Carinya Christian School in Tamworth & Gunnedah, NSW
Christ-centred Education
Carinya Christian School is an independent, co-educational private day school serving children across two vibrant campuses in Tamworth and Gunnedah, in the beautiful New England North West region of NSW, Australia.
At Carinya, we believe education is more than academics; it is a journey of faith, community, and discovery. Jesus Christ is at the centre of who we are, and our understanding of Him shapes every aspect of school life. This conviction is woven through our educational practices at every level, as we see learning not simply as the pursuit of knowledge, but as an opportunity to explore God’s world and discover the truth and beauty He has placed within it. Every child is known by name, valued as an image-bearer of God, and encouraged to explore the wonder of His world with curiosity and joy.
We are deeply committed to providing quality education and exceptional facilities while remaining affordable for families, offering a caring and supportive environment where students are nurtured academically, socially, and spiritually. From our youngest learners to our senior students, we seek to cultivate wisdom, character, and confidence, preparing each child for a life of purpose and service.
Whether you are seeking a Christ-centred learning environment for your child or looking for a school where your family will feel known, supported, and connected, Carinya is a place where relationships flourish, learning is purposeful, and lives are shaped for service. We invite you to discover more about Carinya Christian School, where faith, community, and learning come together to create a vibrant and enriching educational experience.
The Enrolment Process
1. Make an Enquiry
Step 1: Contact our Enrolments Team by calling the school, using the enquiry form, or contacting the numbers below. We recommend confirming your child’s year level and intended start date before submitting an Enrolment Application. Enrolment enquiries are obligation-free.
Gunnedah: 02 6742 2766 (Option 1)
Tamworth: 02 6762 0970 (Option 1)
2. Enrolment Application
Step 2: If you wish to proceed with enrolment at Carinya Christian School, we ask that you read the Application for Enrolment Form carefully and then complete and submit it to the school. Enrolment Applications are processed as quickly as possible.
3. Enrolment Interview
Step 3: Following your contact with the school, our team will be in touch about your application. Where positions are available, an interview with the Principal or delegate will be made. At that interview, you will have ample opportunity to ask questions, observe the school in operation and make the school more aware of your intentions and aspirations for your child.
4. Offer of Enrolment
Step 4: After your interview, you may receive a formal written Offer of Enrolment for you to respond to. If you wish to accept the Offer, you are required to pay an Enrolment Administration Fee. This is a once-off charge, payable before your child/children commence and covers siblings to be enrolled in future years. The administration fee is non-refundable if you withdraw your enrolment before the commencement date.
The Enrolment Team
Trudy Seaton
Registrar & Office Manager | Tamworth
Ph: 02 6762 0970
E: enrolments@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Julie Thomason
Office Manager | Gunnedah
Ph: 02 6742 2766
E: enrolgunnedah@carinya.nsw.edu.au
Learning at Carinya
Carinya Gunnedah
Carinya Tamworth
Prep Program at Gunnedah
Partnering with parents to provide a safe, nurturing, Christ-centred learning environment that enables children to be lifelong learners.
Carinya Gunnedah offers a caring Kindergarten Preparatory Program for Prep (4–5 years). The play-based program helps children build early learning skills in a nurturing, Christ-centred environment, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning.
Children must be 4 years old by 31 January to enter Prep. The program runs for up to two years before Kindergarten. Children must be toilet-trained before starting.
The Prep Program runs from Tuesday to Thursday with a three-day structure to promote consistency in learning. Learning experiences are theme-based each term, combining play and structured activities. Children are supported as they develop social skills, early literacy, numeracy, and an understanding of themselves, others, and God. In the second half of the year, Prep students make regular visits to the Kindergarten classroom to ensure a smooth transition to full-time school.
PREP AT A GLANCE
Play-based program with theme-based learning each term
Introduction to early literacy, numeracy, & pre-writing skills
Structure: Three-day structured program (Tuesday–Thursday) with the option of a fourth day [Friday, limited places]
A nurturing, Christ-centred environment focused on social development & confidence
Hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity & creativity
Regular transition visits to the Kindergarten classroom in the second half of the year
Strong focus on readiness for school and resilience in Christ
PREP TO KINDY REBATE & FEE
Families whose children are enrolled in the Kindergarten Preparatory Program and continue into Kindergarten the following year are eligible for a 50% rebate off the total fees paid the year before Kindergarten. This rebate is applied directly to the family’s School Fees Account at the start of the Kindergarten school year, reducing the Total Annual Fees due.
Children enrolled in the Kindergarten Preparatory Program are assumed to continue their enrollment for the entire year, attending the same number of days each school week.
PREP FACILITIES
Carinya Gunnedah Prep is held in one large, dedicated learning room designed to be bright, welcoming, and flexible for a range of activities. Children enjoy a spacious outdoor area with a large undercover playground, sandpits, and access to a generous sports oval. Prep students share these play spaces with the Junior School, giving them opportunities to build confidence, practise social skills, and feel part of the wider school community.
The program balances play-based discovery with structured activities, encouraging children to develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a nurturing, Christ-centred environment. Outdoor play and exploration play a key role in the experience, helping children develop physically, build resilience, and foster creativity.
Junior School at Gunnedah
COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIP & NEW BEGINNINGS
Junior School at Carinya encompasses the first four years of Primary School, and helps give students the best start to their formal schooling. By assisting children to feel safe and precious — made in the image of God — opportunities abound for students to learn, play, make friends, and grow. With our smaller classes, we love the privilege of helping children learn to read, write and count, working hard to meet the needs of every child.
In all areas of learning across the NESA syllabi, students are taught about the Lordship of Christ over all things, with biblical content integrated throughout the mainstream curriculum to enable them to discover Jesus’ world. Professional learning, collaboration, coaching and mentoring programs help our staff provide the best education and care for our students.
The Junior School environment fosters a culture of care and nurturing by older students, as they experience the happy mixing of all ages in the playground, with regular opportunities to interact and enjoy community together at formal assemblies, special occasions and shared curriculum activities.
JUNIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Opportunities for remediation and extension of learning
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
JUNIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Junior School provides a warm, engaging, and Christ-centred environment where children can learn, play, and thrive in community. With six dedicated classrooms, each space is designed to spark curiosity and build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Students enjoy a large Junior School playground with slides, climbing frames, and monkey bars, creating spaces that encourage discovery, activity, and friendship. There is also a sealed outdoor area for handball, basketball, and more.
In addition to Junior School areas, students access the wider campus at set times, including the Library and undercover basketball courts, discovering new spaces and connections across the school.
From classrooms to play spaces, every part of the Junior School is intentionally created to nurture discovery, foster community, and help each child enjoy God’s world in a place made for them.
Middle School at Gunnedah
STABILITY, FRIENDSHIP & SECURITY IN THE CHANGING YEARS
Middle School at Carinya spans the final years of Primary School (Years 5 and 6) and the first years of High School (Years 7 and 8). At a time in life when so much is changing, this structure provides continuity and care, easing the transition from the familiar rhythms of a single classroom to the more diverse and specialised learning environment of secondary school.
Carinya’s Middle School is designed to help students discover who they are in Christ as they grow in maturity, independence, and responsibility. It provides opportunities for each student to identify and develop their unique gifts, abilities, and interests, and to use and enjoy those gifts in thankfulness to God.
As individuals made in His image, students are encouraged to learn in community, not competition, finding joy and motivation in the process of learning itself. Through these years, qualities such as character, self-discipline, resilience, and responsibility are nurtured and celebrated, helping each student to grow in wisdom, confidence, and faith as they prepare for the journey ahead.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Opportunities for remediation and extension of learning
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Middle School provides a supportive, Christ-centred environment where students are encouraged to grow in faith, knowledge, and character as they navigate the important middle years of learning. Each classroom is designed to inspire curiosity, independence, and a love of discovery while building strong academic and spiritual foundations.
Students enjoy a range of outdoor spaces, including a large sports oval, two undercover sports courts, handball areas, and an outdoor table tennis table, creating opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and friendship. They also have access to the Library, a welcoming space for study, research, and quiet reflection.
From classrooms to outdoor areas, every part of the Middle School is designed to promote discovery, community, and growth, helping each student enjoy God’s world while developing the confidence and character to serve others.
Senior School at Gunnedah
DYNAMIC & DIVERSE; EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLD!
Senior School at Carinya Gunnedah provides students in Years 9 and 10 with a supportive and Christ-centred environment that nurtures both personal growth and academic achievement. Since the first Year 9 class in 2021, followed by Year 10 in 2022, students have been given the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and diverse setting that encourages them to develop strong study habits, grow in resilience, and explore the world God has made with curiosity and confidence.
These formative years are designed to help young men and women strengthen their character, build integrity, and begin considering their future pathways with clarity and confidence. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning while being supported in an environment shaped by faith, community, and discovery.
At the completion of Year 10, Carinya Gunnedah students are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their senior studies at Carinya Tamworth, where they can complete Years 11 and 12. This seamless transition ensures every student has access to a full Carinya education, equipping them for further study, work, and life beyond school.
SENIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Safe, supported learning
Elective subjects
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on character and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences and enhance student learning
Sports and extra-curricular activities
Year 10 Student Leadership Program
SENIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Senior School offers a vibrant and Christ-centred environment where students are equipped to think deeply, act wisely, and serve faithfully as they prepare for life beyond school. Each classroom is designed to foster independence, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning, helping students apply their knowledge with purpose and confidence.
Senior students enjoy access to a large sports oval, two undercover sports courts, outdoor handball areas, and table tennis tables, providing opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and recreation. The Library offers a quiet and well-resourced space for study, collaboration, and reflection.
From the classroom to the sports field, every Senior School space encourages students to grow in wisdom and character, discovering their place in God’s world and using their gifts to serve others with gratitude and grace.
YEAR 9 & 10 ELECTIVES
Years 9 and 10 students at Carinya Gunnedah enjoy a dynamic and diverse personal and academic environment, which encourages them to develop their skills and explore the world God has made. The curriculum is grounded in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and PDHPE, and is complemented by a wide elective program, allowing students to pursue their interests and discover their God-given gifts.
PASS (Physical Activity and Sport Science)
Agriculture
Design and Technology
Food Technology
Visual Arts
Drama
Elective Geography
YEAR 11 & 12 ELECTIVES
At the completion of Year 10, Carinya Gunnedah students are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their senior studies at Carinya Tamworth, where they can complete Years 11 and 12 in a supportive, Christ-centred environment that prepares them for the HSC and for life beyond school. This seamless transition ensures that every Carinya Gunnedah student has access to a full senior secondary education within the Carinya community, equipping them for further study, work, and life beyond school.
Carinya Tamworth offers a wide range of subjects across all key learning areas, supported by experienced teachers and excellent facilities. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, strengthen their personal qualities of integrity and resilience, and faithfully use their abilities in service of God and others. The following subjects are currently available:
Community & Family Studies
Information Processes & Technology
English (all courses)
Mathematics (all courses)
Modern History
Ancient History
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Japanese
Sports, Lifestyle & Recreation
Health & Movement Science
Legal Studies
Business Studies
Industrial Technology
Engineering Studies
Food Technology
Music (all courses)
Visual Arts
Drama
Agriculture
Students are also able to enrol in externally provided courses at TAFE (vocational education and training) and via Distance Education.
Prep Program at Tamworth
Partnering with parents to provide a safe, nurturing, Christ-centred learning environment that enables 4 to 5 year olds to be lifelong learners.
Our Kindergarten Preparatory Program at Lilly Pilly Prep is a hybrid program that combines the best practices from early childhood education with a focus on kindergarten outcomes. The melding of these two worlds within a school context provides an excellent transition into kindergarten and beyond.
Our days foster a balance of unhindered exploration in our considered learning spaces alongside the rhythms and routines that reflect an intentional teaching environment.
Our Preppies love to explore and play in our beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, guided by staff who support meaningful play-based learning. They also have daily opportunities to practice their fundamental movement skills, borrow from our extensive library, and participate in Bible time.
PREP AT A GLANCE
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
A balance of play-based learning & skill-building
A focus on confidence & resilience in Christ
Intentional Kindy Transition Program
Busy Bee Gym (BB GYM)
GUMNUTS PLAYGROUP
Carinya offers a dedicated 3-Year-Old Program through our Gumnuts Playgroup, designed for families intending to enrol their children in our Prep program. Each Friday morning, children enjoy a blend of play-based learning, Kindergym, craft, stories, songs, and book borrowing, while parents remain engaged alongside them. The program offers a joyful introduction to school life, helping children and families feel part of the Carinya community before starting Prep.
PREP FACILITIES
Lilly Pilly Prep has four large interconnecting Playrooms on the top floor, separated by large sliding doors, which help create a flexible learning space for various activities. There is plenty of room for outdoor play, including play equipment, sandpits, a swing set, a bike path, and much more! The building was designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramp access to the main building and lower ground level, as well as an accessible toilet on the main floor.
On the lower ground floor is Playroom 5, a dedicated, purpose-built KinderGym room. Students engage in KinderGym lessons every day, which are taught by an instructor qualified by Gymnastics Australia. Children who require further skill development are provided with additional Kindergym sessions throughout the week. This aims to enhance each child's physical development, intellectual readiness, personal resilience, and confidence.
Junior School at Tamworth
COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIP & NEW BEGINNINGS
Junior School at Carinya encompasses the first four years of Primary School, and helps give students the best start to their formal schooling. By helping children feel safe and precious, being made in the image of God, opportunities abound for students to learn, play, make friends and grow. With our smaller classes, we love the privilege of helping children learn to read, write and count, working hard to meet the needs of every child.
The “flagship” of the curriculum is Living in God’s World (LIGW). This subject integrates Key Learning Areas from across the NESA syllabi and demonstrates the Lordship of Christ over all things. Professional learning, collaboration, coaching and mentoring programs help our staff provide the best education and care for our students.
The Junior School environment fosters a culture of care and nurturing by older students, as they experience the happy mixing of all ages in the playground, with regular opportunities to interact and enjoy community together at formal assemblies, special occasions and shared curriculum activities.
JUNIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
A focus on confidence & resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences & enhance student learning
The opportunity to participate in many sports & extra-curricular activities
Gymnastics for students in Kindergarten & Year 1
JUNIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Junior School is designed to provide a warm, engaging, and Christ-centred environment where children can learn, play, and thrive. With 16 dedicated classrooms, each space is equipped to support learning that sparks curiosity and builds strong foundations in every child.
Students enjoy two Junior School playgrounds featuring play equipment such as slides, climbing frames, and monkey bars, giving them safe and exciting opportunities to explore, stay active, and grow friendships.
In addition to Junior School–specific areas, students also have access to the wider campus, including the Library, undercover basketball courts, and the Indoor Sports Centre. These shared facilities provide opportunities for discovery, physical activity, and community-building across the school.
From classrooms to play spaces, every part of the Junior School is intentionally created to nurture discovery, support community, and help each child enjoy God’s world in a place designed just for them.
Middle School at Tamworth
STABILITY, FRIENDSHIP & SECURITY IN THE CHANGING YEARS
Middle School spans the last years of Primary School, Years 5 and 6, and the first years of High School, Years 7 and 8. At a time in their lives when so much is changing, this structure eases the transition for Junior School students from the learning environment of one classroom to the more varied and diverse learning environment of secondary school.
Middle School at Carinya aims to provide students with opportunities to identify and develop their unique gifts, abilities, and interests, and to utilise and appreciate those gifts in gratitude to God. As individuals made in the image of God, students are encouraged to learn in "community, not competition", to be motivated intrinsically and “seek the reward in the task.” Qualities of character, such as self-discipline, responsibility, and resilience, are fostered and emphasised.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy
A focus on confidence and resilience in Christ
An excursion program that builds on classroom experiences and enhances student learning
The opportunity to participate in many sports and extra-curricular activities
MIDDLE SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Middle School is designed to provide a warm, engaging, and Christ-centred environment where children can learn, play, and thrive. With 14 dedicated classrooms, each space is equipped to support learning that sparks curiosity and builds strong foundations in every child.
Students enjoy a dedicated Middle School break area featuring outdoor ping-pong tables, a climbing gym, handball areas, and undercover seating, providing safe and exciting opportunities to explore, stay active, and build friendships.
In addition to Middle School specific areas, students also have access to the wider campus, including the Library, undercover basketball courts, the Large Sports oval and the Indoor Sports Centre. These shared facilities offer opportunities for discovery, physical activity, and community building across the school.
From classrooms to play spaces, every part of the Middle School is intentionally created to nurture discovery, support community, and help each child enjoy God’s world in a place designed just for them.
Senior School at Tamworth
DYNAMIC & DIVERSE; EDUCATION FOR THE REAL WORLD!
What a great privilege we have to prepare our young men and women for the world! Senior School, the last four years of high school, encourages the fostering of personal qualities of commitment, integrity and reliability, to prepare for work or further study. Students develop positive academic work habits, strengthen their sense of personal purpose and perspective, and, in a rapidly changing world, begin to form and consolidate their life priorities after school. Ultimately, we seek to help our students find their true purpose by using their unique skills and gifts to faithfully serve Jesus and others.
Senior School provides secondary students in Years 9 to 12 with a teaching and learning environment which addresses their personal and educational needs, as they begin to consider their post school vocational options or further education. Students are also able to enrol in externally provided courses at TAFE (vocational education and training) and via Distance Education.
SENIOR SCHOOL AT A GLANCE
Explicit teaching of literacy & numeracy
Flexible, well-resourced learning spaces
Access to secondary school facilities and expertise
A focus on confidence and resilience in Christ
Excursions that build on classroom experiences & enhance student learning
The opportunity to participate in many sports and extra-curricular activities
SENIOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
Carinya’s Senior School provides a Christ-centred environment designed to equip students for life, learning, and service beyond their school years. Each facility is intentionally created to support academic growth, personal development, and community connection.
Senior students have access to a dedicated Senior Study, an indoor space for quiet, focused learning, as well as a welcoming lunch area complete with a kitchenette and fridges that encourage independence and fellowship. The Senior School gym offers opportunities for physical development and wellbeing, while purpose-built music rooms provide spaces for creativity, performance, and expression.
Alongside these Senior School–specific facilities, students also enjoy access to the wider campus, including the Library, undercover basketball courts, and the Indoor Sports Centre. These shared spaces foster collaboration, discovery, and connection across year levels.
From study areas to performance spaces, every part of the Senior School is designed to inspire discovery, encourage community, and help students grow in wisdom as they prepare to serve God and others in the world beyond Carinya.
YEAR 9 & 10 ELECTIVES
Years 9 and 10 students enjoy a dynamic and diverse personal and academic environment, which encourages them to develop their academic skills, as well as explore and interact with the world God has made. The curriculum is based on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and PDHPE. This is supplemented by a substantial elective offering, encompassing:
Environmental Studies & Outdoor Education
PASS (Physical Activity & Sport Science)
Agriculture
Design & Technology
Food Technology
Information Software Technology
Japanese (LOTE)
Music
Textiles Technology
Visual Arts
Visual Design
Drama
Commerce
YEAR 11 & 12 ELECTIVES
Years 11 and 12 students commence and may go on to complete a course of study leading to the award of a Higher School Certificate, or preparation for the workforce, in a strong academic framework with high expectations and an emphasis on personal responsibility and the faithful use of abilities and opportunities.
The courses available for study include:
Community & Family Studies
Information Processes & Technology
English (all courses)
Mathematics (all courses)
Modern History
Ancient History
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Japanese
Sports, Lifestyle & Recreation
Health & Movement Science
Legal Studies
Business Studies
Industrial Technology
Engineering Studies
Food Technology
Music (all courses)
Visual Arts
Drama
Agriculture
Students are also able to enrol in externally provided courses at TAFE (vocational education and training) and via Distance Education.
Inclusive School Fees
The Board of Carinya Christian School is committed to making Christian education as affordable as possible for families in Tamworth & Gunnedah, while ensuring the School can continue to provide a safe, well-resourced learning environment.
School Fees are necessary for the operation of the School, particularly the building and maintenance of the School’s facilities, as well as the ongoing provision of resources that support day-to-day teaching and learning.
School fees at Carinya are inclusive of tuition, compulsory school activities, annual camps, mandatory excursions, textbooks, electives, sports carnivals, NAPLAN, and computer licenses, helping families plan with clarity and confidence across the school year.
The only items not included are uniforms, representative/external sports, overseas trips, voluntary activities, external VET courses and school photos, as these costs vary depending on student participation and individual choice.
Fee Calculator
Use our online fees calculator to estimate your annual school fees. Include multiple children to view your family’s fee estimate.
EdStart
EdStart is an external provider that supports parents in making education costs sustainable, flexible, and easier to manage.
Kindergarten to Year 12, School Fee Schedule for 2026
| Carinya Tamworth Fees | Tuition Fee | IT Levy | Total Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior School, Kindergarten | 4560 | 330 | 4890 |
| Junior School, Years 1 to 4 | 4560 | 330 | 4890 |
| Middle School, Years 5 to 6 | 5770 | 330 | 6100 |
| Middle School, Years 7 to 8 | 6730 | 330 | 7060 |
| Senior School, Years 9 to 10 | 8080 | 330 | 8410 |
| Senior School, Year 11 | 8540 | 0 | 8540 |
| Senior School, Year 12 | 8540 | 0 | 8540 |
| Carinya Gunnedah Fees | Tuition Fee | IT Levy | Total Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior School, Kindergarten | 3490 | 330 | 3820 |
| Junior School, Years 1 to 6 | 3490 | 330 | 3820 |
| Middle School, Years 7 to 8 | 4100 | 330 | 4430 |
| Senior School, Years 9 to 10 | 4920 | 330 | 5250 |
| IT Levy Per Year | IT that is provided |
|---|---|
| K to 10 | The IT Levy covers the cost of school supplying ICT devices |
| Yr 11 (2025) | Parents purchase Chromebook Device using LWT portal |
| Yr 12 (2025) | Students continue to use Chromebook Device purchased via LWT portal |
| Sibling Discounts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Child | 3rd Child | 4th Child | 5th Child |
| 30% Discount | 65% Discount | 92.5% Discount | 100% Discount |
To ensure that Christian education remains affordable for families, sibling discounts apply when two or more children are enrolled concurrently at the school. The oldest child at school is the ‘1st Child’. Sibling discounts are not applied to the IT Levy or Kindergarten Preparatory Program fees. To calculate sibling discounts, use the Online Fees Calculator.
Note: Kindergarten to Year 12 fees and other non-government funds raised by the school are used to support capital projects and developments across both schools.
Preparatory Program, School Fee Schedule for 2026
The Kindergarten Preparatory Program is a school-readiness program designed to support children in their transition to Kindergarten at Carinya. The program operates during school term weeks only, and the majority of students who attend the Preparatory Program continue into Kindergarten at Carinya.
As the program is not an Approved Child Care Service, parents are not eligible to access the Child Care Subsidy for this program.
At the time of enrolment, parents are required to nominate the Preparatory Program their child will attend, including the number of days per week. Program structures and attendance options differ between campuses and are outlined below.
Prep to Kindergarten Rebate
Families whose children are enrolled in the Preparatory Program and continue into Kindergarten the following year are eligible for a 50% rebate of the total Preparatory Program fees paid. This rebate:
Is applied to the family’s School Fees Account at the commencement of the Kindergarten year
Cannot exceed the total annual Kindergarten fee due
Will be removed if a student leaves Kindergarten before the end of Term 3
Will be prorated if a student leaves during Term 4
Carinya Tamworth
Children may be enrolled in the Preparatory Program on a 1, 2, 3 or 4-day basis.
Carinya Gunnedah
The Preparatory Program operates as a 3-day program, running on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Parents may apply for an additional Friday placement (limited availability and subject to application), with an additional annual charge of $1,295.
Note: a proportion of Kindergarten to Year 12 fees collected (and other non-government funds raised by the school) is used to support the operation of our Preparatory Program.
| Carinya Tamworth Kindergarten Preparatory Program | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days Attending | 1 Day | 2 Days | 3 Days | 4 Days |
| Annual Charge | 1295 | 2590 | 3885 | 5180 |
| Carinya Gunnedah Kindergarten Preparatory Program | ||
|---|---|---|
| Days Attending | 3 Days | |
| Annual Charge | 3885 | |
Payment of School Fees
It is preferred that parents pay their school fees using the TASS Parent Lounge, where they are able to establish a payment schedule to direct the frequency and timing of fee payments from their selected bank account or credit facility.
Items included in the Total Annual Fee
Tuition, Activities, Annual Camps, Excursions, Electives, ports Carnivals, NAPLAN Fees, Building Maintenance, Accident Insurance, Student Stationery, Textbooks, Subject Materials, Google Account & Contribution to the construction of new facilities
Items NOT included in the Total Annual Fee
Uniform, Representative Sport, Overseas Trips, External VET courses & School Photos
Withdrawal of Enrolment: Notice Requirements
Parents are required to provide 9 school term weeks’ notice in writing via email to the Principal prior to the withdrawal of their children from the school. To minimise the risk of miscommunication or misunderstanding that may occur, verbal communication to the admin or teaching staff is not sufficient. When 9 school term weeks notice is not provided charges will apply.
Prorating Tuition Fees
When students are not enrolled for the full school year, Annual Fees and the IT Levy are prorated based on a 37-week school year.
TASS Parent Lounge
Parents can view the status of their school fee account via the TASS Parent Lounge, make one-off school fee payments, and set up schedules for the payment of their fees.
Building Fund
Families are invited to make a tax-deductible donation to the Carinya Building Fund. These donations contribute toward the construction of new buildings and facilities.
Donations to the Building Fund help to minimise increases to the Annual Fee.
Enrolment Administration Fee
Before the commencement of students at the school, a $300 Enrolment Administration Fee (EAF) must be paid by new families. The EAF:
can only be paid to accept an offer of enrolment
must be paid to secure both wait-list and immediate start offers
is a once-off fee
is the same regardless of the number and age of children in a family
covers siblings to be enrolled in future years
is non-refundable apart from wait-list positions when a place cannot be offered