Summerland School students and staff will receive an early Christmas gift this season.

The final day of first-semester classes has been adjusted and holiday break will officially commence once school is dismissed, Thursday, Dec. 17.

Superintendent Dale Martin reported administration requested a calendar change, “due to our staff working so hard first semester in dealing with COVID and everything that they have been asked to do as a result.”

“December 18 had been scheduled as a half day for students and staff and would now be a no -chool day with no students or staff required to be in school,” Martin said.

Prior to the beginning of the school year, Summerland school board members and administration determined semester tests would not be administered this year.

Martin said the decision had nothing to do with the coronavirus.

Classes are scheduled to resume Jan. 4.

“As of now, we are planning for second semester starting as normal with face-to-face instruction,” Martin said.