Campuses turn lively as schools reopen in Oman

Muscat: After 17 months, a large number of students and teachers returned to their classrooms.  Times of Oman spoke to teachers, students, and parents to find out about their experience on the first day of school and what they thought about schools reopening.

Randa Ahmadieh, Head of Administration from Al Shomoukh International School said, “Our classrooms and hallways have been silent and empty. On Sunday, September 5, we were delighted to welcome back our students as we were extensively preparing to make the school a safe place for them”

“Teachers have been working hard to welcome students back in school and offer them quality education. We wish our students a great and successful year ahead,” she adds.

“I’m so happy to be back and it’s way better than online learning because you’re here in person sitting at your desk and the teachers can teach us easily with white boards,” said Fatima Al Balushi, grade 9 student at a private school in Muscat.

“I couldn’t stand wearing the mask for six hours,” stated Morgan B, a 12-year-old international school student. “But studying at home was unusual,” he added.

Karima Al Khusaibi, grade 10 student said, “I missed my friends, it was very hard to socialise during quarantine.”

Christopher Wilson, a physical education teacher added, “I am so delighted to hear a whizz of activity again around the site again after so long learning remotely.”

“I woke up very energetic today to prepare my children’s lunch boxes,” said Jamila Badir, an Omani parent. “This morning, my daughter was skipping by her school’s gate, this shows how happy she was.”

Saleh Ali, a grade 11 student, attends a private school in Muscat. He has a bright smile drawn on his face; as a result of the decision to reopen schools. “I am eager to return to school today. We haven’t had face-to-face courses in the school in a long time, and I miss the complete learning environment,” he remarked.

Veronica Young, an Australian teacher in Muscat says “Teachers’ hearts are hurting because we’re not able to see our children, I cannot wait to see my students.”

“I haven’t seen my dearest students for very long, some are too shy to turn on their cameras during online learning,” said Hamed, social studies teacher.

However, parents also appear to have opposing viewpoints when it comes to the resumption of offline classes.

“I am happy that the schools are opening up. I want my children to have a proper routine, go attend classes and receive proper education. It’s crucial for their learning process,” said Sara Mohammed.

“Even though they are attending online classes, face-to-face classes are important as they could give an indication of their lives returning to a normal routine,” she added.

“To begin, we intend to divide students into two small groups of about 15 students each using a blended education system for grades 7 through 11. Daily classes for five hours per week will be conducted,” Peter C., Head of Department at a Private school in Muscat said.

“In the past one and a half years, the COVID-19 restrictions negatively impacted our students’ learning process. However, now with the reopening of schools, the parents shouldn’t be worried,” he added.

On the 19th of August, the Ministry of Education announced that the schools will be reopened in a phased manner.

The opening of schools has begun after teachers, administrative bodies, and students aged 12 years and above were vaccinated with at least one approved COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, precautionary health measures were adhered to.

The new decision was based on the latest epidemiological situation as COVID-19 infections in the country saw significant decline.