Frequently Asked Questions

Please find answers to many of our most Frequently Asked Questions here.

How much are the school fees?

School fees range (depending on year level) from approximately $4,951 - $5,536 per year to around $95 - $106.50 per week, including all compulsory costs except uniforms. Tuition fees are discounted for subsequent siblings who attend Bethany Lutheran Primary School. The complete fee schedule is here.

Are all your classrooms air-conditioned?

Yes! Our buildings were originally designed to use passive cooling strategies, but air conditioning has since been installed in all classrooms.

Are there school buses?

Bethany operates a convenient three-bus service to support families across the Ipswich region. Designed with safety, accessibility, and care in mind, our morning and afternoon bus routes offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, helping to make each school day easier and more manageable for families.

Our friendly and professional drivers ensure that every journey is calm, welcoming, and safe. All drivers hold the required Queensland driver’s licence, a current driver authorisation, and Senior First Aid certification.

This service is offered at an additional cost. Families using the Bethany Bus Service will be charged according to the annual fee schedule.

All buses are equipped with seat belts
A Code of Conduct for safe and respectful bus travel has been established to ensure the wellbeing of all students
Drivers are trained to support children in a caring and responsible manner

Full details of 2025 fees can be found in the documents below.

Please get in touch with the school office for general enquiries.

Bus One
Walloon, Brassall, Woodend, Sadliers Crossing, Ipswich, Tivoli, Karalee, Ebbw Vale, Bundamba, Blackstone

Bus Two
Ripley, South Ripley, Deebing Heights, Yamanto

Bus Three
Raceview, Flinders View, Churchill, East Ipswich, Basin Pocket, North Booval

Do you have a Tuckshop?

The Tuckshop is open every Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

Online ordering here.

How does the school deal with bullying?

We believe that learning from mistakes is essential—but so is accountability. We use restorative practices to support students in understanding the impact of their behaviour, repairing harm, and rebuilding trust.

While we lead with compassion, we are clear in our expectations. Behaviour that puts others at risk is never ignored. Students are held accountable with meaningful consequences and supported to grow through the experience.

We take physical aggression very seriously. It is not tolerated at Bethany, and any incidents are addressed immediately and with clear, consistent responses.

Our Safe Spaces Anti-Bullying Program reinforces the right of every student to feel safe, accepted, and free from harm. We have strong systems in place to:

Track behavioural triggers and patterns over time
Respond consistently and fairly to incidents of bullying or exclusion
Provide safe, confidential ways for students to seek help
Partner with families to ensure long-term support and resolution

Our Director of Culture works closely with students and staff to build and maintain a respectful, inclusive school culture. Together, we create spaces where all students can thrive without fear.

Where do we buy uniforms, and how much are they?

You can purchase school uniforms from Uniform Management Services (UMS) in Ipswich.

In-store
Visit the UMS shop at: 4/87 Brisbane Road, Ipswich (Free parking available on-site)

Online
Browse and purchase from the full range here.

The guide to our uniforms can be found here: Guidebook Student Uniform

Do you have an outside school hours care program?

An Outside School Hours Care Program is operated within the school grounds by QLECS (Queensland Lutheran Early Childhood Services). A before and after-school care program and a quality vacation care program are available. The staff can be contacted at 0436 342 455 or email at bethany.oshc@qlecs.org.au

The OSHC programs aim to extend and enrich children’s well-being and development through varied and engaging programs that allow children to play and explore in a stimulating environment. OSHC caters to the varying ages, skills, interests, and abilities of the children in care and includes a range of challenging recreational activities in accordance with the ‘My Time Our Place: Framework for OSHC’ from the National Quality Framework.

Families can make permanent or casual bookings for children depending on family needs.

Hours of operation

Before school care: 6:30 am – 8:30 am
After-school care: 2:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Pupil-free day care: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
Vacation care: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed

How much homework will my child have?

At Bethany, we believe that home should be a space for rest, play, and meaningful connection—but we also value the role families play in supporting learning. In the early years, reading and sight word practice is the core focus of homework, helping to build strong foundations in literacy through regular, shared experiences at home. As students move into the upper primary years, short, purposeful tasks may be introduced—particularly in Years 5 and 6—to help develop independence and prepare for secondary school expectations. Homework at Bethany is always designed to be manageable, meaningful, and balanced with the other important parts of a child’s life.

What is the average class size?

Our classes may vary in size according to the makeup of that particular class or cohort to a maximum of 26 students in Prep and 28 students in Years 1 - 6. All P - 2 classes have a full-time Learning Assistant in addition to the class teacher. Other year levels are supported by one Learning Assistant across two classes.

Does the school supply digital devices?

Yes, we provide an iPad for every student in Prep to Year 3 and a Macbook Air in Years 4 - 6 as part of school fees.

Do students go on excursions and camps?

Students from all year levels participate in excursions. Camps start from Year 3. The cost of all camps and excursions is included in school fees.

Does Bethany accept International Students?

We are not registered to take Full Fee Overseas Students (FFPOS); however, students with a visa allowing them to reside in Australia for the years they attend school may be considered. Please refer to www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud for further details.

Where do Bethany students attend Secondary School?

Many students attend St Peters Lutheran College Springfield or Faith Lutheran College Plainlands. At St Peters College Springfield, discounts are available to children who have attended Bethany since Prep and/or hold a leadership position.

What is a Lutheran School?

Several fundamental beliefs are underpinning Lutheran schools:

Each Lutheran school belongs to a well-organised system with a long and distinctive tradition
A Lutheran school is based on a solid understanding of people and life
A Lutheran school provides a caring environment
A Lutheran school embraces high standards of teaching and learning
A Lutheran school promotes Christian growth and development
A Lutheran school works as a team with parents
A Lutheran school is part of the greater community

Further information can be found here.

Do I or my child have to be Christian to attend Bethany?

No, you do not have to be Christian to attend Bethany. We welcome families and students from all religions and cultures.

What do Lutherans believe?

In the classic Lutheran summary of faith, we believe we are saved 'by grace, for Christ's sake, through faith'. In other words, we can do nothing to earn God's favour or gain eternal life. Jesus Christ has won all this and more for us through his death and resurrection. Find out more here.

Is Christian Studies compulsory for my child? What is your approach to religious education?

Christian Studies is a fundamental learning area and specialist subject at Bethany for all year levels. Students learn about the Christian faith through a Service Learning approach that enables them to explore their beliefs, pose questions, deeply investigate areas of interest and understand how Biblical teaching applies to modern-day society. Teaching stems from a Lutheran understanding of basic Christian beliefs and values, but recognises that students come to the school from diverse Christian or religious backgrounds.