Tasmania's Catholic schools have vowed to introduce a four-term year in 2013 even if the change is not adopted by the public system, reports the ABC.
The move comes after the State Government applied to the Industrial Commission to be given the power to set teachers' leave entitlements so it can change the term dates.
The move is being resisted by the Education Union.
The Catholic Education Office's Sean Gill says Catholic and Independent schools will make the change regardless of the Industrial Commission decision.
"We feel it has great educational benefit and student and staff welfare benefit. So, it's been proved on the mainland to provide that and we're confident it'll do that here," he said.
The Tasmanian state school parents association is calling on the State Government to finalise its plan for a four-term year.
Dianne Ellson from the Parents and Friends says the delay is creating uncertainty for parents and students.
"The Minister seems to be quite sure that it is going to go ahead, but there has to be a deadline on when we get that definitive answer."
The Liberals' Michael Ferguson says time is running out to ensure arrangements for students and teachers are brought into line with other states by next year.
"The longer that that drags on, the less certainty that schools have next year with regard to curriculum planning, long service leave planning, the planning of school conferences and the other diary matters that schools, parents and teachers need to attend to," he said.
FULL STORY:
Catholic schools to go it alone on four terms (ABC News)