School Term Begins Today With Revised Schedules

COLOMBO(News 1st); The first school term for all grades, except Grades 1 and 6, will begin today.

The Ministry of Education said that under the new education reforms, the first school term for Grade 1 and Grade 6 students will not begin today.

The Ministry stated that the first school term for Grade 6 will begin on the 21st.

Only an introductory session for Grade 1 students will be held today.

The first school term for Grade 1 students will officially begin on the 29th.

Meanwhile, a new circular has been issued to the academic staff of schools.

Accordingly, the total number of periods a teacher must cover per week is 35.

Teachers are required to engage in classroom teaching for at least 28 periods per week, excluding duty exemptions.

Supervising teachers must teach a minimum of 14 periods per week.

Assistant principals are required to teach at least 10 periods per week.

The Ministry of Education also stated that deputy principals must cover a minimum of 8 periods per week.

Meanwhile, revisions have been made to the Muslim school timetable.

Accordingly, Muslim schools will operate on Mondays as usual from 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

From Tuesday to Thursday, Muslim schools will end at 2.15 p.m.

On those days, time from 12.30 p.m. to 12.45 p.m. will be allocated for religious observances.

On Fridays, schools will end at 11.15 a.m. to allow students and staff to attend mosque for religious observances.

Only four periods will be conducted in Muslim schools on that day.