The Minister for Education and Skills Nick McKim said today that he had approved the government school term dates for 2014 and 2015 following the move to a four term school year in 2013.

Mr McKim said that the 2013 term dates have already been announced.

The term dates for 2014 are:

Term 1:       4 February - 17 April

Term 2:       5 May - 4 July

Term 3:       21 July - 26 September

Term 4:       13 October - 18 December (11 December for college students)

The term dates for 2015 are:

Term 1:       3 February - 2 April

Term 2:       20 April - 3 July

Term 3:       20 July- 25 September

Term 4:       12 October-17 December (10 December for college students)

"Kindergarten to Year 10 teachers will start one day before the students' first day of each year and finish one day after the students' final day of the year.

"College teachers will commence one week before K-10 teachers, and finish one week earlier," he said.

Mr McKim said that there had been extensive communication with key groups and the broader community in preparation for the introduction of the four term school year in 2013.

"A departmental transition committee has ensured there have been communication updates to schools for inclusion in their newsletters, the production of a parent brochure, as well as a web presence.

"Confirmation of the term dates will now allow parents and carers and the great community to plan for the next three years."

The term dates for 2013 are:

Term 1:                5 February - 19 April

Term 2:                6 May - 5 July

Term 3:                22 July -27 September

Term 4:                14 October - 19 December