introduction - mabs...family 2 : 3 students 6th class expenses 5th year expenses leaving cert...

Introduction

Following a survey that was carried out by North Cork MABS for the school year August 2009 to June 2010, we decided to

update our survey by requesting families in the North Cork area to participate in logging all their school expenses on a monthly basis for the school year August 2013 to June 2014.

Due to time and staff constraints our survey had to be restricted so we asked ten families to participate. In our family

selection we varied the classes, schools, school level and family size.

As can be seen from the data we collected the cost of maintaining a child in our educational system is extremely high. Over the past number of years, we in North Cork MABS have noted the increased financial pressure on parents once the month of July commences. Some parents may have made a start before July, in purchasing second hand books etc which does help to

spread the cost, but as we all know, the ongoing costs after the initial outlay in August continues to mount during the school year.

We all have an idea of what the initial costs are, but very few of us keep a detailed record of the ongoing expenses.

With the families who took part the focus was on Primary and Secondary school costs. We also asked a number of parents

for their views on the cost of education and in our conclusion we have voiced some of their responses.

General Observations from the families we surveyed

There is a noticeable increase in the request for a ‘Voluntary Contribution’ from post-primary schools. In our survey

the amount requested ranged from €40 to €200 for a school year. Parents think that school uniforms are too expensive, with most advocating the idea of introducing a school crest

badge, which could be affixed to a standard uniform that could be bought in a chain store.

Parents believe that the schoolbook curriculum should only be changed every 5 or 6 years to facilitate parents pass books down to younger siblings. Many parents felt that the publishers are dictating to the schools by frequently

updating the content of the textbooks. Parents feel that it should be the Department of Education that dictate to the publishers.

Most parents think that their children should wear their school uniform on their Confirmation day.

Most schools make transition year compulsory for all students; parents feel that this should not be the case and that students should have the choice. Transition year has proven to be very expensive in some schools according to the

parents interviewed. (See Family 10).

The general feeling was that book lending schemes should be in all schools. A number of those interviewed had

schemes in place and they worked well. It was noted however by a number of those interviewed that in large families

it would prove more economical to purchase the books and hand them down.

In Primary school the number of work books being used has increased dramatically. They are not included in book

lending schemes and cannot be handed down so are a significant expense.

The Back to School grant provides much needed relief to families who are under financial pressure. As can be seen

from the survey the grant of €100 for ages 4 to 11 and €200 for ages 12 to 17 is insufficient. Having spoken to the St Vincent de Paul conferences in the North Cork area they confirmed that they assist families who are experiencing

hardship in August and September due to school costs.

In one area the local school book shop introduced a saving stamp scheme facilitating parents to purchase €2 stamps

throughout the year and redeem them when buying their school books. The overall feedback was very positive from those who availed of this service.

Two of our families surveyed have a student using an iPad. The obvious advantage is that the student’s school bags

are much lighter however there is no financial saving to the families as they are paying the same amount to download the books as they would in the book lending scheme. They also have the added initial cost of purchasing the iPad.

Some families have to pay for Educational Assessments privately due to the schools lack of resources and HSE

waiting lists.

Family 1 : 3 Students

1st Class Expenses 4th Class Expenses 1st Year Expenses

Month Description Total Description Total Description Total

Jun-13 School Tracksuit 32.00€ 32.00€ School Tracksuit Pants 10.00€ 10.00€ Second Hand Books 100.00€

Art Supplies 32.60€ 132.60€

Jul-13 School Pants 14.00€ Cardigan* 15.00€ New Books 126.49€ 126.49€

Shirts 9.50€ Crest 3.00€

Jumper 10.00€ *Pinafore & shirts ok for another year

Crest 3.00€ Books (€149 less €87.40*) 61.60€

Books 66.41€ * Books handed down €87.40

Socks 1.79€ 104.70€ Tights 4.95€

Pencil case 1.49€ 86.04€

Aug-13 School Bag 13.00€ School Shoes 27.00€ School Shoes 60.00€

Lunch Bag 6.00€ School Bag 35.00€ Blouse 10.50€

School Shoes 18.50€ Drink Bottle 5.99€ 2 School Polo Shirts 32.00€

School Journal 2.00€ Copies/ Hard cover note books 6.09€ Jumper 36.50€

Literacy Lift Off Contribution 10.00€ Art, Photocopying & insurance 20.00€ Skirt 45.00€

Insurance, photocopying 20.00€ School Journal 2.00€ 96.08€ School Tracksuit 57.00€

Work Book 3.00€ School Bag 35.00€

Markers 2.00€ 74.50€ Tights 5.00€

2 Books & covering 45.34€

Locker 10.00€

School Journal 10.00€

Bal of Contribution (€50 pd) 100.00€

Copies, Hardbacks,Folder etc 12.50€ 458.84€

Sep-13 Red Day 1.00€ 1.00€ Red Day 1.00€ 1.00€ Science Copy 1.79€

Home Economics Ingredients 3.00€

Irish Book, Copies, Pockets 13.68€

Orienteering 4.00€

School Draw 4.00€

Insurance 10.00€ 36.47€

Oct-13 Library 0.50€ Raffle Tickets 1.50€ Home Economics Ingredients 3.00€

Raffle Tickets 2.00€ Cake Sale 3.00€ 4.50€ Concert 3.00€

Cake Sale 3.00€ 5.50€ Hot Chocolate Fundraiser 2.00€ 8.00€

Nov-13 -€ -€ -€

Family 1

Dec-13 Christmas Raffle 5.00€ 5.00€ Christmas Raffle 5.00€ 5.00€ Play 3.00€

Geography Workbook 11.95€

Home Economics Ingredients 4.00€

Lunches 10.00€ 28.95€

Jan-14 Non Uniform Day 1.00€ 1.00€ Non Uniforn Day 1.00€ Sewing Supplies 14.00€

School Calendar 8.00€ 9.00€ Lunches 10.00€ 24.00€

Feb-14 GAA For 4 Weeks 5.00€ 5.00€ -€ School Play 3.00€

English Book 10.00€

Lunches 10.00€ 23.00€

Mar-14 Deposit School Tour 5.00€ 5.00€ Deposit School Tour 5.00€ Knitting Supplies 10.00€

Swimming ( 6 weeks) 30.00€ 35.00€ Bullying Talk 2.00€

Gymnastics Display 2.00€

Lunches 10.00€ 24.00€

Apr-14 Mobile Farm 2.00€ -€ Easter Raffle 2.00€

Pritt Stick 2.50€ Cake Sale 3.00€

Balance for School Tour 15.00€ 19.50€ Pritt Stick 1.33€

Registration Walk in the Dark 15.00€ 21.33€

May-14 Swimming 2 x €5 10.00€ Balance of School Tour cost 17.00€ Ticket TY Fashon Show 5.00€

Baking Holy Communion Class 10.00€ 20.00€ GAA 5.00€ 22.00€ School Year Book 6.00€ 11.00€

Jun-14 Swimming 4 x €5 20.00€ Sponsorship 1.00€

Stamped Addressed Envelope 0.60€ Ice Cream Fun Day 2.00€

Sponsorship 1.00€ Coffee Morning 5.00€

Down Syndrome Ice Cream Day 2.00€ 23.60€ Sponsored School Walk 10.00€ 18.00€

Total €296.80 €286.62 €894.68

Grand Total :Family 1 €1,478.10Family 1


6th Class Expenses 5th Year Expenses Leaving Cert Expenses


Jun-13

Jul-13

Aug-13 Pencil Case 2.99€ Exercise books & stationery 15.25€ School Pants 35.00€

School Books (New) 83.60€ School Pants 42.00€ School Shirt 8.50€

School Pants 29.95€ School Blouse 9.50€ Water Charge 5.00€

School Jumper 14.95€ Water Charge 5.00€ Photocopying 35.00€

Copies 2.99€ Photocopying 35.00€ Locker 10.00€

A4 Display Book 1.49€ Locker 10.00€ School Book Rental Scheme 100.00€

Pritt Stick 1.50€ 137.47€ School Book Rental Scheme 100.00€ Lunch Money 10.00€

Lunch Money 10.00€ 226.75€ Hardback Exercise books, refills 5.50€ 209.00€

Sep-13 Photocopying 25.00€ Irish Drama 10.00€ Study Class 10.00€

Rental Scheme (bal of books) 14.00€ School Trip to Dingle 10.00€ Newspapers for English Class 10.00€

Lunches for Month 50.00€ 89.00€ Newspapers for English Class 10.00€ Accountancy Exam Papers 10.00€

Piano Lessons 150.00€ History Papers 2.50€

Music Concert 10.00€ Geography Papers 2.50€

Traditional Concert 2.00€ English & LCU Papers 7.00€

Lunches 40.00€ 232.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 92.00€

Oct-13 Lunches for Month 50.00€ 50.00€ Hardback Exercise Books 6.00€ Bus to Football Game 5.00€

Sponsored Walk 25.00€ Bus to UL 5.00€

Lunches 40.00€ 71.00€ Sponsored Walk 20.00€

Lunches 50.00€ 80.00€

Nov-13 Pantomime 15.00€ Bus 10.00€ Bus to CIT 5.00€

Lunches for Month 50.00€ 65.00€ Lunches 40.00€ 50.00€ Lunches 50.00€

Occupational Therapy

Assessment & Report 180.00€ 235.00€

Dec-13 School Calendar 20.00€ Lunches 30.00€ Charity Day 5.00€

Lunches for Month 40.00€ 60.00€ Charity Day 5.00€ 35.00€ Lunches 40.00€ 45.00€

Family 2

Jan-14 Socks 5.00€ Piano Lessons 150.00€ Geography Book 10.00€

Runners 30.00€ Lunches 40.00€ 190.00€ Mock Exams 100.00€

Lunches for Month 40.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 160.00€

School T-Shirts 10.00€ 85.00€

Feb-14 Lunches for Month 50.00€ Bus to Dublin 15.00€ Leaving Cert State Exam Cost 116.00€

Enrolment for Secondary School 50.00€ 100.00€ Mental Health Talk 5.00€ Lunches 40.00€ 156.00€

Hardbacks/Folders 21.00€

Lunches 30.00€ 71.00€

Mar-14 School Tour 50.00€ Exam Paper 15.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 50.00€

Lunches for Month 50.00€ 100.00€ Lunches 40.00€ 55.00€

Apr-14 ipad for secondary school Lunches 30.00€ 30.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 50.00€

including griffin cover 440.00€

Lunches for Month 30.00€ 470.00€

May-14 Gymnastics 5.00€ Music CD 5.00€ Grinds €30 x 6 180.00€

Sponsored Walk 10.00€ Music Exams 25.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 230.00€

Lunches for Month 50.00€ 65.00€ Non Uniform Day 2.00€

Lunches 40.00€ 72.00€

Jun-14 Down Syndrome ice cream day 2.00€ Lunches 50.00€ 50.00€

Presentation for teacher retiring 2.00€

6th Class end of year party 5.00€

Pocket Money for school tour 20.00€

Lunches for Month 50.00€ 79.00€

Total €1,300.47 €1,032.75 €1,357.00

Grand Total :Family 2 €3,690.22

Family 2


Senior Infant Expenses 1st Year Expenses 5th Year Expenses


Jun-13 School Tracksuit 25.00€ 25.00€

Jul-13 Jumper 13.00€ Trousers 19.00€ Books 32.75 32.75

School Crest 5.00€ Trousers 15.00€

Trousers 15.00€ Shirts 12.00€

Trousers 12.00€ Shoes 35.00€

Track suit pants 6.75€ School Jumper 35.00€

Books 36.85€ 88.60€ Tie 5.00€

Second Hand Books 60.00€

New Books 181.79€ 362.79€

Aug-13 School Bag 20.00€ School Bag 25.00€ School Bag 45.00€

Lunch Box 9.99€ Copies 10.00€ School Skirt 45.00€

Shoes 40.00€ Stationery 12.00€ Blouse 21.00€

Pencil Case 6.00€ Pencil Case 5.00€ Polo Shirt 16.00€

Twistables & Stationery 13.00€ Voluntary Contrubtion Half year 100.00€ Tights 6.00€

Literacy Lift Off Contribution 10.00€ Locker 25.00€ Copies 10.00€

Insurance & Photocopying 20.00€ Lock 8.00€ Stationery 39.56€

Books & Copies 10.00€ 128.99€ Insurance 9.00€ Books 136.68€

School Journal 8.00€ School Contribution half year 75.00€

Art 10.00€ 212.00€ Locker 10.00€

Journal 10.00€ 414.24€

Sep-13 Non Uniform Day 2.00€ 2.00€ Exam Papers 3.50€ Insurance 10.00€

Fundraiser 20.00€ 23.50€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Book 5.75€

Memory Stick 10.95€

Book 33.00€

Extra Subject Fee 20.00€ 99.70€

Oct-13 Cake Sale 5.00€ 5.00€ -€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Extra Subject Fee 20.00€



Family 3

Nov-13 -€ Deposit School Tour 15.00€ 15.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€




School Contribution half year 75.00€ 155.00€

Dec-13 -€ Balance School Tour 40.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Voluntary Health Screening 65.00€ 105.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€


Jan-14 Non Uniform Day 1.00€ 1.00€ Bus Fee 5.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Bus Fee 5.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Non Uniform Day 2.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

School Year Raffle Ticket 100.00€ 112.00€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€ 80.00€

Feb-14 -€ Non Uniform Day 2.00€ Text Book 16.00€

Text Book 36.00€ Stationery 17.00€

Stationery 4.99€ Extra Subject Fee 20.00€

Bus Fee 5.00€ 47.99€ Retreat & Bus Fee 15.00€


Mar-14 -€ Bus x 2 10.00€ Extra Subject Fee x 3 60.00€

Coffee Morning 2.00€ Book 30.00€ 90.00€

Stationery 4.50€ 16.50€

Apr-14 Easter Raffle Tickets 5.00€ 5.00€ Fundraising 20.00€ Extra Subject Fee x 2 40.00€ 40.00€

Bus to CIT 5.00€ 25.00€

May-14 -€ Stationery 15.00€ Extra Subject Fee x 4 80.00€ 80.00€

Bus 5.00€ 20.00€

Jun-14 School Tour 20.00€

Ice Cream Day Fundraiser 2.00€ 22.00€

Total €277.59 €939.78 €1,219.69


Family 3


Junior Infants Expenses 3rd Class Expenses

Month Description Total Description Total

Jun-13 -€ -€

Jul-13 New Books 58.80€ New Books 57.80€

Second Hand Books 10.00€ Second Hand Books 40.00€

Copies 3.00€ Pens, Pencils,Markers, P Case 19.00€

Pencils etc 6.00€ Lunch Bag 8.99€

Pencil cases 6.00€ Copies 5.45€

Colours 4.99€ Folders 8.00€ 139.24€

Folders 5.99€ 94.78€

Aug-13 School Uniform 38.00€ School Uniform 54.50€

Lunch Box 9.99€ Shoes 42.99€ 97.49€

School Bag 14.99€

Shoes 35.00€ 97.98€

Sep-13 Photocopying 25.00€ Photocopying 25.00€

Report Card 6.35€ Report Card 6.35€

No Uniform Day 2.00€ 33.35€ No Uniform Day 2.00€ 33.35€

Oct-13 No Uniform Day 2.00€ School Insurance 8.00€

Pencil 1.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€ 10.00€

School Insurance 8.00€ 11.00€

Nov-13 School Jacket 20.00€ School Jacket 28.99€

No Uniform Day 2.00€ 22.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€ 30.99€

Family 4

Dec-13 School Concert 10.00€ School Concert 10.00€

Tickets 10.00€ Ticket 8.00€ 18.00€

No Uniform Day 2.00€

New Shirts 6.00€ 28.00€

Jan-14 Pencils,parer,eraser 5.00€ 5.00€ New Colours 5.00€

Copy, Pencils 2.50€

School Bag 20.00€ 27.50€

Feb-14 Tickets 2.00€ 2.00€ -€

Mar-14 School Collection 20.00€ 20.00€ Tickets 5.00€

Match 3.00€ 8.00€

Apr-14 Shoes 25.00€ 25.00€ Swimming 30.00€ 30.00€

May-14 Tickets School Fundraiser 5.00€ 5.00€ -€

Jun-14 -€ -€

Total 344.11€ 394.57€

Family 4

Family 4 : 4 Students Cont..

6th Class Expenses 2nd Year Expenses


Jun-13 School Bag 20.00€ 20.00€ School Book Lending Scheme 50.00€ 50.00€

Jul-13 New Books 53.75€ Copies/Folders/Pens/Pencils.. 80.00€

Second Hand Books 20.00€ School Bus 350.00€ 430.00€

Atlas/Dictionary/Journal 25.00€

Copies 10.20€

Folders/ Plastic Wallets 6.50€ 115.45€

Aug-13 Calculator/Mathematical Set 10.00€ School Bag 40.00€

Clothes 70.95€ Clothes 90.00€

Shoes 45.00€ Shoes 60.00€

Pencil/Colour/Pens/Pritt Stick 20.00€ 145.95€ Track Suit & Runners 70.00€

Locker Key 8.00€

Diary 6.00€ 274.00€

Sep-13 Book Lending 10.00€ Voluntary Contribution 40.00€

Photocopying 25.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€

Report Card 6.35€ Lunches 25.00€ 67.00€

No Uniform Day 2.00€ 43.35€

Oct-13 School Insurance 8.00€ Bus to Match 5.00€

No Uniform Day 2.00€ 10.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€

Art 5.00€

Cross Stitch for Home Ec 30.00€

Lunches 25.00€ 67.00€

Nov-13 School Jacket 50.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€

No Uniform Day 2.00€ 52.00€ Cooking 5.00€

Lunches 25.00€

Bus to Concert 10.00€

Entry to Concert 10.00€ 52.00€

Family 4

Dec-13 Tickets 10.00€ 10.00€ Waxing for St Vincent de Paul 2.00€

Food Appeal 5.00€

Cooking 16.00€

Lunches 25.00€ 48.00€

Jan-14 Biros 8.00€ 8.00€ Biros 10.00€

Lunches 30.00€

Cooking 10.00€ 50.00€

Feb-14 Readathon 8.00€ 8.00€ New Shoes 60.00€

Lunches 25.00€

Cooking 6.00€

Bus to Match 5.00€

Music Copy 2.50€ 98.50€

Mar-14 Match 3.00€ 3.00€ No Uniform Day 2.00€

Cooking 8.00€

Lunches 25.00€

Match 5.00€

Deposit School Tour 10.00€ 50.00€

Apr-14 Concern 5.00€ New Copies 1.00€

Swimming 30.00€ 35.00€ Sneakers 40.00€

Cooking 10.00€

Lunches 25.00€

Bus to Match 5.00€

Lunch Money match day 10.00€ 91.00€

May-14 -€ Sponsored Walk 10.00€

Lunches 25.00€

Balance of School Tour 40.00€

Spending Money 20.00€ 95.00€

Jun-14 -€ -€

450.75€ 1,372.50€

Grand Total :Family 4 2,561.93€

Family 4

Family 5 : 1 Student

Junior Infant Expenses

Month Description Total

Jun-13 -€

Jul-13 New Books / Copies 92.00€

Pants x 2 11.00€

Polo T-Shirts 8.50€

Jumpers 38.00€

School Bag 10.00€

Pencil Case,Pencils,crayons,etc 12.00€

Shoes 30.00€

Lunch Box /Bag 8.00€

Second Hand Books 6.00€ 215.50€

Aug-13 -€

Sep-13 Photocopying, Art, Laminating 35.00€

Voluntary Contribution 30.00€

Homework Diary 3.50€

Plastic Folders, Contact 4.00€

School Insurance 9.00€

Photos - Class & Individual 40.00€

Kango Jumping 12.00€

Swimming 48.00€

Fashion Show Ticket 10.00€ 191.50€

Oct-13 -€

Nov-13 Christmas Annuals 4.00€

Christmas Cards 26.00€

Panto Opera House 24.00€ 54.00€

Family 5

Dec-13 -€

Jan-14 Pencil Grip 2.00€ 2.00€

Feb-14 Golf Lessons 12.00€

Engineering 3.00€ 15.00€

Mar-14 Non Uniform Day 2.00€ 2.00€

Apr-14 Sports 12.00€

School Tour 32.00€

New Shoes 20.00€

Magazine 3.00€ 67.00€

May-14 Healthy Eating - Food Donated 10.00€ 10.00€

Jun-14 -€

Total €557.00

Grand Total :Family 5 €557.00

Family 5


2nd Year Expenses Leaving Cert Expenses


Jun-13 School Pants 12.00€ 12.00€ -€

Jul-13 -€ -€

Aug-13 Bus Ticket 162.50€ Bus Ticket 162.50€

8 Copies 2.50€ Ring Binders & Dividers 5.00€

4 Hardbacks 8.00€ Copies & Hardbacks 6.00€

Pants 12.00€ Plastic Pockets 4.99€

Shirts 7.50€ Jacket (reduced from €65) 19.50€

Shoes 60.00€ 2 Notebooks 6.00€

Hilighters 2.00€ School Pants 37.95€

A4 Pad 2.50€ School Jumper 32.95€

Lunch 6.00€ 263.00€ School Blouse 9.95€

Plastic Pockets 2.50€

Biros 3.98€

Lunch 5.00€ 296.32€

Sep-13 Books Scheme, Water, Locker 150.00€ Book Scheme, Water Locker 150.00€

Lunch 60.00€ 210.00€ An Triail Play 10.00€

Berlioz Concert 10.00€

Trad Concert 2.00€

Irish Magazine 15.00€

Music Fees 70.00€

Newspapers 10.00€

Accounting Exam Papers 3.95€

English Exam Papers 2.50€

Irish Exam Papers 3.50€

Lunch 40.00€ 316.95€

Oct-13 Compass 4.99€ French Exam Papers 3.50€

Lunch 60.00€ 64.99€ Business Exam Papers 2.50€

A4 Pad 3.99€

Maths Exam Papers 5.00€

Family 6

Lunch 40.00€ 54.99€

Nov-13 Lunch 60.00€ 60.00€ Lunch 40.00€ 40.00€

Dec-13 Sneaker Day 2.00€ Sneaker Day 2.00€

Lunch 45.00€ 47.00€ Lunch 30.00€ 32.00€

Jan-14 Bus Ticket 162.50€ A4 Pads, Biros & Pritt Stick 9.99€

Lunch 60.00€ 222.50€ Music Fees 70.00€

Mock Exams 100.00€

Bus Ticket 162.50€

Lunch 40.00€ 382.49€

Feb-14 School Tour 60.00€ Leaving Cert Exams 116.00€

Spending Money 20.00€ Lunch 30.00€

Lunch 45.00€ 125.00€ Music 15.00€ 161.00€

Mar-14 Lunch 60.00€ 60.00€ Lunch 40.00€ 40.00€

Apr-14 Lunch 45.00€ 45.00€ Lunch 30.00€ 30.00€

May-14 Lunch 60.00€ 60.00€ Leaving Cert Photo 20.00€

Biros 1.99€

A4 Pads 7.98€

Lunch 40.00€

Biros 1.99€

Record Book 0.90€ 72.86€

Jun-14 -€

Total €1,169.49 €1,426.61


Family 6


Senior Infant Expenses 4th Class Expenses


Jun-13 -€ -€

Jul-13 School Books (mostly 2nd hand) 42.95€ School Books (mostly 2nd hand) 102.30€

School Bag 19.99€ School Bags 35.49€

Copies & Covers 6.50€ Pritt Sticks 5.97€

2nd Hand Books 12.90€ Copies & Covers 12.00€

2nd Hand Books 10.95€ Tin Whistle 5.00€

Tin Whistle 5.00€ Twistables,Pencils, Ruler etc 20.00€ 180.76€

Twistables, Pencils, Eraser etc 20.00€ 118.29€

Aug-13 Tracksuits 40.00€ Tie 6.00€

Pinafore 10.00€ Tracksuit 40.00€

White Shirts 15.00€ Pinafore 10.00€

Cardigan 12.00€ White Shirts 15.00€

Tie 6.00€ Shoes 30.00€

Tights/Socks 12.00€ Cardigan 12.00€

Underwear 6.00€ Trainers 30.00€

Trainers 30.00€ Hair Accessories 5.00€

Boots 35.00€ Underwear 10.00€

Lunch Bag 10.00€ Socks/Tights 12.00€

Hair Accessories 5.00€ 181.00€ Lunch Bag 10.00€ 180.00€

Sep-13 Photocopying/ Art & Crafts 25.00€ Athletics 15.00€

Irish Dancing 70.00€ 95.00€ Swimming 25.00€

Tin Whistle 30.00€

Photocopying/Craft Materials 20.00€

Pupil Personal Acc Insurance 7.00€

Irish Dancing 70.00€ 167.00€

Oct-13 Halloween Costume & Treats 20.00€ 20.00€ Halloween Costume & Treats 20.00€ 20.00€

Family 7

Nov-13 Christmas Raffle 5.00€ 5.00€ Tights 6.00€ 6.00€

Dec-13 -€ Irish/English Dictionary 7.00€

Christmas Raffle 5.00€ 12.00€

Jan-14 Irish Dancing 70.00€ Irish Dancing 70.00€

Coat 30.00€ New Coat 30.00€

Boots 35.00€ 135.00€ New Books 35.00€

Library Card 2.50€ 137.50€

Feb-14 -€ Homework Journal 6.00€

Gum Shields x 3 15.00€ 21.00€

Mar-14 2 new pencils 2.00€ -€

Replacememt Cardigan 12.00€ 14.00€

Apr-14 -€ Replacement Tin Whistle 5.00€ 5.00€

May-14 -€ Wool & Knitting Needles 10.00€

School Tour 25.00€

Day Trip 10.00€ 45.00€

Jun-14 School Tour 8.00€ Swimming 8.00€

Shoes 25.00€ Shorts (Sports Day) 5.00€ 13.00€

Shorts (Sports Day) 5.00€ 38.00€

Total €606.29 €787.26


Family 7


6th Class Expenses Junior Cert Expenses


Jun-13 -€ -€

Jul-13 -€ -€

Aug-13 Copies 6.00€ Book Rental 85.00€

Hard Back Copy 3.00€ Journal 10.00€

Folder 4.00€ Locker 10.00€

A4 Pad 2.00€ Insurance 8.00€

Maths Set 4.00€ School Jumper 45.00€

Pencils & Pens 5.00€ Shoes 60.00€

Book Rental 55.00€ Trousers 35.00€

Photocopying 35.00€ Exam Papers 12.50€

Lunch Box 4.00€ Copies 10.00€

Runners 45.00€ Pens, Pencils etc 10.00€ 285.50€

Shirts 8.00€ 171.00€

Sep-13 Raffle & Fancy Dress 5.00€ 5.00€ Exam Papers 8.00€

Runners 50.00€

Exam Papers 6.00€

Exam Papers 3.00€ 67.00€

Oct-13 Halloween 5.00€ 5.00€ Memory Stick 12.00€

Match (Bus) 10.00€

Match (Bus) 10.00€ 32.00€

Family 8

Nov-13 Swimming 40.00€ Match ( Bus & Lunch) 15.00€ 15.00€

Shirts 10.00€ 50.00€

Dec-13 Raffle Tickets 3.00€ 3.00€ -€

Jan-14 Trousers 12.00€ DATs Test 10.00€ 10.00€

Shirt 6.00€ 18.00€

Feb-14 -€ Mock Exam Fees 120.00€ 120.00€

Mar-14 Jumper 55.00€ Match (Bus & Lunch) 10.00€

Shoes 60.00€ Lunch 10.00€ 20.00€

Trousers 12.00€ 127.00€

Apr-14 Shirts 20.00€ -€

Runners 60.00€ 80.00€

May-14 School away match 5.00€ Varnish for Woodwork 12.00€

Food 5.00€ 10.00€ Folders x 3 12.00€ 24.00€

Jun-14 School Tour 30.00€ Lunches 20.00€ 20.00€

Spending Money 20.00€ 50.00€

Total €519.00 €593.50


Family 8


Junior Infant Expenses 3rd Class Expenses


Jun-13 Photocopying 30.00€ Photocopying 30.00€

Pencils & Colours 10.00€ 40.00€ Book Lending 29.00€ 59.00€

Jul-13 -€ -€

Aug-13 Uniform 50.00€ Uniform 50.00€

Tracksuit 44.00€ Tracksuit 44.00€

Polo Shirts 10.00€ Polo Shirts 10.00€

School Bag 18.00€ School Bag 22.00€

Folder 5.00€ Folders 10.00€

Shoes 45.00€ Tin Whistle 5.00€

Books 30.00€ 202.00€ Shoes 50.00€

Books & Stationery 65.00€ 256.00€

Sep-13 Runners 30.00€ 30.00€ Runners 30.00€ 30.00€

Oct-13 Fundraising for new School 20.00€ 20.00€ -€

€5 per week till June

Nov-13 Fundraising 20.00€ 20.00€ -€

Family 9

Dec-13 Fundraising 15.00€ 15.00€ Christmas Raffle 10.00€ 10.00€

Jan-14 Fundraising 15.00€ Non uniform day 2.00€ 2.00€

non uniform day 2.00€ 17.00€

Feb-14 Fundraising 20.00€ 20.00€ -€

Mar-14 Fundraising 20.00€ 20.00€ -€

Apr-14 Fundraising 10.00€ 10.00€ -€

May-14 Fundraising 20.00€ School Tour 50.00€ 50.00€

School Tour 20.00€ 40.00€

Jun-14 Fundraising 10.00€ Sports Day 2.00€

Sports Day 2.00€ Cake Sale 5.00€ 7.00€

Cake Sale 5.00€ 17.00€

Total €451.00 €414.00

Grand Total :Family 9 €865.00

Family 9


Transition Year Expenses 5th Year Expenses


Jun-13

Jul-13

Aug-13 School Shoes 100.00€ Books (Mostly new some S/H) 240.00€

2 Jumpers & 1 Shirt 80.00€ Insurance 9.00€

Stationary 20.00€ Locker 25.00€

Diary 10.00€ Voluntary Contributon 200.00€

Locker 25.00€ Debs Suit Hire 75.00€

Voluntary Contribution 150.00€ Flowers, chocs, corsage 50.00€ 599.00€

TY Trip 210.00€

Gaeltacht 650.00€ 1,245.00€

Sep-13 WC Book 18.00€ Careers Book 17.00€

Cope Play 1.00€ Religon Book 5.00€

Lunch Box & Bottle 5.00€ English Play 15.00€

Home Economics Ingredients 8.00€ School Fleece 40.00€

Lunchtime Music Lessons 60.00€ 92.00€ Geography extra subject 40.00€ 117.00€

Oct-13 Poetry Slam 5.00€ Geography (€10 each week) 40.00€

Pink Day 2.00€ School Pants & Shirt 40.00€

Home Economics ingredients 8.00€ 15.00€ School Shoes 60.00€ 140.00€

Nov-13 Horse Riding 28.80€ Geography 30.00€

Driving Campus 35.00€ Trip to Opera House 12.00€ 42.00€

Film 12.00€

Gaisce 10.00€

Abortion Talk 2.00€

Home Economics 8.00€ 95.80€

Family 10

Dec-13 Charity 4.00€ Geography 30.00€

Home Economics 8.00€ 12.00€ Food for Hamper 30.00€

Non Uniform Days 6.00€ 66.00€

Jan-14 Stationary 16.00€ Geography 30.00€ 30.00€

Home Economics 5.00€

Lunchtime Music Lessons 60.00€ 81.00€

Feb-14 YSI 10.00€ Geography 40.00€

Bus & Food 10.00€ Sprays for woodwork 42.00€

T Shirt 5.00€ Fundraising Ticket 100.00€ 182.00€

Dry clean dress for musical 10.00€


Mar-14 Gear Bag 25.00€ Geography 40.00€ 40.00€


Apr-14 Ballymaloe & Wagamamas 15.00€ Geography 40.00€ 40.00€


May-14 Hoodie 20.00€ Geography 40.00€

Home Economics 8.00€ 28.00€ Ag Science Trip 12.00€ 52.00€

Jun-14 Geography 40.00€

Fundraising Days 20.00€ 60.00€

Total €1,667.80 €1,368.00


Family 10

Acknowledgements

North Cork MABS facilitated the educational costs survey. The figures, observations and findings are those of the families

who took part.

North Cork MABS would like to thank all the families who took the time to take part in the survey and those who contributed to the observations. Without them this survey would not have been possible.

The figures in this survey differ from other surveys in that you can see exactly the breakdown of actual costs to families on

a monthly basis over the whole school year.

We acknowledge the involvement of the money advisors who circulated the survey diaries in their area. A special word of thanks to Siobhan who correlated the information.

Ciara Barry 2

nd year post-primary student designed the cover page.

Our aim with this survey is to circulate it to all relevant bodies by highlighting the expense and hardship families experience in the hope that it might influence future social policy decisions.

This Survey will be circulated to the following:

1. Department of Education 2. Department of Social Protection

3. Citizens Information Board 4. St Vincent de Paul

5. MABS Offices / NDL / MABS website 6. The Participants

7. Local TD’s 8. We will notify local schools that they can access it on the MABS website.

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