Leaky roofs, late arrivals: How UAE rains impacted school operations

Leaky roofs, late arrivals: How UAE rains impacted school operations

While cleaners at some campuses worked all night to ensure classrooms were dry, extra staff were brought in at others to ensure students' safety

Published: Thu 26 Jan 2023, 2:56 PM

From leaky roofs being repaired in record time to some students missing class and others arriving late — schools in the UAE worked double-time on Thursday to ensure that the heavy rains did not affect learning.

Unstable weather conditions continued for the second day straight, with water ponds resulting in road closures and traffic jams.

Lisa Johnson, ​principal, American Academy for Girls, a Taaleem school, said the school community welcomed the rain, but it posed some challenges.

“Our biggest concerns have been from a facility standpoint. Leaks and drainage problems that are typically minor have become major issues in these conditions. We started our day with dripping water in several classrooms; but thankfully we were able to repair and clean up before students arrived. We have also had to pay careful attention to safety issues such as wet floors and play areas that normally would not be a concern,” she told Khaleej Times.

Attendance was fairly normal, but the school registered a “slight increase” in absenteeism.

She said some teachers had to leave at 5am to