Dear Parents,
Following directives by the government of Abu Dhabi and amendments to the Private School Reopening Policies and Guidelines (PSRPG) issued by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), please note these important changes to our re-opening strategy which we had communicated to you earlier:
Phased opening:
Only KG 1 to Grade 5 will resume face-to-face classes for the first 4 weeks beginning 30 August 2020. Prior to this, ADEK will carry out an inspection of our school to ensure that all requirements have been met.
- The resumption of face-to-face classes for KG 1 to Grade 5 will depend on a satisfactory outcome of the ADEK inspection and issuance of a NOC.
- Parents of KG 1 to Grade 5 can still opt for distance learning.
Distance Learning:
- Distance learning will continue for students of Grades 6 to Grade 12 from 30 August and they will only be permitted to return to school after the initial four (4) week period with ADEK approval.
- Our initial plan was to prioritise face-to-face learning for students of Grades 10, 11 and 12 because of the high stakes Cambridge exams. However, according to the new guidelines, under no circumstances will be there an exception to the new phased re-opening.
- We will communicate the exact date for the commencement of face-to-face learning for students of grades 6 to 12.
Maximum Class Size:
- The maximum number of students per class will be 15 with social distancing at 1.5 metres and mandatory masks for Grade 1 and above.
- Irrespective of the classroom size and social distance configuration of 1.5 metres, only 15 students will be able to attend face-to-face classes. This stipulation has affected our earlier plan to allow students of grades 10, 11 and 12 to attend school every day, and those who opted for face-to-face learning will be able to attend school only on alternate days.
Mandatory COVID-19 Testing:
- PCR Testing will be required once before school reopening for all students aged 12 (Grade 7) and above. Students of Determination are exempt. Students may be tested after that on an ad-hoc basis.
- Students who choose online learning only are also not required to test now but will be required to test prior to a physical return to school.
- The testing program for students will be shared later.
- As mandated by ADEK and in co-operation with SEHA, all Merryland staff took the COVID-19 test on 16 August 2020 and have tested negative.
We know that the pandemic has created a complex and evolving scenario, and it is our responsibility to co-operate with ADEK and government authorities in their efforts to facilitate the safe return of all school students. We will be providing more comprehensive information to you before re-opening and appreciate your strong support for the school.
Merryland
