Fees

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.

Payments can be made over 48 weeks on a fortnightly or monthly basis with all accounts to be finalised 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’)

A 5% discount is offered for full-fee paying accounts that are settled up front by the end of February.

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.

Families choosing to use our bus service do so at an additional charge that varies according to locality. The below figures represent annual fees per child, however those travelling only part-time or across multiple routes will be pro-rated (calculated only on their expected bus usage). Students enrolling for part of a year will only be charged on the part they are enrolled for (i.e. Term 3 arrival means only half the below is charged).

	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**

We understand that the payment of fees can be a stretch at times. We provide options geared to support families on lower incomes, or who face financial challenges.

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.

Our school is supported through taxpayer funds distributed from State and Commonwealth Government funding, however to sustain our full program this must be supplemented through parental fee contribution.

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.