Rural Saskatchewan Schools Pilot New Calendar

Six schools within the Sun West School Division in rural Saskatchewan are set to begin a pilot project for an alternative school year calendar this September. The new schedule will increase daily school hours by about 25 minutes to allow for 12 fewer school days annually, with most of these days falling on Fridays.

Parents in participating communities, such as Kyle, have expressed mixed feelings. While some see the extended weekends as beneficial for family appointments and extracurricular activities, others, particularly those with older children entering Grade 12, are concerned about the adjustment.

The Chinook School Division is also considering similar calendar changes, with local school community councils having until November 15 to initiate reviews. Past experiences in the Prairie South School Division suggest academic neutrality but positive impacts on student and staff mental health, as well as staff recruitment.

However, the shift raises concerns for school bus drivers, who may face reduced paychecks due to fewer workdays. There are also questions about how this will affect the recruitment and retention of bus drivers, particularly given the age demographic of some current drivers.

Parents working on Fridays face the challenge of arranging and potentially paying for additional childcare. While some families with stay-at-home parents or flexible schedules may adapt easily, others will need to find solutions for the extra day off.

Educators also ponder the effect of longer daily school hours on younger children's attention spans, although the benefit of an extra day at home is acknowledged. The Chinook School Division is guiding its communities through a consultation and voting process for potential adoption in the 2027-28 school year.