Headstart students lose campus to legal battle

A legal battle has delayed the opening of a new kindergarten branch of the Headstart School System.

KARACHI: The opening of the Headstart School System’s Clifton kindergarten branch is being delayed because of a legal battle over its new campus.

The other HSS schools will open today according to schedule for all students except those at that branch, said an announcement.

The school had wanted to move to a new campus at F-1, Block IV Clifton, opposite Amir Khusro Park. But the Sindh High Court issued a stay order. Therefore, the school administration was unable to reopen the school as scheduled on August 9.

The school is trying to find some other premises in Clifton but until that happens, the students will be accommodated at one of their P.E.C.H.S. branches for the time being. “An air-conditioned shuttle service will be available from F-1, Block IV Clifton, to P.E.C.H.S and back,” said a school notice.

There are other schools in the area: Karachi Grammar School, Falconhouse Grammar School and the Convent of Jesus and Mary. Several diplomatic missions are located in the area as well.

This news has not been taken well by some people. “The kids will lose time [in commuting to PECHS],” said one parent, who lives in DHA. “It’s wrong. We were sending our child there because it was close to our home.” This father went on to say that he was upset because of the uncertainty. “If they’re going to open up schools in bungalows, they should make sure they have the permission.”

For its part, the school said that they will make up for any academic loss according to a specific timetable and plan.

The school said open house will be held according to the same timings as given earlier.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2010.