Greek day schools are increasing their tuition fees for the upcoming academic year of 2010. These increases are considered substantial but as school officials explain they are needed because of increased operating costs for the schools.
Alphington Grammar is increasing fees by an average of 6 percent which aligns with the average fee increase at private schools of about 5 percent, compared with 8 percent in 2009.
From prep up until Year 6 the tuition is $7,500 from Year 7 – Year 11 $8,970 and $10,112 for Year 12.
“The increase is mainly due to increases in the cost of educational staff salaries so we can remain at the forefront in retaining and attracting quality staff comparable to the best in Victoria,” the School Development Manager of Alphington Grammar Judy Fetter pointed out to Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE).
The same reason is cited by the Bursar of Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College, Arthur Kakavas. The increase in tuition fees for the school of Sts Anargiri ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 percent and 6 percent for the Early Learning Centre.
“The reason for this increase is due to increased operating expenses in general, but in particular, the need to address the issue of increased teacher salaries as a result of the State Government’s substantial increase in 2008 and 2009,” Mr Kakavas highlighted.
“The Federal and State governments have not as yet provided additional funding to Independent Schools such as ours and therefore, the difference between the two sectors must be funded by increasing tuition fees,” he further clarified.
Mr Kakavas noted, however, that the school provides discounts for families with more than one child as well as financial hardship allowances for those families that need it.
NKEE did contact the third Greek day school St John’s Greek Orthodox College but they had not provided fee information at the time of writing this report.