We extended nothing in the context of the school circulars. We reaffirmed the current position, the rules as laid down by earlier circulars that there were 183 days at primary level, 167 days at second level, and defined the length of the school day and half-day. While it has been argued that schools had arranged their timetables, this circular did not require schools to change the timetable once it was in operation for the required number of days per annum and hours per week. Where there was an excessive number of half-days we were seeking a change of timetable.
The Department in this circular — which was well signalled in advance — secured the school day. I have met principals who have thanked me for the circular because they have not timetabled excessive half-days. They have timetabled within the prescribed number of days and hours as laid down by the Department of Education. Schools that have not been involved in raising a storm have abided by the timetable.
The circular did not extend the school week. It asked the schools to devise their own timetables according to their own requirements as long as they met the laid down and accepted time of the school day. It did not seek to pre-empt the outcome of the talks because the subject of the additional six days was excluded from the circular. Schools that are having no difficulty with the Time in School circular have been timetabling according to the times and days laid down by the Department of Education.