Update on School Funding
Bentleigh West Primary School is one of Victoria's leading government primary schools with over 95% of students at or above expected standards, and parent satisfaction well above the state average.
Government funding covers the school running costs (salaries, utilities and maintenance); curriculum contributions from our families fund everything else your child uses each day, from classroom stationery to our many specialist programs.
Your support matters more than ever this year
Fewer families contributed this year, and our savings buffer has now been fully used. This isn’t about every family giving the same amount. It’s about asking those who can contribute to do so, so the responsibility doesn’t fall too heavily on the families already supporting the school.
Why we need your contribution in 2026
We have $497,000 less available than in 2025.
This year government funding rose slightly, but family contributions have fallen significantly and unlike last year we have no carried-over savings to fill the gap.
Total school funding pool, 2025 vs 2026
Curriculum contributions
Classroom materials, novels, science, art, LOTE, ICT devices, online subscriptions and more ... $525
Other contributions
Wellbeing programs, Compass, first aid, grounds maintenance ... $120
Suggested total per student
$645
Families with children in Grade 6 are also asked to contribute to ‘extra-curricular contributions’ which covers their child’s graduation celebration in Term 4 and to help pay for transport to the weekly inter-school sporting events. Full details are in the Parent Payment Policy on Compass.
Once the basics are covered, family contributions will potentially fund:
-
A new inclusive playground for neurodiverse students
-
Further wellbeing support mental health and resilience programs
-
Safer grounds with improved security and boundary fencing
-
Bigger and more exciting library collections for every grade
-
Casual relief teachers to cover staff absences, meaning fewer split classes
-
A ga-ga pit and improvements to our outdoor learning spaces
These funds are what enable us to provide the engaging programs, quality learning materials and excellent facilities that make Bentleigh West such a vibrant and supportive environment for our students.
The simplest way to help our school is to pay your family contributions
New recurring payment plans are available from September so you can pay in full or spread the cost weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
If cost is a barrier, contact the office confidentially, support is available, including our Community Hardship Fund.
Using the Compass App to Pay
You can make a payment in a couple of minutes, on a computer or on your phone. Here's how.
On a computer
-
Go to Compass and log in with your parent username and password (or use the link on our school website).
-
Click your initials in the top right corner and select “Payments” or “Contributions”.
-
Choose the items and amount you'd like to pay for your child.
-
Decide how many payments you want to have (one, two, four or ten) until the end of the year.
-
Enter your card details and click “Proceed”. A receipt is emailed to you automatically.
On the Compass App (phone)
Navigate to the Payments Centre to make your school financial contribution.
Thank you for being part of a school community that shows up for its kids, again and again.