FAQs

What is an interactive whiteboard? Are they any good?

Wikipedia says "An interactive whiteboard (IWB), also known as interactive board, interactive display, interactive digital board or smart board, is a large interactive display board in the form factor of a whiteboard."

However, Wikipedia shouldn't be used as a primary source! Our kids and teachers report that IWBs help make our classrooms more versitile, more engaging and more immediate. Visual learning and collaboration are made much easier.

What is the Ferncourt Public School P&C Association School Building Fund?

The Building Fund is a special fund operated by the P&C. Donations to the building fund are tax deductable (while other donations to the P&C are not), but money raised in the building fund can only be used for construction, maintenance and improvement of the school's buildings and associated fixtures.

It's a great idea to use school building fund for fund raising!  Is there any reason why we don’t regularly use it?

Money donated to the building fund can only be used for very specific building related items. It has been used previously for IWBs and solar panels ("Purchase a Pixel"). If we used it more heavily we wouldn't be able to fund non-building related items like Ferncourt bands, increased learning support, gardening materials, student grants etc.

Don't all the classrooms already have IWBs? Didn't the P&C already purchase these?

All current Ferncourt classrooms already have an IWB, but the oldest of them are nearing the end of their life. These IWBs were donated by the P&C. The P&C have funded IWBs in previous years-

2019 (9), 2020 (3), 2021 (2), 2023 (2) & 2024 (4)

The first batch of IWBs are approaching end-of-life next year, and rather than needing a "really really big" fundraiser next year we are spreading it out over multiple years.

Why is the P&C funding IWBs? Shouldn't these be covered by the department?

Unfortunately these are not currently covered by the Department of Education. The P&C regularly looks for improvements that they can contribute to, and several years ago IWBs were identified by the school as a strategic, beneficial resource.

How much should I donate?

It's up to you. This is very much voluntary. Please only give if you are able. The amount donated can be changed on the payment page to any value you see fit.

What is a suggested amount to donate?

If you take the cost of an IWB (~$5500), divided by warranted lifespan (7 years), divided by the average class size (22), it would equal about $35 (i.e. per student per year).

Why is there a surcharge?

The P&C have chosen to use this payment platform - with a small surcharge - because it reduces the load on volunteers to reconcile payments and issue receipts. If you are concerned by the surcharge, you can reduce your donation amount to allow for this.

Do I get a gift or prize for donating?

No. Tax deductible donations need to be gifts. Nothing of value can be given in return for the donation.

Can I share this link with family and friends?

Yes! Everyone is welcome to donate to this cause.

Can I donate after the end of June?

Yes, you can donate at any time, even after June. The P&C will be promoting this during June leveraging the interest in tax deductions at the end of the financial year (EOFY).

What if there are left over funds?

The current intention is for any extra funds to go towards future IWB costs. In any case money raised in through building fund can only be used for construction, maintenance and improvement of the school's buildings and associated fixtures.  Aside from IWBs, this fund has previously supported the school's solar panels.