RIYADH: Some parents at the American International School, Riyadh (AISR) are unhappy over the school's decision to remain open on Arafat Day, which is on November 15. The school, however, will be closed for Eid Al-Adha, which is on Nov. 16, an official holiday in the Kingdom. The parents said that despite reminders the AISR management has not changed the dates in the school calendar. The AISR Eid holidays are from Nov. 16 to 22. The school has sent the information to parents through the latest version of News flash, AISR's online magazine. About 60 percent of the students at the AISR are Muslim students. The significance of Arafat Day for those Muslims that do not go for Haj is that they prefer fasting on the day. “How can we send our child to attend classes on Arafat Day, when everyone in the Kingdom is sitting at home on account of the national holidays,” one parent annoyed with AISR's Eid holiday schedule told Saudi Gazette. The parents did not want to be named. They said they were asked to consult the class teacher and to have homework in advance, if their wards were unable to attend classes on Arafat Day. Others also complained that they also had to go to work after the Eid holidays when their children were still at home. “What is the point in having holidays on days after Eid when the working parents have to report back for duty,” said one parent. Government schools, colleges and universities will remain closed on account of Haj and Eid Al-Adha holidays from Nov. 10 to Nov. 22. “All the educational institutions in the Kingdom have to follow the national holidays issued through circulars or annual calendars,” an international school principal said requesting anonymity. Saudi Gazette attempted to clarify with AISR management about the stipulated Haj holidays in its school calendar. The AISR management has not responded to a written request for comment sent Monday. The British International School, Riyadh is closed from Nov. 13 to Nov. 17, while other international community schools have announced Haj holidays starting from Nov. 13 to Nov. 24. The Indian International School is also closed from Nov. 13 to Nov. 24. The school holidays are aimed at helping families who want to go for Haj. The intending pilgrims (parents) have to plan ahead so they can leave for Makkah at pre-arranged times with Haj operators.
