Melbourne school reverses decision to BAN Christmas gifts as it could offend non-Christian students
A primary school has reversed a controversial decision to ban pupils from taking part in Kris Kringle amid concerns the festive tradition may be offensive.
Shocked parents and guardians at Eltham East Primary School in Melbourne’s northwest received a letter earlier this week banning the exchange of “food or Christmas items” among students in grades five and six.
The decision sparked outrage among parents.
One mother understood that the ban was being enforced so that “non-Christian students” would not be offended.
“I’ve heard of this happening at other local schools and it’s a woke ideology trying to interfere with what is originally a religious holiday that people who aren’t even religious follow and observe,” she said. Herald Sun.
School director Warren Lloyd has now reversed the ban in an email to clarify the ‘mistake’ and apologize.
“We have requested that no Christmas-themed food or items be selected,” he wrote.
‘Christmas items are very welcome.’
The principal of Eltham East Primary School has resigned, just days after the school (pictured) banned pupils from exchanging Secret Santa gifts
Victoria’s Department of Education has not blanketly banned Christmas gift exchanges at public schools, including Eltham East.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Victorian Department of Education for further comment.
Bella d’Abrera of the Institute of Public Affairs called the school’s initial decision crazy political correctness.
“Every year, like clockwork, left-wing activists in our schools and institutions find an excuse to cancel Christmas,” she told the publication.
“What have we become as a society when activist cancel culture now extends to canceling Christmas for fifth and sixth grade students?
One parent said they understood the decision was made so that “non-Christian students” would not be offended (stock image)
It comes after locals in Melbourne’s inner south-east criticized Stonington Council for removing the word “Christmas” from festive texts last year.
The council used the slogan ‘Make Merry’ instead of the traditional ‘Merry Christmas’ on green and red signs across the area.
The decision sparked mixed reactions from locals, with one angry resident even going so far as to graffiti the word ‘Christmas’ on one of the signs.
Stonington Council said it was ‘disappointed’ that the festive decorations had been vandalized.
“These decorations are for the enjoyment of all community members, residents and visitors to Stonington,” the city said in a statement.
‘The ‘Make Merry’ campaign was developed in response to feedback from residents and businesses who expressed the need for an inclusive way to recognize the various celebrations in December.
“While we understand that some residents may have differing opinions about the wording on the decorations, property vandalism is unacceptable.”
