Principal, Mr Graham Leddie
Semester 1, 2022 — Fee Increases
Thank you for taking the time to fill in the survey on fees recently. The survey asked parents about various aspects of the importance of different school attributes in selecting a school, their current methods for paying fees, and their willingness to pay year-on-year school fee increases. It was pleasing that a total of 1,200 responses were recorded from Waverley College parents.
Whilst I appreciate the timing of this survey is poor and the very topic of fee increases in a pandemic is even worse, this is not something that has been orchestrated by the College. To be clear, we are receiving $27M less funding from the Government (both State and Commonwealth) over the next eight years. We therefore do not have a choice but to address this issue at this time. As stated earlier in the year, we have absorbed $1.6M of reduced government funding in 2021, but unfortunately, this practice is not sustainable.
Parents responding to the fees survey were asked whether they were willing to pay more for the same service they currently receive. Their feedback indicated that they ranked particular attributes more highly than others. Those ranked most important were the quality of education (quality of teaching and learning, and the quality of teachers), as well as value for money. Many of the respondents considered a fee increase reasonable and affordable (still representing good value for money). However, some respondents stated an unwillingness to pay higher fees. A large number of these, and indeed most parents, indicated a deep connection to the College. They indicated that they would be resistant to leaving, but also acknowledged that, in some cases, they would need to absorb the cost themselves, or seek other finance options to pay fees.
I want to give you as much advance notice as possible that we are looking at an approximate fee increase of $375 per student for each term for 2022. We are going to add more options to assist with the payment of school fees including quarterly (four terms), monthly and fortnightly payment options. For those families that need some additional time for payment, further flexible payment options are available via Edstart. Parents can apply at any time during the year, and Edstart will tailor a plan to meet your needs based on your remaining school fee balance. Edstart is able to provide flexibility to families where their payments are set at a manageable level over the entire schooling period and beyond. This means that families are able to better manage their budget and are less likely to fall behind on their school fee payments.
>>> Click here to calculate your plan and apply online.
P: 1800 139 445
In terms of where does this fee increase place Waverley compared to other independent schools in Sydney? These fee increases due to our reduction in government funding still leaves Waverley as good value when compared to other independent schools which are considerably higher. Even with fee increases in 2022, our pricing will remain significantly lower than comparable independent schools.
New School Fees for 2022
|
Year Group |
Tuition Fees |
| Year 5 | $13,500 |
| Year 6 | $14,300 |
| Year 7 | $15,800 |
| Year 8 | $15,800 |
| Year 9 | $16,200 |
| Year 10 | $16,500 |
| Year 11 | $17,400 |
| Year 12 | $17,400 |
Return to College
We look forward to welcoming our Year 12s back on campus next week with an extended seminar program. There is certainly an air of excitement as the students put in their final preparations for their upcoming HSC examinations. The community’s thoughts and prayers are certainly behind our Year 12s right now. Mr Brennan has written to the Year 12s outlining the safety protocols that need to be followed to reduce health risks at this time. We are also still trying to finalise graduation options and will be in touch shortly.
Staff Update
Farewell to Jaimi Walker who finishes up at the College today. Jaimi has packed a lot into her nearly three years at Waverley as the Marketing and Development Manager, including a rebrand and advertising campaign, uniform redesign, digitised enrolment process and customer relationship management system, Waverley app, updated publications program, Foundation launch, successful inaugural Giving Day, and a strong focus on content development. Jaimi’s strong work ethic and business acumen have left our Marketing team in a strong position. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours at IMC Trading as their Asia Pacific Marketing Manager.
And we would like to welcome Tarryn Thompson to the College as the new Marketing and Development Manager. Tarryn comes to us with over 18 years of marketing, communication and design experience. Tarryn has worked in three independent schools based in Sydney; Pymble Ladies’ College, The King’s School and most recently, Trinity Grammar School. Tarryn will start on 1/11/21.
In the meantime, if you need to contact marketing please reach out via email: marketing@waverley.nsw.edu.au
‘Walk the World’ Walkathon: Monday 18 October — Tuesday 16 November
I encourage the entire College to participate in Waverley’s historic walkathon which runs over 30 days from Monday, 18 October. As we emerge from lockdown I urge students, staff and parents to get involved to improve fitness, encourage team spirit, raise funds for charity and potentially, win prizes!
In this COVID-19 year, the walkathon will look different, as participants will virtually walk, run, swim or cycle in House groups to major cities around the world. All you need to do is download an app, track your movements for 30 days, and make a donation to support our charities: Edmund Rice Camps, Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, Snowdome Foundation, Children’s Leukaemia and Cancer Research Foundation, or Christmas hampers (for families within our community needing a spiritual lift owing to extraordinary circumstances).
To learn more about the history of the walkathon, prizes and how to enter the event, you will need to register through the events link on the Waverley College website:
>>> Click here to view more information about the walkathon and to register.
Best of luck, everyone!
