Extra holiday for state school students after Commonwealth Games

Queensland state schools will get an extra day of holidays next year following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Education and Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said state schools would start Term 2, 2018, on Tuesday 17 April instead of Monday 16 April to allow school buses, used during the Commonwealth Games, to return to regional areas.

“The later start date follows advice from Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR),” Ms Jones said.

“TMR has advised many of the state’s school buses will be in use at the Games’ closing event on Sunday 15 April and will be unable to return to regional centres in time for the start of school on Monday as originally scheduled.

“Many of our school buses will be used to transport spectators, event staff, athletes and media representatives during the Games.

“As every Games ticket will include free public transport, more than 700 buses will be required on many occasions throughout the 11-day event.

“The change of date will also enable teachers to access an extra day of professional development, with Monday 16 April now allocated as a flexible professional development day.”

Ms Jones said the decision to postpone the Term 2 commencement date followed discussions with P&Cs Queensland, relevant unions and principals’ associations.

“Next year’s Games will showcase Queensland as a modern and vibrant destination attracting business, tourism and investment that will deliver lasting benefits for years to come,” she said.

“I wanted to relay this message to parents now, well before the beginning of Term 2 in 2018, so they have a long period to plan for this date change.”

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be held from 4 to 15 April 2018.

For further information, please visit:

http://education.qld.gov.au/public_media/calendar/2016-2020.html

Media: 3719 7530