Mum shares a rant about parents who refuse to pay ‘voluntary’ school fees.

One mum got a bit feisty when it came to people refusing to pay school fees. Do you agree?

“It really annoys me so much that paying ‘voluntary fees’ for public schools is even an issue.

“I am NOT talking about parents who really can’t afford it (fair enough!), I am talking about those parents who moan and groan and make such a big deal about paying a couple of hundred dollars a year to help make their school even better, and then spend thousands on holidays or cars or clothes!

“I am so grateful that my daughter goes to such an amazing public school and when I compare the voluntary contribution to private school fees, I am only too happy to pay towards the upkeep of the school (it can only benefit my daughter!).

“I loathe the attitude – ‘why should we pay anything? education should be free!’ Stop complaining and just pay up – it will make your school a better place!”

Not everyone agree with her opinion though.

Many parents shared that it really is an extra expense they simply can’t afford on top of uniform, stationery, excursion fees etc.

Comments include:

“It used to be that every child has a right to a free education. Gimme a break. $53 a tunic. Sports uniforms. Jackets. Homework fees. Online maths program fees. Online spelling program fees. Gymnastics. Sports and swimming carnivals. School photos. Healthy bloody harold. School camp. Year 6 jackets. Byo devices… And they want more on top…get nicked, we pay enough as it is.”

“I refuse to pay because I supply, School Uniforms, School shoes, School books, School Back pack, School Hat, Arts council, School disco, Sports, Fund Raising, School camps, School swimming, Lunch( and then you are told what to and what not to pack), School music ( I have to supply there own Instrument), And any extra thing that pops up during the school yr. Free dress ( Gold coin donation) And this is why I refuse to pay school frees.”

“Paying the fee doesn’t bother me. What’s annoying is that they call it a voluntary Fee, then continue to hound families to pay up. If they want the fees paid then just call it as it is, a compulsory fee.”

“Education is a right not a privilege and the quality of your education should not be based on the economic wealth of your family. State ran schools should have access to enough funding that a scheme like the voluntary fee scheme should not impact the quality of education that the children in that school receive.”

Meanwhile other parents argued that it is in the best interest for the kids.

“I agree my feelings exactly. Even if things are tight pay them off it is for the benefit of YOUR child. Should be an honour to have a child to pay fees for!”

“We were just saying this this morning! A couple hundred for your child’s schooling and addition resources… big deal!!!! And yet those who refuse to pay are usually the first to complain!!!!!!!”

“And it’s not like these fees are a surprise… budget for your kids schooling!!!”

“I totally agree . Good Education is key to your children future . What if you pay a bit more . Isn’t it reward enough to let your children have a better school environment.”

“I always pay it, at the end of the day it benefits your children”

“I am so glad to see this post. As parents, we choose to have kids and we should want what is best for them. It’s great to finally see some parents that dont want everything for nothing for the kids they chose to have. Kudos to the ones who dont repeatedly have their hand out.”

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