LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir – We have been asking Territorians whether or not school holidays could be reconfigured to achieve better outcomes for students.
Teachers, parents, students and community members have had an opportunity to complete an online survey which has had an encouraging level interest with over 4,300 responses so far.
There seems to be an overwhelming mood for change with 75 percent of respondents opting for a new holiday configuration.
I knew this would be a hot topic, it’s been discussed at school councils for years, however I was amazed to see so many people put forward their views on this issue.
Although a majority want something other than the status quo, there is no clear alternative at this stage. Different interest areas are after a different change, with only students (211) preferring the current configuration of 1-4-1-6 (weeks of holidays between terms).
Parents (2,107) are leaning towards option four which is 2-2-2-6 and teachers and school staff (1,507) prefer option two, 1-3-2-6.
It’s important that any change is made in the interest of improving outcomes in our schools.
The survey is open until midnight tonight. Any change resulting from the consultation process will not take effect until at least 2017 to account for holidays that may have already been booked in advance.
Results of the survey will be compiled and discussed with school councils during the consultation process of the Education Act Review.
A decision on whether to change, and what to change to will be made in the first half of 2015. The survey closes at midnight tonight.
Peter Chandler
Minister for Education