Minister Releases 1999-2000 School Calendar

The 1999-2000 school calendar has been released by Department of Education and Culture. The regular school term, consisting of 195 teaching days, will begin on or after Wednesday, Sept. 1, and end no later than Friday, June 30, 2000.

The Christmas vacation will include Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and at least five, but no more than 10, school days. The vacation period will include Jan. 4 and 5 to allow school boards to test their systems and ensure all are working properly before students and staff return.

Education and Culture Minister Wayne Gaudet said the precaution will ensure schools are safe and warm when they reopen in January.

"We meet with school boards on an ongoing basis, and they're on track," said Mr. Gaudet. "Although major problems are not anticipated, it makes good sense for boards to test-run their schools and buses before students and teachers return to school."

The department and the school boards have been working closely to correct potential Y2K problems with school board essential systems. Each board has a project team in place. For example, boards have ensured their heating systems are Y2K compliant. Extensive assessment of buses has been undertaken, including consultation with manufacturers; no problems have been identified to date, and none is anticipated. School boards are now at various stages of testing their computer, communication and administrative systems.

Schools will close for March Break on Friday, March 10, 2000, and reopen Monday, March 20. Other holidays include: Labour Day (Sept. 6), Thanksgiving Day (Oct. 11), Remembrance Day (Nov. 11), Good Friday (April 21), Easter Monday (April 24) and Victoria Day (May 22).