Cost-of-living pressures are front of mind for Catholic school principals as children return to school next week, with Catholic Education Ballarat moving to re-assure families experiencing genuine hardship that fee relief is available.

‘Catholic schools aim to serve their communities by providing a high-quality, faith-based education option that is accessible to all families who are supportive of our ethos and values,’ Executive Director, Tom Sexton said.

‘More lower-income families are facing financial hardship as cost-of-living has increased through higher rents, cost of groceries, energy, and the like, on top of back-to-school expenses.

‘While our schools strive to keep fees as low as possible and minimise additional charges, we understand some families may be genuinely unable to meet their fees in full at this time.

‘As a Catholic schooling system, we ensure relief mechanisms are available to support these families in this time of need.

‘Parents are encouraged to confidentially discuss their situation with school principals on enrolment, or as needs emerge, so that appropriate fee arrangements can be put in place,’ he said.

Around 20% of families across 52 Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Ballarat hold Health Care Cards and are asked to make only a small contribution to school fees through the Family Fee Assistance Scheme.

More than 18,000 students attend 52 primary schools and 11 secondary colleges across the diocese from Mildura in the north, Portland in the south, and west to Edenhope and Nhill.