No , if you read my previous post ( post no. 42 ) I stated clearly that the standardised school year was set by school managers , teacher UNIONS ,parent organisations & other relevant bodies.
Interesting that in post no 50 when you referred to "best qualified", you omitted unions.
Some other thoughts, I know in the school my little un will be going to, 6th class pupils help out with junior and senior infants, the idea being that it will help teach the bigger kids responsibilities. I think that is an excellent idea
There are also a lot of post school activities, usually led by a teacher (school band, acting, cooking, computers etc). To me, teachers who go the extra mile like that should be rewarded more.