The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School (MGM ) has clarified that the cancellation of the Year 13 graduation was done after some parents raised concerns about the high cost of gowns and ‘kalavata’ materials.
The school has also reiterated that no child was forced to contribute $30 for the walk-a-thon pledge.
And it is willing to refund parents who may have paid the $30 under duress.
The school said the decision to cancel the graduation event was made considering the financial burden on some parents.
“The school introduced a formal graduation ceremony for the first time in 2023,” the statement said.
“While it was a memorable occasion, the feedback from some parents indicated that the cost associated with items like gowns and kalavata was a burden for many families. Similar concerns were raised this year prompting the school to reconsider the feasibility of continuing with this event.”
In regards, to the walk-a-thon pledge forms, the school said students who had been unable to raise funds had submitted blank forms or contributed as little as $2 without any repercussions.
“The $30 fee in question only applies to students who have lost or tampered with their forms, as the school’s name and reputation are associated with the fundraising effort and donors have given donations because it is on the schools official form,” the school said.
“If any parents feel they have paid the $30 under duress, then we would like to assure you that a full refund is available upon request and with valid reasons provided and as long as no funds have been collected under the schools name.
“The Board and Management sincerely apologizes for any misinterpretation that has been caused by the newsletter sent on November 6.”
