Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Catholic Education Office

Length of School Day

Related Policies:

Kindergarten Induction Policy

Purpose:

This policy clarifies the minimum requirements for instruction and daily attendance at school to ensure that the length of the school day is compliant with state or territory regulations.

Policy:

The minimum class time daily is four hours forty-five minutes except in the Kindergarten.

Parents must ensure their child attends:

• school on every day, and during the times on every day, when school is open for attendance, and
• every activity of the school that the school requires the child to attend.

Definitions:

Nil

Procedures:

1. The time of beginning and conclusion of the school day is dependent on local circumstances. The established times should be published and available to the local community.

2. As children are not legally required to attend school until the age of six years, there are no specific regulations laid down for Kindergarten.

3. It is acceptable practice that Kindergarten children attend for a half a day for the first fortnight. Permission to alter hours of attendance is to be sought from the Director, stating clearly the reasons for the alteration and the explanatory information that will be provided to parents concerning the arrangements for the shortened school day for the kindergarten students. (Refer to the Kindergarten Induction Policy)

4. When Kindergarten classes end early in the day, teachers are expected to supervise children until they are collected.

References:

A.C.T. Education Act 2004.
NSW Education Act 1990.

Forms:

Nil

Last updated on December 2, 2006