Purpose
Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, the Queensland Government covers the cost of delivering instruction, administration and facilities for students enrolled in State schools who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or dependants of these categories. However, families are responsible for supplying personal resources such as textbooks and other learning materials.
To help reduce these expenses, Southport State High School offers a Student Resource Scheme (SRS). By paying an annual participation fee, families can access the temporary use of prescribed textbooks and learning materials, along with in-class consumables and resources required for class activities.
What is a Student Resource Scheme (SRS)?
To support families with the cost of educational resources, Southport State High School chooses to operate a Student Resource Scheme. This scheme provides a cost effective alternative to individually purchasing textbooks, digital resources, practical equipment and consumables needed throughout the school year. By participating, parents greatly reduce the financial pressure associated with sourcing these items independently.
The SRS is fully supported by the Southport State High School Parents and Citizens Association.
Through the scheme, families enter a written agreement with the school, and in return for the annual participation fee, students receive access to all textbooks and resources listed for their year level. The fees collected are used only to operate the scheme—it is not designed as a fundraising activity. Participation covers the full package; partial involvement is not available.
Participation in the SRS is optional. Families choosing not to join are responsible for purchasing all items listed in the specific SRS Resource List Booklet (see linked forms on the right-side menu) to ensure their student can fully engage with the curriculum.
If you do not wish to take part in the scheme, please complete the Participation Agreement Form and return it to the school via email at finance@southportshs.eq.edu.au or drop it off at Administration.
The SRS Participation Fee
The 2026 SRS Participation Fee is $400 per annum. For information about paying this fee, please click here to visit the Payments page.
Types of resources provided
Generally, the three types of resources that could be included are:
Owned:
These items are retained by the student and used as required (e.g. printed reference materials).
Used:
These items are used/consumed in class by the student (e.g. industrial technology/cooking/art supplies). Work/items produced from these resources will remain the property of the student.
Hired:
These items are hired to the student for their personal use for a specific period of time (e.g. novels, musical instruments). Hired items must be returned to the school in good condition at the end of the hire period or if the student leaves the school. A repair or replacement cost may be charged to the parent for any hired items that are damaged or not returned.
The Student Resource Scheme does not include:
- voluntary financial contributions
- resources already funded by the State Government for curriculum delivery
- optional school activities such as excursions, camps and performances, interschool sport
- graduation and formal events
- basic stationery supplies
Opting Out
Parents who choose not to participate in the SRS must supply all textbooks, materials and resources that would otherwise be provided by the school, as outlined in the relevant year level Resource List Booklets.
Textbook Resource Allowance (TRA)
The Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) is a government allowance provided to all students to help cover the cost of educational resources. This allowance is paid directly to the school, and we apply it when calculating the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) fee. As a result, our SRS fee of $400 is already the reduced amount after the TRA has been applied
| Year Level | 2026 TRA Rate |
| Years 7-10 | $164 |
| Years 11-12 | $357 |
Unpaid Fees
The SRS is designed to benefit all students, and the school relies on participation fees to maintain this service. Once a Participation Agreement is signed, families are responsible for paying all associated fees in exchange for access to school supplied resources.
Students with outstanding SRS or school fees may be excluded from optional events such as the Senior Formal, specific excursions, recreational trips, the purchase of senior jerseys, and other non curricular activities. Clause 31 of the Student Resource Scheme Participation Agreement outlines that the Principal has discretion to restrict access to optional activities when fees remain overdue.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Finance Office so that we can discuss available options and work with you to support your individual circumstances.