JEDDAH: Saudi students and teachers began their longest school vacation in 10 years on Saturday, which will be 120 days for students, and 100 days for teachers.
However, the celebration is expected to be limited to the students only, as the long holiday is being seen as a nightmare by some parents.
Over the past 10 years, the number of school vacation days has varied for students and teachers in the public, private and international education systems. Last year, the teachers enjoyed just 60 days of vacation against 80 for students, while the year before the vacation period for teachers was only 37 days, against 88 days for students.
This year's long summer vacation will include many occasions, starting with the holy month of Ramadan, followed by Eid Al-Fitr, then Eid Al-Adha. Meanwhile, many parents and teachers have said that because the month of Dul Qadah is free of any religious occasions, they may even enjoy a little travel as well.
With the beginning of the summer vacation, the responsibilities, tasks and activities of children and their parents are doubled as so many events tend to occur during this time. Additionally, the late nights spent staying up to watch TV or attend family gatherings make families more tired than usual during this period.
Nonetheless, social media has been flooded with pictures and excitement in anticipation of the vacation period, especially on the part of those who graduated from school this year. Additionally, many teachers have said that they are looking forward to enjoying the long relaxing months while still being paid.
From a parent's perspective, Ahmad Nasser, a father of four, said that taking advantage of the vacation is hard, adding, “Actually it is not hard, it is a nightmare!” Ahmad noted that he is considering enrolling his children in a summer club or camp.
Umm Khalid Al-Shareef said that summer clubs are expensive but that she will probably resort to a summer center, saying that these tend to be cheaper.
Hassan Al-Omar, a high school student, said he will spend the vacation doing a range of activities including swimming and football.
However, the celebration is expected to be limited to the students only, as the long holiday is being seen as a nightmare by some parents.
Over the past 10 years, the number of school vacation days has varied for students and teachers in the public, private and international education systems. Last year, the teachers enjoyed just 60 days of vacation against 80 for students, while the year before the vacation period for teachers was only 37 days, against 88 days for students.
This year's long summer vacation will include many occasions, starting with the holy month of Ramadan, followed by Eid Al-Fitr, then Eid Al-Adha. Meanwhile, many parents and teachers have said that because the month of Dul Qadah is free of any religious occasions, they may even enjoy a little travel as well.
With the beginning of the summer vacation, the responsibilities, tasks and activities of children and their parents are doubled as so many events tend to occur during this time. Additionally, the late nights spent staying up to watch TV or attend family gatherings make families more tired than usual during this period.
Nonetheless, social media has been flooded with pictures and excitement in anticipation of the vacation period, especially on the part of those who graduated from school this year. Additionally, many teachers have said that they are looking forward to enjoying the long relaxing months while still being paid.
From a parent's perspective, Ahmad Nasser, a father of four, said that taking advantage of the vacation is hard, adding, “Actually it is not hard, it is a nightmare!” Ahmad noted that he is considering enrolling his children in a summer club or camp.
Umm Khalid Al-Shareef said that summer clubs are expensive but that she will probably resort to a summer center, saying that these tend to be cheaper.
Hassan Al-Omar, a high school student, said he will spend the vacation doing a range of activities including swimming and football.
