The information below is relevant to NSW state schools. Independent and Catholic schools do base their terms on state school dates, but their term dates can vary from school to school. You should check directly with the relevant school to find out the correct term date information. In NSW, term dates are broken into the Eastern Division and Western Division. The term dates for both divisions are identical, with the exception of term 1.
Note that the dates below represent official term dates however many schools elect to start the students back on slightly different dates. For instance, it is common for the first day back at school to be a Tuesday for students rather than the Monday. It is also common for students to finish term 4 in the days prior to the final Friday.
2018 NSW School Holidays and Term Dates
| Period | Start | Finish | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 – Eastern Division | Monday, 29 January 2018 | Friday, 13 April 2018 | 11 weeks |
| Term 1 – Western Division | Monday, 5 February 2018 | Friday, 13 April 2018 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays | Saturday, 14 April 2018 | Sunday, 29 April 2018 | |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 1 May 2018 | Friday, 6 July 2018 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays | Saturday, 7 July 2018 | Sunday, 22 July 2018 | |
| Term 3 | Tuesday, 24 July 2018 | Friday, 28 September 2018 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays | Saturday, 29 September 2018 | Sunday, 14 October 2018 | |
| Term 4* | Monday, 15 October 2018 | Wednesday, 19 December 2018 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays – Eastern Division | Saturday, 22 December 2018 | Monday, 28 January 2019 | |
| School Holidays – Western Division | Saturday, 22 December 2018 | Monday, 4 February 2019 |
School development days happen at the start of terms 1, 2 & 3 and the last 2 days of the school year. These days may vary from school to school.
*Year 12 has different finishing dates in term 4. Year 12 only goes for 3 terms and graduate late September/early October. There is then a short break before returning for final exams (HSC) which start mid-October and end around the same time in November.
These School Holiday activities offer a blend of education, physical activity, and creative expression, suitable for a range of interests and age groups.
- Adventure and Exploration Parks: Adventure parks with tree-top walks, zip-lining, or obstacle courses could have been popular destinations for families seeking outdoor fun.
- Historical Reenactments and Fairs: Events showcasing Australia’s history, like colonial reenactments or heritage festivals in historical towns.
- Science and Discovery Centres: Interactive science centres with hands-on exhibits and experiments aimed at sparking children’s interest in science and technology.
- Art and Craft Workshops: Community centres and local art galleries often host art and craft sessions for children, teaching skills like painting, pottery, or textile arts.
- Nature and Wildlife Conservation Activities: Programs focused on conservation education, like guided nature walks, bird watching, or participating in local conservation projects.
- Aquatic and Marine Life Centres: Visits to marine discovery centres or aquariums, with educational programs about marine life and conservation.
- Farm and Rural Life Experiences: Day trips to farms or rural areas where children can learn about farming, interact with farm animals, and understand rural life.
- Culinary Workshops for Kids: Cooking classes are specifically designed for children, teaching them to prepare simple meals or treats.
- Music and Performing Arts Camps: Workshops or short courses in music, dance, or drama, encouraging children to explore and develop their performing arts skills.
- Library and Book Club Activities: Libraries often organise special events, reading clubs, and storytelling sessions during school holidays.