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Back to school: Class act for children

Excitement, eagerness and nervousness — the first day of school is always a mix of emotions for students and parents alike.

The sound of the school bell brought a few tears for the kindergartners as schools across the UAE welcomed students after the summer vacations.

Schools filled with squeals of excitement on Tuesday morning as more than 300,000 students across the country started a new school year.

Starting his first day of school after holidays — five-year-old Joris Menge boarded the bus from his home in Arabian Ranches.

Unlike the usual nervousness, there was no crying, no complaining, no yelling, no rushing, and no dawdling on the first day of school; just a hug and some words of advice from his mum who had come to see him off at the bus stop.

At the Greenfield Community School, seven-year-old Solomon stood between his parents, his arms outstretched as both his mother and father held his hand. As he said, “I am happy and excited to be back at school as I get to make new friends.”

The little second-grader stood in a line, waiting for his teacher to show him to his new classroom. Solomon gave a grin, showing his missing front teeth.

Mette Vitzhum, holding the hand of her son Samuel says, “Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because everything is new: new teachers, new friends, and sometimes even a new school. Since both my kids study at the same school, I don’t need to worry much about my younger son.”

Most teachers started the school year by introducing themselves and discussing their plans while students made friends with the rest of the class.

While students exchange handshakes and hugs, the first day of school involves finding the way around, sometimes it might be a new block altogether.

Unfolding a campus map, Stewart Milne said, “I can’t find my English class which has moved to the new campus. It is a little hard to get things right on the first day but we have to get used to it.”

Angela Hollington, the Principal of Greenfield Community School said, “As teachers, we know the first few days of school is all about getting to know the kids and setting a routine for them. It’s too early to do any assessments, but it’s a great time to engage kids in some fun activities that gets them talking, reading, and writing.”

While most kids are upbeat about returning to school, kindergarten starters find the change a little difficult.

She added, “The kids are used to having a good time at home and it is a bit of a shock for the little ones to move away from their home into a school. We always try to make the transition to school fun and painless.”

Dropping her kids at the school gate, Tina Mehra said, “Getting your child ready for school is a big thing for mums, especially if it’s their first day at school or when they are moving onto the next grade after their summer holidays. ”

• UAE