Abu Dhabi private schools are preparing for the return of thousands of pupils to classrooms next week.
Lessons are scheduled to resume on Sunday after being twice delayed since the start of the new term in January because of an increase in coronavirus infections.
For pupils in years seven to nine, it will be their first day back in school since March.
Last week, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge said 15,000 school employees – about 60 per cent of the total staff – received the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine during a voluntary drive held before the reopening.
Head teachers have organised wellness sessions and set aside additional time away from curriculums to focus on children's mental health in response to what will be a crucial moment in the lives of many young people.
Rishikesh Padegaonkar, principal at Bright Riders School in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, said he expected 20 per cent of the school’s 3,600 pupils to opt for lessons in the classroom.
“We encourage parents to send their children for face-to-face lessons, especially those in older grades,” Mr Padegaonkar said.
School life amid a pandemic:
“The Grade 12 exams will be held in-person and pupils have not been able to practice in an exam atmosphere this entire year.”
The school will open with three models: distance learning, face-to-face lessons and a hybrid model.
Mr Padegaonkar said it was vital for Year 12 pupils to return to in-person lessons as they needed to practice laboratory work and sit for mock tests before their board examinations.
India’s central board for secondary education has postponed examinations from March to May. Pupils will sit for exams in person.
Mr Padegaonkar said mock tests and practice sessions were important to instil confidence in pupils before they appeared for final exams.
“They have not come to the school the entire year and we want pupils to appear for practical exams. This is the need of the hour," said Mr Padegaonkar.
The principal said the school had disinfected classrooms, ensured pupils would be socially distanced, and reduced capacity of school buses.
Pupils over the age of 12, as well as school staff would be tested for the coronavirus before they returned to school.
School vaccination campaign:
The school set up thermal cameras at all entries and exits, and restricted movement of pupils to decrease risk of infection.
Wellness sessions would be organised to help children with their mental and emotional health.
The school converted activity rooms to isolation rooms as these are not part of the main building and have their own access points.
Shibanti Bhowmik, principal at Abu Dhabi Indian School Al Wathba, said about 300 of 3,343 pupils had opted for an in-person return in January before rising infection rates prompted an extension of distance learning.
She said the numbers may have further dipped, after pupils studied at home for an additional three weeks.
“We will welcome children and organise wellness sessions for them. But, I don’t know how many parents would be eager to send their children,” she said.
To encourage parents to send children to class, the school created a video showing the preparations made for reopening.
Pupils who choose in-person lessons can go to school three days a week. There is also an option to study remotely.
“We have made all the arrangements and briefed parents on the precautions to be taken from the time a pupil boards the school bus to the time they reach the school," Ms Bhowmik said.
The school also reduced the number of administrative staff on the premises by creating morning and afternoon shifts. Some staff members were asked to work remotely.
At the school, teachers have created a virtual coffee club to chat and discuss challenges.
Ms Bhowmik encouraged teachers to prioritise well-being over curriculum time.
"It is important to talk to pupils about their problems," she said.
"One does not have to set apart a time for wellness. Teachers can take a few minutes out of the class to talk to pupils about how they are feeling."
The school will set up a virtual celebration for Year 12 pupils, who will be graduating this year.
Public schools across the emirates will open for in-person lessons on Sunday, although pupils may choose to study online.
Many schools have planned mid-term breaks in February.
British School Al Khubairat will reopen in mid-February after their break.
The school has planned for secondary pupils, who will return after 11 months of distance learning, to have the campus to themselves for a day to reorientate them to in-classroom learning.
Other pupils will learn from home.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
Sri Lanka's T20I squad
Thisara Perera (captain), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Vishwa Fernando, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Chathuranga de Silva.
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Race card:
6.30pm: Maiden; Dh165,000; 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap; Dh165,000; 2,200m
7.40pm: Conditions; Dh240,000; 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 2,000m
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed; Dh265,000; 1,200m
9.25pm: Handicap; Dh170,000; 1,600m
10pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 1,400m
Itcan profile
Founders: Mansour Althani and Abdullah Althani
Based: Business Bay, with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and India
Sector: Technology, digital marketing and e-commerce
Size: 70 employees
Revenue: On track to make Dh100 million in revenue this year since its 2015 launch
Funding: Self-funded to date
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How to book
Call DHA on 800342
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation text message
Present the SMS and your Emirates ID at the centre
DHA medical personnel will take a nasal swab
Check results within 48 hours on the DHA app under ‘Lab Results’ and then ‘Patient Services’
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Raghida, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Alareeq, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,200m
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Liwa Oasis Group 2 (PA) Dh300,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Trolius, Ryan Powell, Simon Crisford
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
The biog
Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns
Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Food of choice: Sushi
Favourite colour: Orange
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 217hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 300Nm at 1,900rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh130,000
On sale: now
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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