Pupils at the Island's schools have been given an unexpected surprise!

The Department of Education has extended the Christmas holiday by a day, which means the first day back after the break will now be Tuesday, January 5th.

In a letter to all parents and guardians, the department says it has decided to close the schools on January 4th for a number of reasons.

These include the fact many families have requested leave of absence for their children on that day, because of the New Year holiday falling so close to the start of term.

Teachers will either attend school on the 4th for professional development work, or be invited to 'bank' the day, so they can be asked to cover for absent colleagues between January and the end of the summer term.

The department refers to swine flu and the Norovirus among the possible reasons for absence.