Media Statement Tuition Fee Relief in Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton Schools for Term 2 in response to the COVID -19 Pandemic

Rockhampton Catholic Education has written to families of children enrolled in their schools advising that families facing financial hardship due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis have access to Tuition Fee Relief. 

Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, Leesa Jeffcoat said these Tuition Fee Relief initiatives that would come into effect from the start of Term 2 were intended to alleviate anxiety and concern families may be experiencing around the payment of school fees during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

"Those families in our Catholic schools facing tough financial circumstances are very much front of mind for us at this time and we hope these relief measures we have announced will provide practical assistance to families under genuine financial stress," Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said that despite the current challenging circumstances, Catholic Education remains committed to providing a faith based, quality education, that is affordable and accessible to families.

"Our Policy has always been that no child would be denied access to Catholic Education because of genuine financial stress and we remain committed to this Policy," Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said that the Tuition Fee Relief initiatives offered to those experiencing financial hardship will place a strain on school budgets that will demand very careful stewardship of available financial resources.

"To assist us in providing fee relief for those suffering financial hardship, we ask that families who have secure and ongoing employment continue to pay fees in full and on time. The support of parents who have the ability to continue the payment of their school fees will be crucial in enabling us to sustain the ongoing delivery of Catholic education in the Diocese of Rockhampton," Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said she would like to thank parents, students, principals, teachers and support staff for the great work they are each doing in these very uncertain and challenging times.

" I would encourage families requiring further information concerning these Tuition Fee Relief in initiatives to contact their school Principal," iss Jeffcoat said.

Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton operates 8 Secondary Colleges, 31 Primary Schools and 10 Kindergartens in centres such as Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg. Emerald, Longreach and many other towns in the Central Queensland Region.

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