Highlights
- Over 1.1 million students set to back to school after a two-month summer break.
- Staggered entry approach implemented for introductions, tours, and orientation sessions.
- Indian schools acknowledge potential lower attendance due to Onam and Rakshabandhan festivities.
- Schools focus on a smooth start and comfortable settling-in period for new students.
- Educators undergo training during summer break, ensuring readiness for mental health support.
- Innovative curriculum approaches and collaborative efforts enhance the school experience.
- Parents advised to engage in conversations about expectations and goals with their children.
- Delayed returns for some students due to staggered entries, festivals, and airfare concerns.
- Mixed emotions as students prepare to embark on a new academic journey.
- Anticipation for the year ahead remains high among parents and students.
Back to School
As schools in the UAE gear up to welcome over 1.1 million students back to school after a two-month summer break, a positive turnout is anticipated for the new academic term. The return, however, is being staggered throughout the week to facilitate introductions, tours, and orientation sessions, particularly for new students. While Indian schools are optimistic about the commencement of the term, some schools may experience slightly lower attendance in the initial days due to the festivities of Onam and Rakshabandhan falling on August 29 and 30 respectively.
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Ghadeer Abu-Shamat
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, CEO of Al Khaleej International School, expressed confidence in a strong turnout and explained their meticulously designed staggered entry plan to ensure a smooth start. The first day will be dedicated to new students, followed by the official beginning of classes for all students. Schools have been preparing for the new academic year since early August, addressing logistics, systems, and resources.
Parents Involved
Educators have participated in various trainings, including young adult mental health first aid, during the summer break. With innovative approaches to the school curriculum, anticipation is high for the upcoming year. Parents are encouraged to engage in regular conversations with their children about expectations and goals, and to create a conducive study environment at home.
Delays Returns due to Festivals
While most students are returning on the designated start date, some will have delayed returns due to factors like staggered entries, Indian festivals, and elevated airfares. The beginning of a new school year is met with mixed emotions, from excitement to the challenge of adjusting to new routines.
Egyptian expat in Dubai Mariam Kiwan said, “My child who will be going to Year 4 has ‘Hopes and Dreams’ in her school tomorrow which is a ten-minutes interaction with the new class teacher. Students are supposed to go and meet the new homeroom teacher along with their parents. This is a good opportunity for students to share their aspirations and goals with their teachers, meet their new teacher, and set a positive tone for the upcoming academic year. Regular classes for her begin on Tuesday.”
She added, “While we are all excited about the new school year and everything has been bought and is ready, it most importantly means going back to a proper routine. For my daughter, it means a new class and new friends but the only thing that she is unhappy about is waking up early and returning to regular studies. But needless to say, school means being more organised both for the student and the family and we all are looking forward to it.”
Then there are children who will be going to a proper school for the first time. Their parents wait with anticipation for the big day.
