After almost six months, schools in the UAE were today finally able to reopen their doors and welcome students back for the first day of the new academic term. More than 120,000 students have enrolled across 43 GEMS Education schools in the Emirates, including close to 15,000new joiners. They were welcomed by a host of familiar faces as well as some 800 new teachers that have joined the GEMS family over the past months.
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. Our schools have stood empty since we transitioned to remote learning in March, so we are incredibly pleased to finally be able to welcome students back into our classrooms. Every precaution and measure has been taken to ensure our school communities return to a safe and secure environment, and together with the support of our GEMS families, we have every confidence that the new academic term will be a resounding success for all.”
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.”
Nav Iqbal, Principal/CEO, GEMS Metropole School – Motor City, said: “At GEMS Metropole we always put our community first. The safety of our community is a key priority and we will accept nothing less than excellence in this. Our teams have ensured students return to a safe and inclusive school that will put a smile on every child’s face. We look forward to welcoming our children and seeing them back in school, learning, having fun and growing together.”
