Every so often a story does the rounds that’s just a bit too good to be true — and this is one of our favourites. Back in the day, we ran a light-hearted April Fools’ piece imagining a Department of Education announcement giving extra school holidays for tired teachers. It was never a real policy, but it got such a reaction from parents and teachers alike that we’re keeping it here as a bit of fun from the MyKidsTime archives.
The story that had everyone talking
The (entirely made-up) announcement went like this: to tackle teacher fatigue once and for all, each school term would get an extra couple of days off, and the summer break would stretch out even further for both primary and secondary students. A fictional “Department of Education spokesperson” was even quoted saying there were “far too many tired teachers” and that something had to be done.
It read just seriously enough to make plenty of parents do a double take.
Why teachers loved it and parents weren’t so sure
The imagined reaction split neatly down the middle. Teachers, unsurprisingly, were delighted at the thought of extra breaks. Parents, on the other hand, were left doing the mental maths on childcare, work schedules, and how on earth they’d fill even more days off.
It’s a fair reflection of real life, even if the “announcement” itself was pure invention: extra school holidays always sound wonderful in theory, until you’re the one juggling work and childcare around them.
Where to find real school holiday dates
If you’re planning ahead for the actual school calendar, the best place to check is your child’s own school — schools confirm their term dates and holiday breaks directly, and these can vary slightly between schools and counties. For the official position in Ireland, the Department of Education’s own website is the most reliable source for term structures and any planned changes.
It’s always worth building your family calendar around the confirmed dates from your school rather than anything you spot doing the rounds online — including stories like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Department of Education really giving teachers extra holidays?
No. This was a fun April Fools’ story from MyKidsTime, not a genuine government announcement. There has been no official policy giving teachers or students extra school holidays for fatigue.
Where can I check real school holiday dates?
Your child’s school will confirm official term and holiday dates directly, and the Department of Education’s website carries the overall term structure for schools in Ireland.
Does MyKidsTime run stories like this every year?
We do enjoy a good April Fools’ story from time to time — always in good fun, and always something we’re happy to flag clearly if it’s ever reprinted outside of its original context.
Related Articles
- How to Plan Your Family Calendar Around School Holidays
- Fun Things to Do With the Kids During School Holidays
- Back to School Tips for a Smoother Start
Save These Ideas for Later
Not quite what you were looking for today? Have a browse through our other school holidays and family planning articles — there’s always something useful for the next break, whenever it lands.
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