The School Board has determined that the preferred method of payment of school fees will be by way of Direct Debit.
Direct Debiting provides you with substantial benefits.
· It is convenient and simple. Once in place you don’t have to worry about remembering to make payments.
· It improves your cash flow. You can elect to pay small regular instalments weekly, fortnightly or monthly or pay by term.
· It is a free service. Of course, Direct Debiting also provides benefits to the school, in that it provides the school with a regular and predictable cash flow. For this reason, the school will be paying Direct Debit bank transaction fees. There is no cost to school families (unless the school incurs a fee when funds do not clear from your account).
· It is safe. There is no risk of lost cash or cheques.
What is the difference between Periodic Payments and Direct Debits?
Some families have set up arrangements authorising their bank to make payments into Carinya’s Bank Account on their behalf. These payments are called Periodic Payments, which can sometimes be made via a cheque rather than via electronic transfer. Most banks will charge a transaction fee each time a payment is made.
A Direct Debit is an arrangement whereby Carinya is authorised to electronically transfer the nominated amount from your account, directly into our account.
How do I organize a Direct Debit?
1. Firstly, you need an account at a financial institution which offers Direct Debiting. All banks and most credit unions and building societies offer this facility.
2. Estimate your fees for the year, and decide how frequently you would like to make your payments (weekly, fortnightly monthly, or a term payment). Work out how many payments to the end of the year, and simply divide your estimated fees by the number of payments to calculate your regular direct debit amount. The Accounts Assistant is available in the school office to help you complete the form.
We strongly recommend that you review your account each term when you receive your statement to ascertain if Direct Debit payments are covering the school fees adequately.
3. Next, complete the attached Direct Debit Request form and return to us as soon as possible. This gives us the details we need to arrange your initial direct debit arrangement. Once we receive your completed form, we electronically debit your account with your nominated amount. Details of the arrangement will continue until any change is advised in writing by either party a minimum of fourteen days prior to effect.
4. A line item marked "Carinya – Family Code" will appear on your Bank Statement each time your account is debited.
How safe is it?
There are very strict security measures that apply to Direct Debiting:
· The system itself is regulated by the NSW Government.
· The Direct Debit Request form complies with and is required by NSW Government regulations.
· The details of your bank account and other information will be kept under secure and confidential storage within the school office.
· All electronic communication with your bank is encrypted and can only occur with multiple password security from nominated executive staff of the school.
Customers Responsibility
· To ensure your nominated account can accept direct debits.
· To ensure that clear funds are available in the nominated account on the due date. Please note we are advised that your financial institution may not clear the transaction for up to 3 days.
· To direct all enquiries in the first instance to Carinya Christian School.
Please note other payment facilities (EFTPOS, Credit cards, cheque and cash) are all still available. Some credit cards will attract a charge to cover the cost that the school pays to the credit provider for using the facility.