$300 is just for starters

BACK to school will be a daunting time for Casey’s prep and year seven students but the financial impact on their parents has been eased with a $300 payment.
The money is part of the State Government’s School Start Bonus and will be paid to parents who have a child starting prep or year seven this year.
The money has been allocated to help parents meet the costs associated with their children starting at a new school.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan said the most expensive time for parents was when their children started either primary or secondary school.
“Each student enrolled in prep or year seven in term one in a Victorian-registered government or non-government school is eligible for the bonus and will be paid to the primary parent or guardian,” Mr Donnellan said.
He said the City of Casey had more than 50,000 school-aged children with a large percentage starting school for the first time in 2007.
“If parents believe that they are eligible and have not received payment by 31 March they should contact the child’s school or the Education Department, or they can contact my office for assistance,” Mr Donnellan said.