Pupils return to classes after break
Year of Zayed and examinations already setting the 2018 school agenda
Tens of thousands of UAE students returned to classes yesterday after the three-week winter break, with schools setting the 2018 agenda, which includes activities for the Year of Zayed and preparing for exams.
The second term has now started for most schools — however, some schools resume classes next Sunday. Also, for Indian schools the reopening marks the start of the third and final term of their academic year.
On Sunday, the familiar yellow school buses were back on the roads, with some reports of traffic slowing down near schools. In an early morning advisory, Dubai Police said on Twitter: “Dear motorists: slow down and be careful when entering and exiting school zones”.
Schools are off to a running start, with many educationists turning the focus on a UAE government initiative that has declared 2018 as the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since the birth of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Scores of public and private sector undertakings, including those at schools, will be highlighting the late Shaikh Zayed’s contributions, achievements and exemplary leadership in various fields.
Yesterday, Lesley Isherwood, principal and CEO of GEMS Al Barsha National School in Dubai, which has a girls school and a boys school, said: “In our girls’ assembly this morning, the students enjoyed reflecting on the amazing Dubai New Year celebrations as the UAE launched the Year of Zayed. With the motto ‘Putting your best foot forward’, the two schools will be holding many events and activities to reinforce this theme.”
Also speaking yesterday, Brendon Fulton, principal at Dubai British School (DBS), said: “[DBS] was very pleased to welcome our 1,150 students back into school today after an unusually long December break.
“It’s been a day full of excitement with friends reconnecting, and students — and teachers — recounting holiday stories — from skiing in Europe to going on safari in Africa and doing volunteer work around the world.”