Nicosia, Cyprus. Parents in Cyprus are preparing for nearly 12 weeks of summer school closure as the long summer break approaches. Teachers defend the holidays as necessary for both staff and pupils, while some parents say the schedule makes childcare difficult.
School holidays and timetable
Primary schools in Cyprus close for more than 18 weeks a year on average, including two weeks at Christmas and New Year, two weeks at Easter and 12 national, religious and other days. In summer, primary schools usually close from mid-June until around mid-September.
This year, schools break up on June 18 and reopen on September 11. Teachers have the same days off as pupils, though their summer break is slightly shorter, with schools closing on June 22 and resuming on September 4.
Parents describe childcare difficulties
Anna, a mother of two who works full-time and has no family nearby, said the long breaks make it hard to arrange care for her children.
“It is so frustrating that schools close so often. Twelve weeks over summer plus all the additional days the kids get for special religious days, while we parents are struggling to find care for them while we are at work,” she told the Cyprus Mail.
Antonis said he faces similar problems during the summer months. Although his in-laws are available, he said they are retired and cannot look after the three children every day.
“Granny is not a fulltime carer,” he said.
