We recognise that, for some families, school costs can be difficult to cover. It is our promise that no student will be refused enrolment or disadvantaged due to financial difficulties.
Byallawa means ‘yarn up’ or ‘speaking together’ and in this spirit of cooperation, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to help everyone afford a quality Catholic education.
How does the Byallawa scheme work?
You make the contribution you can afford to pay towards school costs (tuition fees, school building levy, resource fees, excursions, etc) and the school will cover the rest. If required, the school may also assist with the provision of a school uniform.
Who is eligible for the Byallawa scheme?
Families from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds who receive Centrelink financial support and/or are holding a NSW Health Care Card are eligible to apply for the scheme.
How to apply for the Byallawa scheme
| 1 | Arrange a meeting with the Principal of the school your child is going to attend. |
|---|---|
| 2 | The principal will discuss the level of financial contribution you are able to make based on the type and level of Centrelink support you receive, if you have a NSW Health Care Card, as well as other circumstances. If you cant make a contribution to school fees, you dont have to. |
| 3 |
To be eligible for fee assistance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families income must:
If this is your situation, you will be asked to complete a one page Centrelink Consent Form. |
| 4 | If you do not meet the above criteria there are other options or ways we can support you with school fees. You can discuss these with the school at any time. |
| 5 | You only need to complete the Centrelink Consent form once. If your circumstances change you can always let the school know and we will conduct a review. |
| 6 | The contribution can be reviewed at any time to respond to changing circumstances. |
| 7 | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families that qualify while their child is in a systemic primary school will be offered continued support if they continue to a secondary systemic school, unless family financial circumstances change. |
Making Catholic education more affordable
For more information on Byallawa contact your local Catholic school principal or phone 9840 5600
School Fees
Catholic Diocesan schools seek to keep fees as low as possible to allow access to a Catholic education for all families.
Bursaries
We offer full or part financial support for families for whom the cost of a Catholic education is out of reach.
Conditions apply
How to enrol
We look forward to getting you started on the enrolment process or just answering any questions you still have.