I guess the 2010 Winter Games is a pretty good excuse to give students two weeks off, eh? Well, post secondary students at least, because they might be able to work or volunteer at the games. Nothing is certain yet, but a nice break for students definitely seems likely:
Spokeswoman Renee Smith-Valade said Vancouver’s Olympic organizing committee wants “to ensure that every child and youth has some opportunity to touch and feel the experience of the 2010 Winter Games.”
As you might have guessed, there is definite opposition to extending the break to students in elementary and secondary schools. B.C. Teachers’ Federation president Jinny Sims had this to say:
“I cannot imagine this government, led by this premier who has brought in legislation after legislation to show that education is an essential service, condoning school closures for two weeks.”
I don’t know how I’d feel if I were a parent about such a break. I’m guessing I probably wouldn’t approve. I’d certainly want my child to experience the Games, but there’s no reason to miss two whole weeks.
Read: CBC News
I think the idea would be really cool. Have other cities done this as well? I wouldn’t object if they made it up by starting school one week later and ending it one week later than usual.
Yeah I suppose they’d have to make it up somehow.
Where are these children supposed to go during these two weeks? Is the government having a sponsored child care service provided at the Games?
Although they are giving an fair enough warning to this "wonderful opportunity", did they think about those parents who work full time and now have to find a child care provider because their children will have two weeks off?
Just a thought.
Perhaps the march break dates could be altered for just this one year. instead of march break taking place in march, it could be changed to the time of the games. Therefore, parents have to find alternate child care services for the same amount of time as any other year. Watching the olympics is a once in a lifetime experience for most people, and in the long run its only two weeks of school.