Elimination of ski vacations proposed by ex-school senator.
In the heart of Germany, the city of Hamburg has been grappling with a long-standing debate over its school holiday scheduling. This issue, which revolves around the coordination of holiday times for better planning and security, according to the school authority, has been a topic of discussion for decades.
In the 90s, former Senator for Schools, Rosemarie Raab, attempted to abolish the March holidays and attach them to Easter. However, her proposal faced vocal opposition, particularly from the wealthier ski community in Hamburg. The resistance was so strong that Raab, a member of the SPD party at the time, eventually had to withdraw her proposal.
Fast forward to 2024, and the city's Second Mayor, Katharina Fegebank (Greens), has proposed a similar change. Fegebank aims to reduce spring holidays in March to one week and extend holidays in May to two weeks. Unlike Raab's proposal, which was met with a lack of support, Fegebank's proposal has received a mixed response.
The social argument, which emphasizes the benefit of later holidays for families who cannot afford to go on holiday, was the decisive factor for Rosemarie Raab in her proposal. This same argument aligns with Fegebank's current proposal, as it aims to provide a better chance of good weather for children from financially weaker families during their holidays.
Fegebank's proposal has also received the school authority's willingness to discuss it. Surveys conducted in schools have shown that more than 50% of responses support keeping the ski holidays, causing Raab's proposal to withdraw her proposal. However, Fegebank's proposal seems to have garnered more support.
According to Fegebank, school holidays should be a nice time for all children, with activities like kicking around outside, going swimming, or making excursions. She believes that this proposal will ensure that every child has a pleasant and enjoyable holiday experience.
It's important to note that Hamburg's current school holidays are set until the year 2030. The coordination of holiday times is necessary for better planning security, as mentioned by the school authority.
In conclusion, the debate over Hamburg's school holiday scheduling continues, with a fresh proposal from Katharina Fegebank aiming to provide a better chance of good weather for children from financially weaker families. The school authority has signaled a willingness to discuss the proposal, and time will tell whether it will face the same fate as Raab's proposal in the 90s.
[1] School Holidays in Hamburg: A Long-Standing Debate [2] Rosemarie Raab's Proposal to Change Hamburg's School Holidays [3] Katharina Fegebank's Proposal to Change Hamburg's School Holidays
[1] The long-standing debate over school holiday scheduling in Hamburg has once again resurfaced, with a fresh proposal for education-and-self-development purposes.
[2] Initiatives such as Rosemarie Raab's in the 90s, aiming to provide a better chance of good weather for children from financially weaker families, have been met with controversy and opposition but remain relevant in current discussions.
