We all love our kids, but after what feels like an eternity of school holidays, I think we can all agree: it’s time for them to go back to school.
With February 6 marking the official start of the NSW public school year, parents across the eastern suburbs have spent the past eight weeks juggling work, holiday care, entertainment, and the seemingly endless demands of little humans who are bored, hungry, and incapable of picking up after themselves.
The Waiting Game
This year’s late start is thanks to an agreement between the NSW government and teachers, which added extra pupil-free days at the beginning of Term 1. While professional development for teachers is important, for parents, the extended holiday has felt never-ending.
For those with kindergarteners, the wait has been even longer. Imagine turning five on January 28 and still waiting over a week to start big school! The excitement of trying on uniforms and packing backpacks has been slowly fading, replaced by an impatience only a small child can express: “Why aren’t I at school yet?”
The Cost of an Extra Week
For working parents, the additional holiday time has been challenging and expensive. Holiday care costs can run into the thousands, and not everyone has the flexibility to work from home or take extended leave. While parents are doing their best, many are counting down the days until classrooms, schoolyards, and structured learning return to give their kids the routine they desperately need.
What Kids (and Parents) Are Missing
Let’s be honest—kids need school. They need to learn, socialize, and burn off energy somewhere other than the living room. They need teachers who can teach them things we simply can’t—like how to sit still, follow instructions, and interact with their peers in ways that don’t involve arguing over iPads or scattering Lego across the floor.
Parents, on the other hand, need a break from the endless snack requests, screen-time battles, and the existential question of “What can we do today?”
The Final Countdown
The good news? The end is in sight. On February 6, parents will pack those school bags, wave goodbye at the gates, and breathe a sigh of relief. And as much as we’ll miss our kids (kind of), we’ll also celebrate the return of routine, learning, and a little bit of peace and quiet.
Here’s to the start of a new school year—finally! 🎉
