SCAS School Holidays 2026: Dates & Family Tips

· scas school holidays 2026

SCAS School Holidays 2026: What Families Need to Know

St Columba Anglican School (SCAS) in Port Macquarie, NSW, follows the standard New South Wales school calendar for its term dates and holidays. If you’re searching for “SCAS school holidays 2026”, this guide provides expected dates based on historical patterns and proposed NSW public school calendars. Important: These are indicative only. Always verify exact dates directly with SCAS or the NSW Department of Education, as private schools like SCAS may adjust slightly for Anglican diocese events.

School holidays offer precious family time, especially in coastal NSW where SCAS families can enjoy beaches, national parks, and nearby attractions. Planning ahead helps avoid crowds and secure affordable travel. Below, we outline projected 2026 holidays, travel ideas, and practical tips.

Expected SCAS Term Dates and Holidays 2026

NSW schools typically divide the year into four terms with holidays in between. For 2026, based on the 2025 calendar and standard 10-week terms (with slight variations), here’s what to expect:

TermDates (Pupils Start/End)Holiday Period
Term 1Wednesday, 28 January – Friday, 10 AprilSaturday, 11 April – Sunday, 27 April (Easter/Autumn break)
Term 2Monday, 28 April – Friday, 3 JulySaturday, 4 July – Sunday, 19 July (Winter break)
Term 3Monday, 20 July – Friday, 25 SeptemberSaturday, 26 September – Sunday, 12 October (Spring break)
Term 4Monday, 13 October – Wednesday, 16 DecemberThursday, 17 December 2026 – Tuesday, 26 January 2027 (Summer break)

Notes:

  • Staff development days may precede student starts (e.g., 27 Jan for Term 1).
  • Public holidays like Australia Day (26 Jan), Good Friday (expected 3 April), Anzac Day (25 April), King’s Birthday (8 June), and Labour Day (5 Oct) fall within terms or holidays.
  • SCAS, as an independent Anglican school, aligns closely with public dates but check their website (scas.nsw.edu.au) for pupil-free days or special events.

These projections mirror the NSW Department of Education’s patterns. For 2025, Term 1 started 30 Jan, so 2026 shifts earlier due to Australia Day. Official 2026 calendars are usually released mid-2025.

Planning Family Travel During SCAS School Holidays

With SCAS in beautiful Port Macquarie, holidays are ideal for local and regional adventures. Here’s how to make the most:

Summer Holidays (Dec 2026 – Jan 2027)

The longest break coincides with peak beach season. Expect 6-7 weeks off.

  • Local spots: Koala Hospital, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, or beaches like Town Beach.
  • Day trips: Drive to Coffs Harbour (2 hours) for the Big Banana or Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.
  • Family travel tip: Book NSW National Parks passes early for Blackbutt Reserve or Crowdy Head. Avoid peak 20 Dec – 10 Jan crowds by travelling mid-January. Flights to Port Macquarie Airport fill fast; consider Sydney (4.5 hours drive) for cheaper options.

Autumn Break (11-27 April)

2 weeks including Easter. Weather is mild (20-25°C).

  • Ideas: Blue Mountains (4 hours drive) for Scenic World or Jenolan Caves. Or stay local with glass-bottom boat tours spotting dolphins.
  • Budget hack: Mid-week camping at Taree or Forster saves 30-50% on accommodation.

Winter Holidays (4-19 July)

2 weeks; cooler (10-18°C), perfect for indoor fun.

  • Adventures: Thredbo ski resort (6 hours drive) if snow falls, or Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Centre.
  • Travel practicals: Regional trains via NSW TrainLink offer family deals. Pack layers for variable coastal weather.

Spring Break (26 Sep – 12 Oct)

2 weeks; wildflowers bloom.

  • Highlights: Hunter Valley wineries (kid-friendly farms) or combing beaches for shells.
  • Tip: Check school holiday programs at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for free events like markets or workshops.

NSW School Holidays Context for SCAS Families

SCAS operates under the NSW framework, where public holidays are uniform statewide, but term lengths are consistent across government, Catholic, and most independent schools. Differences arise in:

  • Pupil-free days: SCAS may add professional development.
  • Religious observances: Anglican events like Ash Wednesday could affect attendance.

Compare with neighboring states:

  • Queensland holidays start/end a week later.
  • Victoria has different Easter timing. Useful for interstate family visits.

Practical Tips for Busy Families

  1. Verify Dates: Bookmark SCAS parent portal and NSW Education site (education.nsw.gov.au). Apps like School Holidays Australia send alerts.
  2. Travel Savings: Use Entertainment Book or RACQ/ NRMA memberships for discounts. Book 3-6 months ahead for holiday peaks.
  3. Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, wet weather gear, and first-aid for coastal outings. Download NSW Parks app for real-time updates.
  4. Work-Life Balance: Many parents align leave with holidays; explore flexible remote work policies.
  5. Health & Safety: Check COVID rules or flu shot clinics pre-holidays via NSW Health.

Why Early Planning Matters

Holidays book out fast in NSW’s coastal hotspots. For 2026, monitor airline sales from August 2025. Families with SCAS students can also join school-organised camps or excursions—details via newsletters.

In summary, SCAS school holidays 2026 promise relaxation and exploration. By confirming dates and planning smartly, you’ll create lasting memories. Contact SCAS directly for the latest: phone (02) 6583 1211 or email.

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