Abu Dhabi schools breathe a sigh of relief, drop Covid distance and bubble rules

On Monday, principals and pupils at the capital’s private schools said they were glad schools opened with fewer social restrictions because Covid-19 cases steadily declining.

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) Agreements for private and charter schools and daycares announced And said there would be no physical distancing requirements.

Students and teachers are allowed to interact with each other and use different parts of the school building without bubbles.

Sarah Weaver, Principal of Al Mamoura Academy in Abu Dhabi, said: “Macro bubbles do not exist [this year] This is the most exciting thing about our school.

“It’s really exciting because it opens up the whole school to all the kids. We have a campsite and a 3D periodic table in the school, so students across the school can use our facilities. That will really strengthen Learn and take it to another level.

“It’s not just students in specific bubbles where the facility might be able to use it, but everyone can walk through the school.”

Ms Weaver said staff from all parts of the school could now interact because until the final term many had not had the opportunity to get to know each other due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“It’s a big change to improve learning and building relationships after restrictions are eased,” she said.

She said the new students came to see their teachers on Monday.

“The first day back was great,” she said. “We’ve got our family mascots out and we’ve been relaxing from the first day of school.”

Al Mamoura Academy has also launched a year-long reading program that will involve all grades.

Maryam Yassin, 16, and Sondos Yassin, 15, were excited as Monday was their first day at Al Mamoura Academy.

The sisters, who moved here from another private school in Abu Dhabi, said they had been studying online for the past two years and were eager to return to face-to-face learning.

“The first day was great,” Mariam said. “We met our teachers. It’s great to start learning again and be in the building again. It’s hard to be online.

“We are excited to start over and have fun at school. There are a lot of activities we can do that will help us learn more.”

Sondos said she was excited to start school and interact with new friends.

Dr Beno Kurien, principal of the International Indian School in Abu Dhabi, said he was most pleased that social distancing had been lifted.

“Even the floor stickers for social distancing have been removed,” he said.

“It’s like the pre-coronavirus era in schools. It’s a relief for schools so we can have more students on campus.

“Earlier, teachers were restricted when they wanted to do activities, and there were restrictions, so each activity had to be done individually.”

Now that students and teachers can collaborate more, learning is more fun, he said.

Updated: August 29, 2022, 12:17pm