Some schools have written to the Ministry of Education and Culture asking if they take just a week's break instead of two to make up for the time given off to schools during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Chris Hazelman stated that there are a few government schools that have already notified the Ministry.

"There are quite a few letters that have been sent in regarding activities that some schools are requesting to carry out during the break," he said.

"Activities such as sports related, school competitions and field trips. There are a large number of schools that will try and accomplish as much during the upcoming term one holiday" stated Aeau.

He also touched base on how many teachers will also be working during the break as the teachers association will undergo annual training on enhancing teaching parctices. 

Aeau mentioned that schools have informed the Ministry that they will be doing just one week break out of the two to cover school content.

"We have also notified these schools that informing the parents is a priority about the one-week break they have requested and their teachers would also have enough break for the semesters ahead," the CEO told this newspaper.

He highlighted that the schools should also consider that their teachers would need a break and it was important for them to do so even if they prefer to finish the school curriculum.

Secondary schools are placing a strong emphasis on sports such as rugby and netball. An inter-school competition in term one holidays will take place for many secondary schools.

During the 2024 Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) schools will be on holiday for three weeks starting from 14 October after term three of the academic year. 

The Ministry has also announced that national examinations would take place before the CHOGM.