Some schools going back to class earlier than others

THUNDER BAY -- A shorter summer means a longer one next year for students of one school board.

The school year typically begins the Tuesday after Labour Day but this year with the long weekend taking that date to Sept.8, Lakehead Public Schools are opening their doors Sept. 1 instead. Acting director of education Sherri-Lynne Pharand said that means the school year ends June 24.

"For students particularly secondary students looking for employment in the summer we felt it's better to end a bit earlier in June rather than the beginning of July," she said.

A Sept. 8 start for the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board means a June 30 end. Director Pino Tassone said the decision was the least disruptive for the community along with employees and parents making vacation plans.

"That was part of our decision is historically we always start the day after Labour Day," he said.