Post-Holiday Period is the Real Start of Israel's School Year

For many Israeli students, the academic year effectively begins now, after the recent holidays, rather than the initial start in September. The period between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot typically disrupts the school routine, and this year, following years of significant upheaval in the education system, the return from holidays should be viewed as a new starting point, not an automatic return to an established routine. The temptation for the system is to rush into covering material and administering tests, but experts suggest this is the wrong approach for many students. Recent PISA data has highlighted learning gaps and challenges within Israel's education system, but discussions often focus solely on academic outcomes rather than the students' experiences. The children entering classrooms today are not the same as those from previous years, necessitating a 'second September' approach after the holidays. This involves a few days dedicated to rebuilding routine: re-engaging students, assessing their current standing, reconnecting them with peers and teachers, and only then increasing the academic pace. Instead of immediate tests, the school day could begin with conversations about the holidays, brief excursions outside the classroom, or discussions about current events like the Starship spacecraft's successful orbital insertion. Teachers who adopt this softer opening are likely to find students return to learning more quickly. True routine is built on security, not pressure, and a classroom perceived as safe allows students to focus on learning. A few days of a gentle re-entry will prevent weeks of trying to re-engage disaffected students. To reduce gaps and improve achievement, immediate pressure is not always the answer. A good education system recognizes when students need time to truly return to learning. This year's academic year, for many students, is truly beginning now.