Schools across the country reopened today, marking the return of students and teachers to the classroom following the festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.
After a week-long break that allowed families to come together and celebrate, students were back in their school uniforms, with many seen arriving early, some still carrying the cheerful spirit of the recent festivities.
While parents of younger children expressed mixed emotions about the end of the break, many were grateful for the quality family time spent during the holidays. However, there was a sense of eagerness to return to the routine of school.
Enny Zaini, a mother of six, shared her thoughts on the transition back to school. Her youngest child, Md Hanif Mikail bin Haji Mustapa, a Year 2 student at Nusa Laila Puteri School, Jangsak Branch, was particularly excited to return.
Despite being the youngest, Hanif had completed his holiday homework and projects during the fasting month of Ramadjan, which helped him stay on track with his schoolwork.
Enny made sure to prepare him for school by encouraging a few early bedtimes before school resumed.
“I’m proud of my sons for completing a full month of fasting, especially my youngest, who had just turned eight a few days ago,” she said.
Enny’s older children, who are already in university, sixth form, or secondary school, were also ready to get back into their academic routines.
Father of two, Jury Hakeemi, shared how his children were adjusting to the school routine. His daughter, Aisy, aged 13, a Year 8 student at Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, had been revising for her exams during the break, balancing her studies with extra classes.
“The festive season did affect their study habits, but they adjusted by revising during the daytime, while making sure to take a break before school reopened,” Jury said.
“As for their sleep schedule, I made sure they had enough time to study and sleep after attending Raya open houses.”
The Hari Raya celebrations were filled with excitement for the children, who were eager to share their experiences with classmates. Jury’s children, Iman Yusoef, 12, from Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic School, and Aisy, couldn’t wait to tell their friends about the open houses they visited, the “OOTD” photos they took, the gifts they exchanged, and the fashionable baju Raya they wore.
For Year 1 student Aiza Mardhia from Nusa Laila Puteri School in Kampong Kiulap, the joy of reuniting with friends and sharing stories from the celebration made returning to school all the more exciting.
“Coming back to school feels fun because the Raya atmosphere is still here. Everyone’s cheerful, exchanging stories and comparing the sampul raya (green envelopes) we collected. It really keeps the Hari Raya spirit alive even though it’s been a week,” she shared with a bright smile.
Meanwhile, for parents like Aizen Syamsiah, the return to school also marks a return to early morning routines. “Waking up at 5am is back to being a daily ritual,” she said when contacted by Media Permata. “After nearly a month off during Ramadan and Raya, we’re back to preparing uniforms, meals, and making sure the kids are ready for school.”
As schools resume, the festive spirit continues to linger among students, and families are gradually easing back into the routine of learning after the joyous celebration. – FADLEY FAISAL
