Released on November 25, 2014
An amendment to The Education Act that will enable the start of the school year before Labour Day when required was introduced in the Legislature today.Currently, in years where Labour Day falls later in the month - such as in September 2015 - a start date after the statutory holiday could result in the loss of instructional days for teachers and students, which can be difficult to make up later on in the year.
“This change is responsive to the needs of school divisions while also maintaining a consistent standard for the school year across the province,” Education Minister Don Morgan said.
The changes to the Act will enable the school year to start on September 1, 2015.
“We appreciate that the Minister recognizes that Boards of Education require flexibility to meet students’ instructional needs and we also understand that there is a need for consistency across the province,” Saskatchewan School Boards Association President Connie Bailey said.
School divisions, in partnership with the school community councils and local teacher associations, develop school calendars outlining breaks and professional development days within the framework of 950 hours of instructional time.
The Act requires school divisions to submit their calendar year plans to the Ministry of Education and publish the information by May 1.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506