Monday, December 12, 2005

Principal apologises for saying 'Christmas'

This matter was front-page news in the Brisbane "Courier Mail" of 11th. and was seen as an outrage. Even Leftist politicians were critical of the apology. Isolated malcontents got far more attention than they deserved

A school principal has apologised for overusing the word "Christmas" in a controversy branded political correctness gone crazy. Queensland's Yeppoon State School head Laurelle Allen wrote the apology after a family claimed she had discriminated against them by using "Christmas" too many times in school newsletters. Paul and Melanie Jowsey, whose children Charles, 10, and Harrison, 8, attend the central Queensland school, do not celebrate Christmas and oppose the "historical dominance of Christianity" in Australia. They complained that Ms Allen used "Christmas" at least 10 times in three newsletters over a week and had subjected them to "direct and indirect discrimination" by treating those who embrace Christianity more favourably.

But stunned community and church leaders, teachers, parents and family groups insisted that Ms Allen need not have apologised. Australian Family Association state president Alistair Barros said: "This is just staggering. It is political correctness gone crazy. Christmas is something which is part of our heritage." Premier Peter Beattie said school principals should be free to discuss Christmas at will. "Christmas is important as a celebration and Christians should be able to celebrate the festivities as Christmas," he said. Local state MP Paul Hoolihan threw his support behind Ms Allen, labelling the case political correctness "gone lunatic". "She has nothing to apologise for," said Mr Hoolihan, Labor member for Keppel. Brisbane Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby agreed it was a case of political correctness gone mad and there was no need for the principal to apologise. "Christmas is part of our tradition and the whole country accepts the fact that we have the Christmas season," he said. "It should not offend anyone if we call it that and I can't understand why a person would be offended." Queensland Teachers' Union president Steve Ryan also backed Ms Allen, saying the Jowsey family had not been discriminated against. The school's Parents and Citizens Association chairman Yme Dwarshuis said the principal's Christmas comments were made "in good faith" and she need not have apologised.

The controversy erupted on November 30, when the Jowseys sent a letter to Ms Allen complaining about her use of the word "Christmas" in several newsletters sent to parents. The family took offence at phrases such as "Christmas concert" and "Christmas disco", and the principal's greeting: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish all families a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe Christmas holiday period." The Jowseys demanded Ms Allen respond to their complaint within 14 days.

In a letter to Mr Jowsey, Ms Allen replied: "I firstly must apologise for offending you and your family. "You are right in that there are many references to Christmas and the Christmas season in the recent newsletters. "On reflection, I should have referred to the holiday season rather than the Christmas season."

Mr Jowsey defended his actions, saying religious celebrations had no place in state schools. "I'm not being a Scrooge," he said. "The celebration of religious events has no place in state schools. Forcing the observance of such on young children is a dinosaur. "We've had enough and you don't have a right to push it down everybody's throats."

Ms Allen confirmed she sent the apology to the Jowseys, but would not comment further.

Source



CALIFORNIA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS DO A GREAT JOB OF PUTTING CHRIST BACK INTO CHRISTMAS

To popular acclaim

This year, Rosalie Harreld's curiosity got the best of her. Each December, she watched the line of cars backed up on Cirby Way, waiting to enter the Roseville Seventh-day Adventist Church's annual drive-through Nativity scenes. The suburban vans and cars would proceed slowly up a steep driveway to reach the hilltop church to view its Christmas display. On opening night Thursday - while the sets were being lit and the actors took their places - Harreld's car was first in line to see the live display. And she was overwhelmed. Instead of a single manger Nativity scene, Harreld and her daughter saw nine elaborate displays.

Besides the traditional stable scene, with Joseph and Mary tending to the just-born baby Jesus, the scenes began with the Old Testament prophecy of the Messiah's birth and ended with Christ's Second Coming. Other displays included Joseph and Mary looking for shelter in Bethlehem, the angel Gabriel informing Mary that she would bear God's son, and the arrival of the shepherds after Christ's birth. Nativity scenes have been a staple of Christmas, dating back to the 13th century when St. Francis of Assisi was believed to have built the first one in 1223. The drive-through Nativity in Roseville, in its seventh year, attracts thousands. "We want to get the message about God's love out to the community," said George Holz, the church elder in charge of organizing the event. "This is our largest program. We have more contact with the community through this event than any other." It is open to the public tonight and Sunday, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Last year, more than 2,000 people saw the production, and organizers expect an even bigger turnout this year if the weather stays clear. A free CD describes each scene in detail, and tells the driver when to proceed to the next scene along the church's long, circular driveway. It takes about 10 minutes to view the scenes. More than 150 people and months of planning go into mounting the effort each year, which features detailed sets, smoke machines, 32 actors and even live donkeys, sheep and a llama. Actors use hand warmers to ward off the December chill and switch shifts every half-hour in a carefully choreographed operation involving walkie-talkies and darkened lights, so the illusion isn't ruined for viewers. "It's packed every year, and we never could get in," said Harreld, as she and 6-year-old daughter Macie waited in their car. "So this year, we came early, because I wanted my daughter to see it, too." If they can get the Christmas message from the warm comfort of their own car, so much the better, church officials reason.

On opening night, numerous Josephs, Marys, shepherds and soldiers milled about, waiting for their shift or drinking hot cider to warm up between shifts. Angels straightened their wings and wise men carefully placed crowns on their heads, putting the finishing touches on their professionally made costumes. Most of the actors return year after year, and grow attached to the characters they play, Holz said. Imelda Arruda of Sacramento is playing an angel for the fifth straight year. She is one of eight heralding the Second Coming of Christ, who is played by her husband, Gordon.

The angels hold up their trumpets and pose in a vivid tableaux for each car. Some passengers clap in appreciation before they drive into the night, giving the actors brief respite to rest their tired arms before the next car comes through. "It's an experience," said Imelda Arruda, as she rested between shifts. "We want to remind people that there's more to the season than Santa and reindeer."

Bill Marshall and his wife, Robyn, of Citrus Heights discerned that message as they drove into the scene Friday evening. "It's about helping others and enjoying family," Marshall said under the sparkle of the lights. "It's all about giving hope to other people. ... If we all do our part, we can make it happen." Adding a more personal note, Marshall, who underwent a kidney transplant several years ago, said: "In my life, every day is Christmas."

Verdell Garbi of Rocklin played trumpet for Thursday night's performance and was back Friday to enjoy the experience for herself. "The birth and Second Coming are the whole reason we are on Earth," she marveled after taking in the splendor.

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