Teachers and students will get a midterm break this term, but it will last just one day.
The break falls on October 26, the day after national Jounen Kwéyòl observances, and the short duration has already raised questions about whether one day is enough.
The initiative was first announced by Education Minister Kenson Casimir 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, Casimir addressed the concern over the length of the break, saying the decision was guided by what is done elsewhere in the region and by the cost of extending it.
“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.
8 (summer) + 3 (Christmas) + 2 (Easter) = 13 weeks paid vacation. Add all the unscheduled off days and other absenteeism. Against the backdrop of lowered educational standards and failing grades; these guys are depriving kids of even more instructional time. And they wonder why kids can barely read or do basic arithmetic. This country is doomed.
The beginning of education starts in the home . I grew up knowing “go read a book and no tv before chores or homework is done” the bible places primary responsibility for teaching and disciplining children directly on parents within the house hold.
It’s a teachers job to help improve students well-being not make them totally responsible for educating children.
I’ve heard many times from children’s mouths “I’m not coming to school tomorrow ” they actually get to make that choice?
Are teachers responsible for students lack of indisciplined too?
Ms. Get your facts right which teacher had 8 weeks summer break ?
@Retired Teacher
I agree. On top of this, teachers week in September right after school reopens. Plus thee last minute notices to parents, and PTA meetings in the middle of the day. Why aren’t there online options? Many parents do not have the liberty of getting time off work.
If you all do not like teaching, it is time we bring back the Guyanese who like doing so.
As a parent I will add to the comments.. we need to take accountability for our children, basic education and upbringing doesn’t depend on a classroom. Most parents expect teachers to work miracles on their kids, when they themselves don’t take accountability for their own absenteeism is their kids academics. A teacher is placed in a classroom to assist a child where he or she is lacking not to take responsibility or blame when a child doesn’t perform or prevail in school, most parents are quick to point fingers and cast blames but how many of you guys take time to visit the school to see the amount of work a teacher has to put into their schedule to help a child.. there are slow learners who needs extra assistance and quick learners who can single handle get the work done on their own.. we have other planned trips or activities at the schools, pta meetings to inform parents on what happening most of you guys don’t show up, so before coming to count the amount of paid or unpaid days a teacher is entitled to parents pay more attention to you’ll children and stop thinking people owe your anything, do better!
Everyone has an issue with the spring break, before everyone would complain this or that is being done else where and not in the country now it’s happening you’ll have an issue. After so many planned activities at the school for creole celebrations, I assumed most of you went out with your kids, and may be tired, you’ll maybe would keep the kids home anyway don’t just look at it as a paid day look at it as a day to rest and unwind most of you are complaining it’s because you’ll need a free babysitter. A teacher comes to school half of the kids are home and still get paid, after exams we see it all the time, a planned Calendar school day but you’ll say after exams nothing is being done at the school they can stay home but a teacher puts in the effort to show up so my question is what is really the issue? The paid off day from school that benefits both teacher and students or the paid day the babysitter didn’t work?