Easter celebrations cancelled at Primary school

Sacrilege to cancel an Easter bonnet parade? That's hilarious.

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.

It goes back to medieval times. More or less a celebration of spring. That’s why they are adorned with spring flowers.

www.fleursdevilles.com/post/the-easter-bonnet-then-and-now#:~:text=Irving%20Berlin%2C%20%E2%80%9CEaster%20Parade%E2%80%9D%201933&text=The%20origin%20of%20the%20Easter,to%20symbolize%20renewal%20and%20rebirth.

Yes, FriedGreenTomatoes, no religious instruction, symbols, clothing etc in French public (= state) schools.
But as Allira says, chocolate bunnies, eggs, rabbits etc, do creep in under pagan, no need to mention Christianity, so I guess it's a time for celebration of life, which in a roundabout way is the meaning of Easter anyway! 🐣

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!

what a crass comment..

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.

You are right; Section 70 of the 1998 act relates to
compulsory, daily, collective worship.

I was very surprised that this is the case as my DCs and GCs, who between have attended seven different schools, have no experience of daily collective worship. I gather that there is widespread non-compliance which is ignored by OFSTED.

Indigo8

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.

So if she cancelled Eid or Diwali in her school can you imagine the uproar. Still better to be learning for their sats instead of some stupid celebrations.

I've always been a strong supporter of the separation of church and state and no religious teaching in schools, but to pursue this to the level of banning easter bonnet parades at primary schools is pathetic.

It isn't a celebration of a young man being crucified, it is a celebration of him rising from the dead. The teaching of the meaning of the Easter story is very much neglected, and as Britain is still a Christian country it is important to understand the basic tenets of the faith, whether you choose to believe them or not. ; I think Miss Mander is behaving very foolishly.
All six major religions are supposed to be taught in schools.

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 obviously know nothing of the Christian faith.
His death is not celebrated,but mourned. His rising on Easter Sunday is celebrated.
Do you mock other religions too.

is

Is this really worthy of comment

I would like to apologise for my post which, reading it now, did come out as a nasty comment.
I didn’t mean to cause offence and I am very sorry if my comment upset the new poster.
I deserved all I got on this one! 🤐🫢

I would wonder why it was cancelled rather than blame this headmistress. Perhaps the feedback from parents and children was that this event was not enjoyed. I can imagine many not wanting to wear a bonnet around the place all day. Perhaps this idea came from the children themselves who are of course free to choose their own beliefs and not have them forced upon them by schools, family or anyone else at all.

Good on you to apologise Crossstichfan. It clears the air. These things happen.

Sago

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.

Hey up! Refugee week, banning Easter. Any links please?

Freya5

Indigo8

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.

So if she cancelled Eid or Diwali in her school can you imagine the uproar. Still better to be learning for their sats instead of some stupid celebrations.

Uproar, absolute up roar at the thought of canceling Diwali.

glasshalffullagain
It's in the letter the parents were sent. Online everywhere in most newspaper sites

Easter doesn't have to be a Christian festival. It was celebrated as a Spring festival before Christianity reached our shores. The name 'Easter' is probably derived from the pagan goddess, Eostre.

What's wrong with celebrating all the festivals appropriate to the children in the school? It teaches them about other cultures and helps to foster tolerance. Obviously the time spent on them might have to be restricted if there are many faiths represented.

When DS was at uni in Bradford the "Christmas" lights went up, and stayed up, in the autumn for Diwali, Eid and Christmas. The local sari, salwar kameeze, wedding outfit, haberdashery etc store always had a Christmas tree up and Christmas songs playing at the relevant season.

sazz1

glasshalffullagain
It's in the letter the parents were sent. Online everywhere in most newspaper sites

I think the Music Festival sounds charming. Which " locals" fear Christmas may be Canceled?

Septimia

What's wrong with celebrating all the festivals appropriate to the children in the school? It teaches them about other cultures and helps to foster tolerance. Obviously the time spent on them might have to be restricted if there are many faiths represented.

When DS was at uni in Bradford the "Christmas" lights went up, and stayed up, in the autumn for Diwali, Eid and Christmas. The local sari, salwar kameeze, wedding outfit, haberdashery etc store always had a Christmas tree up and Christmas songs playing at the relevant season.

This, I think its the restricted time.

My grandchildren's primary school don't do anything religious re Easter.

Nothing against spring celebrations but its up to the school and scheduling.

Maggiemaybe

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.

Agree, it is bad form to criticise a poster on what is obviously a typo.

How souless School and education has become, let the kids enjoy their Easter bonnet parade, Christmas carol concerts, plays and everything else they enjoy.
Education is very important to me, but so is doing things kids enjoy to unwind. Honestly I could not card less if they are taught about the bible and other religions.

Crossstitchfan, how very fair and gracious 👍🌷

She hasn't cancelled Easter, she has cancelled a bonnet parade.

Its also possible she wants to spend time on something both girls and boys take part in, as well.