Principal's Pen
End of Year Celebrations
We still have much to teach, learn and develop as we travel through the back end of Term 4, 2021. This week we see many students completing their end-of-year exams, and we enjoy seeing the excellence in progress achieved by many students from Prep to Year 12. As we progress, there will be much to finalise and celebrate. I ask everyone to be very mindful of communications from the College to ensure that they are able to celebrate the success of students through the various events planned for the end of the year. We still have COVID limitations regarding the capacity of venues for events, and we simply cannot squeeze additional people in "on the day" if these communications are missed. Mrs Brennan is the master of much of this communication, so please ensure your contact details are up to date so you do not miss out. I look forward to sharing these successes with parents, carers, students, and staff and trust that everyone can keep active in reading the communication as it comes to hand.
2022 College Fees
Over recent years we have strived to enhance the standard of education, as well as increase the quality of facilities for our OLSCC community. We have integrated standards of teaching, learning, and technology for learning that are the envy of most schools across the state. We implement specialised programs that make a substantial impact on the learning and wellbeing of students, and our student learning data has demonstrated these teaching standards are making significant impact. In addition, we are delivering a significant agenda in regards to enhanced facilities for our students, including technology for learning, enhanced learning and playing spaces, and the College coach, which allows our students to access a wide variety of learning experiences for a significantly reduced cost.
Accordingly, College fees will increase over the next three years at a rate slightly higher than in the past. Whilst our fees are still significantly less than many other schools and colleges across the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools, I am very confident that parents and carers will agree that the slight increase in fees is resulting in better learning environments for all students at the College.
Whilst some families choose to pay their fees on a termly basis, in the Cuskelly household we spread our payments over the year using the Direct Debit system (DDR Form). This not only makes the contributions less significant and easier to manage, it also lessens the impact of the increase on our household budget. This means that the increase only adds an additional cost for your eldest child of $2.52 per week in Early Years, $3.06 per week in Middle Years, and $3.50 per week in Senior Years. Whilst these increases in tuition and capital fees are minuscule in relation to the investments we have made at the College in recent years, they create a sustainable model where I can continue to enhance the College for better learning, staffing, and facilities at OLSCC for all students. For my two boys, the $5 invested in the College fee increase per week is easily compensated by the wonderful learning environment that is provided for them on a daily basis.
2022 Booklists
To commence the 2022 Academic year, we are transitioning to a Booklist model for all year levels at the College. This means that we will no longer offer the "Book Package" that we have persevered with over recent years. This will allow our parents the opportunity to access the OLSCC Booklist for each respective grade through our local supplier Warrego Office Choice, utilising an effective and efficient online ordering system. Alternatively, parents and carers may choose to purchase the items themselves from other suppliers, given that the quality of the materials provided meet the demands of the classroom. When the booklists are released over the coming weeks, please note that they contain specific information, such as brands and qantities that students need to be successful in their learning. It is very important that the items listed in the booklist are purchased in the intent they are listed. Whilst alternate options are available, having high-quality materials for learning is crucial, as cheaper alternatives are often not sustainable and therefore make learning for students very difficult. When ordering or purchasing items for your child, it is pertinent that you are vigilant in purchasing the specific instruments that are listed, and not default to cheap alternatives. I trust this transition will allow students to have their learning tools available for covering and naming much earlier than through the Book Package model.
College Fees in Arrears
Over the coming weeks, our new Business Manager Mrs Sarah Hall will be following up with parents who are in arrears regarding their College fees. The reality is that we budget our expenditure based on all parents paying their fair contribution in regard to fees. We have a significant majority that are up to date with payments, though we still have some families who are in arrears. As we transition into 2022 we will be making tough decisions on the continued enrolment of families that refuse to either discuss their circumstances or pay their fees. The reality is that parents are paying for a service, and for the service to continue the bills must be paid. If you are experiencing difficult times, please contact the Business Manager to discuss your options. If you are in significant arrears, you will be contacted to make a financial commitment to correct your debt so that the education of your children at OLSCC may continue.
Peter Cuskelly
Principal