Institutions across the UAE are preparing for the back-to-school period by distributing welcome back kits, establishing new parent orientation websites, and coordinating staggered start times with neighboring schools to alleviate traffic congestion on the first day of school. Schools nationwide will start on Monday, 26 August, following an almost two-month summer break that began on Monday, 8 July for most students.
Simon Herbert, Head of School/CEO at GEMS International School – Al Khail, mentioned, “We have set up a detailed new parent orientation website as part of the ‘welcome pack’ sent to all parents prior to the school start. Additionally, all students are provided with an ICT pack containing their login details for apps and homeroom information a week before classes begin.”
To manage the traffic challenges on the first day of school, schools are taking proactive measures. “To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we have coordinated staggered start times with neighboring schools and designated drop-off and pick-up zones. This information, along with a comprehensive traffic management plan, is included in the welcome kits and will be communicated to our parents. We encourage parents to familiarize themselves with these details to help minimize congestion and ensure safety,” Herbert explained.
Head teachers also advise parents to gradually reintroduce children’s routines to facilitate a smooth transition back to school. “During the holidays, children often adopt different sleep patterns and daily habits, which can make returning to a structured school day challenging. We encourage parents to start re-establishing regular bedtimes and wake-up times at least two weeks before school begins,” Herbert added.
Fatima Martin, Principal at GEMS New Millennium School – Al Khail, noted, “Our welcome back communications encourage parents and students to adjust bedtimes, practice morning routines, establish homework habits, and engage in discussions about the upcoming school year.” Schools are also organizing a special day for new students to explore the campus alongside other newcomers.
In Indian curriculum schools, some principals emphasize the importance of submitting holiday homework on time to help teachers prepare students for upcoming lessons and ensure a smoother transition back to school. Abhilasha Singh, Principal at Shining Star International, stated, “We guide parents to follow a routine for studies throughout the summer vacation or else children come back to school washed out after such a long break. Hence, we have the idea of holiday homework. Holiday Homework must be submitted on the first two days of the school reopening, which is non-negotiable. This instruction is always part of our school routine.”
School leaders stress the importance of punctuality and attendance, noting that the first day and week usually includes crucial information about the school’s rules, procedures, and expectations. Singh added, “A welcome mail is already prepared for the parents and the children. A social media post is also ready for release before the school reopens. The Form Tutor will send a welcome kit to all new joiners with important manuals and the reading program. My mail to parents, staff, and students will contain the welcome note with instructions for the first day and the first week.”
