Polynesia Education Update: School Transport, Calendar & Charter Progress

Moorea will observe the introduction of a school bus service for students at the start of the next academic year, according to French Polynesia’s Minister of Education, Samantha Bonet-Tirao. The announcement, made on Monday, February 16, 2026, follows a review of transport solutions for the island’s students, with work on the project now completed.

“We have made progress with the DGEE services, and I thank them for the work accomplished so far,” Bonet-Tirao stated, referring to the Directorate General of Education. “The work is finished, solutions have been found. I am now awaiting final confirmations to ensure these solutions are sustainable.”

The minister confirmed that the solutions involve the deployment of buses to transport students, addressing a key priority identified upon taking office on February 13, 2026.

Alongside the transport issue, Bonet-Tirao also addressed the upcoming school calendar. A shift in the academic year is planned, with the intention of aligning school terms with seasonal weather patterns. The new academic year will begin in August.

“The idea is to shorten school periods during the warmer seasons and extend vacation times,” Bonet-Tirao explained. “What we have is particularly relevant in places like the Tuamotu archipelago, where classrooms can become remarkably hot. We aim to lengthen school periods during cooler seasons.”

However, the minister stressed that the academic year will still run from August to the end of June, and that the changes are not intended to replicate calendar models used elsewhere, such as in New Caledonia. “We are remaining true to our local realities,” she said.

When questioned about the possibility of installing air conditioning in schools or improving building ventilation, Bonet-Tirao acknowledged that some schools already have such facilities, particularly in primary education, with support from local municipalities. She indicated that whereas addressing infrastructure needs is a priority, choices must be made given budgetary constraints.

Bonet-Tirao also highlighted the ongoing development of a new education charter, a project she previously championed. The charter is currently being drafted and will be submitted to a steering committee, with feedback sought from those on the ground to ensure their concerns are addressed. She also noted the need to explain the rationale for the changes to the public, outlining what has worked well under the current charter and why an evolution of the system is necessary.

The minister emphasized a commitment to continuity in her approach, particularly regarding the promotion of Polynesian languages and cultures. Existing programs to support the teaching of Tahitian will be expanded to include other Polynesian languages, recognizing the unique linguistic identity of each archipelago. She stressed that this is a societal project requiring broad participation, including a focus on family language policies.