Choiseul On The Move

 

ONE DAY TO PAUSE: LET OUR TEACHERS AND CHILDREN CATCH THEIR BREATH

By De Dan | Choiseul on the Move

Today, Monday, October 26, Saint Lucia’s teachers and students have a one-day midterm break, following yesterday’s Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations. For families across Choiseul/Saltibus, it offers a short pause from the school morning rush.

As a retired teacher and a grandfather, I welcome that pause. But I also believe we should give some thought to what we expect this single day to accomplish.

A welcome start

The Government Information Service confirmed in September that a midterm break had been incorporated into the 2026–2027 academic calendar, with particular attention to teachers’ mental health and well-being.

That recognition matters.

Teaching demands more than the hours spent standing before a class. There are lessons to prepare, books to mark, parents to communicate with and children whose difficulties follow the teacher home in thought, long after the school bell has rung.

Those of us who have worked in a classroom know the feeling. Sometimes you leave school, but school does not leave you.

Our children, too, deserve consideration. Think of the child waking before daylight, getting ready for transport, spending the day in class and returning home to assignments. Here in Choiseul/Saltibus, where some students travel beyond their communities to attend school, that routine deserves our attention.

A chance to slow down is welcome.

But is one day enough?

Education Minister Kenson Casimir has defended the length of the break, citing regional practice and financial considerations. He also encouraged teachers to disconnect from their phones and spend the day focusing on themselves.

My view is straightforward: welcome the day, then assess whether it serves its purpose.

One day provides breathing space. Whether it provides enough is a fair question for teachers, parents and students to answer from experience.

The Ministry should seek their feedback before planning future breaks. Did teachers actually rest? Were children able to unwind? What arrangements did working parents have to make?

Those are practical questions that can help improve the school calendar.

For our Choiseul/Saltibus families

A school break does not automatically mean a day off for parents. Some households will still have work, farming, business and other responsibilities to manage.

Where possible, let us help one another with safe supervision. A grandparent, relative or trusted adult can make a difference, but arrangements should be clear: who is responsible, where the child will be and how the parent can be reached.

And let us resist filling every free hour.

After the excitement of Jounen Kwéyòl, today can be a quieter day at home—sharing a meal, talking about yesterday’s celebrations or listening to an older relative explain a tradition.

There is learning in those conversations too. A child who hears how grandparents cooked, farmed, played and helped their neighbours is receiving something no worksheet can fully capture.

Ask the child how school is going

This pause also offers a simple opportunity to listen.

Ask your child: “How are things at school?”

Then give them room to answer.

Is there a subject they cannot follow? Is the journey tiring? Are they settling into a new school? Is something troubling them?

The purpose should be understanding. Sometimes the most useful thing an adult can do is sit down and pay attention before deciding what help is needed.

Let the break mean something

To our teachers across Choiseul/Saltibus: I hope today gives you a little peace and time for yourselves.

To our students: enjoy the pause and prepare calmly for your return.

To parents and guardians: follow your school’s notices about resumption and any particular arrangements.

And to the education authorities: keep listening. A day of rest is welcome, while the everyday concerns of classroom workload, student support and school resources still require steady attention.

Here at Choiseul on the Move, we welcome this recognition that the people inside our schools need time to recharge.

Let us give them the space to do so.

How has the one-day midterm break worked for your household? Is it enough, and what would you suggest for the future?