Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked most about enrolling at our College. If you want to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are the College tuition fees?
Catholic schools are typically seen as great value for money. Catholic schools do more with less whilst still providing high-quality education supported by quality facilities and learning environments. Each school year the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, through its agency the Catholic Schools of Maitland-Newcastle, reviews the fees for students in our diocesan schools for the coming year.
By far the greater part of our schools’ funding now comes from State and Commonwealth government grants, but the commitment and continuing financial contribution of parents and parish communities is still essential to fill the gap between the funds provided by government and the actual cost of running our schools.
The school fees constitute three components:
- Diocesan Tuition Fees
- Individual School Resource and Service Fees
- Diocesan Family School Building Levy (DFSBL)
How can I make a fee payment?
Prior to the commencement of a student’s enrolment it is essential that the Enrolment Fee be paid. If any difficulties are experienced with the payment of fees it is important for you to make a confidential appointment with the Principal to make appropriate arrangements.
The Catholic Schools Office provides a special fee concession for parents/carers with a Health Care Card or Pension Card. A discount is available on the Tuition Fee component of your school fee account. To access this discount, complete the form below and return it to the School Finance Office. If you require more assistance than just the Tuition Fee discount available for Health Care and Pension Card holders, you will need to attend an interview with the Principal. Note that in any case, discounts to school fees are only valid for the current year. If you require a concession for the following year you must re-apply.
The preferred method of payment of fees is by Bpay or Direct Debit. However, payments can also be made via cash, cheque, credit card (over the phone) and EFTPOS.
A range of payments plans are available with varying options to pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annually. Payments are required to commence by the 31st of March and conclude by the 30th of November. If paying annually this should be paid prior to 30th of June. Please contact the Finance office by emailing finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au for further details.
About Qkr!
Qkr is the mobile payment app designed for Australian schools, delivering convenience to parents and efficiency to school administrative staff. Qkr is easy to use. Ordering and paying for a wide variety of school payments such as lunches or any school-based payments via smartphone at a time and place convenient to you.
Getting started is easy:
- Download Qkr! From your App Store
- Register your details (this is a one off set up)
- Select St Bede’s Catholic College
- Register your child/children
- View options to find canteen and student requisites
- Follow the prompts to make a payment.
If you don’t have a smart phone, there is a website version of Qkr. This will only work with Google Chrome or Firefox browsers.
Please contact the Finance Officer on (02) 4088 8222 if you have any questions.
Where can I purchase the school uniform?
In designing a fashionable, flexible, cost-effective and gender-neutral uniform, all students are expected to comply with the uniform and grooming policy.
Students are expected to wear the college uniform and maintain a well-groomed appearance.
Williamson International Contact Details:
Phone: 1800 815 571
Email: greg@williamson.com.au
Mandatory Uniform Garments supplied by Williamson:
Summer Uniform
| BOYS | GIRLS |
| Boys Shirt | Girls Shirt |
| Boys Shorts | Girls Skirt |
| Boys Adjustable Belt | Girls shorts |
| School Socks | School Socks |
| Spray Jacket | Spray Jacket |
| Hat | Hat |
| Sport Unisex | |
| Polo Shirt | |
| Sports Shorts | |
| Spray jacket | |
| School Socks | |
| Hat |
Winter Uniform
| BOYS | GIRLS |
| Boys Shirt | Girls Shirt |
| Boys Trousers | Girls Skirt |
| Boys Adjustable Belt | Charcoal Stockings |
| School Socks | Charcoal Socks |
| Jumper | Girls Slacks |
| Blazer (Seniors Only) | Jumper |
| Spray Jacket | Spray Jacket |
| Tie | Blazer |
| Hat | Tie |
| Hat | |
| Sports Unisex Winter | |
| Polo Shirt | |
| Sports Shorts | |
| Spray Jacket | |
| Track Pants | |
| School Socks | |
| Hat |
Please note: Summer uniform is worn during Term 1 and 4 and winter uniform is worn during Term 2 and 3.
School Backpack
The St Bede’s Catholic College Chisholm issued backpack is the only approved school bag for use by students.
Following the initial fitting, uniforms will be purchased online from ‘The Uniform Shop’. Online User Guide will be provided to all enrolled students.
What options are available for travelling to the College?
Bus Routes
Hunter Valley Buses provide bus services for students travelling to and from school. For information regarding bus routes.
Student Travel
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass can apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).
Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.
Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address.
Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address.
Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
New Concession Entitlement Cards
You can now order the new Transport Concession Entitlement Cards (TCEC) through the Transport for NSW School Portal.
There are no changes to students’ eligibility for the cards and conditions of use have not changed. Students must carry their cards with them to prove their entitlement to concession travel.
