Enrolment and
Parent Payment Policy
Produced in consultation
with the school community
Ratified by School Council
Date 17th September 2014
Amended 18 May 2015
Amended and Ratified by School Council
Date 20th October 2015
To be reviewed October 2016
Principal: Peter Bush
School Council President: Pam Rollinson
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2 Department of Education and Training Rules for Enrolment
Page
3
4
2.1 Guiding Principle
2.2 Exemptions
3. Enrolment Process
5
4. Parent Payments
7
5. Camps, Sport and Excursion Fund (CSEF)
9
3.1 Guiding Principles
3.2 Determining Eligibility
3.3 Enrolment
3.4 Eligibility Reviews
4.1 Guiding Principles
4.2 Parent Payment Categories
4.3 School Level Parent Payments
5.1 Guiding Principles
5.2 Students changing schools
5.3 Students leaving the school system
5.4 Remaining Funds
6. Financial Assistance for Parents
6.1 Child care Benefit and Family Assistance
6.2 State School’s Relief
6.3 External Options for Families
Appendix A – Example School Level Parent Payment (Fee
Payment) Form
1. Introduction
Kalianna School is a school for students with a diagnosed Intellectual Disability with a Full Scale IQ score
between 50 and 70.
Whilst Kalianna welcomes enrolments throughout the year, there are a number of administrative criteria that
must be met before an enrolment can be accepted.
Generally, application must be made and granted for the student to be deemed eligible under the Program for
Students with Disabilities (PSD) in the Intellectual Disability category prior to enrolment in the school.
As the eligibility for the school is linked with the PSD program, there may be time restrictions on when
enrolments can be accepted in line with the generic timeline for determining eligibility for the Program for
Students with Disabilities.
Occasionally, there may be circumstances where permission may be sought from the Regional Director to grant
enrolment to a student who is not eligible for the Program for Students with Disabilities.
The following are the criteria that are required to be met in order to be deemed eligible for the Program for
Students with Disabilities under the Intellectual Disability category.
A Sub-average general intellectual functioning which is demonstrated by a full-scale
score of two standard deviations or more below the mean score on a standardised
individual test of general intelligence;
AND
B Significant deficits in adaptive behaviour established by a composite score of two
standard deviations or more below the mean on an approved standardised test of
adaptive behaviour;
AND
C A history and evidence of an ongoing problem with an expectation of continuation
during the school years.
2. Department of Education and Training Rules for Enrolment:
2.1 Guiding Principal
By law all children aged between six and 17 in Victoria must be enrolled at a registered school or registered for
home schooling unless they have a reasonable excuse.
School participation is important as it maximises life opportunities for children and young people by providing
them with education and support networks. It also helps children and young people to develop important skills,
knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community.
Home schooling in Victoria is a legally recognised alternative to attending a registered school. Parents who
wish to home school their child must satisfy the requirements of the Victorian Regulation and Qualifications
Authority (VRQA). For more information contact the VRQA.
Failure to enrol a child at a registered school, or register them for home schooling, may result in the issue of a
School Enrolment Notice, Infringement Notice or court proceedings.
2.2 Exemptions
An exemption can be applied for when a student:
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has reached 6 years but has not started school and will be enrolled in a second year of kindergarten; or
has not reached 17 years but will leave school; or
is absent from school due to employment in the entertainment industry and certain conditions are met,
an exemption from attendance can be sought.
The process for applying for these exemptions is outlined in the School Policy and Advisory Guide.
If there is no exemption granted, the student’s absences will count towards the school’s absences for reporting
purposes. For example, a student with an exemption from attendance for one day per week, who attends the
four days per week they are expected to attend, would have 100 per cent attendance, whereas if no exemption
was in place the student would have 80 per cent attendance.
Schools should advise parents when an exemption from attendance is required and support parents to apply
for the exemption. Schools and parents may also agree to seek an exemption so that a student’s absences do not
count towards the school’s total absences for reporting purposes.
3. Enrolment Process
3.1 Guiding Principals
In the first instance, anyone enquiring about enrolment is invited to make an appointment with the Principal or
Assistant Principal and take a tour of the school.
The process for enrolment is different depending on whether the student is:
 already on the DET Program for Students with Disabilities
 has been deemed eligible for but is not yet on the DET Program for Students with Disabilities
 enrolled in a non- government school
 not enrolled in school
 enrolled in a government school.
Guidance regarding the above and the steps ahead will be provided by the Principal and Assistant Principal.
3.2 Determining Eligibility
To determine eligibility, Kalianna School needs to have evidence of the criteria as outlined in the introduction.
This means, the student will be required to have
 A current (within 2 years) Cognitive Assessment by a Psychologist verifying the student has an FSIQ
between 50 and 70.
 A current (within 1 year) Vinelands Adaptive Behaviour Scale assessment scored by a Psychologist
verifying that the student has an Adaptive Behaviour composite Score of below 70
 Documents to prove that the child has had a history of developmental delay and learning difficulties.
For students who do not have a current cognitive assessment or adaptive behaviour assessment, and where the
Principal or Assistant Principal believe that there is a significant history of developmental delay, Kalianna
School can obtain these through the DET process at no cost to the parent.
Parents and caregivers will need to provide any reports and assessments from allied health professionals, early
intervention services, paediatricians or doctors, previous reports or school assessments if they are already
attending school or any other reports that may provide information on the student. The more information
provided by the family, the more accurate an assessment of the student’s eligibility can be made.
3.3 Enrolment
Once eligibility has been determined and the student has been accepted onto the Program for Students with
Disabilities, Kalianna School welcomes the student and their family into the school community.
The Assistant Principal or Learning Centre Leader will contact the parents/caregivers to organise a transition
day or days, as deemed appropriate for the student. These transition days are designed to familiarise the
student with their class, classroom teaching staff and the wider school environment.
3.4 Eligibility Reviews
Students who are deemed eligible for the Program for Students with Disabilities will have their funding
reviewed at some point throughout the course of their education. This will either be in the year that they turn
twelve or at the end of a period of time determined in the original admittance on to the PSD.
In this review, students will again need to be deemed eligible according to the criteria as outlined in the
introduction to continue their enrolment at Kalianna School.
4. Parent Payments
4.1 Guiding Principles
Victorian legislation provides that instruction in the standard curriculum program must be provided free to all
students in Victorian government schools. Free instruction includes the provision of learning and teaching
activities, instructional supports, materials and resources, and administration and facilities associated with the
standard curriculum program.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) provides funding to schools through the Student Resource
Package (SRP) and various programs. This includes funding for the standard curriculum program and
associated education items, equipment and operational costs.
The standard curriculum program includes the core learning and teaching activities associated with the
Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and senior secondary certificates such as VCE and VCAL and
VET programs that are part of VCE or VCAL
4.2 Parent Payment Categories
Each year, the Kalianna School Council will set a parent payment, which will be derived from the DET
guidelines on parent payments as outlined below.
This table describes the three parent payment categories that school councils can request
payments from parents.
Category
Description
Essential
These are items which parents/guardians pay the school to provide or may
education items
provide themselves, if appropriate. These items are essential to support
instruction in the standard curriculum program and include:
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materials that the individual student takes possession of, such as text
books and student stationery
materials for learning and teaching where the student consumes or takes
possession of the finished articles (e.g. home economics, photography,
catering)
school uniform (where applicable)
activities associated with, but not part of instruction in the standard
curriculum program, such as costs associated with camps and excursions
which all students are expected to attend (e.g. transport and entrance
costs).
Note: If parents/guardians choose to provide equivalent materials themselves,
this should be done in consultation with the school, and items should meet the
specifications provided by the school. However, there are some items (e.g. food
provisions for home economics) which, due to their nature, can only be provided
by the school.
Optional extras
These are items provided in addition to the standard curriculum program, and
are offered to all students. They are provided on a user-pays basis and if
parents/guardians choose to access them for students, they will be required to
pay for them.
These items include:

instructional support material, resources and administration in addition
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Voluntary
financial
contributions
to the standard curriculum program (e.g. student computer printing for
personal use)
extra-curricular programs or activities offered in addition to the
standard curriculum program (e.g. instrumental music)
school-based performances, productions and events
materials for subjects where the payment sought is the difference
between the basic materials/services required for access to the standard
curriculum program and higher cost alternatives which may be more
desirable (e.g. the use of more expensive materials)
materials and services offered in addition to the standard curriculum
program (e.g. school magazines)
school facilities and equipment not associated with providing the
standard curriculum program, and not otherwise provided for through
the SRP (e.g. student accident insurance, and hire or lease of equipment
such as musical instruments).
Parents/guardians, or anyone else, can be invited to make a donation to the
school for the following purposes:
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contributions to a building trust fund or contributions to a library trust
fund (these trust funds are approved by the Australian Taxation Office
and are tax deductible)
contributions for a specific purpose identified by the school (e.g.
equipment, materials or services) in addition to those funded through
the SRP. This may include additional computers or student-related
services
general voluntary financial contributions or donations to the school.
4.3 School level parent payment
Kalianna School, under the direction of the Principal, will ensure with regard to all school level parent
payments, also known as school fees, that:
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all students have access to the standard curriculum program
it covers the three parent payment categories i.e. essential education items, optional extras or voluntary
financial contributions
the school does not withhold access to enrolment or advancement to the next year level as a condition
of payment for any of the three categories
items that students consume or take possession of are accurately costed
cost is kept to a minimum
payment requests must be clearly itemised within each category
due to the varying needs of each student, Kalianna will purchase essential education items for every
student. These costs are included in the Essential Education Portion of Parent contributions and are
detailed for parent to see
students are not treated differently, denied access to the standard curriculum program, refused
instruction or disadvantaged on the basis of payments not being made for education items, services or
voluntary financial contributions. For example if parents/guardians choose for their children not to
attend a compulsory excursion/camp an alternative option needs to be provided.
the status and details of any payments or non-payments are confidential
parents are provided with early notice of payment requests (e.g. a minimum of six weeks notice prior to
the end of the previous school year)
payment may be requested but not required prior to the commencement of the year in which the
materials and services are to be used
it meets the community’s expectations and is provided to parents.
Important, Kalianna School understands that:

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It is not acceptable to use coercion or harass parents/guardians to obtain payment.
Principals must ensure any payment records are kept confidential. The public identification of students
or their parents/guardians who have or have not made a payment or financial contribution is
unacceptable and must not occur in any circumstance.
Under no circumstances can collectors of any type, including debt collectors, be used by schools to
obtain any funds from parents/guardians.
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5. Camps, Sport and Excursion Fund (CSEF)
5.1 Guiding Principles
Schools are required to use the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) payment for expenses relating to
Camps, Sport and/or Excursions for the benefit of the eligible student.
Some common examples of school-organised programs for which the CSEF payment may be used include:
- School camps/trips
- Swimming and other school-organised sporting programs.
- Outdoor education programs.
- Excursions/incursions
The CSEF payment cannot be used towards voluntary school charges, nor towards books, stationery, school
uniforms, before/after school care, music lessons or other optional items.
Parents and guardians who hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, may be
eligible for CSEF. This allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting
activities for the benefit of your child/ren.
At Kalianna School, the total CSEF amount per student will be allocated in consultation with parents/carers.
5.2 Students changing schools
If the student transfers to another Victorian school, the default position is that the value of any unspent portion of
the CSEF should follow to the student’s new school, so that the student has access to the full value of the payment.
However, if the unspent portion is of a minimal amount, the schools may agree that the funds are not transferred
as long as the new school commits to provide the student with assistance to the value of the unspent amount.
5.3 Students leaving the school system
If the student leaves the Victorian school system, the CSEF payment will remain with the school and may be used
towards the expenses for other family siblings, or school-incurred costs associated with operating camps, sports or
excursion activities for students.
5.4 Remaining funds
Any remaining portion of the CSEF not expended by the end of the school year may be carried forward by the
school towards the following year’s camps, sports and excursions expenses for the eligible child.
6. Financial Assistance for Parents
Kalianna School understands that at different times, families may require financial support. Below is a list of
options available to Parents to assist them in meeting the costs of their child’s schooling.
6.1 Child Care Benefit and Family Assistance
The Child Care Benefit helps eligible families with the cost of outside school hours care, vacation care and
registered care. For more information about eligibility and making claims contact Centrelink
To be eligible for either of the Family Tax Benefits, A or B, or a Parenting Payment, families need to meet an
income test. For more information contact Centrelink
6.2 State Schools Relief
State Schools’ Relief is a not-for-profit Victorian charity that provides government school students with
financial assistance for uniform and footwear. State Schools’ Relief requests are treated sympathetically and in
confidence. Assistance is in the form of clothing or footwear sent from our own supply and delivered to your
school free of charge or by authorisation to purchase from your school shop or supplier on a co-payment basis.
Any student who is attending a Victorian Government School is eligible for State Schools' Relief support.
Schools can send an application to State Schools' Relief when they believe that there is need to support a
student whose family is facing difficulty in providing the appropriate uniform and footwear for school.
Situations include, but are not limited to:
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Health issues resulting in serious financial difficulties
House Fires where school clothing is lost
Independent living/ Homelessness
Natural Disasters
Serious financial difficulty
The application will be processed within 24-48 hours and the school will receive notification by fax or email.
6.3 External Options for Families:
The options listed in the table below are for families who need a little bit of extra help for unforeseen incidents,
for example, if their washing machine blows up, or for more generalised assistance. It is up to the Parent/Carer
to instigate these providers, however Kalianna School will support an application wherever appropriate and
possible.
St Lukes Financial Counselling:
Trained financial counsellors provide a free and confidential service to families and individuals experiencing
financial difficulties, including those in difficulty because of problem gambling.
This service can offer:
Advice about laws relating to payment and recovery of debts and bills
Assistance in exploring options to deal with difficult financial circumstances
Negotiation and advocacy on behalf of clients, if requested
Ensuring people are receiving correct entitlements and concessions
Assistance with consumer problems
A financial counsellor can:
Explain what people can do if they can't pay bills, fines or debts
Help people work out their payments with creditors
Tell people about government and other assistance that may be available
Help people affected by flood, drought and bushfire to access support
Help with Centrelink issues
Provide information on bankruptcy
Assist with credit and loan issues
Financial counsellors can also assist with accessing small loans when credit cannot be granted through
traditional sources such as banks. Up to $1500 can be borrowed through the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
and up to $3000 in a low-interest loan through the InRoads program.
For further information or to arrange an appointment:
Tel: 1800 244 323 - free call all areas
Tel: 03 5448 1000 - Bendigo, Heathcote, Inglewood, Wedderburn, Castlemaine, Maryborough and Kerang
Tel: 03 5482 0900 - Echuca and Kyabram
Tel: 03 5421 2000 - Kyneton and Gisborne
http://www.stlukes.org.au/Pages/Our_Services/Financial_Counselling.aspx
Angilcare Financial Counselling:
Anglicare has one of the largest financial counselling networks in the State. Assistance is provided through
information on government assistance, bankruptcy laws, the resolution of credit and debt issues, assistance
with budget planning and referral to other support services as required.
Depending on your needs, a Financial Counsellor may be able to help you with
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applying for a Utility Relief Grant to assist reducing gas/electricity and water bills
information on No Interest Loans for purchase of furniture, small electrical appliances, beds to improve
your life with repayments over 1-2 years
arranging Centrepay deductions for necessity bills
budgeting – making your money stretch and using it more wisely
trying to make you think differently about your money and changing the perception that money rules
your everyday life
assistance arranging payment of fines.
You can contact Anglicare Victoria on 1800 809 722
http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/financial-counselling
School Level Parent/Carer Payment (Fees) 2016
At Kalianna School, we aim to provide a diverse and creative curriculum to support the
learning needs of each individual child. Below is a table of the items required essential
educational items required for your child’s learning year.
Parent Payment
Category
Essential
Education
Items
Items
Essential Classroom supplies

Classroom stationery supplies (see
attached list)

Classroom Experience Based Learning
travel
Whole school sporting events travel

Optional Extras
Essential Consumables
 Cooking ingredients
 Art and craft supplies
 Woodwork supplies
 Photography supplies
Essential Information Technology (ICT)
 1:1 student iPads or netbooks
 Internet
 Individualised Applications (Apps)
SUBTOTAL
Excursions (for example)
 4 Performances throughout the year
 Life Education Van sessions
 Swimming
 JETS Gym
 Whole school athletics day
 Whole school cross country
 Whole school swimming sports
 Various classroom planned excursions
TBA during the course of the year
Camps (for example)
 Blackwood experiences
 Overnight Bendigo experiences
Extra-curricular activities
 RDA
 Human Powered Vehicles (HPV)
 Cheerleading
TOTAL
Charge per
student
$150.00
$75.00
$75.00
$300.00
Parents who
are eligible for
CSEF can
utilise this
funding to pay
for these
experiences
$300.00
.
Item
KALIANNA SCHOOL MATERIALS 2016
No required
Price
(excluding
GST)
Grand Total (incl
GST)
Exercise Books
Marbig 18523 Exercise Book A4 96 page
8
$2.00
$17.60
Scrap Book
2
$2.00
$4.40
Marbig Grey Lead HB Pencils
1 box (20)
$5.00 box
$5.50
Columbia Colorsketch Colour Pencils (pack)
1 pack (24)
$8.00
$8.80
1 pack
$14.98
$16.47
1 pack
1
1
$6.00
.50
.50
$6.60
.55
.55
1 Ream
$5.75
$6.25
ColourHide Lever Arch Folder – A4 2 ring
Assorted colours
2
$6.79
$14.93
Bantex on the go Display Folder (20 pocket)
1
$5.99
$6.58
Lowell Laminating Pouch A4 80 Micron Gloss
100 pack
1 pack
$14.47
$15.91
Igloo 2 hole Sharpener
Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser (2 pack)
Liquid Paper Correction Pen 7ml
UHU Glue Stick 21gm
1
1 pack
3 pack
4 pack
$2.48
$4.98
$10.36
$6.00
$2.72
$5.47
$10.73
$6.60
Kleenex 2 ply facial tissues (200 sheet box)
1 box
$4.36
$4.79
School diary with school logo
1
$5.00
$5.50
School library bag with school logo
1
$5.00
$5.50
Texta Smarttip Markers Assorted Colours (20
pack)
BIC Cristal Ballpoint Pens Blue Fine (12 pack)
Black Biro
Red Biro
A4 Ream Copy Paper (ream - 500 sheets)
DoubleA 80gsm
Sensory consumables
(rice, shaving cream, bubbles, kinetic sand etc.)
Photocopying charges for student use
Visual Art Supplies
Sensory room equipment
Therapy equipment
Total
$