Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones

Liberating Education

As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we encourage all members of the school community to work to the best of their ability, to become the person that each is created to be and to strive for equity and excellence.

College Values

St Edward’s College prides itself on partnering with families in supporting our boys in developing an understanding of core values that will guide them throughout their lives. This year, the College launched the new Learner Profile which has been used throughout the year to guide boys with their learning, and progress made in association with this Learner Profile has been reported to students and parents with each of the academic reports. Importantly the College has also worked with our students on the College Values which were shared with students alongside the Learner Profile. The values of respect, compassion, forgiveness, inclusion, resilience and a commitment to personal growth.

We believe that an understanding of these important values and how they guide students in their decision making, their actions and how they engage as a member of our community can guide them into becoming wonderful young men of the future. Throughout this year we have delivered specific learning experiences which unpack what these values mean and ask students to sign a commitment to strive to live up to these values.

Pleasingly each day we are provided with examples of how our boys demonstrate their alignment with these values. Just this week I received some wonderful feedback about a group of Year 9 boys who assisted at a local primary school touch football competition by acting as referees on the day. The parent commented on how wonderfully our boys engaged with the young students in a very positive manner, that they were enthusiastic and were very respectful of all students and parents in their interactions.

These Year 9 boys are a credit to their families, their school and most importantly themselves. They are excellent examples of the fine young men of St Edward’s.

Tuition Fee Increases

The College is committed to ensuring that tuition fees remain affordable for families, whilst also ensuring that each student is offered the best possible educational experience at St Edward’s. A number of factors impact on the fee schedules determined each year, including the level of Federal and State funding, inflation, and wages. I am writing to inform parents and carers of the factors that have impacted on the College financial planning which have resulted in a larger than normal increase in tuition fees for 2024.

The way independent schools are funded by the Federal and State Governments has undergone recent changes. These changes are progressive in nature and have the cumulative effect of a reduction in funding of $3.6 million over the next six years.

Furthermore, the recent pay increase for NSW public school teachers under the Minns Labor Government has led to negotiations for similar adjustments for our dedicated teaching staff, who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our boys through education. To retain our valued teachers, I recognise that it is necessary to reward their hard work, care and commitment.

In response to these financial pressures, and the pressures faced by families as a result of interest rate and other cost of living increases, St Edward’s College has worked very hard to minimise the impact of fee increases on our families by spreading the burden across multiple years. Our families are at the heart of everything we do, and I emphasise that our decision to increase tuition fees has been painstakingly considered. The schedule of fees for 2024 are indicated below and also appear on our College website.

Lastly, I would like to address the positioning of St Edward’s College within the landscape of independent schools on the Central Coast. Despite the impending fee adjustment in 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an education that is of great quality and competitively priced. When compared to other independent schools in the region, our fees continue to be lower, even after factoring in the adjustments necessitated by the reduction in government funding.

Families who have concerns regarding their capacity to pay tuition fees are encouraged to contact the College Finance Team on 4321 6400 or via email on accounts@stedwards.nsw.edu.au to discuss their circumstances.