Catholic school leaders in central and north-east Victoria have promised that no child will have to leave a Catholic school due to financial hardship.
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The Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst says it is committed to supporting more than 5000 primary and secondary school students, staff and families in Bendigo.
Bishop Shane Mackinlay said the Catholic Diocese recognises these are extraordinary times and people are experiencing high levels of confusion and disruption.
"The community can be reassured that no child is ever expected to leave a Catholic school, primary or secondary, as a result of a family's incapacity to pay," Bishop Mackinlay said.
Fee relief is a discreet and compassionate process managed by each school principal individually.
It is designed to reduce the pressure on families facing financial hardship and is not a blanket wave of school fees.
St Joseph's Primary School principal Joan Coldwell reaffirmed the Bishop's remarks.
"We already offer fee relief for families and no child will be turned away due to an inability to pay fees," Mrs Coldwell said.
Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst Paul Desmond said that school principals endeavour to respond with sensitivity and kindness in every case of hardship.
"School principals and priests want parents to know they understand the difficulties of these tumultuous day," Mr Desmond said.
"They are at your disposal to offer their practical support," Mr Desmond said.
Mrs Coldwell said that at the end of term one students were given hard copies of work to complete, in case term two learning would take place at home.
"Technology is a fantastic for us to be able to use and teach online," Mrs Coldwell said.
"It is possibly not as easy for very young children and we have recommended to parents a timetable with varied activities for students."
Mrs Coldwell said St Joseph's is prepared to operate in term two with a skeleton staff and some students on site in Quarry Hill or with all students and staff learning and working remotely.
"We have tried to cover all bases to make sure that no child is going to miss out," Mrs Coldwell said.
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