UAE school routine is back after the winter break

Dubai - Most schools closed their doors for the winter break on December 15, with public schools resuming classes on January 12.

Majority of students in the UAE have returned to school on Sunday after a three-week-long winter break.
Most schools closed their doors for the winter break on December 15, with public schools resuming classes on January 12. 
According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), private schools in Dubai which have April as the start of their academic year have options to extend their winter break.
Parents have said their children were "happy" to be back in class. A mum of a three and five-year-old, Asma Abdel Karim Nsouli, said: "The kids were excited to go back to school. For preparations, we didn't do much except adjust their sleeping times. I advise parents to adjust kids' sleeping times a couple of days before being back to school. During holidays, children sleep late. Some kids may need to revise their work and check their homework as well.
"My kids were really missing the school and they have been excited. We didn't travel anywhere but did a lot of activities here, like visiting Global Village. The weather is nice and it is a good time to be in the country."
Farha Shafeeq, a mum of a seven-year-old, said she struggled to put her son to bed early the night before school as he was sleeping late during the holidays. "He was sleeping at 12am during the break, so I struggled a bit," she said. "I don't think parents should push their kids too hard to get back to their old routines. We need to be patient with them. It'll take them a week or so but they'll fall back into the normal routine eventually."
Victoria Lumby, vice-president of enrolments at GEMS Education - the largest school operator in the UAE, said: "We are looking forward to an exciting new year and have commenced classes post the winter break. Back-to-school is always special and we are delighted to welcome our students and staff to another rewarding and inspiring academic term."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai