At School
Being part of a school community is an exciting time for children and young people as well as their families.
Making sure you are prepared and know what to expect will enhance your child’s school experience.
School Hours
Schools are open Monday to Friday across four terms each year. Please see term dates and public holidays for details.
Schools set the hours for their students according to the needs of their community. Please contact your school for hours and timetable details.
Attendance
Regular attendance at school is important for your child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.
All children and young people in the ACT are required to participate in fulltime education from six years of age until they complete Year 10. Young people are then required to participate in fulltime in education, training or employment until they complete Year 12 or they turn 17, whichever happens first. The Education Participation (Enrolment and Attendance Policy) has further details.
If your child is unable to attend, you are required to let your school know they will not be at the school on the day or for a certain period. Each school has its own attendance procedures, please contact your school for details.
Before and After School Care
Before and after school care is available at many ACT public schools, providing a safe, supervised, stimulating environment for students. These sessions focus on providing students with an opportunity to socialise, develop new skills, have fun, do homework and relax.
The before and after school care hours can vary from school to school, however, generally run from between 7 and 7.30 am to 9 am and from the final bell to 6 pm. Holiday programs are also offered at many schools.
Please check your school’s website or contact the school for specific times.
Uniforms
Each school determines its own uniforms and dress standards. Most schools have a uniform or a colour code.
School uniforms promote a sense of belonging among students, make school clothing more affordable, promote the safety of students through easier identification and help students learn the importance of appropriate presentation.
Schools work with their community to ensure that uniforms:
- are comfortable, hard-wearing and affordable for families
- provide adequate sun protection
- are suitable for all students regardless of gender identity, preferred presentation, ethnicity, religion, age, pregnancy or body shape
- are appropriate for students with disabilities
- are sourced from ethical producers
- comply with all health and safety, human rights and anti-discrimination laws.
Please check your school’s website or contact your school for details and see the dress standards and uniforms policy and related documents for more information about uniforms in ACT public schools.
Concerns or Complaints
If you have a concern or complaint about your child’s schooling, education or welfare:
Step 1: Discuss your concern with your child’s teacher.
Step 2: Discuss your concern with the school principal (if you were not able to resolve the concern with the teacher or if you concern relates to the conduct of a staff member or is about another aspect of school life).
Step 3: If your concern remains unresolved, contact the Feedback and Complaints Unit via the ACT Education Directorate contact form or by phone (02) 6205 5429 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.