The Armidale Diocese’ Catholic Schools Office – whose territory includes St Joseph’s Primary School Tenterfield – has created a $200,000 Drought School Fee Relief Fund to help families affected directly and indirectly by the drought.
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Parents can seek school fee relief for 2018 and 2019 following a meeting with the principal or school bursar. Schools will also subsidise students who need support to participate in excursions, retreats and sporting activities.
“We hope this initiative will assist parents with little or no income who are struggling with ever increasing costs due to the drought,” the Schools Office said in a statement signed by Bishop Michael Kennedy and Director of Schools Chris Smyth.
“The Catholic Schools Office recognises the plight of not only farmers but all of those who are drought affected, including agriculture-related businesses. The next challenge is finding discrete ways for people in need to access the support as they need.
“Schools will be working with Catholic Church agencies such as Centacare and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to assist families facing difficulty in the community.
“School principals and parish priests are also conscious of the need to support the morale and mental health of students and their families who are impacted by the drought. Parents should not hesitate to call the schools if they are concerned about their children.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the community impacted by the drought, and we encourage parents in all our school communities to seek assistance in support of their children’s Catholic education.”
