Winter vacation in public, private schools in twin cities extended till Jan 8

ISLAMABAD: Winter vacation in the educational institutions of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been extended till Jan 8.

All institutions have been asked to restart classes on Jan 9.

“Due to expected severity of weather, we have decided to extend winter holidays for one more week.

“This shall be applicable to class prep – class 10 for all public and private schools within Islamabad Capital Territory. FDE & PIERA have been instructed to issue notification,” Education Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain tweeted.

Following his announcement, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and Private Educational Institutions and Regulatory Authority (Peira) issued notifications.

The FDE announced that government schools will reopen on Jan 9, while the regulatory body for private schools announced that winter vacations have been extended until Jan 7.

Islamabad’s weather in the month of January remains cold and the temperature significantly decreases.

The capital city on Thursday witnessed rain. Whereas, district Murree, which is around 45 kilometres away from the city witnessed the first light snow of the season.

“Following directions of the federal minster, both FDE and Peira issued notifications … it is impossible for school students, particularly for kids to attend the morning sessions of schools, therefore, extension in winter vacations is a good step,” said an officer of the education ministry.

Public and private schools have been urged to follow the directive otherwise strict action would be taken against them.