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Why Norwood Head was right to 'ban' Easter

Firstly, despite what the social media controversy vampires would have you believe, she didn't 'ban' Easter. If any of these ridiculous publications bothered to read the fine print, they would see that the decision was made not to hold an Easter Bonnet Parade or Easter Service this year. 

Unlike many of the 'experts' who have commented on this decision, as an ex-head of a primary school who made the same decision a few years ago, I am writing from a position of knowledge. This head teacher has made the right decision, and I will try to explain why.

As the more balanced BBC reported in its coverage of the story, the children will still learn about Easter in R.E. (hint: it stands for Religious Education), but that doesn't make a good headline, does it? They will learn about all religions and their cultural practices as schools have a curriculum that we have to follow to ensure that all schools celebrate the diversity of our country. If we have to 'teach' religion, then that is the place for it. 

Those people 'worrying' about whether the head will cancel Christmas just don't get it. Christmas is no longer a religious holiday, whether people like it or not, but Easter is. Whether to celebrate the religious aspects or secularised Easter traditions such as the Easter Bunny should be decisions made by the family. If you don't like it, blame the Victorians!

I wonder how many of the children will be bothered about this and whether the right-wing press has even considered them. When we did the same at my last school a few years ago, the children were ok with it, and the parents didn't seem to mind! The bonnet parade had been going on for years, and we felt its day had passed; plus, we knew that the children would get plenty of chocolate from elsewhere. 

Norwood is a community school, not a church school. Still, it is not surprising that marginal religious figures such as 'outraged ex-priest for hire' Dr Gavin Ashenden, who called the headteacher "incompetent" on GB News, of all places, have stuck the boot in. The organisation, 'Disciples of Christ', whose mission is to 'end the global persecution of Christians' (!!!), and have links with several shady right-wing organisations, are even organising a protest march against the decision OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL! Of course, 'Reform UK' have got involved too, along with lots of other pathetic anti-woke warriors who 'just want their country back.'

I feel so sorry for this headteacher. They have obviously consulted at every level before coming to this decision, and it is important to note that it has been made for the children. It is a shame, but not a surprise, that there is a distinct lack of support in the media for their decision, and I hope that the school gets the protection they need if the ridiculous 'protest' goes ahead as planned.

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