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The concept of a Parish Schools Board (PSB) coincided with plans for building a Catholic high school in the early 1980's and was introduced when John Paul College was completed in 1983.
The PSB is the administrative body acting on behalf of John Paul College, St. Augustine's Primary School, Mary Help of Christians Primary School and St. Francis Xavier Primary School to provide a centralised billing system for families in the Coffs Harbour and Sawtell parishes.
This centralised system provides a single account per family, incorporating family discounts, fee assistance in cases of hardship (at the discretion of the PSB) and accommodating numerous payment methods and options. Its supportive role relieves the principals and schools of the billing, monitoring and collection of school fees, which are administered through the Parish Office.
The PSB is comprised of representatives from both parishes, as well as parish priests and school principals. The Board meets a number of times each year to monitor budgets, review fee structures, deal with matters pertaining to the administration and maintenance of the schools and to assist in the formulation of policies in accordance with the educational goals and objectives of the Catholic community.
To maintain our excellent schools and to provide resources and ancillary staff, school fees are an unavoidable necessity. Government funding only covers the salaries of teaching staff, according to formulae based on student populations and profiles at each school. All other operating expenses including maintenance of grounds, teaching aids, resources and technology, salaries for office and grounds staff, insurance, capital equipment and additional teacher funding are all paid from school fee revenue.
Also, money from the Planned Giving collections at Coffs Harbour and Sawtell parishes assists with loan repayments for school buildings and maintenance work as well as the work of the parishes. Families who contribute to Planned Giving may claim a percentage of their contributions (50% in Coffs Harbour and 20% in Sawtell) as a tax deduction.
All families are expected to pay school fees. Because the schools run on a very tight budget, it is important that families honour their commitment to pay school fees in a timely manner. It is also important that families commit to a payment method and communicate with the School Fees Manager, Cathy Sheridan (at the Parish Office) if experiencing difficulty in meeting their payment commitment, or if an extension or special arrangement is needed. More details about payment methods as well as terms and conditions of enrolment are outlined in the forms on the forms page.
Accounts are mailed to all families in January and in term 4. (Additional statements are sent out each term if there is no Direct Debit Request or Centrepay in place, or if account is in arrears.) All accounts must be finalised by due dates unless an arrangement is in place.
The Parish Office is open from 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and is closed on Fridays, public holidays and between Christmas and New Year. Families with any queries or concerns are always welcome to call and discuss any issues relating to their account.