Easter celebrations cancelled at Primary school

If it’s true, then it’s utterly ridiculous.

Yes it's true that's why I googled the name. I couldn't believe it either and thought it was fake to promote outrage

Bonkers. I don't get it. Easter doesn't exist in any other religion, so why can't young children of all faiths learn about Christianity?

Absolute madness.

Miss Mander may or may not be a Christian, but many people are, and Easter is the most important time in the Christian calendar, and it’s right that it should be acknowledged, just as it’s right to acknowledge and learn about other religious faiths and cultures that are celebrated in this multi ethnic country we all now live in. I’m afraid she is the one being exclusive rather than inclusive, by cancelling the Easter Parade and Easter service. I presume she cancelled the Nativity play and other Christmas festivities, too, and probably failed to acknowledge Divali, Eid, and the many other religious festivals? (Or is it just the Christian Easter she has excluded?).

My granddaughter's school celebrates Easter, Christmas, Diwali, Holi, Eid and probably more. All the children enjoy learning about other celebrations and they're inclusive.

I can’t see any reason to cancel the Easter Bonnet parade which sounds like fun but the service is another matter as it would demand a commitment to the Christian faith. However, I do think the children should be taught about Easter in their lesson times as well as being taught about the holy days in other major religions.

It depends if it is a celebration, or a religious service.

I remember the Methodist Vicar standing in Assembly criticising other religion for having idols and celebrating lights and dance, on the day of Diwali in our very multicultural school. The children were very uncomfortable, and I wish I had made a complaint at the time.

And another Diwali celebration at a local Primary, where most of the parents were Hindus. At the end, the Head stood up and asked all to stand an pray 'for the Good Lord Jesus' who made such a wonderful evening possible. I wanted to dig a big hole and disappear. I never knew if she was aware or not, or if it was deliberate. As a trainee teacher, I never dared to ask.

So, depends how it is done. My children suffered the very unpleasant indoctrination of the old Vicar at their village school. I wish I had complained to the Head and the Diocese.

One comment in the press by a Muslim person said doing this will promote tensions against them, and not help inclusion

If it is not a Christian church school what is the objection?

Stephanie Mander is a good pro-active head that is what matters most not some silly fuss about nothing.

The important thing is that the children are being taught effectively in preparation for their SATs not whether they take part in some stupid Easter bonnet thing.

Scratch the surface, there will be a whole lot more to this "story"

I think all schools should celebrate all religious festivals. A recent ofsted inspection at my DGDs school was asking children about religion including knowing meaning of Christmas and naming pillars of Islam. Religious education is part of the National Curriculum.

I think all schools should celebrate all religious festivals

Could be rather time consulming?

Schools should celebrate all the religions of the children at their schools then there is no need for anyone to feel left out.

Oh dear, this brings back unhappy memories. At the school where I worked, one thankfully short-lived headteacher, as it happens a committed Christian, cancelled our school Christmas, not letting our children take part in the annual schools charity carol singing in town, taking the Christmas concert, Christmas Fair and Nativity play off the agenda, even refusing the free Christmas tree a local firm gave us every year. Our parents, 90% of whom were Muslim at that time, were up in arms, particularly those whose Reception children missed out on their Nativity, and we had complaints sent to the school, governors and local authority. I’m surprised no one went to the press. Staff, children and parents alike had the most miserable, depressing end of term ever.

Fortunately our next headteacher firmly believed in celebrating everything that could possibly be celebrated, be it religious or secular, and we got our joy back!

Personally, I think religion should be no part of a state education.

17Maggiemaybe
Some parents are very worried Christmas will be cancelled too

Wonderful reply. Just what I think.

I think it’s outrageous. Wokeness overload 😬 If I had a child at that school I’d be kicking up a stink. Fancy depriving children of such a joyous occasion which let’s face it, is part of British culture. Why do so many people seem ashamed of it?

I’m with the French education stance.
No religion in school.
Keep it for weekends and family if you have a faith.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I’m with the French education stance.
No religion in school.
Keep it for weekends and family if you have a faith.

Yes, this is how I feel too. If you really want your child to have a 'religious' education, then put your money where your mouth is and pay for it yourself.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

I’m with the French education stance.
No religion in school.
Keep it for weekends and family if you have a faith.

Agreed.

We believe in Catholic schooling, we pay.

As a retired Primry school Headteacher I am saddened by this...it is misguided
...all our children from whichever ethnic minority they came enjoyed the Easter bonnet parade we had in school.
..mums were involved and helped out wit the bonnets it was a lovely inclusive occasion...

I've never really understood wanting to celebrate a young man being crucified. It always made me sad as a child that he had to go through that for my sins. So I'm all for the church service but don't understand what a parade of bonnets has to go with Christianity. Maybe a spring bonnet parade would be more appropriate.