Education Funding
As advised prior to the Christmas break a significant change has been made to Education funding from 2015.
Funding previously allocated to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) program will now be redirected to schools, which means there is no EMA available in 2015.
Schools are now responsible for ensuring that students, who previously attracted the EMA, are supported to participate fully at school.
Schools have complete flexibility, within their annual budget, to address the specific needs of their students, and provide additional support, as required. This new approach will see a change in the way the previous EMA funding is allocated.
Having considered this change, the four Shepparton Secondary schools have developed a policy that will continue to give support to families who were previously eligible for the EMA.
This new policy is very similar in its operation and in summary includes:
1. Families who hold a current Health Care or Pension Card are eligible (see below);
2. Support up to $250 per eligible student is provided;
3. Application form to be completed at the school
Education Funding Allowance Eligibility:
EFA has been established to provide financial assistance to any student whose family holds a current Health Care Card or Pension concession card, or for Foster families.
This assistance is provided for all students up to the age of 16 years. All registrations for the program close on 28th February 2015. This date is determined by the Education Department’s student census date.
The school is only funded for students that are attending the school on that date.
Payment Amount:
$250 per eligible student will be allocated under the EFA program for 2015, which is to be allocated on a $ for $ basis.Students who turn 16 during the year a pro-rata payment will be calculated on the number of months up to and including the month of their birthday.
A pro-rata payment will be calculated on the number of months up to and including the month of their birthday if your student turns 16 during the year.
To Access funds through EFA
Application forms are available from the main school office (or attached here). Once registered for the program parents will be able to access their allocated amount on a $ for $ basis of funds paid to the school for school charges, materials for programs, excursions and camps.
It has been determined that the priority for crediting funds as approved by School Council is as follows:
1. Materials for Program – Subject Levies
2. School charged activities and transport – Service Levy
3. Optional camps, excursions and activities
An Application Form is attached here: