What Do I Do in September For My Kid’s Schooling? Andrew Thomas B.Ed (Hons) M.Phil NPQH Principal Al Ain English Speaking School
will send our kids back to you.” Now, I hear this not just from my own parents, but from parents wanting to cross from us from other schools here in Al Ain. However, let’s look at this in detail from my point of view as a Principal and a parent. Principals need to plan, staff and resource their schools according to the registered numbers of students well before the new term starts. By May, this is normally finalised. There is a false belief that parents can register with a cheaper school for distance learning, and will get the same quality, before switching back to their previous school, when the school is open in full. There simply will not be the required number of staff available and already, schools are closing registrations to parents who move schools for this period. It’s simple maths and your child will not be able to transfer back for the rest of the year, and will they really get the same quality? You could seriously be damaging your child’s education for a few dirhams, albeit important right now for the family household.
Parents, teachers and students all face the uncertainty of what will happen next, and what will occur in September of this year: The new academic school year. Whilst we all want clarity, we cannot blame governments, agencies or officials, as there is a simple answer to trying to answer the unknown: we don’t know! This is uncharted waters and we need to accept this. So, let’s try to second guess what is next and try and plan for that move to ensure our students and children get the best education they can. This is not an easy task as a Principal! Naturally we want our kids back to school full time, and as a father and a Principal I make this comment, but, assuming we might not be back to school as we all desire, I share with you the following observations and thoughts. Let’s start with the obvious, that many parents will have considered but maybe haven’t thought through it in its entirety: School fees.
Schooling will change in September, for sure, and it is important that we all accept this. Hygiene rules may see policies such as no school bags, or even no school uniform, where staff can monitor pupils changing clothes to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. This would also apply to staff.
I have been told by parents that they will seek a cheaper school for their children, if we are to return to school with distance learning. I hear, “We love the school, but we are not paying for online anymore, when we can get it cheaper elsewhere. When you return to normal, we The Source
Students may not be able to take books 10
