I was miffed to find out today that my DS1 who is staring pre-school next year 2 days a week (which is supposed to be 'free' for kids in ACT) has been sent a letter asking for $80 (voluntary) contribution and $70 for 'supplies' (which are communal and over-priced IMHO - and some of the supplies, like ballpoint pents and whiteboard markers are obviously for teacher use.)

I wasn't expecting this for pre-school, because DD1's was actually free, and had no costs whatsoever.

So much for free education.