Easter celebrations cancelled at Primary school

Gracie12

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...

Oh dear! A head teacher who can’t spell and who misses words out! Doesn’t say much for the education level in the school from which she came!

Sorry to correct those of you who think Easter isn't celebrated in French schools. This is Northern Brittany, a state primary school, look at the different faces celebrating Easter.

I think it is still a legal requirement that all state schools must provide an act of “collective worship” that is “broadly Christian” every day.

Sorry, are we in pedants’ corner now? What a mean spirited comment, Crossstichfan.

ViceVersa

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

I agree. The function of a state primary school should first and foremost to give children a solid academic grounding. Though I think that extra curricular activities such as PE, art, drama and music should also be part of the school day.

Religious instruction and celebration should be left to the parents and they should make arrangements for out of school activities or lessons if they so wish.

Crossstitchfan

Gracie12

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...

Oh dear! A head teacher who can’t spell and who misses words out! Doesn’t say much for the education level in the school from which she came!

Meow!!!

My school took every opportunity to celebrate. This is part of the joy of primary school life.
SATs results are only part of the story.

The headmistress in question is apparently going to celebrate refugee week in June.

I think she may regret this decision, I hope the head of governors intervenes.

I think this particular decision depends entirely on what the school does vis a is other religions and how they are taught or celebrated. Needless to say the DM has gone all shock horror over it but I'm waiting for a fuller story. For example, a decision to celebrate/educate on one festival each year for the major religions, which might mean deciding to keep Christmas.

No doubt other faiths have more than one religious celebration per year but school time wise you cant celebrate them all.

Maggiemaybe

Sorry, are we in pedants’ corner now? What a mean spirited comment, Crossstichfan.

You’re entitled to your opinion, of course, as I am to mine! . I, however, still feel that it would be a good idea if people proof-read their replies before posting them. Sometimes not doing so can cause the sentence to mean something entirely different, which rather defeats the object,

Well, I feel it would be an even better idea if people were a little more welcoming to a new member.

Gracie12’s meaning was perfectly clear.

I would also prefer no religious teaching in schools.

Don't worry Gracie12. I was a Primary School Head, and I make a ton of spelling howlers here on GN.

Typos are quite normal.

Crossstitchfan

Maggiemaybe

Sorry, are we in pedants’ corner now? What a mean spirited comment, Crossstichfan.

You’re entitled to your opinion, of course, as I am to mine! . I, however, still feel that it would be a good idea if people proof-read their replies before posting them. Sometimes not doing so can cause the sentence to mean something entirely different, which rather defeats the object,

As you're in favour of correcting mistakes I'd like to point out there shouldn't be a space then a full stop after an exclamation mark.

I agree with Maggiemaybe that Gracie12's comment was perfectly clear.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

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

Yes, they might be an answer and should be the same for all religions.
However, it's not as easy as that as the Church of England is the Established Church in England.

I don't see anything wrong with primary school children learning why we celebrate Easter and other festivals.

I think all schools should celebrate all religious festivals
Could be rather time consulming?

It could incorporate all kinds of useful exercises, writing, art, history, geography, singing. As well as learning about different cultures, their religions and learning respect for others.

By the time they go to senior school they won't be so interested but can choose comparative religions as an option.

escaped

Don't worry Gracie12. I was a Primary School Head, and I make a ton of spelling howlers here on GN.

Type in haste, repent at leisure 😀

Wyllow3

I think this particular decision depends entirely on what the school does vis a is other religions and how they are taught or celebrated. Needless to say the DM has gone all shock horror over it but I'm waiting for a fuller story. For example, a decision to celebrate/educate on one festival each year for the major religions, which might mean deciding to keep Christmas.

No doubt other faiths have more than one religious celebration per year but school time wise you cant celebrate them all.

Easter is the most important Christian festival.

Whst an opportunity missed. Learning about what life was like in the Roman world - not all lounging around in togas eating grapes.

Oops, should have proof-read!

Allira

escaped

Don't worry Gracie12. I was a Primary School Head, and I make a ton of spelling howlers here on GN.

Type in haste, repent at leisure 😀

Yes, I think the act of repentance is part of lots of religions, so that's OK!

theworriedwell

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.

You've entirely missed the point!! I don't know whether to 😂😥 or 😯

Jesus Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. He died to save us all. It's the most important day of celebration for Christians worldwide.

Bunnies, eggs, bonnets are pagan but the two have amalgamated so it's a time of celebration for all.

rockgran

I think it is still a legal requirement that all state schools must provide an act of “collective worship” that is “broadly Christian” every day.

Not in Scotland.

I just Googled “are French schools secular?”

Yes, French schools are secular, a principle enshrined in the French constitution and implemented through laws like the 1905 separation of Church and State, ensuring religious neutrality in public education.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Laïcité:
The French concept of secularism, known as "laïcité," is a cornerstone of the French Republic, aiming to ensure that public institutions, including schools, are religiously neutral.
Public Education:
Public schools in France are required to maintain religious neutrality, meaning they cannot endorse or promote any religion, nor can they force students into religious education.
Separation of Church and State:
The 1905 law on the separation of Church and State prohibits the state from recognizing or funding any religion, further solidifying the principle of secularism in public life, including schools.
Religious Symbols:
French law prohibits the wearing of conspicuous religious symbols in public schools, a policy that has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy, particularly regarding Islamic symbols.
Moral and Civic Instruction:
Instead of religious instruction, public schools focus on moral and civic education, promoting values of secularism, republicanism, and citizenship.
Private Schools:
Private schools are allowed to offer religious instruction, but they must also adhere to the general curriculum established by the government.

It is sacrilege to cancel an important Christian celebration in a Christian country. A very sad sign of the times :-(

Allira obviously it is important but do t you think it's horrific? As for the Easter bonnet parade there's nothing Christian about it. At least eggs are symbolic but I bonnets? No I can't see the Christian significance of bonnets.