Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

I think that is absolutely ridiculous. I have heard that we are the only district in BC that only gets one week spring break, again. I believe that all of BC should have the same school system and holidays. Daycare is a weak excuse when parents in all the other districts do not seem to have any problems. I feel very frustrated when friends and relatives who live elsewhere have 2 weeks and would like us to go on holidays with them and we are not able because we only get one week. I am disappointed in our school district. And don't even get me started on the new highschool issue which most likely will not be ready for my children.

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

Cheryl, If you investigate, you will find that less than half of the school districts had two weeks this year.
I wonder do you think the school board should cater to those who would like to take a ten day vacation or support those who will have to work and will not be able to vacation let alone take that time off work?
Personally I like the two week idea, but I think the board did the right thing when they chose to support those most needing that support.
I look forward to the discussions on having a balanced calendar, because that is actually proven to be benificial to students.
I can only imgine the meetings on that, it took many meetings this year just around the one week or two week discussion. Imagine 9 weeks in school and three weeks out :) year round.
I am only sorry that my children won't be able to benefit from that.

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

GET A LIFE sooke school district. What a ridiculous decision. are we the only district to not have 2 weeks. Those that need daycare find daycare or maybe you should not have had kids.. The public school system is not your babysitter..POOR EXCUSE

Even my son at Glenlyon Norfolk School gets two weeks
I guess we will be going on holidays anyways
When is this district going to join the rest of the districts

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

Seems to be alot of people in support...what happened???? Mr. Cambridge please comment...Why are all other districts having a 2 week break and not us.....Makes it very difficult

Can we just not get on board with the rest of the districts

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

From what I heard at the schools I've around (elem & middle), is that parents/families didn't want a 2 week spring break. A few did...but they wanted it so they could go away! Lucky them, but I'd guess they were in the minority.

I personally didn't want a 2 week spring break and I have kids who are old enough to be on their own. I couldn't possibly see how an additional 8 min per day would add up to good educational time. And for me, I figured it was a way for the SD to save money, rather than be thinking of what was best for the kids.

However, I could see how kids in grade 11 and 12 could potentially use the extra time for studying or making up course work.

It certainly is a balancing act when you have to decide on a one-size fits all calendar for a span of Kindergarteners to Grade 12's. Maybe that should be something to consider next time the school calendar is discussed?

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

Why not consider the following year to combine spring break with Easter weekend. When I was school age this is how it worked. That way it is 2 weeks total.

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

i think this is so stupid for middle school kids and high school kids becuase we dont need child care only the elementary kids need child care.....

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

So disappointing!! Why doesn't the school board listen to the parents and children? My boys now have to go to school while all of their hockey team mates stay home. What does this do for their morale. When will they get the much needed break that they deserve? Shame on the school board for not putting the needs of the children first!!! Now when all the kids say "Sooke sucks" I have to agree!

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

“We have heard from parents in our district that a two week spring break could make it more difficult to find or afford childcare,” says Wendy Hobbs, SD62 Board Chair. “As a Board, we have an obligation to do what is right for the community and the school district, and there didn’t seem to be any compelling reason to change the standard calendar.”

This is absolutely ridiculous! What about the parents that stated that kids could use a break and that they are willing to find a subsidized daycamp for that week if they have to work? What about the teachers that stated children perform better for the last part of the school year if they have had a break? What about the students who would like to spend time with their families and recharge their batteries??? How can those NOT be compelling reasons to change the calendar? Look around you Wendy Hobbs - Saanich and Victoria think those are ALL compelling reasons. How can you be so blind to the needs of those you profess to serve????

Signed, A very disappointed and frustrated parent

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

The two weeks would be nice for high school students to get caught up on work and study time. But it REALY seem funny to come back to work for 4 days to just get another long weekend
(Easter) . Why could in not all be tied in together? Save the district money wich they are always crying for.

Re: Board Votes: One-Week Spring Break Stays

I was disappointed to find out we only got One-Week Spring Break. I feel Spring Break should be combined with the Easter Stat Holidays weekend.