This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
Brookhouse International School is at odds with some of its parents over online classes, with the school describing the dispute as a contractual issue rather than a constitutional rights violation.
According to the school's managing director and board member, John O'Connor, the parents who filed the lawsuit aimed to disrupt virtual classes.
Mr. O'Connor stated in a court filing that the parents' views do not represent the majority of parents at the school, citing numerous messages of support from parents for the school's virtual learning program.
He added that the parents who filed the lawsuit are a small group seeking to disrupt the school calendar to the detriment of many children who are happy with the virtual learning program.
The school emphasized that it began online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has successfully piloted the program across its other institutions worldwide.
The school argued that suspending online classes would interfere with its international curriculum and negatively impact student grading, as their counterparts continue with the program.
Although the court set aside the order suspending online classes for kindergarten to year four, the school welcomed the decision but noted that it applies to all children in the institution.
Teachers are eager to work with students, and the school's primary goal is to ensure no child is left behind in the learning process, according to a letter to parents from the board of directors.
Following the court's decision, the school has asked parents to clear a 50% reduction in fees by May 18, regardless of whether their children participate in live virtual learning.
