Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Santa Claus is out at Souris school
For the first time, the school will hold a Winter Festival instead of its traditional kindergarten to Grade 4 Christmas concert. While the decision is an effort to be sensitive to all faiths and cultures, many parents are upset.
"Christmas trees, Santa Claus, carols... these are all Canadian traditions," said one Souris parent, who didn't want to be named. "As parents, Santa represents giving, so now are we saying to our kids that this is wrong?"
Glenn Wallmann, a teacher at Souris School for the past 34 years, said the choice was made to make sure every student is included and receives an equal education.
The school has become more multicultural in recent years, Southwest Horizon School Division Supt. Dale Peak said, with students moving to the community from places like South America and East Asia.
Faiths that don't recognize Christmas are also represented at the school, he said.
The number of students sitting out while their classmates prepared for the Christmas concert increased. There are currently students in every grade who wouldn't be able to participate.
Wallmann said it was a tough decision, but one he stands by. "Even though I love Christmas things, we felt we couldn't do this any longer. We're doing this for educational reasons... for the good of all the kids."
The Grade 5 students won't be having their usual Christmas musical, either. The school has decided to have a different musical later in the year.
-- The Brandon Sun
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 27, 2009 A6
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