School fees

I'm the same LB - this particular school has "donations" included in their "fees". As far as I'm aware, your children can't be penalised due to the non-payment of a "donation" because they're not compulsory. There was a major media focus on this exact subject last year, where another integrated school suggested to a mother that she sell her house to pay "outstanding" school donations.

Some schools will often print a form of what you owe and include the donation in the total so you pay it without realising.

Kate I remember that lady, but it was a private school and she had spent money on other things like holidays but claimed she couldn't afford the donation. Other parents didn't see why they should have to fork out for her kid iygwim

My mum worked at a private primary school and i believe it was about $14K per child (it was cheaper for any extra kids in the family) plus uniform and stationery. most kids did after school activities (sports, music, a language etc) through the school so that was even more

the biggest problem with kids that went to that school was there was no college like it for them (here primary is year 1-8 and college year 9-13) so in looking at schools you may want to look at what ages that they do and what school your child (children) can go to for high school (college)

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Ours go to public, it's $30 donation for one child, or $50 for family (no limit) per year (incl swimming), no fees, no uniform, stationery for yr0-2 is approx $45, yr3-4 is approx $60, not sure about the older years yet. Excursions, activities etc are approx $20 per child per term. Camps are more. Friends who have their kids at local catholic school have found their trips etc cost a lot more because the school assumes the parents are on higher incomes.

Well one twist on the donation thing is I'm pretty sure that if it's a donation then it's tax deductible. If it's a fee it's not so some schools might label it as a donation for the benefit of the parents.