Sharjah school delays opening

Over 600 students are waiting to start classes at GEMS Westminster School in Sharjah as the school failed to open on time for the new academic year. The newly built school was expected to open earlier this month, but classes haven’t started as construction work is still under way at the school site and approvals are still pending.

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Muaz Shabandri

Published: Thu 13 Sep 2012, 9:01 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 11:56 AM

Parents were informed of delays in school reopening on September 6, the principal of GEMS Westminster School (Sharjah) said: “It is with great disappointment that we inform you that we are unable to open our school at this time because we are still waiting for the necessary approvals from the authorities.”

A note on the school website also hinted that the school opening could ‘take a couple more weeks’. Parents were informed to expect more delays on Wednesday as the school principal said in the newsletter: “Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that we will be able to start on 16th September and I must ask your forbearance for a little longer. We will let you know as soon as we hear from the Ministry of Education.”

Disappointed parents voiced concerns as they are unaware of what delays to expect. A parent who did not wish to be named said: “This is a very serious issue where the school is leaving the students and parents in the middle of a mess, without clear information on any solution or alternative.”

A spokesperson from GEMS Education said: “GEMS has apologised to the parents of Westminster – Sharjah for the delay and the inconvenience caused. We understand how upsetting this must be for parents and children alike. The authorities are updating us on a regular basis and we hope to tell parents more this week.

“We have assured parents that no school days will be lost over the academic year as any postponed days will be made up over the remainder of the year. In recognition of this inconvenience we are deducting one month’s fees during the second term.”

It is still not clear when the school would open as workers were still seen at the school site when Khaleej Times visited the school on Tuesday. muaz@khaleejtimes.com

Muaz Shabandri

Published: Thu 13 Sep 2012, 9:01 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 11:56 AM

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