SCHOOL BANKING UPDATE

School Banking update from the Commonwealth Bank.

For 90 years, our School Banking program has helped children learn about money, reinforced the importance of regular savings and provided structure for parents to support their children to save.

Though the program continues to have strong support from schools, parents and teachers, recent decisions by some state and territory governments because of a review by the corporate regulator mean we are unable to continue providing programs in schools, and we have had to make a difficult decision to close our School Banking program for all government and non-government schools across the country.

Our School Banking program was established in 1931 at a time when having a bank account was not commonplace, and since then we have helped more than 15 million Australians take their first financial steps. This would not have been possible without the wonderful support we have received from schools like yours, including all the parents and volunteers, and for this we are deeply grateful. Thank you.

Even though this is a sad time, School Banking has taught so many young Australians, past and present, the value of money and we believe this should be celebrated. We have created a place for you to share your stories, fondest memories and lessons learnt through the program. To share your story and access our financial education resources, please visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking 

Even though the CommBank School Banking program will not be returning to your school after this year, you can continue to make deposits into your child’s Youthsaver account through online transfers or at any CommBank branch. If you need further information please phone 132 221 or visit your local CommBank branch.

SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNTS 

A reminder that school fee accounts should be finalised by 10 December 2021.

In preparation for 2022 please be advised of the following:

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT

EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITH INSTALMENTS

• If you are currently paying instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year, unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments

EXISTING FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL WITHOUT INSTALMENTS

• If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2022 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment form as soon as possible. The form is attached below and is also available on the St Brigid's website.
• On completion of the request either return it to the school office or you can email it directly to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au.
• Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2022 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments indicating the amount and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen.
• It is important to note that if you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese (e.g. high school) and you are paying by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another request form. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same payment frequency.

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES NO INSTALMENT

If you do not have an instalment plan set up, upon receipt of the first statement in February 2022, you will have 30 days to pay the balance in full.

If you would like to speak confidentially to the Principal regarding your school fee account, please contact the school office so an appointment can be arranged.

If you have any other questions regarding school fees, please contact the school office.