ACT Department of Education and Training
Media Release
27 January 2010
60 000 STUDENTS RETURNING TO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK
Schools are gearing up for more than 60 000 students who will return to ACT classrooms next
week for the start of the 2010 school year.
More than 39 000 students are expected to return or start their schooling at one of the ACT’s 83
public schools, including the four Early Childhood Schools operating in the territory.
Most kindergarten and new students will start school this year on Monday, 1 February and
continuing students will return to school on Tuesday, 2 February.
The ACT Department of Education and Training’s publication, Starting School: A Guide for
Parents, aims to eliminate first day jitters for students and provide some important tips for parents.
Some tips for parents include:
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Ensure your child is prepared. All belongings should be labelled and students of all ages
should start the day with a healthy breakfast.
New or kindergarten students should arrive at school early so they have time to settle, talk
to their new class mates and become familiar with their surroundings.
Parents and students should take advantage of orientation or welcome days for new
students on 1 February.
In the lead up to first day of school parents should consider developing a school day
routine for young students. This might involve students getting up at the same time they
would when school starts, wearing their new school uniform and shoes and eating at the
school’s scheduled recess and lunch times so they become comfortable with the routine.
Parents should ensure children return to school with plenty of water, sun-appropriate
clothing, a hat and broad spectrum water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen. On hot days lunch
boxes should be kept cool with ice bricks.
Ensure children of all ages have road safety skills and awareness. Students should be
encouraged to use designated school crossings at all times.
For more information and tips, pick up a copy of Starting School: A Guide for Parents at schools or
visit the ACT Department of Education and Training website at www.det.act.gov.au.
Statement Ends
For more information contact Emily Sherlock on 62059822, 0407 559 042 or emily.sherlock@act.gov.au.
Media and Communications
Phone: 02 6205 9160
Fax: 02 6205 5425
www.det.act.gov.au