Easter celebrations cancelled at Primary school

Allsorts

Are we not supposed to celebrate our Christian beliefs and the traditions that sound such events such as Easter.? I am glad I am the age I am, common sense and equality long gone.
The analysts by Lathyrus, pure conjecture. Those with objections to making a bonnet, just let them opt out and perhaps for that hour do art orcsonethibg else. Will Maypole dancing be next for those that do it once a year. It's things like this that creates division, not inclusion.

Can you explain the Christian connection with decorating bonnets? I don't think it's in the bible.

I went to a Catholic school, the nuns taught us many things about our religion. It never included bonnets.

Why not just have the spring bonnet parade? Would that spoil the fun in some weird way?

GrannyGravy13

It’s primary school not A level year.

At this age school has to have an element of fun, it is possible to learn through fun activities, Easter being one such example.

This is England, Easter, Christmas, Shrove Tuesday (pancake day) etc have been part of primary schools events for decades, let the children be children and encourage activities that are integral to the majority of UK society.

Well said. Apparently the Easter bonnet/ hat came about when on Easter Sunday all wore there best clothes, so what is wrong with letting incomers take part in our cultural celebration of the Easter story. I feel sad that a misguided teacher, cannot see the bigger story of this, it would be inclusive, shes breaking school rules re worship, teaching all children the Easter story, and she needs pulling up about it. In fact she seems like many today, getting offended on others behalf, when she's not even included them. That is offensive.

It’s primary school not A level year.

At this age school has to have an element of fun, it is possible to learn through fun activities, Easter being one such example.

This is England, Easter, Christmas, Shrove Tuesday (pancake day) etc have been part of primary schools events for decades, let the children be children and encourage activities that are integral to the majority of UK society.

I'm a bit confused how you can cancel Easter celebrations at school, but still call it the Easter holidays, and on the school's website it shows Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays! Why not cancel the days' off work then if they're not to be observed?
I agree, this all creates more division than harmony. I do feel for the Headteacher going through the fall-out.

Are we not supposed to celebrate our Christian beliefs and the traditions that sound such events such as Easter.? I am glad I am the age I am, common sense and equality long gone.
The analysts by Lathyrus, pure conjecture. Those with objections to making a bonnet, just let them opt out and perhaps for that hour do art orcsonethibg else. Will Maypole dancing be next for those that do it once a year. It's things like this that creates division, not inclusion.

Sure, yes, indeed, but they are having a music festival in a couple weeks, and there are lots of ways of having fun.
I've actually never heard of Easter bonnets at schools before this thread, (yes, really) not for me, not in my sons school, not in my grandchildren's school.

It's a shame because this type of activity is fun as well as being creative and educational.

Google ‘Scots/Scottish bonnet’ and you’ll find an array of men’s head wear pops up, as well as a certain chilli pepper. Bonnets are not just for women.

Do boys wear bonnets or is it a girls only thing?
When DS was a nursery (that was a long time ago!) the boys and girls decorated hats for Easter, his was more like a straw trilby. I can't remember what we put on it but, knowing him, he might have wanted it decorated with chocolate eggs

Indigo8

Do boys wear bonnets or is it a girls only thing? My DCs and DGCs have never been involved so I wouldn't know.

Bit unnecessarily rude to call Ms Mander a complete prat.
especially as we don't know the full story.

Why has woke become a pejorative term on GN?

Well, it's very innocuous compared to some of the unacceptable remarks which are apparently appearing in the media.

A prat = stupid or foolish.

What exactly are the religious origins of Easter bonnets? Bunnies? Eggs?
Perhaps Miss Mander objects to paganism.

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.

I would imagine she has done this with the backing of the Board of Governors..

It cannot be right indeed. The waves of hate and threats. They have also taken the letter out of context, which is of looking at a change not a cancelling.

I had a look at the Darren Grimes facebook page. All kinds of hatred, and threats on there alongside her photograph, details of the school and repeated postings of the head teacher's email address.

The majority of the posters vociferously supporting a Christian festival demonstrate a complete lack of Christian principles, values and behaviour.

I should imagine she must feel very frightened for her safety today and that cannot be right.

Thank you Churchview. I have been reading some Facebook and SM responses to events and they are as every bit as disgusting, vile, and ignorant as the man who apologises says.

Many groups such as "friends of Lee Anderson" (on steroids) throwing their bit in. And this delightful racist
www.facebook.com/groups/1719995955215383/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=1735001833714795

The letter shows there was obviously great consultation within the community as to the particular decision. Its a "pause" since as the letter says,

""We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years. However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity. We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community."

I thought this was a really balanced article on the subject by the local press. It explains how the parent who inadvertently drew the attention of the press to the issue is horrified by the trouble caused and especially by the vile comments that have been received in response to the publicity.

Interestingly it says this:-

The Ofsted report noted: “Pupils are respectful and welcoming of everyone, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. A Year 6 pupil referred to the school as ‘one big family’, a view shared by the majority of pupils.”

It also stated: “Pupils know the fundamental British values, including those of democracy and the rule of law. They respect the views of others and know that discrimination is unacceptable.”

This is all so heartwarming and positive. The teachers are definitely getting something right with their pupils.

As is usual with press and social media response it seems like we have half a story, less than half of the background information and a 'spin' to bait division.

I feel the saddest thing about this story is that the news coverage will do nothing to help the children and teachers in this deprived area.

www.eastleighnews.co.uk/2025/03/man-apologises-after-facebook-post-about-schools-easter-decision-goes-viral/

Oh Lathyrus, how familiar that sounded ...and I'm a decade into retirement from school life.😄

"I think the woman is a complete prat tbh"
👏👏👏
I agree with the above.

Yes, boys wear bonnets, but they're more like hats.
eg. .........

Indigo8

Do boys wear bonnets or is it a girls only thing? My DCs and DGCs have never been involved so I wouldn't know.

Bit unnecessarily rude to call Ms Mander a complete prat.
especially as we don't know the full story.

Why has woke become a pejorative term on GN?

Thanks Indigo, absolutely agree.

It’s wire bonnets as well in the 80s when I was at primary school

Do boys wear bonnets or is it a girls only thing? My DCs and DGCs have never been involved so I wouldn't know.

Bit unnecessarily rude to call Ms Mander a complete prat.
especially as we don't know the full story.

Why has woke become a pejorative term on GN?

Easter is cancelled in the spirit of inclusivity, and Miss Mander will introduce Refugee Week later.
The latest Ofsted report said the Quality of Education 'requires improvement.'

What do others think?

I think the woman is a complete prat tbh
👏👏👏

What a missed opportunity.
Daft woman.

If everyone is allowed their their celebrations it means Christian people can have Easter and even heathens like me can love Easter

sazz1

Miss Mander head of Eastleigh primary school has cancelled the Easter Service and Easter bonnet parade at a primary school. She thinks it's not inclusive? It's all over the press if you Google her name. What do others think?

I think the woman is a complete prat tbh.
Schools can be inclusive in many ways and most primary schools try and be obliging to include different faiths and cultures and celebrations including Chinese New Year!
An Easter service and an Easter Bonnet parade sound fine to me.
This is wokery at its finest🤬