23 Jan 2023
Next week our 90 ACT public schools will welcome more than 50,000 students through the doors!
This year the ACT celebrates 50 years of our public education system, as well as milestone birthdays for several Canberra schools. It is an exciting time for all of us!
Here’s some key information for parents as we head Back to School for 2023:
Important dates
New students will start school on Monday 30 January 2023, while continuing students return to school on Tuesday 31 January 2023.
The last day of Term 1 is Thursday 6 April 2023.
Speed zones, parking, pick up and drop off
Speed zones of 40km/h are in operation around every school, every school day from 8am to 4pm. These speed limits are in place to protect our most vulnerable road users.
Please also be safe when parking around schools for pick up and drop off. Every school has different arrangements in place for this, so please contact your school directly for more information.
Public transport and active travel
Changes to the bus network and timetable will be implemented from Monday 30 January 2023. To find our more, visit here 
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Have you considered riding or walking to school? It may be a good option for your family. Apart from the individual benefits of getting active, active travel is beneficial on a community level, reducing congestion on roads around schools and lessening the number of cars in school carparks in the peak morning period. Check out Transport Canberra’s website for tips and advice on making active travel work for your family.
Financial supports
We know some families feel pressure paying for things like school uniforms, book packs and excursions. The ACT Government is committed to equal access and opportunity for all public school students, regardless of circumstance. Visit our website to see what financial help may be available to you.
Enrol
Is your child starting in a new school this year? Every child in the ACT is guaranteed a place at their local public school – but enrolling your child lets our schools know in advance your child will be attending. To check which local school your child has priority enrolment at – and to enrol – visit our website.
Health and safety
Please do NOT send your children and young people to school if they are unwell. This advice applies to ALL infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Being COVID Smart also remains a priority for all ACT public schools. Every ACT public school has taken steps to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students, staff and visitors. Every school has a COVID-19 Safety Plan and Indoor Air Quality Plan. You can access these on your school’s website or ask at your school’s front office.
Your ACT public school
The best source of information regarding your child’s education are the teachers, school leaders and staff at your ACT public school. The people working in our schools are highly trained professionals who strive to provide the best possible education for each of their students every day.
If you need to discuss anything regarding your child’s educational experience, please contact your school in the first instance.