At Mackay West State School, we have a commitment to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for students, staff and volunteers. This commitment includes the health and safety of staff and students when conducting curriculum activities in the school or in other locations. School excursions and camps enhance a student’s learning by providing opportunities for the student to participate in activities, both curriculum-related and recreational, outside the normal school routine. All planned school excursions are approved by the Principal and endorsed by the Parents and Citizens Association.
State schools are able to charge a fee for:
- an educational service including materials and consumables not defined as instruction, administration and facilities for the education of the student
- an education service purchased from a provider other than the school where the provider charges the school and
- a specialised educational program.
A school fee is directed to the purpose for which it is charged.
School fees for curicular & extra-curricular activities are calculated on a cost recovery only basis, according to the number of students who have indicated their attendance.
Participation of students in an activity is indicated through payment of the fee and provision of a permission form completed by the parent.
As the school budget cannot meet any shortfalls in funding for an activity due to the subsequent non-participation of a student who had previously indicated attendance of the activity, fees already paid for the activity may be refunded in full or in part or not at all, having regard to the associated expenses incurred and the circumstances of the non-participation.
If a parent wishes to apply for a refund due to their child’s non-participation in an activity, they may do so by completing a Request for Refund form available from the school Administration Office. Where possible, the request should include the receipt relating to the payment for which a refund is being sought. Application for Refund due to withdrawal from activities for medical reasons or ill health requires presentation of a Medical Certificate.
It is preferred that refunds be made as a credit against the student’s account at the school, and used to offset any future charges.
Department of Education policy references:
Education (General Provisions) Act 2006
SCM-PR-002: School Excursions FNM-PR-019: State Education Fees