The extension of the school holiday period for an additional two weeks does not require schools to make up the days, says the Ministry of Education.

This means the school year will remain the same and schools will not need to add additional weeks at the end of the year.

The statement from the Ministry of Education follows the Cook Islands Cabinet’s announcement on Sunday that said all schools and early childhood centres will close or remain closed for two weeks, resuming on Monday, February 7, 2022.

Prime Minister Mark Brown said this would allow time for families with 5 to 11-year-olds to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine which is expected soon.

Head of the Ministry of Education Danielle Tungane Cochrane yesterday said the safe reopening of schools will be in constant review.

“If there is a further change to the academic calendar, caused by a Covid-19 or health-related disruption, the Ministry of Education with all schools will need to work safely and effectively with what remaining days are left in the calendar,” Cochrane said.

Many schools are utilising the week starting on Monday for planning, she added.