5-day school week

Dear editor,

I’m writing in response to a June 16 editorial, “Five-day school week.” I read the editorial with pleasure and excitement. I’m sure that many teachers, students and parents are in favor of the new school week plan.

Students are getting more stressed out and burdened due to heavy school loads. The five-day school week will help students ease their stress and tiredness. Also, it will allow schoolchildren to spend more time with their family. It will help them build closer relationships with their family members and friends.

I agreed with the writer’s opinion. Education authorities and schools have to provide various opportunities for students to enjoy diverse activities and participate in different events in their communities. Taking part in different activities will enable students to enrich their experiences and foster creative thinking.

However, we still have some concerns about this policy. Students might be forced to turn more to private tutoring on weekends. I don’t want our society to put this matter in the hands of only the education authorities and schools. I hope all members of society can cooperate in helping children learn how to spend weekends in better ways.

I also suggest civil organizations work together with schools to provide various opportunities for students. Our young generation will become global leaders. Their dreams and happiness will help bring a bright future to the nation.

Grace Kim

Jungnang-gu, Seoul

School teacher