This year I’m lucky. Getting the kids sorted for school is less than last year. Nathan and Lilly are both at the age where they have finally stopped outgrowing their clothes every few months. So that meant no new uniform for them. I’ll be up for a bit next year as Lilly will need senior uniform. The small boy did need new uniform though, he’s grown so much in the past 4 months. He outgrew all the new shorts a made a few months ago. So what’s the cost of us this year?
Cam’s stationary $15.60
Lilly and Nathan’s stationary $45.00
College workbooks (compulsory) $91.00
Class photo (optional) $13.00
School bag for Lilly $8.00
Cam’s uniform $74.00 (2 top and 2 pairs of shorts)
Not bad you’d think, so far $246.60. Still have the following to come…
Subject fees approx $200
Student ID’s $20.00
School shoes for winter $200.00 (cheap shoes just wear out faster, believe me we’ve tried)
Sports fees $60.00 (just for Lilly’s soccer, maybe more if the others do some sport)
NCEA fees $150.00
So add another $630.00 or so. We’re looking at approx $900. Not including the school donations which is $230.00
Like I said, lucky this year 
a totally “free” education we have, right?
So free education isnt free, and donations arent donations…….glad you have all grown up and I dont have all that costs.