ADJUSTED SCHOOL CALENDAR

For a number of years, schools in the Philippines have used an academic calendar that begins in June and finishes in March. Nevertheless, in the past few years, there have been calls to return to the traditional schedule, with the academic year beginning in September and ending in June. While this may appear to be an insignificant problem, it has the potential to significantly damage the educational system. In the beginning, returning the school calendar to June will help to align the Philippine education system with other nations. Several nations across the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have a school calendar that begins in September and finishes in June. By aligning our school calendar with these countries, we can readily participate in international and exchange programs that give kids with an increased variety and global schooling. An additional benefit of moving the school calendar back to June is the possibility to avoid the terrible weather conditions of the rainy time of year. In the Philippines, June marks the beginning of the rainy season, which brings torrential rains, floods, and landslides. This can result in class suspensions, disrupting the learning process. Starting the school year in June allows us to escape the effects of the wet season while also ensuring that kids can attend courses on a regular basis. By reverting the school calendar to June, parents can align their work schedule with their children’s school schedule, which can lead to a better work-life balance.

-oOoThe author is Master Teacher I at Angeles City National High School