year due to the restructuring of the education system.

Yesterday Government announced that the holidays for secondary schools, as well as Dellwood Primary, will begin on June 18, instead of June 25.

Education officials say the extra week will not affect completion of this year's curriculum.

"School staff will ensure that everything that should have been done by June 25 will now be done by June 18,'' said Education Minister Jerome Dill.

The extra holiday is designed to allow staff to prepare for the new school system which will involve the reassignment of several teachers as well as changes in the operation of the schools.

Staff will also need to transfer information to the CedarBridge Academy and review information on the operation of the middle schools.

In addition staff at Dellwood will have to prepare for the transfer to Northlands and manage the closure of the old school.

Mr. Dill added: "I am pleased to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the principals of the secondary schools and to Dellwood for the tremendous effort which is being made by all of them.

"There is no doubt that the success of the restructuring has been greatly eased by the enthusiasm which they have demonstrated and I would ask all of Bermuda to join me in this expression of appreciation.''