Grade XII students of DPSD Record Their Emotions In The Form Of Journal Entries

 

Journal Entry of Haya Harris 

During these unprecedented times, being able to go back to school and interact with your peers and teachers is definitely a glimmer of hope for the youth.

As I come back to campus after being online for the past 1.5 years, I observed a lot of changes made around me. Vending machines replaced water dispensers, social distance signs were stuck everywhere, and lastly, the smiles of the students and teachers expressing their joy of being onsite were replaced by masks.

As a senior student, I’m fortunate enough to be able to have my last year of school on campus and be able to encounter everything my seniors experienced. If everything goes well, we will have our senior trip, farewell and a proper graduation which I’m really looking forward to. I think the most important lesson to take from this pandemic is regardless of the severity of the obstacles we are facing, we must take it up as a challenge and adapt better in order to survive and make the most out of it.

Journal Entry of Garrick, Grade XII-F

I’ve started coming  to school to school three months ago . A year ago, I would have never imagined that I would be attending school again with a full capacity

After going through shaky start of getting used to things such as peer interaction without social skills and catching up on unlearned concepts throughout these past three months, I have gained my ability of being able to interact with my peers. I have also been able to understand the concepts taught in class to a greater degree compared to online classes and have been able to discover my personality to a greater extent as my teachers inspire me to be my best.  School is a happy place where I feel happy. 

Journal Entry of Sundharavalli Natarajan, XII-C

Many of us were fascinated last year at the idea of  homeschooling. Studying from home, not getting up early, no uniform- sounds fun. But boy, oh boy, did the pandemic smack us with reality in the form of the big, looming dark cloud of remote learning. After a year at home, isolated from all sorts of school activities, did we all finally say, "I can't wait until we get back to normal school." (My teachers couldn't believe it was we who said that)

And that's what we did. April'21, DPS Dubai flung its gates open, welcoming a limited capacity of students back after a year of remote learning. On the first day, as my friends and I made our way to class, climbing up staircases, passing familiar faces, now under masks, we couldn't help noticing lots of changes. New classrooms, changed seating arrangements, new classmates, fresh timetables, the whole set-up and routine had been revamped. As pupils used to noisy chaos and hiding backbenchers, the half-full classes were almost akin to direct spotlight. 

We settled into the new system, sinking our teeth into divine academics and joyous reunions. Though the latter was toned down to accommodate health protocols, nothing could stop us from enjoying these- educative, stimulating lab sessions, rejuvenating PE lessons, and of course, free periods. Returning to school had never been this marvelous ever before. 

Journal Entry of Justin Shino of Grade XII-D

Coming back to school after one and a half year was a completely new experience for me. It is because the atmosphere completely changes for any student. You always stay in the comfort and safety of your own home. However, school opens doors to unknown experiences and opportunities.

Firstly, I was thrilled to see my friends and teachers. Being around with friends, has had a major impact on my learning and wellbeing. They increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost happiness and reduce stress. Teachers apart from studies, help students to be confident in their ability to succeed, create long lasting effects on their behaviors and improve student mental health. School is like my second home; it makes me feel secure and safe. Going to school makes me more diligent, reduces procrastination and helps me stick to my deadlines. I am delighted to do hands on experiment in the physics and chemistry lab beside my friends. PE classes and Inter-House events have helped instill a sense of team spirit and build new connections.

Coming back to school was indeed a memorable experience.