Fees and Resources
Cairns School of Distance Education is a fee for service school. Parents may expect the following fees whilst their student is enrolled.
Security Deposit
| Security Deposit
|
Distance Education Fee
| Distance Education Fee
|
Student Resource Scheme
| Buy Your Own Resources
|
User Pays fees (dependent on the year level and subject chosen
| User Pays fees (dependent on the year level and subject chosen
|
Security Deposit
A security deposit of $300 is invoiced at the time the student becomes active with our school. This is held by the school for the duration of the enrolment to cover the issue and return of school owned resources (such as library books, textbooks, learning materials, etc). The security deposit may be refunded when the student’s enrolment ceases providing all borrowed items are returned in good condition and no outstanding fees remain.
Distance Education Fee
Distance education students are charged a distance education fee under s.52 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld) (the Act) unless they are exempt from payment or obtain a waiver for the fee.
Student Resource Scheme (SRS) & User Pays fees
Participation in the SRS is optional and we encourage all parents to consider joining as the scheme offers a convenient, cost-effective way to access the resources your student needs for their education. Students whose parents have elected to join the SRS are provided with textbooks and other resources throughout the year. Year 7 to 12 digital textbooks will be available through Campion. Physical resources are mailed to students as they are required. If any items are missing or damaged when received, please inform DRC@cairnssde.eq.edu.au immediately.
SRS – Not Participating – Buy Your Own resources
If deciding not to join the scheme, parents/carers are responsible for providing the items that would otherwise been provided by the scheme to enable your child to engage with the curriculum. Please note; you will receive school invoices for items that cannot be sourced by a private individual, please see BYO list (PIL - Appendix 2).
Summary of SRS participation vs non-participation (Buy your resources)
No refunds for subject charges will be applicable once the subject is commenced.
Book Lists
Book Lists are available for parents to purchase consumable items and workbooks to assist their child with their learning. Parents may purchase book list items from our resource provider Harley’s Educational, however if you have these items at home, they may be suitable.
Payment Options, Payment Plans & Financial Hardship
We offer multiple payment options to suit different family needs. To view and make payments, please log in to your QParents App. For more information on other payment options, please refer to our website If you wish to discuss a payment plan and/or you are experiencing financial difficulty, we understand and encourage you to contact the school for available options in confidence.
Distance Education Fee Exemption & Waivers
Providing the criteria is satisfied as stated in the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld) for the different categories, students may be eligible to apply for an exemption or waiver of the Distance Education fee. Sufficient supporting evidence must be supplied on application for the Principal to make an informed decision. More information regarding the evidence required is detailed here.
Please note: Approved waivers and exemptions are applied to the school year and only cover the Distance Education fee. Any other fees issued by the school will remain payable.
Distance Education Fee Refund
If leaving Cairns SDE during Semester 1, an application for a partial refund of the Distance Education fee under s69A of the Education (General Provisions) Regulation 2006 (Qld) may be applicable.
A refund must be requested by written application to the school Principal before the end of the first semester. The application must state the reason/s for the application and the date the enrolment ceased.
Refunds will be determined by the Principal and apply to the Distance Education Fee only.
Who to contact
For any queries regarding resources, please contact:
For queries regarding payment plans and financial transactions, please contact: