A new daily structure for St Michael's Junior and Senior Schools, beginning Term 1, 2026.
After more than a year of research and modelling by our teaching and learning leaders, I am pleased to share with you the details of our revised Daily Structure – to be introduced in 2026.
Designed with academic rigour, student wellbeing and holistic education as our guiding principles, the revised daily structure delivers increased learning time with teachers for Senior School students and longer lesson sessions for Junior School students.
A carefully considered evolution in how we structure the school day, the revised structure ensures that St Michael’s students are receiving advantageous levels of classroom instruction time – whilst nurturing their immersion in our vast program of co-curricular, creative, sporting and leadership opportunities.
Grounded in educational research and staff consultation, the revised timetable aims to enhance student outcomes and provides our teachers and wellbeing experts with increased time to deliver both outstanding instruction, and personalised pastoral care.
The changes are expected to give every St Michael’s student increased time for deep learning and individual support as we continue to strive for the best possible academic and wellbeing outcomes
Gerard Houlihan, Head of the School
We are increasing the amount of uninterrupted, focused instructional time across both Junior and Senior Schools. This change supports deeper engagement with subject material and allows students to consolidate their learning more effectively.
By increasing the frequency of contact between students and teachers, we’re fostering stronger academic and pastoral relationships. This regular interaction supports both learning outcomes and student wellbeing.
The revised daily structure prioritises learning while preserving the core elements of our care culture. Dedicated time for pastoral care, co-curricular activities, and rest remains integral to the St Michael’s experience.
These changes are informed by educational research and shaped through extensive internal consultation. They reflect best-practice thinking and are tailored to the unique needs of our students and staff.
In 2026, Junior School classrooms will open at 8.30am each day, rather than 8.15am.
Roll Call will begin promptly at 8.30am for all classes.
From 8.10am, shared Junior School play spaces will be open for drop-off, with staff supervision in place. Indoor areas will be available if the weather is unsuitable for outdoor play.
Parents who need to complete drop-off by 8.10am can continue to do so with confidence, knowing that students will be supervised and guided to shared spaces or their classrooms between 8.10am and 8.30am. This change also aligns more closely with the ELC start time of 8.40am, helping streamline morning routines for families with children across both areas.
Parents who need to drop students off before 8.10am should continue to book into TeamKids. From 8.10am to 8.30am, students can be supervised by School staff.
These changes offer families greater flexibility with drop-off times while supporting consistent arrival routines.
The ELC start time will remain at 8.40am.
From 8.10am, the ELC play space will be open with staff supervision. Parents are welcome to bring their child to this space but must remain with them until the 8.40am start time.
Please note that ELC children are not permitted to use the Junior School play space before school.
From 2026, the duration of Junior School lessons will increase from 30 to 40 minutes, allowing for deeper engagement and reducing disruption caused by frequent transitions between learning contexts.
This change means that double blocks for subjects such as Mathematics and English will now total 80 minutes, giving students more time for in-depth instruction and sustained learning.
From 2026, the Junior School will follow a fixed daily timetable consisting of 8 x 40-minute learning blocks, along with dedicated time for Roll Call and lunch-eating.
This structure establishes a predictable, balanced daily rhythm that supports focus and wellbeing. Dedicated 10-minute periods for Roll Call and lunch-eating promote calm, structured transitions and ensure more effective use of learning blocks.
From 2026, Junior School and Senior School students will share a common recess time. This change supports operational alignment and encourages cross-school collaboration, strengthening community spirit across year levels.
Junior School parents can be assured that existing and additional play spaces will remain designated and supervised for younger students. Staff will continue to monitor interactions between Junior and Senior students to ensure safe and age-appropriate play.
Junior School lunch will remain separate from Senior School.
Junior School students will continue to enjoy a range of before-school Co-curricular programs in Sport and Music.
A comprehensive staff supervision roster will be in place from 8.10am, covering entry points and shared indoor and outdoor play spaces.
This ensures safe, supported arrivals for all students across the Junior School and ELC.
From 2026, the Senior School day will begin at 8.30am, 20 minutes earlier than previously. Recess will be extended by five minutes and lunch will occur earlier in the day, while the finish time remains unchanged at 3.30pm.
This adjustment supports a more consistent and effective timetable and aligns with practices across many Victorian coeducational independent schools.
Lessons will shift from 70 to 65 minutes (generally), allowing for more frequent contact between students and teachers. This change increases the number of periods per subject per fortnight, supporting regular engagement and continuity in learning across all year levels.
From 2026, students across the Senior School will benefit from increased lesson time and more regular engagement with their teachers. Lessons will shift from 70 to 65 minutes, allowing for more frequent contact across all subjects.
This increase is most significant in Year 12, where the additional time supports focused learning, teacher guidance, and preparation for final assessments.
Daily House sessions will continue in a slightly shorter format, with a full House period scheduled every fortnight. In partnership with Heads of House and Tutors, enhancements are being made to the House experience, including a review of wellbeing frameworks and staffing. These changes ensure students continue to receive personalised support through the House System, Psychology Services, and school-to-home relationships.
Adjustments to break times have been informed by student feedback, with many Senior School students expressing a desire for a longer recess and a lunch break that fits more naturally into the flow of their day. In response, recess will be extended by five minutes and lunch will occur earlier. These changes support a more balanced daily rhythm and help improve transitions between learning sessions.
Before-school Sport and Performing Arts programs will continue with their current start times and will conclude by 8.15am to align with the new school start. Tailored arrangements are being made to support individual athletes, performers, and groups, ensuring their routines remain uninterrupted.
Yes. You’re welcome to drop your child at the Junior School entrance gate. Teachers on duty will greet students and guide them to the supervised play spaces.
The usual guidelines will apply to ensure consistency and safety. Students will place their bags in lockers before playing, remain in supervised areas, wear sun hats during Terms 1 and 4, and parents and carers must use bathrooms designated for adults.
Staff on duty between 8.10am and 8.30am will wear the familiar red yard duty jackets. These have been part of the school routine since Prep and help students easily identify supervising teachers.
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to stay and connect with others while students play. We kindly ask that all adults depart by 8.30am when classes begin.
No sign-in is required during the short drop-off period. If you’re staying beyond 8.30am for a meeting or activity, please sign in at Reception.
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to enjoy time with their child in the library or Dolly’s café before class begins. If students are not in the designated play space, they must be supervised by their parent or carer.
The ELC play space is open and supervised from 8.10am. However, parents and carers must remain with their child until the ELC program begins at 8.40am.
No. Learning time remains unchanged. The new daily structure adjusts before-school supervision and redistributes time across recess, roll call, and lunch to ensure classroom learning is protected.
The move to 40-minute lessons gives teachers more flexibility in planning and delivering learning. It also reduces transitions between classes, helping students stay focused and improving the flow of the school day.
Each day begins with a 10-minute roll call period, designed to help students settle in, connect with their teacher, and prepare for learning. This gentle start supports all students, especially those who benefit from extra time to transition.
No. The TeamKids program will continue to operate as usual, running from 7.00am until the new school start time of 8.30am. TeamKids staff will ensure all students in their care are in Junior School class by 8.30am, and ELC class by 8.40am.
Yes, recess times will align. However, Junior and Senior School students will have clearly defined and separate play areas. Our yard duty roster ensures appropriate supervision and boundaries, and we do not anticipate any impact on space or student experience. Lunch times remain separate.
The revised daily structure includes a return to an 8.30am start time, aligning with many Victorian coeducational independent schools. This small adjustment supports a more consistent timetable and allows for increased time in class, helping students engage more deeply with their learning.
While later start times can support adolescent wellbeing, maintaining healthy sleep habits and overall balance remains most important. The 8.30am start aligns with many other independent schools and allows for more time with teachers—particularly for focused, in-depth learning.
Many students already participate in early morning co-curricular activities, which will continue at their current start times.
This will vary depending on year level, subject selection, and scheduling. What’s consistent is that teachers will have more time with students, supporting stronger engagement and improved academic outcomes.
The frequency of House periods remains unchanged, including a full House period each fortnight. In addition, we are strengthening our broader pastoral care framework to ensure students continue to receive personalised, timely support from a range of staff—not just their Tutors and Heads of House.
No. Before-school co-curricular activities will continue to begin at 7.10–7.15am, allowing for at least one hour of training. After-school sessions remain unchanged. Tailored arrangements will be made for elite squads and athletes to ensure their training regimens are maintained.
