DepEd to study proposals to revert back to June-March school calendar

The Department of Education (DepEd) is studying the possibility of reverting to a June-March school calendar, three years after the move to an August-June schedule,

Chino Gaston reported on 24 Oras that apart from the fact that the pandemic is ‘over’, this possible move back is to alleviate the effects of the summer season on students and teachers.

The same result was seen in the DepEd’s consultation with schools, teachers, parents, and student leaders last January 15, 2024.

"Nag-a-agree sila doon sa provision ng draft, some minor adjustments but may consensus na that we are going to not next school year na June. We are looking at school year 2025-2026 na makapag-June na talaga tayo, but for this next school year we are still looking at July opening,” said Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, DepEd Deputy spokesperson.

(They agree with the provision of the draft, to have some minor adjustments but there is a consensus that it may be reverted not in the next school year or in June 2024. We are looking at the school year 2025-2026 and we can actually have June, but for this next school year we are still up for July opening.)

With this proposed move, the Teacher's Dignity Coalition (TCD) said the possible impact of changing the school calendar needs to be carefully studied.

Meanwhile, a group of private schools in the country said they are open to the possibility but the reversion needs to be examined thoroughly.

“We just need to know 'yung magiging possible consequences… made-decide talaga na we will revert back to the old school calendar, it will be a gradual transition. Kasi ang mangyayari doon if may abrupt change, it will be just a two to three week break for our teachers and students,” said KC Manaog, Legal Counsel, Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines.

(We just need to know what the possible consequences will be... if it is decided that we will revert to the old school calendar, it will be a gradual transition. What will happen in an abrupt change will mean a short 2- to 3-week break for our teachers and students.)

If the old school calendar that starts in June is restored, teachers and students can avoid the adverse effects of the summer season. However, it will open the possibility that students and teachers may face numerous class disruptions brought by the rainy season.

Some parents said they agree on reverting the school calendar to June-March to make it easier for the students.

“Nahihirapan po kami kapag buwan ng tag-init. Kawawa yung mga bata e,” said one parent.

(We find it difficult during the summer months. It’s hard on the children.)

Meanwhile, another parent stressed “’Yun naman yung nakasanayan ‘di ba? Parang feeling ko mas convenient tapos summer ulit yung bakasyon diba, April and May.”

(That's what we're used to, right? I feel like it's more convenient. So the vacation will be in summer again, from April to May.)

The Education Department said it will still study the results of their consultation and formulate a plan if and when changes occur.