Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce has confirmed there will be no increase in tuition fees at CEWA-owned schools throughout the State for the 2021 year.
“Western Australians have come together to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are very grateful to Government for their continued support of Catholic Education in Western Australia,” Dr Sayce said on 11 September.
“Now we are working together to deal with the impacts resulting from the virus.
“Our schools have reported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and caregivers have lost their jobs or had their hours cut, making it difficult for some families to make ends meet,” she added.
A survey of CEWA schools showed the number of families accessing fee relief through CEWA’s Health Care Card Discount Scheme had risen significantly. By June 2020, $23.4 million in fee relief had been accessed by Catholic school families, compared to $21.5 million for the full 2019 school year.
The number of families seeking special fee concessions was also up. By June 2020, the value of fee concessions was quickly approaching the $6.74 million total reached in 2019.
With one in five WA students enrolled at 163 Catholic schools in metropolitan, regional and remote communities, Catholic Education plays an important role in the lives of thousands of Western Australians.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been upsetting and destabilising for many young people.
“Now, more than ever, every child in Western Australia deserves to feel supported and should have access to a great education regardless of what school they attend.” Dr Sayce remarked.
“CEWA understands the need for families to have certainty and stability.
“That is why Catholic diocesan schools are providing families with the assurance that fees won’t rise in 2021,” she continued.
While 14 non-diocesan Catholic schools have the autonomy to set their own fees, these schools share a commitment to minimising the impact of COVID-19 in their communities.
“Catholic schools are a part of every community and as WA’s fourth biggest employer, CEWA supports more than 11,000 teaching and non-teaching jobs across WA, as well as creating employment in many local support sectors.” she said.
“Catholic Education is committed to supporting our State’s COVID-19 recovery. Through these challenging times, the wellbeing and learning of students has been at the forefront of our decisions.
“That, combined with our emphasis on creating certainty around fees and ensuring job security for our staff, has minimised the impact of COVID-19 in our school communities,” Dr Sayce concluded.