National Democracy Day observed as Palau schools close, SDA and PMA hold classes
BY: Eustoria Marie Borja
Koror, Palau — Schools across Palau are closed today in observance of National Day of Democracy, with all public schools and private institutions such as Maris Stella Elementary School and Mindszenty High School pausing classes for the official holiday.
However, Palau Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) School and Palau Mission Academy (PMA) remains open, following its published calendar that requires classes to be held today. According to SDA School administration, "this decision was made after careful consideration of the required number of school days and our school's operational needs", according to the Palau SDA school Principal Germaine Yaoch on SDA's Class Dojo app and on the SDA FB page.
In addition, Ms. Yaoch stated, "We will observe the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28, and will also be closed on Friday, November 29th.
The President of the Republic of Palau H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr. issued a memo on October 17, 2024 pursuant to Executive Order No. 313, it stated, "The National Day of Democracy shall be observed as a legal holiday on Tuesday, 05 November (on each subsequent National Election Day)."
Family Day will be observed on Friday, 22 November 2024. "Unlike like most years, it will be observed the week prior to Thanksgiving this year due the fourth Friday occurring prior to the fourth Thursday. This means that the day after Thanksgiving will be a standard work day for employees of the National government", according to the memorandum, Serial number 24-2363.
