I would like to add a comment to Victor Mario Abela’s letter about teachers, their profession and their holidays (TMID, 24 June). I agree with Mr Abela in every respect. However, as regards teachers’ holidays there is a point that should also be considered – their holidays fall in summer when most employees are on half days. Workers in other areas do not generally ‘waste’ their vacation leave on half days but take them on full days. In fact, because of this some places offer a total of hours instead of ‘days’.

My point: when you take the teachers’ half-day holidays and put them together, are they really that better off than others? And what about other government sectors that work half-days in summer and also have a large number of leave days that are generally taken during ‘full’ days. A teacher’s only advantage is that when holiday time arrives, no one can say “Stop leave” or “Not today”.

So those who rant against teachers: Don’t knock the profession! And yes, the old cliche is true: Why didn’t you become a teacher if it’s so great! Did you read this letter? Then thank a teacher!

Leo Attard

Qala