More than 50,000 students are returning to public schools across Canberra this week – including for the first time at Strathnairn School, the city's 93rd public school.
"Back to school is a very exciting time for students and families across Canberra," Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry said. "For some it is the beginning of what will be an exciting education adventure - for others, it is the continuation of their learning journey.
"For students of Strathnairn School, today is a unique experience – they are the very first cohort in these state-of-the-art learning spaces, named after its significant location on Ngunnawal Country."
Strathnairn School opens today for preschool to year 2 students. This stage includes spaces for preschool students, junior school learning, outdoor play areas and administration.
Additional indoor and outdoor learning spaces, the library, canteen and school hall are expected to be ready during the second half of 2026. In future years, Strathnairn school will have capacity for up to 780 students in preschool to year 6, and a further 130 places in the Early Childhood Education and Care setting.
Consistent with the ACT Government's commitment to take action on climate change, the design includes sustainable materials, a solar power generation system and has a 5-Star Green Star rating.
The priority enrolment area for Strathnairn School includes:
- Strathnairn
- Macnamara
- Holt (Chester Close, Fullston Way, Lionel Rose Street and Lorraway Street only).
"The excitement of heading back to school for the year can be felt all across Canberra right now," Minister Berry said.
"The ACT Government is continuing to make strong investments in public education across Canberra, with new and refurbished facilities opening, improvements being made to technology and student supports and new teachers coming into the system. All of these things are on display here today at Strathnairn School.
"I wish all the students, teachers and staff across Canberra a great first day of term and a fantastic 2026 school year."
Quote attributable to Nicole Nicholson, Principal of Strathnairn School:
"Opening Strathnairn School today is a moment of immense pride for our entire staff. We are so excited to welcome our first students and to start building a vibrant, inclusive school culture. Our team has dedicated months of preparation to this day, and we look forward to growing alongside our families and the Strathnairn community."
