Holiday bonus for kids

GOLD Coast students have another reason to celebrate the Commonwealth Games being on their doorstep next year – an extra day of school holidays.

The Labor Government has announced state schools will start term two on Tuesday, April 17 – instead of the Monday – to allow school buses used during the Games to return to regional areas.

“(The Department of Transport and Main Roads) has advised many of the state’s school buses will be in use at the Games’ closing event on Sunday, April 15, and will be unable to return to regional centres in time for the start of school on Monday as originally scheduled,” Education Minister Kates Jones said.

“Many of our school buses will be used to transport spectators, event staff, athletes and media representatives during the Games.

“As every Games ticket will include free public transport, more than 700 buses will be required on many occasions throughout the 11-day event.”

But Shadow Education Minister Tracy Davis slammed the move, saying schoolchildren would lose a day of learning and parents may be forced to pay for extra childcare.

“Labor’s Commonwealth Games transport bungle is now impacting on our school kids and their families,” she said.

“Not only will kids miss out on a day of learning but parents will either have to take leave or be faced with additional costs for childcare.

“Where’s the priority on our children’s education from this bungling Labor Government?”

Ms Jones said the extra day off would allow teachers to access an extra day of professional development. Games ticketholders will have access to free public transport.