Parents protest sackings at Hong Kong’s troubled Canadian International School

More than 100 parents dressed in black rallied at the Canadian International School in Wong Chuk Hang yesterday to show their support for two senior teaching staff who were dismissed in recent weeks.

In response to the rally, the school said it would host a meeting for all parents as soon as possible.

The parents said they were rallying in support of Dylan Hughes - who was fired as principal of the primary section almost three weeks after going on leave - and his deputy Kathy Nutting, who was sacked after she told parents about Hughes' absence.

The school said yesterday that it had not forced Hughes to take leave, and had not previously disclosed details of the leave to protect his privacy. In a March 14 interview, head teacher Dr Gregg Maloberti replied "no" when asked if Hughes had requested the week's leave from March 9.

Hughes had not replied by last night to a media request for comment.

Earlier in the day, parents at the rally said their children were upset over the dismissals of the principal and vice-principal and had been going home crying.