Penguin District School eNewsletter

School Levies and Charges for 2022

Levies are one of the many ways that families contribute to the programs and opportunities in our school community. Levies support student learning by contributing towards the cost of essential items and services. Tax invoices for levies will be sent out in the week commencing 7 February 2022. This is a significant change due to the change of financial years in Tasmanian Public Schools.

When setting school levies and charges the school:

considers inclusive education, community expectations and family financial constraints
sets levies at the lowest amount possible
consults with the School Association of the school.

Levies are paid in Term One each year, or can be paid in instalments using a payment plan. Payment plans are available for all families. These will be available from the School Business Manager. Families who are supported through the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) do not need to pay levies.

Book Collection and Validation Form Day will be held on

THURSDAY

27 January 2022

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Our uniform supplier, Todd Rogers Signs, will also be onsite. IMPORTANT – Validation forms MUST be completed by the enrolling parent (main contact). These forms must be completed on Book Collection Day prior to the collection of book packs.

Levies For 2022

Year level	Total levy
Kinder	$170
Prep – Year 2	$245
Year 3 – Year 5	$285
Year 6	$315
Year 7 & 8	$475
Year 9 & 10	$520

WHAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN LEVIES AND CHARGES?

LEVIES

CHARGES

Levies include costs for items and services that are required to complete the normal educational instruction at the school. Levies include the cost of:

Any items which are essential to completing the student’s core curriculum (e.g. essential stationery, textbooks, cooking ingredients).
Any services like excursions, performances and activities that are part of the curriculum (e.g. out-of-school excursions taken as part of a subject, in-school performances, guest speakers, class, year-level, and subject-specific camps).

Stationery costs include a stationery pack that students receive at the start of the school year.

Charges are payments made to the school for items or services that are optional. Charges may apply for:

Optional activities (e.g. school band program)
Optional items (e.g. yearbook, school photos)
More expensive items/materials than the standard materials provided (e.g. hardwood instead of pine in woodwork)

How Do I Pay Levies And Charges?

Levies can be paid:

At the school (by EFTPOS, cash or cheque)
At Service Tasmania (by EFTPOS, cash or cheque)
Through BPAY (using the Biller Code and Reference on your invoice)
Using Centrepay, a service provided by Centrelink.

Can I Get Help With School Levies?

There are a range of options available to support families with the costs of schooling.

You are eligible for the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) if you hold a Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card, or Pensioner Concession Card. Once you have applied for STAS, you will not need to pay any levies. You may apply online https://www.education.tas.gov.au/parents-carers/parent-fact-sheets/fees-levies/ or collect a paper application form from your school office.
Families receiving STAS can access the Spectacles Assistance Scheme to support children who require spectacles.
Social Worker (uniform assistance)

If you are experiencing financial difficulty or financial hardship, and none of the support options above will work for your family, you can contact the School Business Manager or the Department of Education’s Financial Services Unit at Fin.Serv@education.tas.gov.au or on 1800 827 055.

Who Can I Talk To About Levies?

You are a valued member of our school community and we welcome your feedback on levies and charges at our school.

You can contact the School Business Manager, if you have any questions or would like to talk about levies at our school. Personal information relating to levies will always be treated with total confidentiality.