School in Dubai to shut down, over 200 students affected

45-50 teaching and non-teaching staff have also been affected by the closure.

Over 200 parents are scrambling to secure seats for their children as the Ontario International Canadian School (OICS) based in Mirdiff is set to shut down citing financial issues.
The school, which has an acceptable rating, opened in 2014 and is owned by Hasnain Dar.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Greg Cosgrove, the project manager and school consultant, said that the school is in the process of shutting down and will close by the end of this school semester.
"We have put in a request with the KHDA but have not got an answer yet," he said.
Between 45-50 teaching and non-teaching staff will also be affected by the closure.
"The owner has been in touch with Kings' Education and many of our students will be shifting to that school," said Cosgrove. "Also, there are a number of other options in Mirdiff area which parents are looking into," he said.
A circular, signed by Dar, was also issued to parents last week.
"I have continuously been engaged in discussions with KHDA regarding the future of OICS. However, it is only fair for me to share with you that regardless of the ultimate outcome in the coming days, the school does not have the financial support to continue beyond June 30, 2019," read the circular.
"I understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for families and we at OICS are committed to ensure a smooth transition of your children to other schools. As a part of our effort for this smooth transition, we have asked Kings' Education to honour the OICS fee structure for the next two academic years for any students who wish to transfer to Kings' Schools," the circular said.
The school follows the Canadian curriculum and has classes from KG to Grade 10. The school fees ranged from Dh28,000-56,000 per year.
A parent said, "My kid was in the school since it opened. For now, we have adjusted him in Kings' school but we didn't see this decision coming."
- asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai