DepEd says classes in public and private schools to open Sept. 13

The Department of Education (DepEd) said School Year 2021-22 will start on September 13, 2021, with classes to commence on that date.

In its School Calendar and Activities for SY 2021-2022 released yesterday, DepEd noted that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved Sept.13 as the opening date of the school year.

DepEd Order No. 029, Series of 2021, the 209-day school year includes Saturdays and the five-day midyear break. Classes will end on June 24, 2022, adding that the conduct of distance learning activities on Saturdays is authorized.

“Should religious considerations prevent these Saturday activities, these may be conducted on Sundays. Nonetheless, teachers will not be required to render service on Saturdays and Sundays,” it said.

Face-to-Face

“The conduct of face-to-face classes, whether in partial or full scale, will not be allowed unless permitted by the Office of the President,” DepEd said.

The order allows private schools and state or local universities and colleges (SUCs/LUCs) to implement or deviate from the school calendar. “Moreover, they may begin classes not earlier than the first Monday of June and not later than Sept. 13, 2021 pursuant to RA (Republic Act) 11480. Any deviation from the school calendar shall be reported to the respective Regional Offices (ROs) in advance,” the DepEd order states.

DepEd’s implementing guidelines on SY 2021-2022 School Calendar and Activities cover both public and private elementary and secondary schools including community learning centers (CLCs).

“In preparation for the opening of classes, Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela shall be conducted, focusing on information campaign and strengthening partnerships that complement the Department’s effort to ensure quality basic education,” DepEd added.
Based on the guidelines, SY 2021-2022 will formally start on Sept. 13, 2021, Monday and will end on June 24, 2022, Friday.

Enrollment

Enrolment is set from Aug. 16 to Sept. 13, the education department added, but a separate set of guidelines on enrollment will be released, DepEd also said, adding that the “Brigada Eskwela” and “Oplan Balik Eskwela” are to be held on announced dates and will focus on information campaign, preparations, and strengthening partnerships that complement the DepEd’s effort to ensure quality basic education.

Christmas break will start on Dec. 20, Saturday and classes will resume on Jan. 3, 2022, Monday, the DepEd order added.*