Hi glenny! I too am a teacher so I guess I have some idea where you are coming from however, I am suprised that being a contract teacher you can't for example start your maternity leave mid way through term 4 and then get your full entitlement (i.e. not have it stop at 10th Dec). I am in SA and, although I am now permanent, I have read it that regardless of the fact as to whether you are contract or permanent you are entitled to the full length of maternity leave if you have worked the previous 12 months before you start. In SA the maternity leave is also extended by school holidays. So are you sure you have your info right?

If you do then I guess it's a hard one. I for one don't know if I'd want to work to 37 weeks as that would be very difficult so I guess ending either end of term 3 or mid term 4 might be your best options. As for telling your boss, I'm sure he will understand, I mean you can never tell what things will be like for you being pregnant and the best intentions don't always work out.

Good luck with it all!