Whether you're planning travel, childcare, or daily schedules, it's a good idea to know the term dates and public holidays that affect your child's calendar. From reducing stress to
2026 School Year at a Glance
Much like other Australian states, the school year in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, and SA, of course, is split into four terms. A break follows each term, and while most public schools follow this schedule, it's common for independent and Catholic schools to follow slightly different term times. Families must know the term times so they can prepare for the coming year.
The 2026 school year in South Australia consists of four terms, from late January to December. Term dates are consistent for most public schools, although some Catholic and independent schools may set slightly different calendars. Checking your school's official term dates early can help families plan holidays, activities, and childcare throughout the year.
Term 1
The first term marks the end of the summer break and the return to school routines. Parents should focus on establishing routines toward the end of the long summer holidays. This term runs until early April, with the subsequent holidays covering Easter.
Autumn School Holidays
The autumn school holidays follow Term 1 and include Easter. Mild weather means outdoor activities are an option. It's worth making the most of any activities that won't be possible during the cooler winter months.
The autumn school holidays in April align with the Easter long weekend, offering time for rest, travel, and community events. Families often use this break for short day trips, visiting relatives, or enjoying local festivals. Because this period includes public holidays, booking early can help avoid peak-season crowds and pricing.
Term 2
Running from April to early July, the second term should have students comfortable with their school routine. Some schools have assessments during this term to gauge students' mid-year performance. The term ends just as winter begins in South Australia.
Winter School Holidays
The winter holidays are a good time to look at slower-paced days spent prioritising indoor projects. These holidays are a great time to look for indoor activities like libraries, galleries, and recreation centres that offer school holiday activities. It's also a good idea to ensure that education options are on the table so that the kids don't fall out of their routine before they return for term 3.
Term 3
The third term runs from mid-July into late September. This is the time when students are likely busy with sports, academics, and school events. With the weather warming towards the end of the term, there are often more outdoor activities. Students should have a good schooling routine by this point.
Spring School Holidays
The spring school holidays are a great time of year, with more daylight and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Day trips, outings, and a nice break just before the last term of the year. Term 4 will begin in early October.
Term 4
At the end of the school year, there are often end-of-year celebrations, performances, and exams! Students will be hard studying or preparing for their next year of school. After this, they can enjoy the long summer break that takes them into 2027.
Summer School Holidays
The summer school holidays are the longest break of the year, giving students plenty of time to relax, travel, and enjoy warm-weather activities. This is when many families reconnect, travel, or unwind. School resumes in January 2027.
General Planning Notes
As mentioned, since not every school follows the exact dates, we recommend checking directly with your child's school for the term dates. Use the dates to plan activities during school holidays; it pays to book early for both cost and availability. Similarly, as we'll see shortly, public holidays can also affect planning.
Public Holidays to Note
Whether you're looking at school holidays in Tasmania or SA, public holidays can affect plans both during term time and during the school holidays. You may need to arrange childcare for holidays during term time or adjust plans for days during school holidays that are also public holidays. As with all dates across the year, plan ahead.
South Australia observes several important public holidays throughout the school year, including Adelaide Cup Day, ANZAC Day, and the King’s Birthday. These dates may affect school schedules, local events, and travel availability. Keeping public holiday dates visible on your family calendar can help with smoother planning and fewer last-minute adjustments.
Public Holidays During Term Time
Public holidays during term time can give you a long weekend or an opportunity to attend local events. Events like Adelaide Cup Day and ANZAC Day often have community traditions and gatherings. Make the most of these days.
Public Holidays During School Holidays
These public holidays during the school holidays mightn't be of interest to the kids, but if you're planning a trip these days, be aware that businesses may be operating different hours, traffic may be busier, and the cost and availability of accommodation may be affected.
Planning Around Public Holidays
From the state of Queensland to SA, public holidays can affect businesses, attractions, and childcare services all over the country. The sooner you plan, the better. Remember that not all public holidays are national, so you should also check holiday calendars for anywhere you may be travelling.
Daylight Saving Time in 2026
Daylight saving time is observed in South Australia. With clocks shifting forward by an hour in spring and back by an hour in autumn, it can affect sleep routines, daily rhythms, and after-school activities. Those with young children may want to ease them into the change the week before by shifting meals and bedtimes by 10 minutes each day until they're on the new schedule. The clocks change in Victoria and SA on the same dates.
How to Plan Around the Calendar
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
