2025 School Year Preparation Guide

Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 School Year in Canberra

As Canberra families gear up for the start of another school year, it’s essential to be prepared and informed about key dates and initiatives that can make a difference in the educational journey of students. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan for the 2025 school year.

Student-Free Days and Start of Term

Before the official start of the school year, there are four student-free days allocated for ACT public schools. These days are crucial for staff development, allowing teachers and schools to plan effectively in a student-free environment. The upcoming student-free day is scheduled for Friday, 31 January.

New students will commence their school year on Monday, 3 February, while continuing students are expected to return to school on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. Here are the other important term dates for the 2025 school year:

• Friday, 11 April – Term 1 ends
• Tuesday, 29 April – Term 2 begins
• Friday, 4 July – Term 2 ends
• Tuesday, 22 July – Term 3 begins
• Friday, 26 September – Term 3 ends
• Tuesday, 14 October – Term 4 begins
• Thursday, 18 December – Term 4 ends

For more detailed information on school term dates, you can visit the official Term Dates page.

Financial Assistance with Equity Fund

The Future of Education Equity Fund (Equity Fund) aims to provide financial support to eligible families to assist with school essentials. This fund particularly aids vulnerable families in the community, offering a one-off, annual payment to cover various schooling costs such as uniforms, sports equipment, tuition, and music lessons.

Payments from the Equity Fund range from $400 for preschool students, $500 for primary school students, and $750 for high school and college students, including CIT Year 11 and 12. Applications for the Equity Fund for the 2025 school year are currently open, and families are encouraged to apply for all eligible students in their household through a single application.

School staff are available to assist families in the application process, and the deadline for applications is in November 2025. To learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply online, visit the official Education website.

Parent Portal for Enhanced Communication

The introduction of the Parent Portal across all ACT public schools enables secure information sharing between parents/carers and teachers/schools online or via the Sentra for Parents app. Parents only need to sign up once and can manage multiple children under one account. For more details on the Parent Portal app, visit your child’s school website.

Enhanced Literacy and Numeracy Resources

ACT public schools catering to preschool to year 2 students will receive additional funding for evidence-informed literacy and numeracy resources. These resources are designed to enhance the learning experience in preschool to year 2 classrooms from the beginning of the 2025 school year. Learn more about the ACT Government’s Strong Foundations program for early education.

Supporting Student Wellbeing

Starting a new school year can be challenging for students, especially those transitioning to new schools or dealing with personal changes. The ACT Government offers online resources to support students in managing their mental health and wellbeing. Visit the Education website for access to helpful videos and podcasts on supporting student wellbeing.

Asthma Management Tips

For parents of children with asthma, it’s essential to ensure proper asthma management as the school year begins. Consider booking an asthma review with your child’s GP, updating their asthma action plan, and communicating with school staff about their condition. Additionally, you can seek guidance from asthma nurse educators at Canberra Health Services. Learn more about children’s asthma education services to support your child’s health needs.

Additional Services and Resources

• Learn more about the Child Development Service.
• Access tips on packing a healthy lunchbox from ACT Health’s Fresh Tastes Lunchboxes website.
• Explore the Cancer Council’s Healthy Lunch Box Builder for more nutritious lunch ideas.
• Discover the benefits of free three-year-old preschool for ACT families, offering 300 hours of free preschool at various locations.
• Read about the availability of free period products in ACT public schools, ensuring menstrual hygiene support for students.
• Stay vigilant in school zones with a 40 km/h speed limit during school hours to prioritize student safety.
• Utilize Transport Canberra services for a seamless school commute with discounted fares and real-time journey planning.

Conclusion

With the 2025 school year around the corner, Canberra families can make the most of these resources and initiatives to support their children’s educational journey. By staying informed and engaged, parents can ensure a successful and enriching academic experience for their students.

FAQs

1. How can I apply for financial assistance through the Equity Fund?

To apply for financial support through the Equity Fund, eligible families can submit an application online, including all eligible students in the household. School staff are available to assist in the application process, and the deadline for applications is in November 2025.

2. Where can I find more resources on supporting student wellbeing?

The Education website offers a range of online resources, including videos and podcasts, to help parents and students navigate mental health and wellbeing challenges. These resources can aid in starting conversations and finding effective ways to support student wellbeing.

3. How can I access free period products for students in ACT public schools?

Free period products are available in ACT public schools, including pads and tampons in high schools, colleges, and combined schools, and pads in primary schools. Students can access these products from the school front office at any time during the school day.