SHIFTING TO OLD SCHOOL CALENDAR

RHODA D. ALFONSO

The Department of Education (DepEd), recognizing the results of field surveys and consultations among national organizations and teachers, will be gradually shifting back to the April-May break.

This will start with the adjustments of the remaining activities for School Year 2023-2024.

The Department highlighted that the gradual shift is vital to avoid disruption of school days necessary to cover all learning competencies.

The DO stated that alongside the resounding consensus from extensive consultations with teachers, learners, and relevant stakeholders, the same call is echoed by the findings of the study conducted by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) titled Analysis of the Basic Education School Year Calendar in the Philippines: Inputs to Policy.

According to DepEd Order No. 03, series of 2024, DepEd moved the End of SY 2023-2024 to May 31, 2024, while the EOSY Break will now be from June 1 to July 26, 2024.

Accordingly, the Third Quarter Examinations will be on March 25-26, while the Fourth Quarter Exam will be on May 16-17, 2024. Schools are likewise encouraged to conduct their respective EOSY Rites from May 29-31, 2024.

Meanwhile, DepEd national activities will be conducted on the following dates:

• Palarong Pambansa – July 6 – 17, 2024

• National Festival of Talents – July 9 – 13, 2024

• National Schools Press Conference – July 9 – 13, 2024

• Learners’ Convergence – July 9 – 15, 2024

The DO also emphasized that no voluntary or mandatory tasks or activities shall be given to teachers from June 1 to 30, 2024.

The official start of the School Year 2024-2025 will start on July 29 and will end on May 16, 2025, with the Brigada Eskwela set to commence a week before the start of the new school year.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Lourdes Northwest Elementary School