Cost of Schooling for temp residents

sheline · #1 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 06:53 AM

Hi there,

My family and I are moving to Griffith in NSW in April from South Africa on a 457 visa. We have 2 sons aged 5 and 2 and a half. I just wanted to know because we are not perm residents yet, do we have to pay school fees at a public school? I know we will pay for long day care for my youngest son, but my older one will be going to pre primary / kindergarten before starting grade 1 next year.
Thanks so much.
Sheline

kaz101 · #2 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 07:35 AM

Hi Sheline,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm hoping that one of the other expats here can answer that since I'm not sure since we don't have kids but here is a link to public schools in NSW Going to a Public School that may help.

Regards,
Karen

sheline · #3 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 07:43 AM

Hi Karen,

Thanks for the link, I will go through it. I have also read quite a lot of your posts and found them very useful!!! especially the Cost of living one. So thanks for that too. Its so nice to have someone actually there and who has gone through the whole process, that can answer all the questions.

Regards
Sheline

kaz101 · #4 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheline

So thanks for that too. Its so nice to have someone actually there and who has gone through the whole process, that can answer all the questions.

You're welcome.

Well I may not be able to answer all of your questions but I do my best

Regards,
Karen

Dolly · #5 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 08:54 AM

Hi

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if I recollect correctly school fees for NSW are around $4500 per child per year and on the 457 you will be eligible to pay.

You may find that a Catholic school's fees maybe a bit cheaper. It really all depends on the school.

Dolly

sheline · #6 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 10:27 AM

Thanks Dolly. Its quite an amount. I suppose we will look at all the different schools available and see what works out best.
I don't suppose you know what long day care would cost? I've read a few articles and I assume its about $800 to $1000 per month.
I also wanted to ask, do the schools have aftercare? My husband and I will be working full day and school apparently closes at 3pm??

Thanks again
Sheline

Dolly · #7 (**permalink**) 22nd February 2008, 12:09 PM

Hi Sheline,

I'm not that knowledgeable on aftercare. I live in Victoria and both my boys go to high school. Not sure about primary schools.

One of the most prevalent childcare companies is ABC Learning Centres. There's one in Griffith. I've checked their website and fees aren't mentioned so it may be wise to give them a call or email them just to ask - so you'll have a rough idea for budgeting.

ABC Learning Centres - Our Centres

Dolly