The state government has introduced a range of relief measures designed to help with cost-of-living pressures ahead of the return to school. 

All families with children at government schools who are required to pay the materials and services charge will receive a discount of $100 per child in 2023.

The discount was first introduced in 2022 and will automatically be applied to school invoices.

Applications are now open for the 2023 school card with families encouraged to apply online. 

The income limit has been lifted by 6.4 per cent this year to make the school card more accessible for thousands of families.

The government says families that are not eligible for the school card should reach out to their school who can help with assistance such as payment options and plans.

Premier Peter Malinauskas says some families are doing it tough as costs rise across the board.

“These measures provide a practical way to give parents some relief from some of those financial pressures.

The Department for Education says it is working towards providing ongoing internet access to all school card students.

By the end of Term 1, each student on a school card who needs a device in Years 10-12 will begin receiving one, such as a laptop, to help with their learning. 

Other initiatives designed to support families include a free school bus services for students in rural areas who live more than 5 kilometres from their nearest government school. 

The state government will also continue to fund the preschool and school breakfast programs run by Kickstart for Kids and Foodbank SA in 2023.

The programs assist students to have a good start to their day, recognising that children who consume a healthy breakfast each day generally have improved learning outcomes.

Education Minister Blair Boyer says a good education is the key to every child’s future – regardless of their ability or circumstances.

“The assistance we’re providing across a range of programs will hopefully make it easier for families with school age children.

“Back to school can sometimes be a difficult time for families, with parents juggling a range of expenses to prepare their children for the new school year. 

“We hope these cost of living initiatives will bring some reprieve for families so the focus can be on helping children settle into their new classrooms for 2023.”