After a two-month break, a few schools in the UAE will reopen on Monday, August 26 2024. In the first week, after the classes resume post-summer holidays, some schools typically witness 15 to 25 per cent absentees, highlighted principals in the UAE.
Expatriates arriving during peak travel season often save on airfare, as prices usually double in late August with the onset of the back-to-school period.
Abhilasha Singh, Principal, Shining Star International School, said, “High absenteeism in the first week of the school reopening is very peculiar to UAE. I am specifically stating from an Indian curriculum school context. The high ticket price is the main reason.”
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Singh emphasised that, as a rule, all students are required to be present on the first day of school. “We encourage parents to value attendance in school, as it’s directly linked to student performance. However, parents tend to save on high travel costs in expat populations from low-mid-income families. Commonly, we see about 75 per cent attendance in the first week after schools reopen in August.”
Potential consequences
Late arrivals must meet with their designated senior leadership team, and the school attendance policy is communicated to the parents with potential consequences.
“Parents have to take responsibility for covering a portion of the days missed. We have seen our attendance settle down in the first week itself. There should be some limits on fare pricing. It’s unfair to low-and middle-income individuals who want to visit their home country but are burdened by high airfares, which can significantly impact their finances,” she added.
Other headteachers voiced similar concerns, highlighting that students must return to school on time to return to their learning rhythm after a long gap.
Sangita Chima, Amity School Dubai Principal said, “Around 15 to 25 per cent or so are absent in the Foundational and Primary Sections. Interestingly the Board Class usually has 100 per cent attendance. Getting back to school on time reduces stress and anxiety.”
60-70 per cent fare increase
Khaleej Times reached out to a few parents to understand why they may return late for school reopening.
Ami Rasheed, who has travelled to the southern state of Kerala, also opted to return on less busy days to save on airfare.
She said, “We plan to return by the end of August or, at the latest, within one week of the school reopening. My husband will return on August 4 as he needs to resume work, but my children and I will return later. He will purchase our tickets once he returns to Dubai, based on the ticket prices at that time, and no later than a week after schools reopen.
“My daughter is in Grade 8 and my son is in Grade 3. During the first week of school, induction programmes usually take place before regular classes begin. My husband found that the one-way fare from Kozhikode to Dubai is above Dh1,000 per person, which is a 60-70 per cent increase compared to what it’s now. So, it makes sense to wait a bit longer to see if the prices decrease,” added Ami.
Family obligations
Aanchal Tomar, currently in Rohtak, a city in the Indian state of Haryana, said, “Not that we do this every year, but this time, I have a family obligation that falls on August 30, and I don’t wish to miss it. I came to India with my children after one-and-a-half years as I couldn’t make it last summer (holidays) due to unforeseen circumstances. My extended family will also be travelling to my brother’s house in Rohtak for this function this year. So, I’ll see some of my relatives after several years. I also want my elderly aunts and uncles to meet my children; some will meet them for the first time.”
Aanchal added, “Besides, we’ll only be missing a few early school days, and ticket prices around that time are soaring. Therefore, I feel that by bearing all these factors, my children can join school a few days later.”
Catch-up sessions
Although not ideal, school leaders ensure teachers prepare a personalised plan to help each child catch up with missed opportunities and reintegrate seamlessly.
Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Superintendent/CEO, GEMS Al Khaleej International School and Senior Vice President – Education, GEMS Education, said, “We have observed that a small number of students return to school late. While this can pose a challenge, we work closely with families to ensure every student can resume their education as promptly as possible.”
They stressed that a timely return to school is crucial for maintaining the continuity of education and ensuring that students take advantage of important learning opportunities.
“It’s important to remember that returning on time not only benefits students’ academic progress but also allows them to reconnect with friends, meet their new teachers, and adapt smoothly to new phases in their educational journey, especially if they are transitioning to upper school,” added Abu-Shamat.