“Free” education for all.
State education is a wonderful provision.
“Through my taxes ALL students are catered for, their learning needs met and they are upskilled to become economically productive citizens.”
Then I happened to awake from my utopian dream and discover that in the real world our students are not really leaving education skilled for the workforce.
Not only that but “free” obviously has a broader definition in government than I realized.
Once a student begins their educational journey in the state system a few “voluntary contributions’ are due:
‘Stationery’ $72
‘Shows and trip’ $40
‘Logoed uniform’ $150
Trip by trip donation $2 each
Music tuition $70 per term
Drama club $10
Rugby/Netball ‘subs’ $5 per away game
Technology for the year $20
And this is from a decile 1 school with maximum funding allowance.
“Fund raising in the higher deciles is expected. Our kids are expected to wonder the streets selling chocolates or doing car washes.
Don’t call it ‘Free’ education. It gives the impression that…well… you know…its free.
