Fees and Voluntary Donations

Parents will be well aware that, unfortunately, modern education is not free and that schools need to call upon parents for financial assistance in order to meet the needs and expectations of 21st-century students and their families.  We were a Decile 8 school and as such we are not entitled to the $150 per child Government Funding support provided to Decile 1-7 schools.  (The Decile terminology has changed to Equity Index).

We rely on your donations so that we can continue to offer all the opportunities that we have available at our school.  A 33.3% tax credit can be claimed on all donations paid.  You can claim your tax credit by printing your receipt from Hero, or by requesting a copy of the receipt from the office.

We welcome regular automatic payments from families towards donations and fees (i.e. $5 or $10 per week).  Please remember to list your child’s name and room number when paying by internet banking.

All fees (excluding donations) must be paid before children can attend optional extra-curricular activities such as Paid Winter Sports Options, Year 7 Sailing, Year 8 Skiing, Year 7 and Year 8 Big Day Outs, or Year 8 formal etc.

Donations

Parent Donation

Parent donations for 2025 have been set by the Board of Trustees at $180 per student. The amount has remained the same for the last four years.  Alternatives are to pay $45.00 term by term, or to pay by regular automatic payments from bank accounts. 

These funds allow us to maintain the levels of extra staffing and resourcing which we are able to offer over and above what can be provided by the funds from the government.  The parent donation in 2024 was used for sporting equipment, iPads for classrooms, swimming lessons, our Guidance Counsellors, Behavioural Specialist, literacy classes, ESOL classes, additional teacher aides and library resources.

Technology Donation

At intermediate schools, there are material costs for the technology programmes (Food, Fabric, Hard Materials etc).  These costs go towards what the students make and most often these are kept.  These have been set at $140 for 2025.

Education Perfect Donation   

Education Perfect is a platform that we use for mathematics homework, languages, IT lessons and to teach our school values.

Science Donation

Our science programme provides a range of hands on experiences for students.  The science donation covers the costs for additional materials and consumables.

Camp Donation

Camp donation for Year 7 children at Glentui is $195 per child and these camps are held in March.  The location and costs of Year 8 camps vary for each classroom.  An approximate guideline is $420.  These are held in November.

Extra-Curricular Fees

Fees for additional extracurricular activities your child opts into will be charged to your account.  Examples of these activities could include:  Sports Academy, buses for sporting events, music, orchestra, chorale, kapa haka, AIMS Games, Future Problem Solving, Jump Jam, Hip Hop, Show Quest, Year 7 Sailing, Year 8 Skiing, Year 8 Formal, Big Day Out and International tests.

As these extra-curricular activities become available, the information will be sent home for you to register your child’s interest to participate.  Individual costs will be advised at this time and these must be paid before your child starts the activity.

Winter and Summer Sports Programme

Children have a number of options for sport at Wairarapa Cobham.  Some incur additional costs.  The cost for these optional activities must be paid prior to the first session.

• Trialing for competitive sports teams (Rugby, Football, Hockey, Netball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton, Squash) to compete against other Christchurch Intermediate Schools.  The cost is approx. $60 to cover transport to the events.

•   Out of school paid options are available to children.  These include Multi Sports, Move X, Self Defense, Handball, Ice Skating, Ten Pin Bowling, Gymnastics, Trampolining, Golf, Archery and Fencing.  Costs will be advised once we have confirmed the options available.

•  We have a number of options at school which incur no cost.  These include Dance, Chess, Yoga, Rippa, Esports, Football, Netball and Wheels (Scooter/Skateboard taken over to Jellie Park Skate Park).

Finance Contact

If at any time you have any queries regarding our fees, or would like a copy of your statement printed and sent home, please contact Jo McGregor (finance@wci.school.nz).  Please do not hesitate to contact Jo if you have any issues with payment.

If you experience financial hardship please discuss this with us. We do have some supports available.

Our preferred method of payment is online banking. Please use the following Westpac bank account  03 1705 0007063 00.  Please ensure you include your child’s name,  room number and the activity you are paying for.  Eftpos is available at the office.  We do accept cash.  When sending cash to school, please ensure it is in an envelope clearly named and labelled as above.  This should be taken straight to the school office upon arrival at school.