Public schools across the Emirates are returning to in-person learning in two phases
Schools in Abu Dhabi opened their gates on Monday morning to welcome the first group of students for individual classes after three weeks of distance learning since the start of the second session.
Last week, the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) announced that students in UAE public schools will return to in-person learning in two phases.
The first group of students returned to educational institutions today, January 24. These include students in Kindergarten, Cycle 1 (Classes 1-5), and Classes 12 and 13.
International exam takers have also returned to the campus.
The second group of students (classes 6-11) will start learning individually from January 31.
Private school students in Abu Dhabi also returned to individual lessons in phases from today following approval from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek).
Mohamed Saad, principal of Ajayal International School, MBZ, Abu Dhabi, said that at least 85 percent of his students in the first group returned to school on Monday for face-to-face learning.
"Everyone has been looking forward to returning to school. The students are excited and really happy to return to school, seeing their peers and meeting their teachers," he said.
“The kids were in good form and filled with stories of their weekend adventures. The Foundation Stage students were happy to be back at school after three weeks of online learning. All the kids showed a happy little face when they got on the bus or Came through our door."
George Mathew, CEO and Principal of James Indian School in Abu Dhabi, said that 65 percent of students who opted for face-to-face learning from KG to Grade 5, Grade 10 and 12 attended the school on January 24.
"I can anticipate that the numbers will increase on a daily basis. Come next week. We will have a large number of people reporting back to school. We are all set to defeat the pandemic with optimism and a growth mindset," he said.
"The step-by-step approach to getting children back to school is the most appropriate step recommended by Edec. It has helped schools be better prepared when all grades are back in school next week."
He said that the parents have been given the option to choose the physical presence or distance education model for their children.
Jana Wilko, principal of Garden City British School in Al Ain, said students, teachers and parents were relieved to be back at school, and were filled with mixed feelings of excitement and joy.
“After three weeks of difficult distance learning for children, parents and teachers alike, the desire to return to normal learning processes is now clearly greater; for everyone to regain the normalcy seen in Term 1. Shows willingness to comply with the government's security requirements," Wilko said.
"Some children also expressed a dislike of distance learning, saying that they prefer being in school with their friends and teachers, where they can communicate and collaborate to make learning enjoyable and exciting." "
Salman Ahmed Khan, deputy principal of Islamia English School Abu Dhabi, said his teachers were delighted to see the gleeful faces of their students as they recounted their joyful conversation.
“On the first day, KG-1 to Grade-5, and Grade 10,11,12 reported and continued with distance learning from Grades 6 to 9,” he said.
"Teachers were assigned duties at gate entries in and out to meet all the requirements. Everyone, students and parents, had to submit a negative PCR test result of 96 hours to be allowed into the school premises."
Khan said the attendance of his students has been encouraging, especially in KG and primary, and he expects the numbers to increase as they move forward optimistically with the intention of motivating and encouraging learners.
He informed that all health, hygiene and safety measures have been taken care of, with the safety and well being of the staff and students being the top priority of the school.
Khan said, "The advice is being given to parents as part of an ongoing campaign to get their children vaccinated at the earliest with advice to highlight the positive aspects of returning their children to school."