2001

28th November 2001
Diocesan Family School Building Levy to Begin in 2003
After twelve months of consultation with parents, priests, parishioners and teachers, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has announced that a Family School Building Levy will be introduced during the 2003 school year.

The levy will be introduced to ensure the long-term building and maintenance needs of the diocesan school education system. It will allow the economies of scale of our diocesan schools system to be brought to bear to ensure that the best quality facilities are provided to our students and parents no matter where they live within the diocese.

It will also allow for planning for facilities in new growth areas within the diocese.

The diocesan-wide consultation process culminated in a survey that was conducted through each parish and school in September 2001. Other methods of consultation over the last twelve months included the dissemination of educational material and discussion forums.

Mr Michael Bowman, Director of Catholic Schools in the diocese reported that, "50% of parishes and primary schools, and 90% of secondary schools participated in the survey.

"Of those who responded in parishes, 40% supported the levy's introduction without any reservations, while 40% supported its introduction with reservations.

"In primary schools, the figures were 37% in support without any reservations, and 48% in support with reservations. Secondary schools responded with 40% in support without any reservations, and 40% with reservations.

"As a result of the overall support expressed by those completing the survey, the levy will be introduced in 2003. During 2002, the reservations that have been expressed will be further explored and inservice programs will be put into place to prepare those involved on committees at local and regional level to effectively carry out their roles.

Bishop Michael Malone and Mr Bowman said, "We would like to thank those who have participated in the discussion process and survey, and for the quality of their input and openness. We are sure that the introduction of the Family School Building Levy will continue to enhance the quality of Catholic school education in our diocese."

What is the Family School Building Levy?

• It covers primary and secondary schools in the diocesan system.
• It is a family rate of $300 per year regardless of the number of Maitland-Newcastle system students in the family or the number of Maitland-Newcastle system schools attended.
• It will be collected at the school attended by the oldest student in the family.

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