Understanding School Funding: A Partnership in Christian Education
One of the great strengths of Calderwood Christian School is the partnership that exists between school and home. Long before it is expressed through fees, fundraising or volunteering, that partnership is seen in shared values, mutual trust, a commitment to Christian education, and a desire to see young people flourish in God's world.
From time to time, families ask how independent schools are funded and how school fees are spent. These are important questions, particularly as we continue to steward the resources God has entrusted to us and invest in the future of our school community.
How Independent Schools Are Funded
Independent schools in NSW operate through a partnership between governments, families and school communities. Government funding is determined through the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), with funding levels adjusted according to the income profile of a school's parent community. As a result, independent schools rely on a combination of government funding and parent contributions to provide the educational programs, staffing, facilities and opportunities that families value.
At Calderwood, government grants currently provide approximately 76% of our recurrent income, without which we could not operate our beautiful school. Parent fees contribute approximately 24%. While these figures are important, they tell only part of the story. The contribution made by our families extends well beyond finances. Whether through prayer, volunteering, fundraising, supporting events, serving on committees, coaching sporting teams, assisting with reading groups, or simply reinforcing learning and Christian values at home, parents are genuine partners in the education of their children.
Where our Resources are Invested
When it comes to expenditure, the overwhelming majority of our resources are invested in people. 80% of our operating costs are directed towards staffing, including teachers, support staff, professional learning, superannuation and associated employment costs. This reflects our conviction that the quality of a school is ultimately found in the people who teach, encourage, mentor and care for students each day.
The remaining expenditure supports the many systems, resources and facilities required for a flourishing school. This includes technology, administration, insurance, utilities, maintenance, grounds, educational programs and student support services. These investments help ensure that students learn in an environment that is safe, well-resourced and conducive to learning.
Investing in the Future
Parent partnership also helps us look beyond the immediate needs of today and invest in the future.
While our property remains modest compared with many schools, we are delighted to be undertaking several significant projects this year. These include the construction of new Secondary School toilets and the conversion of the existing amenities block into two additional classrooms, creating valuable learning spaces for our growing Secondary School community.
We are also excited to commence Stage One of our new Junior School playground. More than simply a place for recreation, this space is being designed to foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration and discovery, reflecting our belief that children learn not only in classrooms but also through exploration, imagination and play.
Even more exciting is the vision beyond this first stage. At Grandparents' Day, we will unveil plans for a uniquely Calderwood discovery playground and learning precinct that will extend from Reception all the way to the front fence. It is an ambitious vision for a place where wonder, adventure, learning and creativity intersect in ways that are unmatched in the Illawarra.
It is important to note that only Stage One of this project has been funded at this time. That first stage has been made possible through a wonderful collaboration between the school's own resources and the dedicated fundraising efforts of the Calderwood Parents & Friends. The larger vision will depend on the ongoing commitment of our Parents & Friends Committee, the generosity of our families, and the support of local industry partners who share our desire to create something truly remarkable for our students.
A True Community Partnership
This project is a fitting example of what partnership looks like in a Christian school community. Partnership is not merely financial. It is parents, staff, volunteers, donors and community members working together towards a shared vision for the education and formation of young people. Every contribution, whether through prayer, volunteering, fundraising, expertise, advocacy or financial support, helps create opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to every family who partners with us. Thank you for the trust you place in our staff, the sacrifices you make to provide Christian education for your children, and the many ways you contribute to the life of our school. Your partnership is valued, your support is appreciated, and your investment is making a lasting difference. Together, we are building far more than classrooms and playgrounds. We are cultivating a Christ-centred community where young people are known, nurtured and equipped to serve God and others for generations to come.
