What’s Inside NEWS 3
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ALMIS
INFOCUS School Reopening
The CBE Outlook is published in April, August and December every year. The views and opinions expressed are that of the Al Muntazir Schools. Students, Alumni or Parents who would like to contribute articles are advised to email them to info@almuntazir.org.
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NEWS
Central Board of Education
ISO 9001:2015
AL MUNTAZIR SCHOOLS BRING LEARNING TO YOUR HOMES The COVID 19 situation has affected and altered many ways of lives, and school closures has been among the first initiatives taken by our Government and many other Governments of other affected nations to contain the spread of this deadly disease. We at Al Muntazir Schools quickly responded to the situation and rolled out a virtual learning system with a core conviction that education provision should continue. Our Schools launched their Online E Learning platform through EDMODO observed a very high level of engagement from both students and parents through activations, feedback and commendations. This digital platform serves as a space where teachers, students and parents can undergo the learning process through Educational resources that provide curriculum support.
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NEWS
AMTDCC
ISO 9001:2015
Parent –Teacher Meeting Al Muntazir Toddlers & Day care Centre organized a Parents-Teachers meeting for term one to discuss where children’s development had reached before school closure and to share the children’s progress report. The meeting was arranged prior to reopening of school so that teachers could get first-hand information from parents regarding their children's development during the school closure. Parents were given time slots for the meeting to avoid crowding and maintain physical distance. Children’s progress is recorded in categories based on Physical, Emotional, Social, Cognitive and Language development. Teachers also discussed students' strengths, needs and learning styles based on classroom observations done in the first term and about their goals for second term which were mainly development of skills. Many parents expressed their delight for reopening of the school and said that children have missed school and looked forward to coming back.
BACK 2 SCHOOL Al Muntazir Toddlers’ staff were super excited to welcome the Toddlers back after the three-month long school closure. The children seemed happy to be back to school and they settled incredibly well into the ‘New Normal’ routine. The school is taking all precautionary measures for the health and safety of our students. On arrival everyone washes hands and proceeds for temperature check. In class a brief child-friendly explanation is shared with children on importance of good hygiene & washing hands frequently. Children are reminded to avoid putting hands and toys in their mouth. Little markings are kept around the school for physical distancing and children love to sit on little butterflies, stars and smileys. It’s definitely a win-win for everyone.
Snack Time
Activity Time
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NEWS AMUNS
ISO 9001:2015
Health and Safety is our #1 Priority Ensuring our students’, teachers’ and staff safety at school during COVID-19 is particularly important and precautions are crucial. During the ongoing preparations for the reopening of schools , a session with with Dr. Muzdalifa Mattar from Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital was conducted at our campus for Al Muntazir Union Nursery School and Al Muntazir Toddlers and Day Care Centre staff that also included drivers and security guards. It was a very informative session. Dr. Muzdalifa highlighted on the key measures and emphasized on following the basic principles on prevention to be taken. She was easy to talk to and responded proficiently to the concerns and queries of the staff, giving important tips. Staff were very appreciative as the session helped ease their anxiety and we are all ready to welcome our students back to school.
Back to
school
After a three-month long closure, The KG 3 and Montessori 3 students were warmly welcomed back with lots of smiles. Upon children’s arrival, teachers were there to receive them. They were directly sent to their classrooms after hand washing and and temperature checks at the entrance. During circle time, teachers had a brief talk in class to ease children’s anxiety and make them feel more comfortable. Thereafter children were split to the extension classes which have been added to ensure physical distancing in classrooms. As an added preparation, markings have been put on the mats and tables to guide the children.
The school is taking all precautionary measures and children are happy to be back to school, settling very well into the new routine. Our Ward Education officer along with an official from Ministry of Health visited the school and inspected the campus. They were very impressed with the facilities and all the precautionary measures taken by the school.
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NEWS AMSEN
ISO 9001:2015
The New Normal
Washing hands
As AMSEN enters this period of the 'New Normal' it respects and has adapted to taking precautions for the COVID-19. Settling in the new normal starts with each student getting a temperature check. Teachers support good hand washing practises by modelling and promoting students before entering our school gates. Timetables are shuffled to accommodate hand washing practices after every activity.
In the classroom
Extra care is taken so that only few classes can be outside at a time. The support staff follows a strict cleaning procedure to make sure we can keep our class materials sanitary. We have settled with the new normal with our students who have accepted and enjoy these new changes. They are becoming experts in hand-washing, and are adapting to this change positively.
Home School Coordination Promoting E-Learning In response to the CO-VID 19 closure of schools, AMSEN had to adapt its ways to best serve their students! Teaching doesn't happen in a vacuum, and hence the journey started to make sure our teaching materials were adapted for students with parents/guardians support for the implementation. Considering each individual student's strenght and weakness, biweekly homework were planned and sent. Being aware of increased stress levels, most of the work was intended to reinforce skills. Weekly video sessions served as great communication classes, where our students were getting more apt with technology. Special congratulations to the AMSEN parents who took this challenge head on and became great facilitators!
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NEWS AMBPS
ISO 9001:2015
RE OPENING OF GRADE 5, 6 & 7
The Al Muntazir Boys Primary School welcomed back students of Grade 5, 6 and 7 on after the temporary closure. Students arrived on campus and were quickly dissipated to familiarity and comfort in reuniting with their teachers and peers. They were directed towards their classes after handwashing first and temperature checks taken at the entrance. The day began with all classes starting with prayers. Teachers continued with informal talks to ease anxiety with the students. Thereafter, students continued with their lessons. Officials from the Ministry of Health had visited the school to Inspect the School and were impressed with all the precautionary measures in place as per the Safety policy requirements. The day ended on a positive and happy note with all stakeholders expressing optimism over the return to school.
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NEWS AMBPS
ISO 9001:2015
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMES FIRST AT AMBPS As the Al Muntazir Boys Primary School prepared students to return for school, staff members were provided the opportunity to hear some guiding words from an expert in the field.
A medical doctor from the Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital, Dr. Aamir Kanji, whom we are proud to say is our own Alumni shared some tips and advice from his experience, to help teachers prepare for the transition of children returning amidst the ongoing pandemic. He emphasized that it is important to do the best you can, but to also be aware and careful for their own safety. Finally, staff members were also given the opportunity to ask questions, allowing them to voice their concerns and ease their anxieties before the school reopens.
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NEWS AMBPS
ISO 9001:2015
PREPARING FOR THE NEW NORMAL As students returned to school after months, parents and students alike felt apprehensive and confused. Whilst most were excited to return to a sense of ‘normalcy’, there still remained a lingering anxiety regarding student safety and overall wellbeing. Considering this and in order to help ease their anxieties, the school counselor Mrs. Sakina Dharsee hosted two virtual webinars to guide parents and students for the reopening of schools. The webinars covered the areas of mental wellbeing during the pandemic and a reflection of what the isolation associated with the pandemic may have taught both parents and children. Although it may have been a challenging time for many, there were a lot of life lessons learned during the period including patience, creativity, gratitude and a new perspective in general. Thereafter, Mrs. Dharsee allowed participants to share how they were feeling regarding the return to school and a large number admitted that they were nervous and concerned. Mrs. Dharsee also shared various pieces of advice to help parents and students support the resuming of their school routines. Finally, she emphasized that the new normal may be a stressful time for all stakeholders and will require some time to adjust. However, by taking the time to plan ahead, maintaining some consistencies in routine, and keeping an open dialogue, we can help ease the transition for all. Both parents and students greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear from the school counselor and to help them feel a little more comfortable about the return to school. Both sessions were very successful with a 100% attendance and participants inquiring for similar sessions in future.
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NEWS AMBPS AMGPS
ISO 9001:2015
RE OPENING SCHOOL The Teachers and Staff at Al Muntazir Girls Primary welcome their Students after the long unprecedented break. The Students arrived at School and were received by the team of Teachers who took all the health care measures which included wearing of mask, washing hands and taking temperature check. All the Teachers monitored social distancing while performing various activities in School. The class sessions started off by the Baseline Counsellors sharing the positive thoughts and advice to the Students in all the classes. The Morning Assembly was conducted Grade wise where the Students were encouraged to follow the health precautions such as wearing mask, washing hands frequently, maintain social distancing and appropriate use of sanitizer. The Al Muntazir Girls Primary was also visited by the officials from the Ministry of Health along with the ward officer Mrs. Immaculata Ngure. They observed the Students from the arrival at school till they went to classes. The officers were very impressed with all the precautions taken by the school as per the healthy safety policy. The day ended well, the Teachers guided the Students down to wait for their Parents, Drivers or Bus Transporters to pick them up. Keeping in mind social distancing all the time.
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NEWS AMGPS
ISO 9001:2015
COVID TRAINING TO STAFF
To ensure that all the staff are well aware and knowledgeable about the health and safety precautions to take, before the Students come back there was a workshop organized by the Health Team of Al Muntazir Schools.
At Girls Primary School we had Dr Aamir Kanji who is also the Alumni of Al Muntazir Schools. Dr. Aamir connected very well with the Teachers and Staff of Al Muntazir Girls Primary, AMSEN and the KSIJ Swimming Pool. He shared very practical health related advice on welcoming the Students back to School after the pandemic. He stressed on explaining the existing facts about the covid virus and the situation in Tanzania is under control and we as a nation do not need to worry. He emphasized that the Teachers should not panic and treat Students with empathy and kindness even if the Students are not well. They should seek the School Nurse, inform the School Administration and Counsel the Students. He also demonstrated the correct way to wash hands and to do the Temperature check of Staff and Students. He then had 4 Teachers practise it on other staff. At the end of the session the Teachers had an opportunity to ask question and they were answered very clearly by Dr.Aamir Kanji. At the end of the training all Teachers felt confident about welcoming the Students back to School and gave a warm send off to him.
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NEWS ALMIS
ISO 9001:2015 ISO 9001:2015
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Welcome back Students
After an unprecedented closure of schools for two and a hald months, ALMIS community welcomed their students. The Almis Principal, Mr. Reuben welcomed the Students back and shared some information on the current situation. He said the global pandemic can affect our mental and physical health and that’s without even catching the virus. It reminds us that strength is an exercise of the mind, not just the body and to regularly wash their hands, sanitise them and cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue. After the assembly, Mrs. Beena – had an indepth session in which she explained how the Corona Virus spreads, the need for social distance while in School and taking precautions on how to protect oneself and keep everyone around you safe. It was an informative talk and the students were very inspired.
Session by Mrs. Beena with the form 6 girls
Safety measures taken before session
Principal & Deputy Principal with Health Officer
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NEWS ALMIS
ISO 9001:2015
FRIDAY ASSEMBLY Friday Assemblies are always very energetic and enlightening; The Assembly program began with the National Anthem by the Teachers, School Prayer by Mr. Mohsin Raza and Suratul Jumah by Form 6 students. Maalim Hassan and Maalim Ayub gave a brief explanation on Suratul Jumah, recited especially on Friday and the importance of Friday prayers and connecting Almighty in all our actions for right guidance and how thankful we should be towards the Almighty. Mr. Mshana, P.E Teacher, demonstrated techniques for deep breathing in the physical exercise during the assembly for both Students and Teachers. Without full awareness of breathing, there can be no development of meditative stability and understanding. Breathe in-breathe out exercise that control the breath carefully, Inhalation gives strength and a controlled body retention gives steadiness of mind and longevity exhalation purifies body and spirit. Mrs. Dilshad Jaffer shared some words of wisdom to the Students, saying, “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness.� Mr. Prince too had a word with the Students reminding them about discipline, School timings and Social distance. We Teachers Care for you.
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The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school. My child is scared to go back to school. How can I help him feel at ease? You can make him feel at ease by having an open conversation about what it is that’s worrying him and letting him know that it’s natural to feel anxious. Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if they have been learning at home for months. Be honest – for example you could go through some of the changes they may expect at school, such as needing to wear forms of protective clothing like masks. Children may also find it difficult being physically distanced from friends and teachers while at school – you could encourage them to think about other ways to bond and stay connected. Reassure children about safety measures in place to keep students and teachers healthy and remind children that they can also help prevent germs spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing or sneezing into their elbow.
My child’s school is recommending the wearing of protective clothing, which is making my child feel more nervous. What should I say to her? Approach this conversation with empathy, saying that you know he / she is feeling anxious about coronavirus, but that it’s healthy to talk about our worries and emotions. Children may also get upset or frustrated if they are finding it hard to wear masks, especially when running or playing. You can reassure your children that lots of adults are working hard to keep your family safe, but emphasize that it's important we all follow the recommended measures to take care of more vulnerable members of our community.
How can I encourage my child to follow precautions (such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, etc.) at school without alarming her? One of the best ways to keep children safe from COVID-19 and other diseases is to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn't need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with their favourite song or do a dance together to make learning fun. Make sure to teach them about how even though germs are invisible, they could still be there. When children understand why they need to wash their hands, they’re likely to continue doing so. You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.
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Job Skills To Succeed in A Post-Coronavirus World
As most of us are in lockdown at home, we are left to wonder what a post-coronavirus-world might look like. There’s a lot unknown about how the world will transform after we get the novel coronavirus under control, but it is extremely unlikely that things will just go back to exactly the way they were before. Our workplaces are likely to change, and with it, the skills companies will require. Here are 8 job skills that are likely to be in high demand in a post-coronavirus world.
Adaptability and Flexibility One thing is for certain, the ways companies operate and work are going to change. The world was already changing rapidly, but the pandemic accelerated it. There will be few “jobs for life.� Someone that is going to succeed in a post-coronavirus-world will need to be able to adapt to ever-evolving workplaces and have the ability to continuously update and refresh their skills.
Critical Thinking Another skill that will be essential as our global economy rebuilds from the damage done by COVID-19 is critical thinking. During the pandemic, we have seen a spike in fake news and misrepresentations of data and studies, as leaders, businesses, and governments are trying to shift blame and divert attention and proper scrutiny. People who can objectively evaluate information from diverse sources to determine what is credible will be valued. Not all information should be trusted, but organizations will need to rely on critical thinking to understand what information should inform decision-making.
Critical Leadership One of the changes in a world that is heavily augmented by the support of machines and where social distancing and home working might continue for the foreseeable future, is that more people at all levels of an organization will be in a position where they lead others. The gig economy is only going to grow post coronavirus, and people will be working in more fluent teams where people are taking the lead at different times. Professionals with strong skills in leadership, including how to bring out the best and inspire teams as well as encourage collaboration, will be in demand.
Creativity & Innovation We have already seen the importance of creativity and innovation during the pandemic. Businesses that have been able to come up with ways to deliver services virtually (like many healthcare providers have done) or quickly shift to new products
Data Literacy As the fuel of the 4th Industrial Revolution, data is a critical asset for every company. With the right data, companies are able to better predict the impact of future business disruptions and are better able to serve customers with the right products and services during or after any pandemic. Companies that understand business trends and shifting customer needs are better able to respond in the right way should a future pandemic come along. However, the data is useless to a company unless there is data literacy—people equipped with skills to understand the data and make better decisions because of it. Professionals with data literacy will be even more appealing to prospective employers than ever before.
Tech Savviness One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus-world is to acquire technology skills. The COVID-19 pandemic is fast-tracking digital transformations in companies as they are trying to become more resilient to future outbreaks and disruptions. The reality is that technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality, and robotics will make businesses more resilient to future pandemics, and anyone that can help companies exploit these technologies will be in a great position. Whether you work in a factory or an accounting office in a post-coronavirus world, you need to be comfortable with these tech tools as well as be able to work with them effectively.
Emotional Intelligence Closely linked to leadership is another skill that is even more important in uncertain and challenging times: Emotional Intelligence (EQ). The ability to be aware of, express, and control our emotions and be aware of others' emotions is what emotional intelligence is all about. At times when people might feel uncertain about their job and the future of their business, it is key to connect with people on an emotional level. Individuals with strong EQ will be coveted by organizations of all sizes and in all industries.
Digital And Coding Skills The digital transformation of organizations got a boost because of coronavirus; therefore, professionals with digital skills, including coding, web development, and digital marketing, will become even more important than they are now. People who can keep the digital business running—and thriving—during economic downturns or pandemics that make in-person business impossible or less efficient are going to be on the must-hire list. And, basically, ALL companies are now digitally based in some way, so the opportunities to put digital skills to work are countless.
