Australian School Principal Says 'No Easter Parade'

An Australian school principal is facing minor backlash for removing references to Easter without parent's consent.

Bondi Public School principal Michael Jones dropped the word "Easter" from the Easter Hat Parade, an annual event that involves children from kindergarten to second grade, The Daily Telegraph reports.

"Up until last month's newsletter these events were referred to as 'Easter' events," said a spokeswoman for parents.

"Without warning the recent newsletter deleted all reference and children came home with news that their hats and raffle tickets were not to be called 'Easter' anymore."

This is not Jones' first attemtp to dissociate the Easter parade from the religious holiday, five years ago he was forced to reinstate the Easter references after parents complained about its removal.

But this time around the Department of Education and Communities is not forcing Jones to overturnr his decision.

School officals, however, did remind Jones of his obligation to consult the community before making decisions on these issues.

The Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations said they were disappointed by the decision to dump Easter.

"The Department of Education has a very clear direction, a very strong policy that Christian activities such as celebrating Easter and Christmas go ahead," said the group.

"These are long-held traditions. Categorically the parade should go ahead as an Easter function."

Parents at the school have refused to comment publicly but one described the decision to drop Easter reference as "appalling".

In 2011, Bondi Public School ditched the word Easter from its Easter Hat Parade in an effort to teach students about religious "tolerance".

During that time Jones wrote parents telling them that Easter was one of many religious celebrations at that time of year.

"As we are an inclusive community which celebrates our diverse range of cultures and beliefs I have not called it an Easter Hat parade," the principal wrote in the school's newsletter at the time.

"Many religious celebrations occur at this time of year but we want to include all students in any celebration at school. Teachers will talk to students about the different celebrations and the emphasis will be on tolerance and understanding."

The ruling in 2011 was overturned after parents expressed anger but this year the Department of Education is taking a step back.

Education Department officials believe the policy of allowing schools to make their own decisions at local level works well 99 times out of 100 and they have no desire to "play Big Brother" and interfere, reports The Daily Telegraph.

"Holding and naming such events is a local management decision made at the school level," said a department spokesman.

"Bondi Public School strongly encourages parents to raise any concerns directly with the principal or a member of staff."