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Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
Year in Review 2016
MISSION & OUTREACH
Cath Ed reaches out to
affected dairy farmers
C
atholic Education Sandhurst has reached out to dairy farmers affected by plummeting
milk prices in the Diocese, by offering school fee assistance to those in need.
In a May 26 memo to all Sandhurst schools, Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, Paul
Desmond addressed the plight of farmers struggling with what has been described as a crisis
in the industry.
“A worrying number of our schools are working closely with parents who work in the dairy
industry and are currently experiencing great hardship as a result of the crisis surrounding
the pricing of milk-based products,” he wrote.
“The Parish Priests, Principals and Business Managers with whom I have had contact over
the matter are reporting that many of our farming families have been badly hit by the recent
developments in the marketplace and, as a consequence, are seeking to take cost-cutting
measures.
“For some, this includes removing their children from Catholic schools due to an inability
to pay the school fees.
“Affordability is one of the great features of a Catholic education. So too is fee relief in times
of economic hardship. A cornerstone of membership of a Catholic environment is the
manner in which those enduring hardship are welcomed, affirmed and reassured. Inability
to pay, regardless of the length of the non-payment period, is not a valid reason for denying
a child a well-rounded, robust education in a Catholic school. I commend those who have
gone to appropriate lengths to ensure farming families do not withdraw their children at this
time for reasons relating to finances, and for seeing that protocols are in place to protect the
dignity of those impacted by the crisis.”
Mr Desmond also attached a prayer for families to the memo, calling for all families to pray
for God’s blessing on those who work the land and their families.