Arabic version: روكليف يعتذر عن أثر منشور مدرسي حول عيد الميلاد
According to ABC News, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has apologised for the effect of a Facebook post that incorrectly claimed all references to Christmas were being removed from a school’s end-of-year celebrations.
Trevallyn Primary School became the focus of a social media backlash after changing the name of its event from “Christmas on the Hill” to “End of Year Extravaganza”. Although Mr Rockliff did not name the school in his October 14 post, the school and its acting principal were identified in comments and media reports.
At a media conference, Mr Rockliff said he was sorry for the outcome and effect on individuals, teachers and schools. He said it had never been his intention to create such an outcome, while maintaining that he stood by his expectations about Christmas and end-of-year school celebrations.
The school was forced to call security following online abuse, and its acting principal took leave. Australian Education Union members at Trevallyn Primary School passed a no-confidence motion in the premier, while the union had barred politicians from end-of-year school events until he apologised.
Correspondence tabled in parliament showed Education Department secretary Ginna Webster told Mr Rockliff on the day of his post that Christmas remained an important part of the school’s event. She wrote that the school was seeking to balance longstanding traditions with an inclusive approach for students and families. Mr Rockliff said he received the letter the following day.
