2025 ACT School Holidays, Term Dates & Public Holidays

Why Holidays Matter for Learning and Wellbeing

Research consistently shows that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for students. Breaks help the brain consolidate learning, improve emotional regulation, and lower stress. Even short periods away from academic work - like a five-minute pause or "brain break" - have been shown to measurably restore focus. Holidays simply extend this benefit, providing children and teenagers with a reset button for both body and mind.

The key for families is balance: downtime for recovery, purposeful activities for growth, and enough structure to maintain healthy routines. Students who use their holidays wisely often return more motivated, with sharper focus and greater resilience for the challenges of the next term.

Building Healthy Holiday Routines

• Prioritise real downtime and sleep. Short breaks restore focus; “do-nothing” time helps the brain process and store memories.

• Protect unstructured play. Free play builds creativity, problem-solving and emotional self-regulation.

• Move daily & get outdoors. Physical activity lowers stress and boosts attention.

• Strengthen connection. Meals, library trips and board games build belonging; co-viewing media turns screen time into learning time.

• Balance screens. Set clear limits and offer better alternatives (play, movement, social catch-ups).

• Keep a light routine. Anchor days around predictable touchpoints (mornings, meals, bedtime).

• Plan the return. In the final week, shift sleep/wake times back, refresh study spaces and name any first-day jitters.

For Younger Students (5–12 years): how to use the break

• Daily unstructured play. Lego, backyard adventures, imaginative games — cognitive flexibility without the “study” label.

• Creative outlets. Music, art and baking help kids process emotions and practise teamwork.

• Social learning. Playdates and co-operative games teach fair play and handling wins/losses.

• Everyday learning. Cooking, puzzles or nature walks build vocabulary, curiosity and numeracy — calmly and playfully.

• Light, targeted tutoring (optional). Short, game-based sessions can consolidate core literacy and numeracy without turning the break into “more school”. If helpful, consider tutors on Learnmate for gentle skill-bridging aligned to your child’s year level.

• Healthy tech habits. Devices out of bedrooms; co-view and discuss content.

For Teenagers (13–18 years): getting the balance right

• Study, but smarter. Short, focused blocks (20–40 mins) using active techniques - flashcards, teach-back, past questions - then real breaks.

• Consistency beats cramming. A couple of quality blocks most days avoids burnout; pair each with movement or social time.

• Close gaps early. Targeted holiday tutoring can rebuild confidence before assessment blocks.

• Build autonomy. Co-create a flexible plan - space for friends, hobbies, work and responsibilities.

• Protect wellbeing. Sleep, nutrition and exercise are as important as study. Treat holidays like a recovery phase for high performance.

Holiday Programs in the ACT

Families can also consider holiday programs across Canberra and surrounding areas:

• PCYC ACT – Sport, creative activities, and youth development programs.

• Local Council and Library Programs – School holiday workshops and events, many free or low cost.

• Sports Camps – Football, basketball, swimming, and athletics camps.

• Creative Arts Programs – Music, drama, visual arts, and design workshops.

• STEM Programs – Robotics, coding, and science camps for curious learners.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 ACT holiday calendar isn’t just a timetable — it’s a rhythm that supports wellbeing and learning. Plan for downtime, connection and play, and (for teens) light, strategic study. The aim isn’t to cram more in; it’s to return recharged, resilient and ready.

Need Extra Learning Support?

Looking for expert tutoring to help your child thrive this year? Tutors on Learnmate support all subjects and year levels across the ACT. Whether it’s exam preparation, subject confidence or long-term growth, you can find an experienced tutor to guide your child through every stage of 2025.