Even without high-fives, feel-good vibes fill schools in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Shining Star International School principal Abhilasha Singh and vice-principal Anita Singh stood at the main gate to receive students.

No high-fives were allowed in school - but the feel-good vibe filled the classrooms in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Though there were only a handful of them, tiny tots of the primary wing brought with them the morning chitters, which had been missing in schools for months. Back-to-school jitters were swiftly swept aside as they finally say their friends.
The months of catching up were all hush-hush, though, as everyone remembered the instructions given to them by their parents: No handshakes, hugs or kisses and keep a safe distance. If someone did forget, guidelines on the floor and walls served as constant reminders.
Shining Star International School principal Abhilasha Singh and vice-principal Anita Singh stood at the main gate to receive students.
The institution was ready with a fully secure micro-bubble environment to help with Covid-19 contact-tracing.
"We have been waiting for the children. We are working on a hybrid model, with children coming to the school and those studying online. This is the next phase of the challenge that we are prepared for. We hope to soon fill the school with the shuffle of the feet of the children in the corridors, their voices and their laughter," Abhilasha said.
Teams for Covid-19 risk response and assessment were formed to monitor and deal with any situation.
"The government and Adek have supported the schools in a big way. The UAE has become a success story in the world with no disruption in studies," Abhilasha added.
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Mayoor Private School and The Model School were among the other schools to resume face-to-face classes.
Most of them dedicated the day to helping children settle down and adjust to the new normal. There was also a special assembly where all students on-site and others who were online came together to say a prayer.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi