School fee "donations" & activity fees - Where to draw the line?

**The Lone Rider** · 26th March 2012, 20:55

Dunno about what the "donations" went to when in High School in NZ, but in the states you paid a year FEE (not "donation") to pay for books.

Things like field trips, a form went home to the parent that acted as a permission slip and invoice of the costs. Kids that weren't going (or parents who weren't paying), spent the day in PE or the library or at home.

I went to a public school by choice, with kids who's parents couldn't afford a $5 fee to get into a zoo. For a lucky couple of close friends, my mum occasionally paid for them since their parents couldnt.

**Tigadee** · 26th March 2012, 20:55

Originally Posted by 2Seat_Terror

NZ is living in a dream world. Free education? Free healthcare? Free speech? Democracy?

Yeah right.

Many European countries have truly free education [and very high taxes, of course], even for Uni. No fees whatsoever and no compulsory donations. The more educated and thus employed the population, the higher tax income for Gov't...

**Ender EnZed** · 26th March 2012, 21:23

Originally Posted by Tigadee

Many European countries have truly free education [and very high taxes, of course], even for Uni. No fees whatsoever and no compulsory donations. The more educated and thus employed the population, the higher tax income for Gov't...

It's a different sort of culture. You can't expect to invest too much in the future here without getting fucked over in the next electoral cycle.

**Ender EnZed** · 26th March 2012, 21:26

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Terrible, yet articulate, story of woe.

You really pissed off the wrong God in a past life, ay?

Originally Posted by Bald Eagle

what about the school that charges kids for the teacher relief for the staff that go on the trip with them. nice little double dip by a college I know in my local area

How's that double dipping? It's a cost they have to bear, it has to come from somewhere.

**meteor** · 26th March 2012, 21:41

Originally Posted by JimO

$85.00 thats fuck all try having 3 at high school

I hear ya Jim, I have 3 in a private high school. Fees, donations, exam fees, meals, uniform, trips, books, travel... etc etc.
I'd be riding a very nice bike if they just took a gap year!

**avgas** · 26th March 2012, 22:01

Education is never free. Chances are if you can't afford the $20/week (or less) to allow your kids to go to school/trips....you most likely can't afford to give them 30 minutes of your time a night for their homework either.

If you want your kids to have a good education, it will cost you in more than one way.
To simply place ALL of that responsibility on the schooling system in NZ is a clear sign of a lazy parent. When toilet training do you simply give em a bucket and shout "Right, there you are, off you go! Don't complain to me if you get it wrong".
Imagine when the poor bastards learn to drive, your probably going to blame the LTSA and the AA.

Education is not a chore, its a privilege. Earn it for your kids.

**Zedder** · 26th March 2012, 22:02

And yet, the Education Act of 1989 (which is still in force) states that childeren from the age of 5-19 are entitled to free education.

The gap between theory and reality.

**Ender EnZed** · 26th March 2012, 22:07

Originally Posted by Zedder

And yet, the Education Act of 1989 (which is still in force) states that childeren from the age of 5-19 are entitled to free education.

The gap between theory and reality.

It doesn't though.

Everyone know's that. Shirely.

**Zedder** · 26th March 2012, 22:16

Originally Posted by Ender EnZed

It doesn't though.

Everyone know's that. Shirely.

Have you read it?

**Ender EnZed** · 26th March 2012, 22:21

Originally Posted by Zedder

Have you read it?

I'll readily accept that the thread doesn't state that. If you have a real specific axe to grind then go for it! Isn't that half the point?

**ellipsis** · 26th March 2012, 22:44

...if anybody is under the illusion that free doesn't cost something, then they have not quite grabbed and ingested the reality that energy cannot be destroyed, only transformed...nothing comes for nothing, even if it's free...

**Geeen** · 27th March 2012, 07:39

Originally Posted by mashman

It must drive yer missus mad.

Yup, We had many discussions about it and as a result she is now the former financial controller for the BOT

**avgas** · 27th March 2012, 09:31

Originally Posted by Zedder

And yet, the Education Act of 1989 (which is still in force) states that childeren from the age of 5-19 are entitled to free education.
The gap between theory and reality.

Its not theory and reality. Its black and white (or at least it was when I read it).
There basic eduction is free - but everything above that bar is not.

Ever ordered a 3 course main at a FREE soup kitchen.

There is no mention of:
- Good teachers
- Technology
- Extra-Curricular activities
- Teacher Student Ratios
- Free food
- Trips.......
(at least it didn't when I read it 15 years ago)

If you wish to rely 100% on the govt systems for your life I highly recommend China and Russia.
Because if everyone follows your theory our schools will look like this: