I was in a bit of the same dilemma before DS1 started school. He goes to a catholic primary school with fees of around $50 per school week - excluding uniforms. So we pay fees for 40 weeks a year, as opposed to child care 50 odd weeks a year.

Public schools tend to have less students per class than catholic school - DS had 25 in kindy (first year of school here/prep) and his friends in public schools had 16 - 20 on average. It did seem like a lot.

Uniforms are soooooooo much cheaper in public - OMGosh I cant believe my friend bragging it cost her $50 for the winter uniform ( which is non compulsory too) yet mine is $80 for a full tracksuit with the logo etc. AND having a little boy, he goes through them a bit quicker with rips and tears etc.

HOWEVER - I love the spirit of the school which of course is influenced by the principal and the teachers - they deal with you and your child on a personal level, are very strict on behaviour (which my son needs a bit off ), and consolidates the faith we have and observe/demonstrate in our family.

The school fees seem high especially when there is no relief like the CCR with child care - I would recommend you talk to the principal first, tell him your financial situation, and see if you can agree to a payment plan of say 50% of the fee until your second child starts school or something like that ...?? Worth a try, it really is. Alot of ppl pay in catholic schools, unlike public as it is voluntary contributions really - so they prob wouldnt get alot of requests - give it a go. You may be pleasantly surprised.

If Tobias is in day care 2 days, does that mean your daughter will ned before or after school care for those days as well???

When a second child starts - it is usually a sliding scale of fees to cos you only pay eg building levy once as a family, not per child etc.

HTH in some way