Arabic version: مديرو المدارس يحذرون من أن توجيهات الرسوم في فيكتوريا قد تقلّص تمويل المدارس

According to ABC News, Victoria’s Department of Education has directed state schools to remind families that financial contributions are voluntary, prompting concerns from principals that schools could face reduced income and pressure on their budgets.

A department template letter says Victorian government schools provide free instruction, including curriculum-based resources such as textbooks and reasonable adjustments to support students with disability. It says there is “no expectation or pressure for families to contribute” voluntarily. Similar advice has also been published on the department’s website.

Australian Principals Federation president Andrew Cock said the guidance had caused “a great deal of angst and consternation” for principals preparing for the next school year. He said schools supported families unable to contribute, but relied on additional payments. If less money was available, principals would have to consider which programs, resources and experiences they could afford, he said, adding that cuts would ultimately be required.

Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said access to state schools had “always been free” and that the Parent Contributions policy had been updated to make clear that contributions were voluntary while cost-of-living pressures affected families. Schools can still seek voluntary contributions for learning items children take home and for extra-curricular activities, including sports carnivals. Williams said the government was also providing dental and eye checks, breakfasts, uniforms and period products.

From next year, schools will be unable to invite or allow primary students to provide, buy or rent a laptop or tablet for use at school. The department said schools would provide free device access when needed for curriculum requirements. For secondary students using their own devices, at least one nominated option must cost no more than $980. Cock said the changes would create further questions about digital learning and highlight what he described as a funding gap in Victorian government schools.