Merry Christmas and a happy new year… full of semester finals! From 1940 and potentially even further back in school history, ‘Iolani students’ overflowing excitement over winter break has been dampened by the overwhelming stress of first semester finals.
In 2001, then student and member of Imua ‘Iolani Robert Cannell ’05 published an article “Homework Over Christmas! Exams Should be BEFORE Christmas Vacation” which touches on why many students strongly disliked exams landing after winter break. Today, more than 20 years later, many students still hold the same grudge against finals in the new year.
“If finals were held before Christmas Break, everyone would have a more enjoyable holiday” says Mr. Cannell in his 2001 story, arguing that breaks are for relaxing and enjoying time away from school. He also explains that winter break is the longest break given to students in the year, deepening the debate over the timing of semester exams. He voices the opinions of students who feel that the cons outway the pros when it comes to finals occurring after winter festivities, adding that many students feel obligated to study over break when they feel they should instead be taking full advantage of the rare doings that come with holidays like sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and not touching a piece of homework until the night before school resumes.
On the flip side, he acknowledges that teachers may benefit from January finals because they don’t have to spend their vacation correcting exams, however he proposed that a longer turnaround time could be given to correct students’ finals, that way both the student and educator would be satisfied.
Sibel Badawi ’26 feels that she, along with the majority of ‘Iolani students, would substantially benefit more if she went into winter break free from the anxiety and stress that finals bring. Sibel says, “Christmas Vacation doesn’t feel like a break when there’s finals to study for. Breaks are for resting and spending time with loved ones for the holidays.” She also feels like students academically take steps back over break because they tend to forget a considerable amount of the material learned while away from the classroom, which Mr. Cannell touched on in his article as well.
On the other hand, Naomi Nogaki ’27 doesn’t mind taking finals in January and doesn’t feel drowned in academic stress over the break. She says, “I look forward to the last week of school (before Christmas Vacation commences) and all the fun activities that the SAO committees put on. The dress up days and candy cane giveaways get everyone in the cozy, holiday spirit.”
While both sides of the discussion are strong, the final decision ultimately lies in the hands of the school’s administration. Dr. Michael Lomuscio, Dean of Studies, was unable to be reached for comment, however Mrs. Melanie Wakita, Receptionist, says that she personally thinks it would be nice for students to have exams before Christmas so they will be able to enjoy the holidays even more. She acknowledges that there are pros and cons for both sides, as well as that her opinion may differ from a teacher who is in the classroom with students and sees their progression and learning ability first hand.
Will ‘Iolani students’ Christmas wishes ever come true? Based on how the school’s calendar has been structured for numerous decades, students may never be able to start off their holiday vacation with semester exams behind them. While Robert Cannell’s story was published 23 years ago, his article still holds true to Imua ‘Iolani’s mission, as it continues to serve as a voice for many ‘Iolani students today. And if, by chance, the academic calendar does go through revisions, you can count on Imua to report those changes.
