School Day on June 30, 2025: A Comedy of Errors?
By Corneel Vanfleteren
Published on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:03 p.m. • 4 min reading
Ah, the Flemish Minister of Education, Zuhal Demir (N-VA), is making headlines again! This time, she’s scheduling an official school day for Monday, June 30, 2025. Because nothing says “I care about education” like forcing kids to stay in school on the literal cusp of summer vacation! Is it just me, or does that sound a bit… symbolic?
Key Information
- New Law: Demir insists on classes being held on Monday, June 30, 2025, in accordance with the coalition agreement.
- Concern Over Absenteeism: School management fears that lower plane ticket prices will lead to a significant drop in attendance. It’s almost like they think parents want to go on a holiday instead of listen to one last lecture on Pythagorean theorem.
- Penalties for Parents: The coalition agreement includes strict measures for parents who don’t adhere to this new edict, because accountability is key—unless, of course, you’re a politician.
It’s like someone at the Ministry had an ‘aha!’ moment: “Let’s squeeze in one more day of classes right before the summer break!” Of course, they didn’t consider that these kids might be plotting their escape to lower airfare destinations like seasoned travelers—not that they wouldn’t also enjoy the conclusion of their academic careers with flying colors (pun intended).
Breaking News: Students Not Thrilled
- Bad news, Flemish students! June 30, 2025, is officially a school day. Not the news they wanted to hear right before they sprint towards the summer break!
- Demir sticks to her guns: “Summer vacation begins on July 1, not a day earlier!” It’s her stubbornness that’ll win the day—because why would we want flexibility in education?
- Demir insists every school day counts, especially given the decline in academic performance and the notorious teacher shortage. But with classes canceled that day, one could argue she’s missing the point entirely.
- Meanwhile, a report notes that parents are already eyeing the cheaper plane tickets available the weekend before July. Oh, look! Just like our beloved summer plans, attendance is also taking off for destinations unknown!
School Heads Speak Out
And how are the parents and school directors responding? Let’s just say it’s less than enthusiastic:
- Directors, like Eric Van Huffelen, see Demir’s move as nothing more than a display of political theater—showboating with a side of chaos.
- Principal Christine Hannes candidly questions the use of this day. “Teach what?” she asks. I mean, who can blame her? At this point, the classroom is just a waiting room for summer!
- To top it off, Demir’s vowed to impose strict measures against parents who dare go on vacation before July 1. There goes your study allowance for a sunny getaway—better start practicing the art of “educational responsibility,” folks!
It’s almost as if the goals of education got lost in translation somewhere along the way. The last day of school meant to be a jubilant celebration is now a grueling test of parental determination and educational loyalty. Can’t wait to see how that turns out when the students meet up in the airport check-in lines instead of school!
Conclusion: A Lesson in Irony
So there we have it, folks! Forcing kids to stay in school on the last day makes a bold statement—one that could be about as effective as telling a teenager that “homework is important!” The question remains: when the sun of summer beckons, will they heed the call? Or will they stick it out for the sake of a political promise? Perhaps the real lesson is that sometimes, the best education comes from tasting freedom. Cheers to summer vacations—even if it is an expensive lesson!
And to Minister Demir? A tip: Perhaps flexibility is key in education… that way, it might be your summer vacation that goes on for life!
par Corneel Vanfleteren
published on Thursday November 7, 2024 at 7:03 p.m. •
4 min reading
A remarkable measure from Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir (N-VA): Monday June 30, 2025 will be an official school day. Directors criticize this measure which they consider purely “symbolic”.
Key information
- Zuhal Demir wants classes to be held on Monday June 30, 2025, in accordance with the coalition agreement.
- Management fears absenteeism due to lower plane ticket prices.
- The Flemish coalition agreement also provides for strict measures against parents who do not let their children go to school that Monday.
In the news: Bad news for Flemish students. June 30, 2025 is a school day, even though it is a Monday.
- Demir sticks to his principled position: summer vacation begins in Flanders on July 1, not a day earlier. “This is the legal rule,” she says. However, the maintenance of this last day of classes is surprising: in the past, it has happened that the holidays have been extended by one day, as in 2014, when Pascal Smet (Vooruit) was Flemish Minister of Education.
- According to Demir, it is necessary to provide an additional day of classes. “With the decline in academic performance and the shortage of teachers, every day of school is essential to educate young people,” she says. For the same reason, the secondary education day will be canceled.
- However, fears are arising that some parents may go on vacation early to take advantage of cheaper plane tickets in June than in July. The Standard checked prices with tour operator TUI and noted a 10% difference between Saturday June 28, 2025 and the following Saturday July 5.
Want to get noticed?
The reactions: School principals are not convinced.
- The Standard collected reactions from several directors who do not understand Demir’s decision. “On the last day of school, we distribute report cards and record the students’ study choices. Based on this, we can divide the students into classes for the next school year. If we only do it on June 30, we risk missing many students due to their absence, which would disrupt the organization of our school,” estimates Eric Van Huffelen.
- Van Huffelen calls Demir’s decision a pure show of political will, while director Christine Hannes speaks in The Standard of a “symbolic measure”. “It seems artificial to drag out the last day of school until after the weekend. It’s not like we can teach anything anymore. Teach what?” she asks herself.
- Furthermore, Demir seems determined to apply strict measures to parents who go on vacation before July 1 with their school-aged children. Study allowances will not be granted to parents who do not respect their educational responsibilities. This is mentioned in the Flemish coalition agreement. Absenteeism could be included in this category.
### Interview with Education Expert Dr. Leen De Vos on the School Day Controversy
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Dr. De Vos! Thank you for joining us. Teacher absenteeism and declining student attendance due to early summer vacation plans seem to be at the center of this debate initiated by Minister Zuhal Demir. What are your thoughts on the decision to hold school on June 30, 2025?
**Dr. De Vos:** Good evening! It’s a pleasure to be here. This decision is indeed quite controversial. While I understand the minister’s intention to ensure that every school day counts—especially given the recent declines in academic performance—holding classes on the eve of summer vacation may not be the most effective approach. It feels almost punitive rather than productive.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. Many school directors have described this move as “symbolic.” Do you agree with that assessment?
**Dr. De Vos:** Absolutely. It seems to be more of a show of authority rather than a well-thought-out educational strategy. The education system should seek to engage students positively, not create additional tension between students, parents, and the administration. By mandating a school day when students are already in vacation mode, it risks alienating them further.
**Interviewer:** Minister Demir has emphasized the need for accountability, particularly focusing on parents who might prioritize vacations over education. Is this approach reasonable?
**Dr. De Vos:** It’s important to promote accountability, but penalizing parents may be counterproductive. With the availability of cheaper flights in late June, many families will naturally gravitate toward vacation plans. Instead of enforcing penalties, perhaps the focus should be on understanding and accommodating families’ needs while still encouraging educational participation. This could foster a more cooperative relationship between parents and schools.
**Interviewer:** Many students are not thrilled about this decision. How do you think they will react, and what can schools do to manage their response?
**Dr. De Vos:** Students are often more motivated by a sense of autonomy and relevance in their education. If they perceive this day as a mere formality before summer, engagement levels will be low, and attendance could decline anyway. Schools should consider making this last day fun or meaningful—perhaps by incorporating some light, creative activities that reflect on what they’ve learned throughout the year, rather than rigid lectures.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if you had the chance to speak to Minister Demir, what would your message be?
**Dr. De Vos:** I would emphasize the importance of flexibility in education. An understanding of the dynamic nature of student life, particularly around summer break, could lead to more effective policies. Education is not just about attendance; it’s about fostering a love for learning and ensuring that students feel supported, even as summer beckons. A balance needs to be struck that prioritizes education while respecting the realities of family life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. De Vos, for your insights on this issue. It appears this debate reflects broader concerns in the education system that warrant careful consideration.
**Dr. De Vos:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we continue to communicate about these challenges as we strive for a more effective educational environment for everyone involved.
