New academic year at gov't schools set for after Ramadan

Classes in government schools for the academic year 2009-2010 have been postponed until after the holy month of Ramadan it was confirmed on Wednesday.

Ahead of the announcement His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had posted a question up on his Facebook page, seeking public input on whether the school year should begin after Eid. The majority of parents and pupils preferred the term start after Eid.

According to Khaleej Times the Ministry has said that teaching staff will have to report back on September 13 and the students will resume school on September 23. 

In his post, Shaikh Mohammad thanked the respondents and indicated his appreciation of opinions from a ''wide diversity of people in our society.''

Meanwhile, one parent, who is also a school principal, told Gulf News that Ramadan is the month of fasting, and represents a significant part of UAE national culture. Having a holiday during this month would help parents, principals and pupils to concentrate on the values of this month, she said.

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