April 2 – College update on COVID-19

Important Update about College Fees

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians of St Patrick’s College,

As a school community, we are facing an unprecedented situation. The current coronavirus pandemic is an international challenge, the consequences of which continue to unfold each day. Our dedicated staff have been working tirelessly to prepare for a range of contingencies so that we are ready to keep all students fully engaged in learning during 2020.

Whilst the College has been active in preparing for possible changes to your child’s education program, including the possibility of remote learning at the commencement of Term 2, I am also conscious that this may be impacting on parents in many other ways as well.

I want to provide you with an update on our approach to school fees for 2020.

Firstly, I am aware that some parents will have lost significant employment or business income due to coronavirus. The College’s immediate priority is to provide as much stability as possible for your child and, with this in mind, we are committed to providing fast, flexible and confidential assistance to help you with managing your school fee commitments for 2020.

The College provides an inclusive education and our fee structure incorporates most costs and charges associated with educating our boys. Unlike many other schools, there are few additional charges or fees for specific subjects, compulsory camps or retreats, and sporting and other extra-curricular opportunities. Whilst we acknowledge that some of these activities have been postponed, we are incurring additional costs to move to a potential online learning environment.

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition – no child will be denied ongoing enrolment due to inability to pay fees.

We are committed to working with all our families throughout this complex time and will continue to monitor this situation throughout the year and thank you for your ongoing understanding.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Finance Office to discuss any of these items further. Our Business Manager, Mr Andrew Ballesty, can be reached via email at aballesty@stpats.vic.edu.au or by calling 0409 010 583.

Yours sincerely,

Acting Principal

Stephen Hill