School board chairwoman Louise Ward said over the course of this school year enrolments had reduced significantly, primarily due to economic pressures on families.
“With government funding based on student numbers, this change in the school’s circumstances has led to a reduction in the amount of funding received,” she said.
“Last month it became apparent to the board of the school’s association that we would have insufficient funds to complete the school year.
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READ NOW“Immediate action was taken in an attempt to secure additional funds, including making applications to State and Federal governments for emergency Special Circumstances grants to enable us to finish the school year.”
Mrs Ward said the outcomes of those applications were yet to be decided.
“We are encouraged by the passionate support of our school community, who are making their own efforts to raise extra funds,” she said.
“Our pressing concern is for the welfare of our children and their families, and that they would be able to complete the rest of their year at school without disruption, including being able to celebrate their achievements at an end-of-year function.”
This week, parents took to social media to express their concern. Many were worried about where they would send their children if the school closed. Others said they would pray or help raise $160,000 in two weeks.
Kwinana MLA Roger Cook said the school’s funding struggles meant it might have to close after November 13 unless it could find extra funds.
Mr Cook said if the school could continue to operate for the rest of the term, there was the prospect it may close at the end of the school year. He plans to write to the Federal Government to request funding help.
There are 73 students at the school, which has been operating as an independent primary school for 14 years. Parents with children in years 1 to 6 pay about $2000 in school fees per annum.