A NEW state-of-the-art girls’ school opened its doors for the first time to welcome 900 ecstatic students who began their academic year yesterday.
Al Izdihar Primary Girls’ School, located near the famous Dilmunian Burial Mounds in Hamad Town, is among 210 government schools in the kingdom.
Students, teachers and parents alike expressed an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation for the year to come.
“I am glad to be finally able to see my friends again,” said sixth grader Zahra, who would like to be a teacher when she grows up.
Her classmate Fatima aims to become a doctor and said she wanted to get good grades this year.
Gifts
While most schoolgirls were looking for their old friends and learning which sections they were placed in, some of the younger ones anxiously clung to their parents. To put them at ease, teachers welcomed them with lollipops, tiaras, cotton candy, cookies and balloons. A colourfully-dressed clown also made hearts and animals out of balloons.
Community police gave out colouring books and directed traffic to provide safe passage for the youngsters.
Meanwhile, Arabic teacher Meaad Othman shared her joy with the GDN as schools were packed after a year of partial attendance.
“I am glad that life has returned to normal,” said Ms Othman. “I hope the full-attendance policy continues.”
Her colleague, English teacher Zainab, reflected on the positive take-aways of the Covid-19 era.
“Even though it was difficult at times, distance learning made everyone better at dealing with technology,” she said.
Vice-principal Nadeen Al Aamri said some classrooms were equipped with laptops for each student. She gave the GDN a tour of the school, showing off its computer lab, library and other specialised facilities. The hi-tech music room, with ouds, electronic keyboards, a drum set and other instruments, particularly stood out.
“The room is sound-proofed so that students can practise to their hearts’ content,” said Ms Al Aamer.
The GDN has previously reported on the facilities at the four-storey Al Izdihar Primary Girls’ School, which has 33 classrooms. It can accommodate up to 1,155 students.
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