A primary school axed its annual Easter celebration and service to “respect for diversity”. The announcement has been slammed online, with one person expressing concern that Christmas celebrations will be next to go.

Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, Hampshire, circulated a letter to parents and carers telling them that neither their Easter Bonnet Parade nor their Easter Service would be held this year. Headteacher Stephanie Mander, who wrote the letter, justified the state school’s move “in spirit of inclusivity”.

The letter read: “By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families.”

Most Popular Comments

“The U.K. is Christian. The U.K. has a significant Christian heritage. We celebrate Christmas and Easter and Pentecost with our families. We enjoy …” 79

“Cancelling Easter?……What about the Christian Children, or has the school …” 74

“If I had a child at that school I think I’d be making every effort to move them to …” 66

JOIN THE DEBATE

Later in the letter, the headteacher goes on to reveal what religious services will be replaced with: “One of the ways we will be celebrating inclusivity is by taking part in Refugee Week which occurs in June, as well as beginning our journey to become an accredited School of Sanctuary.”

The news of the cancellation of Easter services did not go down well online.

One X user wrote: “I hope the parents of the children that want to take part in easter celebrations get together and do this for them.”

A second said: “No Easter celebrations?? What?? Despite being a Hindu, I looooved the Easter celebrations at school & making an Easter Bonnet, that was fantastic Trying to be all inclusive is ruining everything.”

A third wrote online: “Is Miss Mander preparing to cancel Christmas as well?”.