selecting options that they can afford. To this end subject charges will always be provided to families prior to selection of subjects.
Collecting Contributions & Charges
The College will take a positive approach to collecting contributions from families of students in Years 7 to 10. In particular, the College will highlight the benefits to students if all families meet their contributions. With respect to charges for Years 7 to 12, the College will actively seek full payment of charges when appropriate. The College Board, in support of this process, has endorsed the action of sending regular statements home to families.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Business Manager on (08) 6595 2700 to make alternative payment arrangements.
Financial support provided by families has always played an enabling role in the provision of resources that extend the College’s capacity to add value to students’ learning experience. For example, family contributions allow schools to provide class sets of textbooks instead of students having to provide their own.
An overview of the costs of schooling is available by contacting the College.
Forms of payment
Payments can be made via various methods, including cash, credit card, BPAY, and direct credit/debit. The direct debit option allows payments to be processed either directly to our bank or through Network Payment Systems, which facilitates payments on a regular basis.
Voluntary Contribution Years 7 – 10
Contributions in WA Government schools are set at a maximum of $235 per student for a nominal curriculum. Funds raised from school contributions and charges are expended on texts and consumables essential for teaching which is not supplied by the Government. Examples of these expenses are: textbooks, photocopy materials, computer/ digital items, cooking ingredients, materials for art, design and technology and science activities.
As part of the school budgeting process, a portion of each $235 is allocated to each learning area.
In addition, there is a Voluntary Approved Request (VAS) of $50 per student.
Senior School Years 11 and 12
The College offers a variety of courses in Years 11 and 12. Requirements for materials, equipment resources and textbooks vary widely. For some courses the College supplies all materials and resources in return for the payment of a hire or resource charge; in other subjects there is a reduced charge, but a requirement that students purchase textbooks.
Compulsory Charges will depend upon the course chosen. Some specific courses will incur higher costs dependent upon such items as text, 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.
In addition to the forms of payment mentioned above, Compulsory Charges for senior students can be paid online through the Subject Selection Online website, when advised. A Voluntary Approved Request of $50 per student also applies to Year 11 and 12 students.