School's out!

Another year is done and dusted and the holiday rush begins for Flag Swamp School pupils (from left) Nik Turner (9), Nickalous Paul (5), Freedom Thomas-Martin (8), school visitor Alice Smith (3), Melissa Laxon (10), Lucy Jackson (5), Kylie Weir (7), Sheree Thomas-Martin (7), Machela Paul (6), school visitor Chloe Greer (11), Daymon Smillie (11), Preschool Club member Baillie Laxon (4), Caitlin Edge (10), Gina Tutty (11), Kelly-Ann Weir (11, obscured) and Byron Greer (9). Waving goodbye are principal Murray Oats and his wife, Wendy.

They were among about 16,000 Otago primary and intermediate pupils who begin their school holidays today.

And despite term 4 being significantly shorter because of the Rugby World Cup, those at Flag Swamp School were itching to get on with their summer break.

For teachers, the school year does not end until December 20. For the next week, they will be wrapping up this year's work and preparing classes for next year.

Primary, intermediate and secondary school classes will resume between January 30 and February 7.