New academic year to begin on time

DUBAI - There will be no delay in the commencement of the academic year and schools will resume as scheduled on August 31, Education Ministry officials confirmed on Monday, ending days of speculation.
Officials asserted there was no question about a postponement in the date of the academic year after the holy month of Ramadan as it could affect the students adversely. In a statement, Mohammed bin Hindi, Executive Director for Institutional Affairs and Supporting Services at the Ministry of Education (MoE), said while August 24 will be the official date of commencement of the academic year 2008-2009, classes would begin on August 31.

"All administrative and teaching staff will resume their duties on the announced date while students will begin their studies on August 31," he added.

Maintaining international standards and looking into the number of the school days necessary for each curriculum, achieving balance between the first and second semesters and coordination with higher educational institutions were three crucial factors considered by the ministry before preparing for the academic year, he pointed out.

Stressing that the welfare of students was of utmost importance, Bin Hindi said, "The academic year is connected to a studied plan that coincides with the curriculum of every year and stage. Therefore, it is not reasonable at all to postpone or delay the academic year."

"Postponement would lead to shortening of the curricula and eliminating the days of the next summer holidays. Thus, the Ministry of Education will not accept this. The ministry assures that the school academic year will begin on the specified date."

Source: Khaleej Times
By Preeti Kannan