Teachers and students will get a midterm break this term, but it will be just one day — October 26, the day after national Jounen Kwéyòl observances.
The short break has already prompted questions about whether one day is enough, but Education Minister Kenson Casimir says the decision is in line with arrangements elsewhere in the region and reflects the cost of extending the break.
Casimir first announced the planned break in his back-to-school address in September as one of the measures being introduced for the new school year.
At Tuesday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, he addressed the concern about the length of the break, saying the decision was guided by what is done elsewhere in the region.
“What we have actually done in providing one day is actually consistent with best practices around the region,” Casimir said, pointing to countries such as Barbados where similar arrangements have been made.
He also noted that Saint Lucia has about 3 600 teachers who would continue to be paid during the break, saying the financial impact would increase significantly if the break were extended from one day to four or five.
“We believe that it was appropriate for us to do one day,” he said.
Casimir said some people had advised against introducing a midterm break at all, out of concern that teachers could later seek additional time off. Government, however, decided there was value in giving teachers at least one day to reset.
He encouraged teachers to make the most of the break.
“I’ve encouraged teachers to totally turn their phone off on that day,” he said. “Focus on themselves.”
Casimir said the intention of the break is to give teachers time to unwind, reflect and return to the classroom refreshed.
“I believe a day is fair for now,” he said.
