At Rivergum Christian College we have a very strong commitment to keep fees affordable and inclusive, which means everything is covered – textbooks, stationery and exercise books, excursions and incursions, learning materials, aquatic/swimming lessons and camps (including meals and transport whilst away). There is no extra cost for participation in sporting carnivals (including SAPSASA or SACSA representation in Adelaide), transport to/from school events, sports and IT equipment or subscriptions of any kind.
Consequently all other costs are minimal and optional, usually only for fundraising activities or spending money for students on overnight trips/camps if applicable.
We do not have a compulsory ‘BYOD’ (bring your own device) program, however secondary students (Year 7 up) may bring personal laptops for school use if desired.
Yearly Tuition | Fdtn, Years 1 & 2 | Years 3-6 | Years 7-10 | Year 11 |
---|---|---|---|---|
1st child | $1,610 | $1,810 | $2,280 | $2,450 |
2nd child | $1,410 | $1,610 | $2,080 | $2,250 |
3rd child | $1,110 | $1,310 | $1,780 | $1,950 |
4th+ child | $820 | $905 | $1,140 | $1,225 |
Annual facilities fee per family $395
Please use the headings below to explore details about our fees and options.
Tuition Fee
We rely on this income to offset basic running costs of the school, a large part of which includes salaries, but also contributes towards student-related events such as camps, excursions, incursions (visiting speakers or performers), sports carnivals, IT and media. It also covers annual per student ‘consumable’ costs such as stationery, pencil case, document satchel, textbooks, classroom supplies, printing etc.
Facilities fee
This per family fee helps support maintenance and upkeep of school property such as carpets, play equipment and grounds, repairs, cleaning and furniture, as well as capital works programs.
Example of annual fee calculation for a family with 2 students, one in year 7, one in year 3:
Tuition fee – year 7 child: $2,280
Tuition fee – year 3 child: $1,610
Facilities fee for family: $ 395
Total fees: $4,285
If eligible for our low income discount, deduct 35% from the tuition fees only.
In the example above that would be:
Tuition fees $3,890 ($2,280 + $1,610) minus 35% ($1,361.50) = $2,528.50
Facilities fee = $395
Their total would be $2,923.50 for the year.
If payments were made throughout the year from late January to early December, the calculation would be:
$2,923.50 ÷ 48 weeks = $60.90 per week
$2,923.50 ÷ 24 fortnights = $121.81 per fortnight
$2,923.50 ÷ 12 months = $243.63 per month
Please note that bus fees are in addition to these costs but payments can be combined and scheduled in the same manner as demonstrated.
Invoices are raised at the beginning of the year, with each family to sign a ‘Fee Commitment Form’ to arrange their contribution method and payment schedule. Statements are then issued periodically throughout the terms until the outstanding is paid in full by the first week of December each year.
You may set up a direct credit from your bank account, make a Centrepay deduction, or pay with credit card or EFTPOS, cheque or cash at admin.
Our Centrepay number is 555 060 202J.
Our bank account details for direct credit are:
BSB: 105 052
Account Number: 213 745 040
Reference: Student’s surname fees (e.g. ‘Jones fees’)
We also offer a means-tested low income discount of 35% (off tuition fees only) for applicants who meet the criteria (previously available under the School Card system). These discounts will require you to disclose personal income information (i.e. Centrelink Income Statement or ATO Notice of Assessment) to check eligibility and will be implemented at managerial discretion. Please request forms via the Business Manager or office.
You may also apply for a full or part scholarship or subsidy, which is also means-tested and offered at managerial discretion. More information available from administration.
We also realise that from time to time family circumstances can change, so if at any time your family needs assistance in meeting your financial commitment, please let us know.
1st child | 2nd child | 3rd child | |
---|---|---|---|
Berri, Barmera & Monash | $680 | $580 | $350 |
Renmark & Paringa | $720 | $570 | $370 |
Waikerie | $1,000 | $750 | $500 |
**4th child or subsequent children on same bus to any area is FREE**
If you are interested in sending your child to Rivergum Christian College but are concerned about the financial impact on your family, please contact us to discuss your individual circumstances with the Principal or Business Manager.
Whereas government (state) schools are funded mainly from State Government funds, independent schools such as Rivergum are primarily funded by the Commonwealth Government. Our funding is significantly less per student and, while government schools have grants allocated to them for different projects such as buildings and program delivery, independent schools must often take out loans or apply for part grants for such endeavours. We try and strike that delicate balance between affordability and excellent facilities and service delivery.
When comparisons are made between school systems, care should be taken to understand why there appear to be differences. Funding is frequently misrepresented by only looking at either Commonwealth or State sources, instead of showing combined funding.