To all JPS Parents,

Yesterday, the class reps met with representatives from GEMS Education to discuss the unacceptable increase in class sizes (which has already begun without formal notification to the parent body). In fact, there was a second meeting held to accommodate other parents who turned up as well. As most of you are aware, many hundreds of letters were sent to Margaret Atack (Head of International Schools) and numerous parents have met with Mel Curtis and Stephen Chynoweth voicing their outrage at GEMS' new policy.

This is a summary of yesterday's meeting:

1) JPS parents have asked for GEMS, through natural wastage and a freeze on offering new places, to allow class sizes to fall to a maximum of 25 (still too large in our view, but a concession on our part. We would like to see classes capped at 22.)

2) We have asked for interim measures to be taken to improve safety in the parking areas.

3) We have asked for interim measures to be taken within the classes by bringing in extra TA's as soon as is feasible, particularly from year 3 onwards where there is no full-time TA per class.

4) We have asked that GEMS listen to and be accountable and responsive to its stakeholders, and by this I do not mean Abraj Capital, but fee-paying parents and the children whose education we have entrusted to you.

5) Ms Mcphee kindly undertook to present these issues to the Chairman, and you kindly undertook to get back to us via a letter to all JPS parents next Sunday.


To all those concerned parents who would like to contribute to this blog, please email your comments to jpsconcernedparents@gmail.com . Your personal details will not be included.