Jeddah Education Department: Strict enforcement of attendance regulations as 700,000 students return

The General Directorate of Education in Jeddah Governorate began a new phase of strict administrative and educational measures this morning, Sunday, coinciding with the start of the second semester of the academic year 1447 AH. Schools immediately began implementing school discipline procedures and enforcing rules of conduct and attendance from the very first minutes of the school day, as more than 700,000 students returned to their classrooms across all educational levels.

An educational context to promote seriousness

This strict move by Jeddah's education department comes within the context of a broader initiative led by the Saudi Ministry of Education to eliminate absenteeism, a phenomenon that used to accompany the first few days after holidays, formerly known as "dead week." These measures aim to instill a culture of discipline as a behavioral and educational value, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the education system, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that no educational time is wasted in a way that could negatively impact students' academic performance.

Field readiness and a stimulating environment

School administrations responded to this large influx of students with comprehensive technical and environmental preparations. Classrooms and laboratories were prepared to be attractive, safe, and stimulating environments conducive to creativity. Schools witnessed a high level of attendance from the early morning hours, amidst meticulous administrative procedures for monitoring absences through the approved electronic system (Noor system). This reflected a strong sense of responsibility on the part of both students and parents regarding the importance of a serious start to the academic year.

Statements from the educational leadership

For her part, Manal Al-Lahibi, Director General of Education in Jeddah Governorate, emphasized that school discipline is the cornerstone of success and excellence. In her remarks, she affirmed that enforcing regulations is not a punitive measure in itself, but rather a means to reinforce the values ​​of diligence and perseverance in young people, and to invest every minute in developing skills and keeping pace with rapidly evolving educational development plans.

Social and educational impact

Field reports indicate that the integration between school and family played a crucial role in achieving high attendance rates on the first day. This discipline is expected to positively impact students' academic performance, as educational studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between regular attendance and academic excellence. Furthermore, this commitment contributes to preparing a generation capable of taking responsibility and respecting time—essential skills required by the future job market—thus transforming the school into a nurturing environment for building well-rounded individuals, rather than simply a place for acquiring information.