Educators applaud unification of school holidays

Parents, teachers and principals expressed their relief over the decision of HE Mr. Saad Bin Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud, Minister of Education and Higher Education and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) to unify schools’ calendar for the academic year 2010/2011. The decision came to resolve the issue of lack of synchronization in holidays between independent and semi-independent schools in the past years that inconveniened parents with kids in both schools and disrupted their holiday plans.

According to the decision, the academic year 2010/2011 for the independent and evening schools, teachers and students at all stage levels will begin on Sunday, September 19, 2010. Students in the evening schools will begin their academic year on Sunday, September 26, 2010.

All public schools will break for mid-term on Sunday, February 13, 2011 until February 24, 2011. The second semester in all schools will begin on Sunday, February 27, 2011.The academic year 2010/2011 will end on Thursday, July 07, 2011 for students while school administrations and teachers conclude their year on Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Mr. Youssef Al-Abdullah the principal of AbdulRahman Bin Jassim Preparatory Independent School for Boys welcomed the decision as it will reduce the complaints of parents saying “even us as parents will get to enjoy the holidays with our children since their holiday will be parallel to ours.”

The principal of Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Secondary Independent School for Boys
Mr. Hadi Al Bereidi says “it’s an excellent decision that solves the problem of inconsistency in academic calendar which have adversely affected the students emotionally since their vacation dates differed from their siblings.”

Mr. Hamad Al-Hinzab the principal of Al Imam Al Shafee Preparatory Independent School for Boys confirmed it is an excellent decision and said”we felt joy among students and parents. This decision encouraged both students and teaching staff. “

Most of school leaders and leaders said decision relieved them of the constant compalints from parents about the differences in schools holidays despite there being a compulsory 180 day calendar.

Noora Al-Rumeihi the principal of Rabea Al Adawiya Secondary Independent School for Girls says, “some parents wanted their children to take their exams earlier and join their other siblings. But even if the school were to start earlier, many students would be absent as they would join their families’ holiday schedule.”

In addition, the decision indicates that the academic year 2009/2010 will end on July 8th 2010 for students and on July 28th for administrators and teaching staff in all stages.

The summer holidays for all students in public schools will begin on Thursday, July 8, 2010. School administrators and teachers at all stages will begin their vacation on Wednesday, July 28, 2010.