School Fees for 2010

The budget for 2010 was presented to parents on the 2nd November 2009. Approval for the school fees for 2010 was obtained from those parents who were present at the meeting.

The support from the Western Cape Education Department was set at R147 per learner for 2010, a total allocation of R113 337. This amount represents less than 1% of the school’s costs and as a result we have to rely on the parents to meet the remaining costs. The WCED pays the salaries of 24 educators. In order to provide a school of excellence for our daughters, the SGB employs an additional 26 educators and 19 non educators (including admin staff, cleaners and ground staff). These salaries are paid from school fees and make up the bulk of the budget.

Major Capital Expenditure

The budget for 2010 reflects an increase in fee of 12.5%, which only caters for minimal capital expenditure amounting to R 904,390 designed to replace or repair existing worn out facilities and provide additional capacity at the school. The school requires a further R1 300 000 to move forward on projects that are essential to keep Rustenburg at the standard we expect from the school. These projects include computer upgrades, swimming pool change rooms, electricity reticulation, repairs to the Kemp Hall and upgrading the courtyard adjacent to the music block. For this reason an additional voluntary capital development contribution of R1 000, or more, per family was adopted at the budget meeting. The voluntary capital development contribution qualifies as a Section 18A donation and is therefore allowed as a deduction for income tax purposes.

Payment of Fees for 2010

The pattern of payment of fees reveals that a greater percentage of parents are paying their fees monthly. Those experiencing financial hardship and who meet the criteria as prescribed in the SA Schools Act, are entitled to exemption provided an application is made in writing via the bursar’s office to the School Governing Body as soon as possible. According to the Act, parents who are unable to pay school fees may apply for total, partial or conditional exemption from the payment of those fees. Academic and all round excellence at Rustenburg are dependent on the cooperation of all our parents to pay the agreed school fees timeously. With this in mind we wish to state:

• We deeply appreciate the efforts of those who, despite their financial circumstances, pay as much as they are able towards their daughters’ education
• We are grateful to the parents who, despite qualifying for exemption, have prioritized their daughters’ education and agreed to pay the full school fees.
• We remind those who are relatively “well off” but who still apply for exemption that your daughters’ fees are being subsidized by the rest of the Rustenburg parents some of whom may earn less than you.
• Fee-paying parents are assured that those parents who neglect the timeous settlement of their accounts will be actively pursued and that, when other alternatives have proved ineffective, judgment will be sought against them.

Fees for 2010

The tuition fees for 2010 for the school programme offered at Rustenburg High School for Girls are as follows:

Payment Options

As in the past we encourage two payment options for parents. These are as follows:

Payment in full on or before 31 January 2010 = R21 000
(Discount of R1 000 for early payment may be deducted and the voluntary contribution should be included)

We are aware that the discount offered, whilst significant in monetary terms, may not be competitive in terms of savings on interest for parents. We are, however indebted to parents who choose to assist the school by paying their fees in advance as they assist the school in the following ways:

• We are able to manage the challenging first months of the year when cash flow is tight.
• We are able to earn interest on these amounts which contributes significantly to the budget
• We are able to proceed with capital projects and purchasing educational equipment earlier in the year which results in significant savings in an inflationary climate and allows our girls to enjoy the benefits of the expenditure earlier in the year.

Monthly debit orders of R1 909 X 10 & R1 910 x 1 = R21, 000
(The voluntary contributions have not been included)

We offer a debit order system for the duration of your daughter’s stay at Rustenburg (Authority Form attached). If you are at present using this facility then it is not necessary for you to complete a new form for 2010 Please complete the linked Method of Payment and Debit Order Authorisation forms, if applicable, and return them to the school office as soon as possible, but not later than Friday 27 November 2009. We strongly urge parents to use the debit order system as this has the least cost implication for all concerned and greatly assists the school with budgeting and cash flow.

Other payment options are outlined on the linked Method of Payment form

The future of Rustenburg as a school of excellence depends on the sustained support and cooperation of all our parents. Our girls deserve no less.