AMBPS

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMES FIRST AT AMBPS

As the Al Muntazir Boys Primary School prepared students to return for school, staffmembers 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 ourown 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 importantto 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.

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.