BOLZANO. The vice-president and councilor Marco Galateo invites teachers to reflect “on the importance of the balance between learning and rest during the holidays”. In particular, in view of the upcoming Christmas holidays, Galateo has sent two communications in recent days aimed at school staff and students’ families. The objective is to solicit “a shared reflection on the need to balance the school workload during the holidays with the right to rest and regeneration”.
The first communication, addressed to managers, teachers and school staff, underlines “the importance of carefully considering the load of tasks assigned to students during the period of suspension of teaching activities”.
“We fully understand the need to maintain a certain continuity in learning - explains councilor Galateo – but it is equally fundamental to offer our young people an opportunity for a regenerating break that allows them to recharge their energy and return to school with renewed motivation. Of course on my part, there is no intention of wanting to regulate the amount of tasks.”
In the letter, school staff are invited to promote a moderate approach in the amount of homework, so that holiday time can be spent with the family and dedicated to psychophysical well-being. The second communication, addressed to families, intends to inform parents of the intentions and indications sent to school staff. “The Christmas holidays are a precious moment for the harmonious development of our children – continues Galateo - and the collaboration of families is essential to support an educational path that recognizes the value of rest alongside school commitment”.
The letter to families emphasizes how adequate time off can foster better concentration and a deeper desire to learn. The vice president concludes the statement with an invitation to the school community and families “to continue to work together to ensure that children’s educational experience is balanced and in line with their growth and well-being needs”.
The issue of homework often divides families and teachers. What do you think?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Marco Galateo, Vice-President and Councilor for Education
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Councilor Galateo! Thank you for joining us today. Your recent communications about balancing school workload and rest during the upcoming Christmas holidays have sparked quite a conversation among educators and parents. What motivated you to issue this guidance?
Marco Galateo: Good afternoon! I believe that as educational leaders, we need to adapt to the changing landscape of student needs. The holiday season should not just be a break from school; it needs to be a time for families to reconnect and for students to recharge. Our goal is to encourage a balance between learning and a well-deserved rest.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of a “regenerating break” for students. How do you see this impacting their overall educational experience?
Marco Galateo: A healthy balance between work and rest can have tremendous benefits. When students are given adequate time to unwind, they often return to their studies more motivated and focused. It’s all about fostering a deeper desire to learn, rather than just pushing through a continuous cycle of homework and stress.
Time.news Editor: In your letters to teachers and families, you emphasized a moderate approach to homework during the holidays. What kind of feedback have you received since sharing this message?
Marco Galateo: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Both families and teachers understand the importance of this balance. Many parents expressed their gratitude for recognizing the need for family time during the holidays, while educators appreciated having the opportunity to reflect on their homework practices.
Time.news Editor: There’s often a debate surrounding homework, especially during holiday breaks. How do you envision the school community, including families and teachers, collaborating to establish this balance?
Marco Galateo: Collaboration is essential for creating a supportive educational environment. Families can reinforce this balance by discussing the importance of rest with their children, while teachers can moderate the homework load to allow students to spend quality time with their families. Together, they can ensure that educational experiences are aligned with the well-being of the students.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, do you plan on advocating for more guidelines or frameworks regarding holiday workloads and educational practices?
Marco Galateo: It’s definitely something we are considering. We want to create a sustainable approach that supports the growth and health of our students. This involves ongoing conversations with educators, parents, and even the students themselves. Their input is vital to shaping future policies that prioritize both learning and well-being.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to teachers and families as we approach the holiday season?
Marco Galateo: I urge everyone to take a moment to reflect on the value of restorative time. Let’s use the holiday break not just as an opportunity to pause from academic activities but as a chance to foster personal growth, family bonds, and emotional well-being. Education is not solely about academic achievement; it’s about nurturing the whole child.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Councilor Galateo, for sharing your insights with us. It’s refreshing to see a concerted effort to prioritize balance in education.
Marco Galateo: Thank you for having me! Let’s continue working together for the betterment of our students and their families. Happy holidays!