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School bans Mother's Day cards
Last updated at 23:52pm on 07.02.07
Headteacher of Johnstown Primary School: Helen Starkey
A school has banned the making of Mother's Day cards because the headteacher does not want to upset children without a mother.
Helen Starkey has ended the tradition in the interests of "sensitivity".
"More than five per cent of children here are separated from their birth mother and have either no contact or no regular contact with their mother," she said.
"This decision was not taken because of any philosophical attitude towards the celebration of Mothering Sunday, but to protect a significant number of children in our school.
"In all our dealings with these children we have to exercise great sensitivity. I am not against Mother's Day but no time will be devoted to making cards in lessons."
The move has angered parents at the 357-pupil Johnstown Primary School in Carmarthen, West Wales.
One mother said: "No one wants to be hard-hearted to those kids without a mum at home but it means that 95 per cent of pupils are being deprived of a traditional activity.
"Children who don't have mothers can make cards for an aunt or a relative or even a neighbour who cares for them."
Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent - March 18 this year.
Mothers' Union spokesman Fiona Thomas said: "We understand not all children have contact with their mothers.
"However presumably all the children at the school have care, and it would be ideal if the school could promote and support carers by encouraging each child to make a card which thanks the person in their lives who does that mothering.
"That could be a dad, auntie, carer, foster mum or grandparent.
"All the children should be encouraged to think about the skills of mothering - and how they can be appreciated on this special day."
Reader views (2)
Oh for goodness' sake. What a silly woman! Depriving 98% of the school population for 2% who may not have a mother but more than likely have a mother substitute or caring female role model.
Kids don't worry about these things, but obviously uninformed misled headteachers do...
- Marianne, SW France
Sack the woman, she doesn't know the meaning of the word "sensitivity". This school will become a laughing stock.
- Michael T Cole, Southampton
