In many Australian states, the day after the Australia Day long weekend is when the new school year begins. This is the case in 2008 in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria. School recommences in the Northern Territory on 30 January, in the ACT on 1 February, in Western Australia on 4 February, and Tasmania, which still uses a 3 term year, on the 14 February.
An overall calendar at the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations, gives a state by state breakdown of term dates.
The return to school has a significant effect on the general population, whether they are parents or not.
- getting ready with uniforms, equipment, and books is big business
- getting to work is different - traffic dynamics change
- parents have to accommodate getting children to school
- some children, particularly younger ones whose parents went back to work some time ago, heave a sigh of relief as their day becomes more normal
- out of hours school care arrangements become important for many
But it is not only students for whom the school year provides change
- parents who have not had children in school before
- teachers who have changed schools
- teachers who are newly employed
Resources that might be helpful
- edna theme page: Beginning and establishing teachers
- edna theme page: Starting School
- school term dates
- a me.edu.au community: beginning teachers
- Government Education Portal: particularly information for parents and carers
- Links to education systems, curriculum authorities, education departments, agencies, and teacher registration boards
- for teachers - oz-teachers mailing list
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