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APPROVED LOCAL SCHOOL CALENDARS
In accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Education’s School Calendar Regulation, on or before May 31 of each school year, the Board of Education must provide a school calendar for the following school year to every parent of a student in each of its schools/programs. The Board has two options. It may adopt the Ministry’s Standard School Calendar, or alternatively, it may consider a variation to the Ministry Calendar and adopt a Local School Calendar.
At its Public Meeting on September 27, 2011, the Board of Education gave notice of its intention to consider a variation of a 2012/13 standard school calendar. The October 11, 2011 Education and Programs Standing Committee public meeting provided an opportunity for participant comment and discussion.
The Standard School Calendar for 2012/13 provides for the closure of schools for Spring vacation from March 18 to March 22. The following week includes the Good Friday and Easter Monday statutory holidays. Extending the spring break by four days would result in a two week spring break in 2013. As in prior years, additional minutes (10) would be added to each school day to provide the required instructional time for the 2012/13 school year.
Discussion and input provided at the Education and Programs Standing committee reinforced the interest expressed within the community for an earlier decision and for consistency from year-to-year and between school districts, as far as possible. The concerns regarding the impact of the adoption of a local school calendar were consistent with prior years: the impact on families, especially those with low income; the impact for students with special needs; making effective use of longer instructional days; and the potential impact on employees.
Further considerations included the potential to examine year-round schooling, a balanced calendar with longer breaks during the year and a shorter summer break, and interest in research related to the impacts of the calendar on student achievement. It was recognized that more significant changes may result from collective bargaining or changes in provincial legislation.
In identifying the concerns regarding a local school calendar, discussion and input were also provided to consider how these concerns might best be addressed. An early decision will provide more time for all partner groups to make arrangements and plans as necessary. Additionally, an early decision will facilitate collaboration with community service agencies to develop programs to support students and families, where needed. As the current year includes a two-week spring break, we will be able to build upon the experience gained in 2011 and again in the spring of 2012 in working with our community partners. More time would also be available to consult with employee groups to address their identified concerns as well.
In accordance with provincial legislation and Board policy requirements, there is a requirement to make public a proposed local school calendar for a period of 30 days before it can be considered for adoption. The North Vancouver Board of Education adopted the Local School Calendar 2012/13 at its Public Meeting on November 15, 2011.
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