We have a limited amount of information from the authorities regarding the re-start of school on Monday, January 3, 2022. It appears that Dubai and Abu Dhabi are taking different approaches to the re-opening of private schools.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities have put in place some changes for the first two weeks of school, effective from Monday, January 3, 2022. The information we have from the KHDA so far is as follows:
- As it presently stands, private schools in Dubai will be open from January 3 for face-to face-teaching.
- All school trips, events and internal school gatherings, such as assemblies and performances, will be put on hold.
- Extra-curricular activities taking place at school, either within or outside of school hours, will be put on hold.
- Cafeterias must be closed; students who attend school will need to bring a packed lunch.
These changes apply to all private schools in Dubai. The KHDA will continue to work closely with Dubai government authorities to monitor changes and update schools as often as they can.
We know that some teachers and students who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be unable to attend school. Students who cannot attend school for COVID reasons will be able to access online lessons. To reduce the number of complications during the start of school on Monday, January 3, we will be asking all new students to start school on Tuesday, January 4.
At the moment, we have not received a directive from the KHDA about the requirements for returning staff and students to take a PCR test before they return to school. As a precautionary measure we are going to ask all staff to take a PCR test within 72 hours before school opens on January 3. This may become mandatory. We would recommend that students, and any parents who need to enter the school premises, take a PCR before returning to school. We will inform you immediately if this becomes a mandatory requirement.
In the meantime, please continue to comply with existing health and safety protocols.
We will inform all parents of any new information as we receive it. Please do look out for my updates via email.
