I totally agree with the parent who (TMID, 27 December) wrote to complain about the excessive amount of homework that students were given over the Christmas holidays.

Children deserve to rest and spend some time with their brothers and sisters, and their parents, during the Christmas holidays. And yet, instead of going on picnics or spending the day sharing some quality time with their closest relatives, they have to spend hours on end doing homework.

I understand that they have to have some work to do at home and some reading would be a healthy exercise too. But having so much homework to do in what are supposed to be holidays is not the right way.

We are talking about reforming the system so as not to put undue pressure on young children. We are talking about removing examinations in between primary and secondary schools. Well, teachers should play their own bit too by not giving excessive homework, throughout the year and during the holidays too.

I do hope that the Education Minister reads the letter that was published last Saturday and will be reading mine today. I do hope that she takes action too.

The Malta Union of Teachers defends the rights of its members and wants to improve their conditions of work. But it seems that teachers are ignoring the rights of the students they are supposed to take care of.

J. Borg

Mosta