THE schedule for the 2009 school year released recently by the Education Ministry seems devoid of any sensitivity to our cultural norms and practices.

For instance, why does the final term of school start, nominally, on Aug 31 but in effect on Sept 1? Since Aug 31, is a day for celebration and unity, why not move the mid-term break to the week following Merdeka Day? We will then have an occasion to remember Merdeka together with the mid-term break.

We urge the ministry to be flexible and to use common sense when fixing mid-term breaks. If major ethnic celebrations like Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and even Gawai Dayak and Harvest Festival fall within a week of the mid-term break, why not move the break to coincide with the festivals? Let us work around these festivals as far as possible.

Logistically, especially for teachers and students from out of town and out of state, it makes a lot of difference.

With sufficient school holidays, we are sure more Malaysians can go back to their hometowns and need not rush back to school.