Back to School 2020: In Pictures
Schools across the UAE began reopening on Sunday 30th August, and we have been delighted to share the excitement here on our live school reopening blog. Given the staggered starts of schools, we're going to keep adding to this story as long as the pics keep coming in. Happiness needs to be shared!
If you would like to share your back to school photos with us, please send them to [email protected]
Although many schools opened on Sunday, a significant number have delayed their start as they await the results of their teacher Covid tests - a safety measure announced for Dubai schools last week. So far, we are aware that Horizon English School, Kent College Dubai, Arcadia School have done so.
For other schools, there will be a delay of two weeks if positive cases are found among their staff. So whilst school starts today, many students are back to distance learning for a while longer. Social media reports indicate that Dubai American Academy is to be closed for in person learning for two weeks, although no official announcement has been made as to the reason.
One student who was delighted to be heading back to school was Daisy Conlon, a Grade 5 student at Uptown International School in Mirdiff. Daisy's Mum is a teacher at the school so the big first day back was a family affair...
Daisy Conlon, ready and happy to return to school.
Daisy's sister, Amber, also can't wait to get to school! Amber is in Grade 4, Uptown International School.
At Horizon International School (below) parents, staff and students made a calm and happy return to their classes. Teachers protected themselves and their students by wearing protective face covers that still allowed students to see their smiles!
Above, student arrive at GEMS International School Al Khail and are given a cheery greeting by a waiting security guard. At the same school, (below) parents and children arrive wearing masks and yet looking delighted to be back!
Sir Christopher Stone, Global Chief Education Officer, GEMS Education, said: “The first day back to school after the summer is always an exciting, auspicious one for students and teachers alike – yet even more so this year.
"While schools and classrooms might not look and operate quite the same as earlier in the year, given the numerous health and safety measures in place, students and teachers were still visibly pleased to be reunited and learning together once more. Even those students who have opted to continue distance learning will have the opportunity to interact with friends and classmates as lessons are streamed live into their homes".
Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO, GEMS International School, Al Khail, said:
“We are so excited about our students’ return to school. This year has seen so many challenges and our students have been away from school for such a long time. Therefore, our staff are ready to welcome, comfort, support and re-engage. This year, more than any year before, our focus is on the well-being of our whole community. We are delighted that so many children have chosen to return to our campus, but we do not forget those who have opted for remote learning. We are ready for both and remain flexible, agile and resilient.”
Across the emirates, bus services will continue to operate and bring students to school, albeit with a more limited capacity than before. The red carpet was ready for bus users at GEMS New Millennium School, Al Khail this morning!
At Dubai British Foundation, Principal Carrie Hoza told WhichSchoolAdvisor.com that the school very lucky that every child was able to be welcomed back to school today for 100% in school learning.
Some families have opted for another term of online learning. One such family is that of WSA Junior Journalist, Mishal Faraz. Mishal and her brother, Mir are students at The Winchester School and were both delighted to start their lessons again this morning.
We will continue to update this article as more photos and stories about the first day back are shared. Good luck to everyone back at school today!
