MacGregor SHS Resource Scheme

Our school sponsors a scheme through which students have the use of text and study materials and other resources for a set hiring contribution. Exercise books, folders, writing materials and educational trips are not included in the scheme unless specified.

Students have textbooks to take home for study whenever this is necessary, and in many cases are issued with those books for the whole of the academic year. Other materials and books are issued for the period that they are needed to avoid having students take them home unnecessarily.

Reasons for the Implementation of the Scheme:

· Textbooks and teaching aids have become very expensive.

· Students have access to a greater range of textbooks, teaching aids and on-line materials without any extra cost.

· Parents are not outlaying money for expensive books which may only be needed for a short time each week. Waste is thus eliminated.

· All students in the scheme have their textbooks, resources and on-line access from the beginning of the school year assuming the necessary deposit is paid.

· The total cost to parents is less than the normal cost if each student buys his/her own text and resources.

· Students have access to a network of 530 curriculum computers, digital cameras, datashows and laptop computers with a wide and diverse range of software. In addition students have an email account, access to the Internet, an allowance for printing of associated materials in subject areas, and access to a variety of online databases.

· The school is able to purchase in bulk and thus attract significant discounts, which can be used to purchase additional learning materials.

Is this Scheme Compulsory?

No. Parents may opt to provide their students with all the text materials and resources. They must then pay a contribution towards school-provided materials. However, because the scheme represents good value almost all parents have indicated their willingness to join the scheme. Textbook lists are available on request from the school office.

Government Grants

All grants received by the school from Education Queensland are taken into consideration when determining the amount of parent contribution.

Additional Activity Contributions

Some activities attract an additional levy (i.e. Instrumental music, etc.) due to the associated costs of operating/maintaining the department.

Student Transfers

Students leaving the school during the year are required to complete a clearance form and to return all books/resources to the relevant subject department before a transfer is given. A pro-rata refund will then be forwarded promptly to the parent/guardian of the student concerned, or alternately the pro-rata refund can be forwarded to the school the student will enrol into.

Special Notes:

· Students cannot be issued with any textbooks/resources until the full deposit is paid.

· Families will be requested to return materials etc. if full or continuous payment is not made.

· Families can request special consideration/exemption in emergent situations. This is done through the Registrar or Principal only.

· Students losing a book will be asked to replace the book or pay the full price of the book before a new one is issued. Wilfully damaged books will have to be replaced at full cost to parents. Students habitually damaging books may be excluded from the scheme.

Cost of Contribution:

$300.00 per student per year.

Stationery

Teachers will issue students with exact stationery requirements that will need to be purchased in the introductory lesson in 2007. Students will need basic writing materials for their first day