We're pleased to share important information about the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) for 2026. This guide explains what the scheme covers, how it works, and the options available to families.
If you've previously opted in to the SRS, your participation will continue for the remainder of your student's enrolment unless you notify the school and complete a new SRS participation agreement form. If you're new to our school community, this information will help you make an informed decision about joining the SRS.
What does the Queensland Government provide?
The Queensland Government supports education by funding:
- Instruction – teachers
- Facilities – infrastructure, building and grounds maintenance, ICT
- Administration – staffing and resources to operate the school
Government funding does not cover individual student resources such as textbooks, personal equipment, or classroom consumables. These remain the responsibility of parents and carers.
What is the Student Resource Scheme (SRS)?
The SRS offers families a cost-effective way to access textbooks and learning resources. By purchasing in bulk, the school secures resources at lower rates. Items with a higher financial outlay, such as textbooks and musical instruments, are hired to students to further reduce costs.
Participation in the SRS is not mandatory; however, it provides:
- Convenience – everything your student needs in one place
- Savings – resources at a greatly reduced cost
- Equity – ensuring all students have access to the same standard of resources
The SRS is not intended as a fundraising initiative. All revenue received is allocated to resources, consumables, and specialist services that support student learning, development, and wellbeing. In setting this fee, the school carefully considers the financial impact on families and the extent to which any costs can be absorbed.
Each year, the SRS fee and inclusions are approved by the Parents & Citizens Association. For 2026, the SRS fee is $290, approved by the P&C on 15 October 2025.
If you choose to opt out of the SRS, you must provide all resources listed in the year-level Resource List by the start of the school year or your student's first day.
Resources Included in the SRS
Resources included in the SRS fall into three categories:
- Owned: Items kept by students (e.g., exercise books, workbooks, diaries)
- Used: Consumables for class activities (e.g., art supplies, cooking ingredients, science materials)
- Hired: Loaned items (e.g., laptops, musical instruments, physical and digital textbooks, online learning applications). These must be returned in good condition or repair/replacement costs will apply.
A comprehensive Resource List for each year level is provided and published on the school website. This list also details the estimated costs families would incur should they choose not to participate in the SRS.
Resources Not Included in the SRS
Personal stationery and writing materials are not included in the SRS. Stationery lists for each year level are emailed at the end of the year and uploaded online.
Extra‑curricular activities (e.g. camps and excursions) and non‑curricular activities (e.g., Formal, Mystery Tour, sporting activities) are not included in the SRS and are classified as user‑pays. Although these activities enhance student learning and engagement, participation is not compulsory. The school will provide an alternative program for extra‑curricular activities; however, no alternative will be provided for non‑curricular activities.
Curriculum Charges
Depending on subject selections, additional curriculum charges may apply for specific resources or materials. For instance, cooking ingredients and manual arts supplies are covered by the SRS in junior years, while senior subjects such as Hospitality Practices require specialised training programs and resources beyond the SRS fee. These charges are cost-neutral and reviewed annually by the P&C. A detailed breakdown is provided in the Resource List.
Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA)
The Department of Education provides a Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) for eligible students in Years 7 – 12. This allowance is paid directly to the school and reduces the overall cost of the SRS. The TRA amounts per eligible student are:
- Years 7 – 10: $164
- Years 11 – 12: $357
If yo choose to opt out of the SRS, the school will invoice you for the textbooks and software required to support your student's learning. The TRA will then be applied to this invoice to ensure your student is not disadvantaged and continues to have seamless access to the necessary resources.
Invoicing & Payment
The Student Resource Scheme (SRS) invoice will be issued in Week 1 of Term 1, 2026. Payment options include:
- Full payment by 28 February 2026
- Instalment plan:
- $100 due 28 February 2026
- $100 due 31 March 2026
- $90 due 30 April 2026
Payment Options
To make invoice payments convenient and accessible, the school offers several payment options:
- QParent Portal
- BPOINT
- Bank Deposit
- EFTPOS at the school office
- Flexible Payment Plan options
Keeping Track of Invoices
To help families stay on top of their accounts, statements are emailed to the person responsible for fees on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.
Credits on the account are automatically applied to the oldest outstanding invoice on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday. If you do not want credits to be applied automatically, please contact our finance team by emailing accounts@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au prior to this timing.
Overdue Fees
By signing the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) agreement, families agree to contribute to the SRS and curriculum-related charges to ensure students have access to essential learning resources.
Centenary State High School is committed to supporting student learning and understands that families may experience financial pressures from time to time. To avoid placing any additional financial burden on families, the school will not include non-compulsory costs – such as extra-curricular or non-curricular activities – where a student's learning fees (SRS and curriculum charges) are overdue and no active payment plan is in place.
We encourage families experiencing financial difficulty to contact the school as early as possible so we can explore support options together.
Please be aware that, if student learning fees (SRS and curriculum charges) remain overdue and no active payment plan is in place:
- Students will not be invited to participate in extra-curricular or non-curricular activities
- The Department of Education's debt management process will be initiated
Loaned/Hired Resources & Equipment
Any resources or equipment that students have loaned or hired must be returned by the end of the school year. Families will be responsible for repair or replacement costs for items that are lost, damaged, or not returned.
Supporting Families Experiencing Financial Hardship
We understand that financial challenges can arise, and Centenary State High School is committed to supporting families so that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. We recognise that circumstances can change, and no student should be disadvantaged due to financial difficulty.
If your family is experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to contact our Business Manager at bsm@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au for a confidential discussion about fee relief options or flexible payment arrangements.
Further Information
If you require further information regarding this document or any matters related to school fees, please email accounts@centenaryshs.eq.edu.au or phone (07) 3373 4555 (Press 5).
Thank you for your partnership in supporting your student's learning journey. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.