Standing Together 25
Joanna Povall Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi
When it comes to having sensitive conversations with children, please follow the advice provided by the government in a leaflet for parents, available in both Arabic and English. The advice given is excellent. I am so proud of our entire school community for the support they have provided for one another during this unforeseen time. There has been a mix of structured systems and personalised support. We are keeping in touch with our community. We have been using email, WhatsApp, Class Dojo, and telephone calls.
Fiona Cottam Principal, Hartland International School, Dubai
We’re obviously also working very closely with BSME, COBIS and other organisations so that we can better advise examination students who are probably the most anxious group of young people as exam season draws close. In terms of ongoing communication, letters from the principal, from postal teams, class, teachers, and other members of the leadership team, regular emails and phone calls. The KHDA published some very good guidance about how to have difficult conversations with young people regarding some of the experiences that they might be facing at this time, and there are also some other support agencies that work with schools, which have also published some clear guidance. Support is very much happening, I suppose, from a distance as you might expect, but we’re keeping in constant email and phone calls as appropriate. In relation to our staff, we are in constant contact, giving regular updates and regular reassurances to make sure that everybody is OK.
No one has to do all of this alone, and there are no perfect answers, but we do know that together, we are all the stronger.
Parents will know best how to advise their own children, and I don’t think it’s a one-size- fits-all. Each family will have to approach questions and challenges in their own unique way, but schools and our school counsellors are also here to support should families need.
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