Parents 'devastated' as Thi Lakin School closes after enrolment decline

Updated 1.44pm

Thi Lakin School in Attard has informed parents that it will “cease operations” after the private school said it “cannot operate financially anymore”.

In an email sent to parents and guardians on Wednesday morning, the head of Thi Lakin School, Tami Mac an Bhaird, wrote: “It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that, after careful consideration, the school will cease operations.”

Founded in 1970, Thi Lakin is a private nursery, kindergarten and primary school. It is not yet clear whether the school will shut down completely this year or phase out operations by no longer accepting new students.

When contacted, a spokesperson for the school said: “we have no further comments at this stage”.

The email, seen by Times of Malta, said the decision was taken because student enrolment has steadily declined in recent years and the current student population is no longer sufficient to ensure the school's long-term sustainability.

“Until the end of June, we were prepared to carry on, however, in the last two weeks we have had more cancellations, which has led to this decision,” the email said, adding that the move followed an extensive review of the school's financial and operational viability.

“Unfortunately, over the years, Thi Lakin School has become a stepping stone, whilst waiting to be called to Church Schools or other independent schools… I understand that this news may be disappointing and raise concerns for your family… Due to the raise in teachers wages and the high rental fees on the property, Thi Lakin School cannot operate financially anymore,” the email said, adding that registration fees will be refunded in the coming days.

One parent, who had enrolled his three-year-old daughter at the school, said he and his wife were “devastated".

“We were in contact with the school over the past months and they never mentioned shutting down. We even turned down our daughter’s spot in a church school because we committed to Thi Lakin. We don’t know what to do now.”

In December 2000, it was reported that the school was set to be demolished to make way for three apartment blocks comprising a retail outlet, four maisonettes, 19 apartments, six penthouses and 39 lock-up garages. At the time, the school was expected to close in June 2001, but it continued operating

'Deep concern'

The Union of Professional Educators expressed its "deep concern" at the closure of the school which will lead to the redundancy of a number of "dedicated educators and support staff". 

"This is a difficult and distressing moment for all those affected," the union said in a statement.

The UPE reassured all affected members they "will not face this situation alone". 

"The union has already begun assisting members by providing guidance on their employment rights, redundancy-related matters, and any entitlements that may arise during this transition," the union said.

It added that it will be working "proactively" with educational institutions and relevant authorities to facilitate recruitment in other schools "as soon as possible", as they urged members to contact the Union for assistance.

"The closure of a school is always a sad moment for the educational community," the union said.

Ministry to provide support to students, educators, parents

The Education Ministry said Thi Lakin is an independent school that operates autonomously and makes its own decisions.

It said it had contacted the school’s administration on Tuesday and requested the necessary information to better understand the situation and provide support to parents, students and educators where needed.

“The Ministry reiterates its commitment to supporting families throughout this transition process and to ensuring that every child is able to continue their education without unnecessary disruption,” it said.

Parents who wish to enrol their children in a state school are being encouraged to contact the administration of their respective college for more information.