Sharjah sets rules to streamline graduation ceremonies

Sharjah: Sharjah Education Zone on Tuesday issued a circular setting rules to streamline the organization of graduation ceremonies held at private schools, and warned them from imposing any fees on parents for the ceremonies.

The circular was issued in response to complaints by parents, stating that a Sharjah-based private school asked them to pay Dh500 for attending a graduation ceremony and warned students that any delay in payment will be deprived from attending the ceremony.

Another school has proposed lending parents graduation gowns for a fee of Dh 100, and a fee of Dh 150 as deposit. The education zone said that such activity is considered commercial and does not fall under educational activities.

Saeed Al Ka'abi, Director of Sharjah Education Zone, said that graduation ceremonies are events with great educational significance, adding that the zone has set regulations to ensure that such events are not viewed as a burden by parents.

The education zone issued a circular yesterday regulating graduation ceremonies at private schools, which are required to separate the ceremonies of girl and boy students from Grade 5 and above, provided that the ceremonies must begin early and end at 8 pm.

The education zone administration instructed all private schools to obtain approval from the zone prior to the ceremony. Schools will also have to allocate separate seating for men and women for invited parents. It is also preferred that the graduations are held at the school theatre, without using a DJ. Students have to attend the graduation in their school uniform, which conform with decency rules.