The Queensland Government supports students’ education by providing funding for:
- Instruction (eg teachers)
- Facilities (eg buildings, amenities, furniture)
- Administration (eg. staffing and resources to administer the operations of the school)
Unfortunately, funding does not extend to individual student resources such as textbooks, equipment for personal use and items used/consumed by students in the classroom. Supply of these items is the responsibility of the parents.
In order to provide parents with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing textbooks and resources elsewhere, our school operates a Student Resource Scheme (SRS). The scheme ensures that students have the resources required for them to engage with the curriculum for their education and saves parents time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. Savings are gained through the school’s bulk purchasing practices and hiring arrangements. The scheme is not used to raise funds for other purposes, and revenue collected through the scheme is applied only to the resources and operation of the scheme. The financial impact on parents and whether the school can absorb any of the cost has been considered before determining the SRS fee.
Participation in the SRS is optional, and no obligation is placed on a parent to participate however a parent who does not wish to participate, is responsible for providing all the resources that would otherwise be provided under the scheme.
The SRS for all students in Years 7 – 12, helps parents to source individual resources such as textbooks, equipment for personal use and many items used by students in the classroom. Participating in the SRS, offers a convenient way for parents to source the items that their child needs for school, and ensures that all students have access to the same standard of resources.
The SRS provides students with:
- All prescribed textbooks for each subject
- Printed reference materials which compliment and/or substitute for textbooks
- Student reference materials e.g., books, online resources, curriculum software and website subscriptions
- Audio recordings and DVD material
- Access to class sets of equipment
- Subject materials where instruction is extended through the provision of practical learning experiences e.g., cooking ingredients and art supplies
- Consumable items used in the classroom
- Hire of equipment e.g., musical instruments
- School diary
Subject fees
Subject fees are attached to those subjects requiring additional materials for the delivery of that subject. These materials are purchased on behalf of the subject group by the school for each student.
All subject fees will be invoiced once classes have been finalised.
Textbook and resource allowance
The Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) is a State Government allowance that provides financial assistance to parents of full-time and part-time secondary students to offset the cost of their education. With the approval of the Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), schools may be directly provided with this allowance. As such, Mountain Creek State High School P&C has approved the direct payment of the TRA to our school and it is used to offset and reduce the cost of the Student Resource Scheme fees.
Any student transferring after the end of February from any Queensland secondary school (state or non-state) will be expected to carry a pro rata refund allowance from their departing school to their new school. In this case, Mountain Creek State High School will calculate the pro rata amount and advise parents/carers of the payment amount due.
Yes I wish to join the SRS
The subsidy for a student eligible for the TRA has been taken into consideration, and as such, has reduced the total amount that parents/carers contribute to the SRS. The SRS represents excellent value and provides substantial savings to parents/carers of students in all year levels.
Parents/carers are asked join the SRS upon enrolment. A parent's participation or non-participation in the scheme will continue as per their previously completed Participation Agreement Form. A parent can opt in or out of the scheme in subsequent years by completing another “Participation Agreement Form".
Payment options:
- Bpoint: www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete. Bpoint is a secure online payment system. A customer reference number and invoice number are required for to make payments via Bpoint. This information is located on the school invoice and statement and can also be obtained through QParents.
- Cash, EFTPOS or credit card are accepted at the student administration office Monday to Friday.
- Direct payment of fees, via direct bank deposit may also be established. Parents/carers are asked to contact student administration on (07) 5457 8308
- Centrepay is a free direct bill paying service available to parents/carers who receive Centrelink payments, such as Family, Newstart and Abstudy. Centrepay can make direct payments to Mountain Creek State High School to pay for school fees. Should you wish to take advantage of this service, please contact student administration on (07) 5457 8308.
Financial difficulties
Families experiencing financial difficulties can contact the school to organise payment of the SRS fee by payment plan. Payment plans can be arranged by either contacting (07) 5457 8308 or emailing:
An appointment can be made to see the Business Manager to discuss any further alternative arrangements if necessary, by phoning (07) 5457 8308.
No, I do not wish to join the SRS
Participation in the Student Resource Scheme is nominated on enrolment. Should parents/carers choose not to join the SRS for future years, please contact the school. A parent who does not wish to join the scheme is responsible for providing their student with the items that would otherwise have been provided by the scheme as detailed on the year level requirements list and/or subject requirements list, to enable the student to engage with the curriculum.
Mountain Creek State High School will provide a comprehensive list of all textbooks and resources required to be purchased by parent/guardians, in lieu of joining the SRS (link available on this page).
OPTIONAL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES (USER PAY)
Mountain Creek State High School offers a range of Specialised Education Programs and Education Services that are delivered through external providers, as well as various other additional activities and events. These items are optional and not included as part of the Student Resource Scheme. These ‘User Pays’ fees are invoiced throughout the year, prior to each activity occurring. Invoices are emailed home and must be paid by the due date, prior to the activity in order for the student to attend.
Costs for these activities are calculated on a recovery basis only. Where a third party charges the school for an activity, the fee is charged to the parent / guardian.
For example:
- Camps, Excursions and Field Trips (bus hire, admission costs, accommodation costs)
- Guest Speakers, Incursions and Workshops
- Personal Development and Enrichment Programs
- Competitions and Challenges
- Sporting Events
- Certificate Courses (RTO Delivered)
- Specialised Development Programs