A message from Debra Sayce- State Budget Submission

‘As government funding only accounts for 76% of the cost of education for students attending Catholic schools, parents are required to contribute to the cost of their children’s education if they chose to send their child to a Catholic School. If Catholic school students were to take up government school places to which they are entitled, the WA taxpayer would have to bear the significant extra costs.’ Contributing to Stronger WA communities’ – 2020

Whilst we are always mindful that the advocacy CSPWA engages in on behalf of parents of children in Catholic schools should not be at the expense of the wellbeing and effective education of those in other education sectors, currently children in Catholic schools are not being treated fairly in many areas.

It is important that as parents we understand the significant contribution that Catholic education makes to the economy of Western Australia.  Whilst we are always grateful to both State and Federal government for their continued support of Catholic Education, we live in a time of continuous change and challenge. Not the least of these challenges are Covid 19 and the mental health and wellbeing of members of our school communities. As we encourage P&Fs / Parent Groups to be proactive in meeting with government representatives, please find attached a letter to all parents from Dr Debra Sayce, Executive Director CEWA, outlining the current funding needs of Catholic Education WA.