Dubai: Some schools that are yet to close for winter vacations had to close early due to torrential rains that brought water into classrooms and disrupted lessons. A harried parent at Gems Modern Academy (GMA) said that classrooms had ankle deep water and the school had to close an hour earlier.

“School buses usually leave by 2.15 pm but left at 1.15 pm as the last period was cancelled. All afternoon activities that usually take place between 2 to 4 pm were cancelled too,” said the parent who declined to be named.

A GMA source said that the school was likely to be closed on Monday to facilitate cleaning of classrooms where blackboards and benches were damaged, but urged parents to keep in touch with school authorities to learn more about it.

At Delhi Private School, Jebel Ali, it was business as usual. Principal Rashmi Nandkeolyar told Gulf News: “We had regular schools as there was no rain here and our buses have reported reaching on time, dropping students. For tomorrow, regarding school closure, we will take a decision depending on the weather and parents will be informed only the same day.”

Indian High School CEO Ashok Kumar said their school faced no water-logging or disruption due to rain. “Classes were held normally and we do not intend to close the school tomorrow.

Elsewhere in Dubai, students of O level schools were lucky since their winter vacations started this week.

In Sharjah, Delhi Private School Sharjah declared winter holidays beginning this week. Principal Vandana Marwaha told Gulf News: “All Sharjah schools closed from today for winter vacations, so students were spared; Thursday was the last working day for classes while administration work continues. So teachers and administrative staff is still at school.”

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) took the rainy spell in good humour and advised parents and students to do the same on their twitter handle @KHDA. “A hot chocolate, a book, a blanket — our favourite way to spend a stormy afternoon. How are you enjoying the weather?” they posted.

Our Own High School, Al Warqa (Boys), postponed their annual sports day, which was to be held on December 18, following the rains. A new date is yet to be announced.

Elsewhere, Our Own Indian High School in Safa and the New Millennium School, Ghusais, too closed earlier than usual, cancelling the last class to ensure that children reached home without getting delayed by traffic snarls in the wake of the rains.

Parents of students from the aforementioned three schools called in to confirm the news.