Halton Region schoolkids get extra vacation day due to teacher PA

For most students in the Greater Toronto Areait's back to school Tuesday, except for thethousands of lucky kidsin Halton Region, who will get to enjoy an extra day of summer breakbecause their teachers are taking a professional activity day.

That will make it an extra special birthday for Diana Karadza`s daughter Ella. She will turn six Tuesday and instead of being in her first day of Grade 1, she will celebrate at at home.

"She's happy because she gets the day off on her birthday," said Karadza, who was reminded of the delayed start by an email from the school's principal.She doesn't think everyone got the message.

"I think there will be a lot of parents that show up by accident expecting the school to be open for sure," says Karadza.

"Those who haven't checked their emails or haven't looked into it or heard from other parents will be in for a surprise."

Karadza says some parents have been inconvenienced by the delayed start to the school year.

"(Because) it's starting a day later than it normally does... I know a lot of parents are scrambling to know what to do for childcare for that one extra day before school starts."

David Boag, the associate director of the Halton District School Board, says parents were notified of the change in the spring when the 2016-2017 calendar was approved.

"But I'm not sure it's always on everybody's mind at that point in time as it is now when kids are gearing up to go back to school," admits Boag.

In a news release on Friday, the HDSBsaid 62,000 students from kindergarten to Grade 12 will be heading to their first day of school onWednesday.

The one-day delay is the result of a new contract Ontario teachers signed with the province, says Boag.

"There was an additional PA day added for boards this year that was part of the negotiated settlement with province," he said.

'It's nice to have an extra day'

In Halton, the committee that sets out the school calendar decided to put that extra professional activity day at the beginning of the academic year.

"This group went through the calendar and reviewed where the holidays are and breaks and recommended where the PA day be placed," says Boag.

"The other piece for us is we try to be in alignment with our co-terminus board, the Catholic board, because if we don't there will be additional transportation costs."

Schoolbus transportation costs are shared by Halton's public and Catholic school boards.

Antonina Rousskikh, 13, is happy to have the extra day to get ready for school. The Oakville student is going into Grade 8 and she also received a reminder email from her school principal about the delayed start.

"I'm goingstay home, get ready for school, make sure I'm prepared. Maybe hang out with friends," said Antonina. "Usually I'm rushed on the first day or the day before so it's nice to have an extra day."

Her friend Kathryn Pozios, 13, says even after eight weeks off school the PA day is a welcome bonus.

"Honestly we work so hard all year it's really great to have a day to relax."