This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
As the dispute over school fees at Brookhouse School continues, parents with children at the high-cost institution have expressed their desire to see online learning continue, despite a court order stopping it.
According to court filings, parents who petitioned the court over the fees and another section of parents who have applied to be enjoined in the suit agree that suspension of lessons is bad for the learners.
Under the headline, 'Boycott of Classes', minutes of the meeting of Brookhouse Parents Association (BPA) of April 29 show that the parents were concerned about the possible discontinuation of the online lessons for their children.
"It was agreed that disruption of the children's learning would not be the appropriate strategy at this juncture. All students are to continue with the unlicensed online studies," the minutes state.
However, another section of parents who are opposed to the petition by BPA have applied to be enjoined in the suit, citing the negative impact of stopping online learning on their children.
"They were introduced to virtual learning that mitigated the effects that Covid-19 had on their education. They had started liking the new routine, and the sudden stop of virtual learning has undoubtedly brought psychological torture to them," they say in their skeletal submissions in court.
On May 8, Brookhouse Board of Directors chair Rabih Saab wrote to parents, saying they had been overwhelmed by requests to resume online learning.
"We are grateful to all the families who have communicated to us and will make every effort to maintain the highest educational standards as we move forward together," said Mr Saab.
The dispute over school fees and online learning for kindergarten and lower primary learners will now be resolved in court, with the hearing set for Wednesday, May 13.
