Contrary to pupils in Belgium's French-speaking education system, those attending Flemish schools are only having their first school day today.
While people in Flanders and Wallonia are generally not very aware of the school system on the other side of Belgium's linguistic border, the two different calendars can lead to interesting scenarios in Brussels – where the two systems exist next to each other.
"In the capital, Belgium's split system adds an extra layer of difficulty," sociologist Ignace Glorieux (VUB), who has been researching the subject for over 25 years, told The Brussels Times. "Some parents work in the French-speaking education system but their children go to a Dutch-speaking school, for example. Or the other way around."
While countries such as Germany and the Netherlands are also split up into different zones that start on different dates, their schools still all follow the same structure.
In Belgium, the split system means that Flemish children have longer summer holidays but only one week of autumn or spring break, while Francophone pupils have a shorter summer break but two-week holidays for autumn and spring.
"Having one calendar per country – particularly one as small as Belgium – would be helpful," Glorieux contends. "Especially when you consider that the school calendar is not just about school, but has consequences for many other sectors, as well as parents' work calendars."
"It would be a big overhaul. But if it can happen in Wallonia, I do not see why it wouldn't be possible in Flanders."
What do you think of the different school calendars? Let @Maajtee know.
Belgium in Brief
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1. Federal Government talks resume with De Wever reappointed ‘formator’
"It is now up to the formator to determine the method and timetable for resuming negotiations." Read more.
2. Another first day of classes? Why Belgium has two different school calendars
Pupils in Francophone education started the new school year last week, but Dutch-speaking ones only have their first day today. Read more.
3. Francophone parties drop mobility ‘bombshell’ on Brussels formation talks
French-speaking parties have proposed to postpone the stricter Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards by two years. Read more.
4. New Brussels-Amsterdam line criticised for ‘far-reaching’ impact on domestic trains
Critics said it is "unacceptable" that a train from the regular domestic offer is replaced by a train that will only be accessible to international passengers. Read more.
5. Grocery price inflation in Belgium stabilised during August at 2.5%
Consumer rights organisation Test Achats has warned the incoming government against increasing taxes on basic food products Read more.
6. ‘Alarming’: Most companies lack reintegration policy for long-term sick leave
Companies are willing to better assist employees after a long-term sick leave, and want to work to prevent this phenomenon, but the knowledge is lacking. Read more.
7. Call for US voters in Belgium to have their say in presidential election
'It's important that people understand they are impacted by US policies when they live abroad, and they still have the right to to decide one way or the other' Read more.
