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Catholic schools have welcomed today’s Federal Government announcement of $10 million to support families affected by drought. Executive director of ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Catholic Education Jacinta Collins thanked Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan for the much needed money. Jacinta said Catholic schools would share in the funding for the non-government sector. “The Federal Government recognises the hardship faced by our drought-affected communities and the flow-on effects that can have for schools,” she said. “It is so important that young people whose families are facing difficult times can continue their schooling and that schools can support students and families in these situations. “Many of our communities have been experiencing drought for some years and schools have been doing all they can to offer support. “This additional support from the Federal Government will mean schools can continue to offer the highest levels of support at this critical time.” Jacinta also welcomed the extra $5 million for childcare centres in the drought-affected regions, again acknowledging the need to support families with younger children. Queensland Catholic Education Commission Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry said Catholic schools were assisting families in a variety of ways. “Our schools have been offering fee relief to families from drought affected communities, in some areas for many years now,” Lee-Anne said. “But as Minister Tehan mentioned, it’s also about being able to support the wellbeing of students whose families are under stress because of the drought with extra counselling services and other forms of support.”