THOUSANDS of children returned to their classrooms in government schools for the start of the new academic year yesterday.
Around 153,000 students, including 15,000 newcomers to grade one, were greeted by teachers, administrators and faculty with roses, sweets and gifts.
In some schools, children were welcomed by senior officials who led them by the hand to their classes.
Special programmes for grade one students entering mainstream education were held in the presence of parents.
Students with disabilities were also taken to special classrooms in government schools.
More than 250,000 school, kindergarten and nursery students are now fully back on their seats for the new academic year.
Students at private schools and kindergartens started their classes a few days ago.
Al Oruba Primary School for Girls, Arad headmistress Ghada Al Meghawi was excited to have students back in school as she stood with teachers and administrators outside the gate to welcome parents and children.
“I would like to congratulate parents, faculty and students on the beginning of the new academic year and our ambition is that our school continues to be amongst the elite ones,” she told the GDN.
“We have won awards in multiple categories over the past years. We will strive for more achievements this year as the number of students in the school has significantly jumped to 1,050 due to parents’ demand for enrolment.
“I am thrilled to meet students – those who are continuing education with us and first-timers. The one-family spirit is important if we are to achieve our intended goals in making the school atmosphere and experience the best in a lifetime.”
Al Khwarzimi Primary School for Boys, Arad headmistress Fareeda Al Ahmedi said the aim was to achieve higher goals in the new academic year.
“There are 750 students enrolled in the school and we want the whole lot to pass with flying colours,” she said.
“We set higher standards every year and work according to a plan to achieve that.”
New student at the school, Fares Al Qooti, aged seven, spoke of his dream of becoming a policeman.
“I told teachers that I want high grades so I can get employed in the police,” he said.
“Police have to be smart, punctual, disciplined and attentive and I want to be all of that.”
Another new student, Isa Al Qallaf, also aged seven, wants to become a teacher.
“I am here to be number one, my parents told me in the car to be the best, and I will be the best of the best,” he added.
“Dreams come true when you believe in yourself.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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