Closure of Dubai school leaves parents looking for options

Dubai - An informal communication was sent to staff which stated it would be closing down.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that a Dubai private school has sent a formal communication to parents informing them of its upcoming closure.
Just days ahead of the summer vacation, British Columbia Canadian School (BCCS) informed parents that the campus will be closing down following the conclusion of the 2017/2018 academic year.
"We are aware that BCCS has sent a communication to parents informing them of the school's closure, though we have yet to receive the official request from the school. KHDA will assist all students affected by the closure to find seats in schools by the start of the coming academic year," Mohammed Darwish, Chief of Regulations and Permits Commission at KHDA said on Monday.
Is this Dubai school going to shut down?
Parents of the 85 students enrolled at the campus in Dubai Investment Park (DIP) will now be tasked with finding placements at alternative schools here.
On Sunday, Khaleej Times broke the news that questions surrounding the future of the BCCS in Dubai had been raised 
Last week, sources close to the school said an informal communication was sent to staff which stated it would be closing down.
Despite several requests for comment, BCCS did not release an official statement and following Monday's developments, the management was again contacted for comment, to no avail. The article will be updated online if a response is received. 
Canadian school open to admissions
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Monday, Dr Gregory Cosgrove, Project Manager at Ontario International Canadian School in Mirdif said it is in close contact with BCCS to help the families affected by the school's closure announcement.
As now the only Canadian school in Dubai, Cosgrove said the news has been "most unfortunate both for the students, families and the school staff affected".
"We have had half a dozen phone calls from parents already and we met with the BCCS principal this morning. We have arranged an information session to be held at our school on Wednesday evening for parents and students from BCCS. The school's principal has shown a great desire to do as much as he can to help parents and students transition smoothly."
First opened in 2014, Ontario International Canadian School's annual fees range from Dh40,000-75,750; which is slightly higher than BCCS tuition fees.
"We are a little more expensive, and I guess that's an issue we will look at and discuss with parents. We're looking at ways in which we can make the potential reception for new families that come to our school as best as possible."
As well as students, Cosgrove said the BCCS principal will be forwarding on resumes of BCCS teachers who want to continue teaching in Dubai.
"I'm not entirely sure what we can do, but we want to try and do what's best for all involved. We have already pre-enrolled teachers for next year,  but if we do take on more students resulting in the need for more teachers, we will give first priority to them."
With about 240 students currently enrolled at Ontario International Canadian School, Cosgrove said the campus has capacity for about 450 students. As of September 2018, the school will be offering a Canadian curriculum to students from pre KG to Grade 10.
 kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 

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