After a three-month vacation, children have journeyed between their grandparents' homes, filled with memories of gatherings with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Others have travelled far, staying in hotels and jetsetting between airports, capturing the joy of visiting parks and resorts in Oman, the Gulf countries, and beyond. As the new school year approaches, the children are eager to shop for school supplies, making early trips to secure their favourites.
The anticipation of returning to school fills the children with excitement. They long to reunite with their classmates, teachers, and principals, who guided them through the previous school year.
As the new term draws near, the children delight in selecting their outfits, carefully choosing the perfect shoes, and eagerly picking out backpacks adorned with their favourite cartoon characters. They are just as enthusiastic about choosing notebooks with unique wooden or cardboard covers, gel pens, highlighters, and coloured pencils for their drawings.
This back-to-school season is a time of pride and joy as the children select personal items that will accompany them throughout the year. It’s an opportunity for them to express their personalities, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Hayyan Al Musalmy, a Grade Three student, shared his excitement: "As we prepare for the new school year, I am so happy to go to school. But more importantly, I am very excited about my new school supplies. Back-to-school shopping brings me joy because it's the time to show my friends my new school items. I cannot wait to be with my teachers and friends after such a long time."
"I am ready with my school bag and eager to start my classes. What makes me happiest is the brand-new school I will be attending. I hope to meet my old friends there too," he added.
Children's excitement during this time positively impacts their expectations for school, allowing them to approach the new academic year with hope and optimism. Each carefully chosen item enhances their psychological and mental preparedness for the challenges ahead.
Salim Al Harrasi, a seventh-grade student, expressed his enthusiasm: "It feels great and exciting to go back to school after a long vacation. I carefully and enthusiastically selected my school items."
Preparing for school goes beyond shopping; it marks the beginning of a new journey filled with learning and discovery. The process of choosing supplies contributes to creating an engaging and enjoyable school experience, with each item selected with personal conviction. These moments offer an opportunity to create lasting and vibrant memories.
Al Qassim Al Busafi, also in Grade Seven, captured the essence of this excitement: "It’s an indescribable feeling! I am extremely happy and excited to meet my teachers and friends. I’m eager to study, complete my homework, and play with my classmates. I’ve bought all my school supplies, including my backpack, notebooks, pens, and more. I even wrote in my notebook about my plans for this important year since I’m a new student at the school. I must prove myself and show that I am an outstanding student."
Back to school promotions
As the new school year approaches, shopping malls across Oman are unveiling substantial back-to-school promotions, offering significant discounts to ease the financial burden on parents. Major shopping destinations, including City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, and My City Centre Sur, are leading the way with discounts ranging from 25% to 75% on essential school supplies. These offers encompass a wide range of items, from notebooks and pens to uniforms, backpacks, and electronic devices such as calculators, tablets, and laptops.
Retail centres like Nesto and Lulu also have their own version of discounted school items, dedicating vital spaces to showcase what is on offer for the kids to select. Beautiful stalls are also set up near the entrance or in places with easy access to maximise their impact on parents who come to purchase school items.
For families with multiple children, these discounts provide a much-needed financial reprieve, allowing them to purchase high-quality supplies without straining their budgets. The promotions cover all the essentials, including writing tools, notebooks, art supplies, organizational tools, and health items like sanitisers and water bottles.
In addition to shopping, City Centre malls are enhancing the back-to-school experience with a variety of engaging activities for children. These include competitions, interactive knowledge checks, and entertainment zones designed to make the transition back to school enjoyable. The combination of significant savings, comprehensive school supply options, and family-friendly events positions these malls as premier destinations for back-to-school preparations.
This concerted effort by Oman's shopping centres not only supports parents in managing the costs of education but also provides children with a fun and engaging lead-up to the new school year, making the return to school both affordable and enjoyable.
Ready for the students
As the new school year approaches in Oman, schools across the country are buzzing with activity, preparing to welcome students back into classrooms. Teachers and principals are at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that every detail is in place for a successful year of learning.
Classrooms were meticulously prepared, with teachers arranging desks, organizing supplies, and creating vibrant displays that would engage and inspire students. The focus is not just on aesthetics but also on creating an environment conducive to learning, where students feel comfortable and motivated. School hallways and common areas are being decorated with educational posters, student work, and motivational quotes, reflecting the school's commitment to fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
Teachers were also busy planning a diverse range of learning activities that cater to different learning styles and abilities. From interactive lessons to hands-on projects, the goal is to make learning both enjoyable and effective. Meanwhile, principals are coordinating with staff to ensure that all logistical aspects, such as timetables and resource allocation, are seamlessly managed.
The dedication of Oman’s educators is a testament to the country's commitment to excellence in education. Their tireless efforts not only enhance the learning experience but also help maintain Oman’s reputation as a leader in the region’s education sector.
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