With the term ending just three days after the National Day holiday, educators are urging parents to adhere to the official calendar, warning that missed days count against attendance and cannot be fully replicated.
(DUBAI) — Schools across the UAE are actively discouraging parents from pulling their children out of class early ahead of the winter break, despite the tempting long weekend created by the Eid Al Etihad holiday.
The authorities have declared a public holiday on December 1 and 2, with the academic term officially concluding on Friday, December 5. This short, three-day school window has led some families to consider an early departure for their winter vacations. However, school leaders are emphasizing that the final days of the term are academically critical and will be treated as regular school days.
Sticking to the Plan
Education officials stress that the academic calendar was distributed to parents months in advance, specifically to allow for careful family planning.
“The school shared the approved KHDA calendar… at the beginning of the academic year. It clearly states that the last working day for students before the winter break is December 5,” said Dr. Jinto Sabastian, Executive Principal at The Apple International School. He noted that term-end assessments are scheduled right up to the final day, and early departures will be recorded as absences, with limited opportunities for make-up work.
This sentiment was echoed by Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal of Credence High School, who stated, “The entire school calendar… is shared with parents at the beginning of the academic year in April, enabling families to plan their holidays well in advance.”
Academic Impact and a Plea for Responsibility
School administrators acknowledge the desire for extended family time but are urging parents to consider the academic consequences.
Noufal Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director of Woodlem Education, highlighted the balance between family needs and educational responsibilities. “We recognise that the winter break is a valuable time for family reunions… however, it cannot replace in-class instruction,” he said, adding that while requests are reviewed case-by-case, the priority remains on the “importance of the instructional days.”
The underlying message from the education sector is clear: with a full month of winter break provided, families have ample time for travel without compromising the final, crucial days of the first term. Schools are encouraging responsible planning to ensure students conclude the term smoothly and without unnecessary gaps in their learning.
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