Back to School

Each year, we are often asked for assistance with regard to Back to School costs. While we are able to assist with expenses in this area, we are always conscious of the child and the impact on them. Imagine not being able to join an excursion or have the correct uniforms, stationery or IT items needed.

Our members are there to help provide the best solutions to ensure children have the opportunity to remain at school and develop their education to the level that they would like.

While we are able to assist, there are various resources available to you and here are the best ones to assist you:

State Schools' Relief 

The State Schools' Relief works closely with government schools across Victoria.

Each year State Schools' Relief assists families who are experiencing financial disadvantage with school clothing, shoes and some textbooks. For more information, click here.

Having the same uniform and quality footwear as other students ensures that all students feel included and valued. It provides everyone, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to participate fully in schooling.

The Victorian Government is providing $27.1 million through to 31 December 2023 to continue to deliver the Affordable School Uniforms Program through State Schools’ Relief. This program will help more than 300,000 students with uniform items including school shirts, tops, jackets and shoes.

However, State Schools' Relief has had to limit the amount of assistance so families may need to contact the local St Vincent de Paul conference for partial help with uniforms and text books.

Help with school uniforms - Prep and Year 7 students are eligible to apply for a State Schools' Relief special uniform package if they qualify for CSEF funding.

Parents need to contact the school to ensure they are listed for this funding and the school should send an application for the uniform package. For more information, go to https://stateschoolsrelief.org.au/resources

School Fees

Voluntary financial contributions to support the delivery of the curriculum in government schools can be paid using Centre Pay for those parents receiving a government payment. Note that parents are not obliged to make these contributions if they cannot afford to do so.

For students in Catholic Schools, encourage parents to discuss the situation with the Principal in a Primary School, or with the School Accountant in a Secondary School.

Eligible families can apply for a NILS loan to assist with school fees, providing they are in a financial position which would allow them to begin loan repayments immediately.

School Uniforms

For students in government schools whose parents are on government benefits, State Schools' Relief can assist with some school uniform items.

State Schools Relief sells good quality school shoes at a reasonable price via its online shop. 

Parents should check with the school about accessing a secondhand uniform shop.

Sustainable School Shop, online shopping, can also assist with uniforms.

Primary School students must have a sun hat; parents should find out from the school if this has to have the school’s insignia. If so, the school should provide an iron-on one that can be put on a generic hat which can be purchased more cheaply from KMart or Big W.

Materials

Government Schools may also invite parents to supply or purchase educational items to use and own eg textbooks, stationery, digital devices.

Parents can apply for a NILS loan to assist with education costs; this is particularly useful where a child needs a laptop or iPad. Although the loan is non-interest bearing, repayments will start immediately so there must be sufficient income to allow for this.

Many government schools now have a “Bring Your Own Device” policy for iPads or laptops/notebooks/tablets. Parents need to check the school’s technology policy and practices to find out if they have to purchase a digital technology item or if they can pay it off or lease it through the school.

Other outlets for secondhand or refurbished computers are:

• • Reboot IT for PCs
  • Apple Refurbished for Apple Mac laptops and iPads.

Both of these suppliers face heavy demand at the beginning of the school year so it is best to contact them early.

Students needing internet access at home to complete work using a computer, will need to check data packages they have purchased. 

Stationery can be an expensive item for parents, especially where there is more than one child. For example, secondary school stationery items can cost between $30 and $60 depending on what each subject requires a student to have. It is best to avoid ordering these items from the school booklist as they will be more expensive.

Parents should check with schools about specific requirements regarding stationery items they no longer supply wherever possible.

Stores such as Coles, Woolworths, KMart, Big W, Aldi, etc all have reasonably priced stationery items available.

Please note:

• • Text books: For Secondary School students, State Schools' Relief can assist with these up to $80 per item for a maximum of two items. Other sources for text books include websites such as Gumtree and eBay for secondhand items. Always check publication dates for Maths and Science text books and these books are regularly updated and older versions may not be usable.
  • Calculators: State Schools' Relief has a limited number of specialist calculators for students in Years 11 & 12 who need a particular type for Maths and Physics.

Should you need assistance from us, it is best to contact the Welfare Call Centre on 1800 305 330 and a visit can be arranged to assist you.

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