Fees and charges
Families are required to pay for essential items that are not funded by the government. We also rely on voluntary financial contributions to help resource our academic and co-curricular programs, improve learning spaces and assist students in need.
Essential Student Learning Items (ESLI)
Working closely with our school leadership team, the Finance Committee sets recommended a parent payment to allow us to deliver essential education resources, services and equipment.
This payment is usually around $540 per student per year.
Optional education items
These are optional costs that arise during the year, in addition to the ESLI, for example, excursions, incursions, camps, school photographs and music, debating and sport programs.
Voluntary financial contributions
Our students enjoy an extensive range of programs and services beyond those solely funded by government. A key factor in our success and the quality of our academic and co-curricular programs is the financial support of families. This support helps us to meet the diverse needs of our 1800 students.
Northcote Thrive Fund
In 2017, we established the Northcote Thrive Fund for our community to make voluntary financial contributions. We are the first school in Australia to be granted tax-deductible status for donations that allow us to:
- improve and upgrade school spaces
- purchase library resources
- fund clubs and activities
- purchase essential items, such as uniforms, books and travel cards, for students in need.
The fund consists of four voluntary financial contribution payments, three of which are tax-deductible. We recommend families donate $450 per student or $700 per family.
Payment support
We are committed to providing a fair, accessible and equitable payment system and have a Parent Payment Policy in line with the Department of Education and Training (DET) guidelines. Families with a health care card are eligible for subsidy through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) and may be able to access other community and government assistance funds for items such as books and uniform.
We offer a range of ESLI payment arrangements and financial support options to make life easier.
Families are welcome to contact Sarah Burns on 9488 2325 or email burns.sarah.m@edumail.vic.gov.au to discuss payment options or applications to the Northcote Thrive (Empower) Fund for students in need.
To view DET’s policy regarding payments at government schools, see Parent Payments.