What date should I resign?

I moved to Melbourne, Australia at the start of August and have been working in a secondary catholic school under a permanent teacher contract. I have been offered a job at another catholic school at the start of the new academic year (27th January 2027).

In the UK where I previously worked, if I got a job for the new academic year (1st September) my resignation letter to my current school would say my last day is 31st August, even though I'm not doing any work for the current school over the summer holidays.

Is it the same in Catholic schools in Melbourne?

Would I put my last day as the 26th of January?

Or do I put it 18th December, the last school day of the academic year?

Will I get paid over the summer like the UK?

When should I resign and what date should I put to not lose out on pay?

Any guidance/advice greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance 🙂