At CSPD, we are committed to making a Catholic education accessible for all families.
Applying for support
We understand that situations such as illness, unemployment, or other unexpected circumstances, whether long-term or temporary, can make it difficult for families to pay school fees. When this occurs, families are encouraged to complete an application for School Fees Assistance.
This application process allows our CSPD School Fees Liaison Unit to assess what relief - including payment due date extensions or fee reductions - can be offered. The financial hardship assessment considers income, expenditure and family assets. Hardship can include changes such as reduced income, illness, family separation, unexpected expenses, or other circumstances that make it difficult to pay school fees. Relief granted is generally based on a family’s capacity to pay and partial or full fee relief may apply.*
*Fee reductions are not guaranteed upon completion of an application.
Applying for support
Families who are supported by Centrelink may be eligible for full school fee relief depending on the level of Centrelink support received.
Learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply for support
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the application form for School Fees Assistance?
Your local CSPD school can provide the form, or it can be downloaded here.
Where do I send my completed application form?
You can submit your application for School Fees Assistance to your child’s school or directly to the CSPD School Fees Liaison Unit at creditassessment@parra.catholic.edu.au
If I have children at more than one CSPD school, do I need to fill out multiple applications for School Fees Assistance?
If a family is seeking assistance for multiple CSPD schools, only one application is required for all. This can be submitted to one of the schools or to the CSPD School Fees Liaison at creditassessment@parra.catholic.edu.au
What if I am unsure if I am eligible for assistance, or have sensitive circumstances that I don’t want to put on a form?
Your School Principal can provide guidance and support. Please contact the school to arrange a confidential conversation with the Principal. As Catholic schools, our schools are committed to helping families in whatever way we can.
Who do I contact if I need help completing the form?
If you have questions or need assistance completing the application, please contact the school or the CSPD School Fees Liaison Unit.
Email: SFLU@parra.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 9840 5798 Option 1
What happens after I apply?
- Your application will be reviewed
- We will contact you within 90 days to advise you of the outcome and/or confirm it in writing via email
- We may contact you if we need more information
- Not all applications will result in assistance, but all families in genuine financial hardship situations will be supported in a dignified, respectful and confidential manner.
Why does the application require financial information from parents/carers?
- In accordance with CSPD’s School Fee Policy, fee support to families must be applied in a consistent, just, respectful, compassionate and transparent manner.
- Fee relief consideration is a financial decision requiring financial information. The personal and financial documentation that you provide will assist CSPD to make sound financial decisions that will have the right outcome for your family.
- We ask that you work with CSPD and respond to reasonable requests made by CSPD both verbally and in writing to you for further information and/or documentation.
- Assessment of applications can be delayed if the applications submitted are incomplete or missing the required information. Should you have any difficulty in completing the application for school fees assistance or providing the supporting documents we encourage you to contact either your school or the CSPD School Fees Liaison Unit who are available to assist.
Is my financial information confidential?
- All staff involved in school fees management will maintain strict confidentiality and respect for the circumstances, dignity and privacy of families. All financial information collected or sighted by CSPD will be managed and securely stored in accordance with the privacy act and CSPD Privacy Policy. Only authorised CSPD staff will have access to this information.
- Families should be assured that teaching staff do not have access to the status of a family’s school fee balance or their financial arrangements with the school.
If I am granted fee relief, how long will I receive it for?
Fee relief is reviewed annually, and applications will be required to provide up to date financial information. In some circumstances fee relief may be granted for up to 2 years.
Why does CSPD perform an annual review of my school fee relief?
School fees are invoiced annually, and your commitment will change each year. There is also the possibility that your family’s situation has changed. Fee relief decisions must be made on current information.
Need to speak to someone about School Fees Assistance?
Contact the Principal at your child’s school for a confidential conversation, or reach out to the CSPD School Fees Liaison Unit on 02 9840 5798 (select Option 1).