The Queensland school blamed for "political correctness gone mad" and eschewing Christmas carols has instead been revelling in festive spirit.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton this week called for Australians to "rise up" to defend Christmas against what he labelled "political correctness gone mad".
Mr Dutton was angered by a talkback radio caller to 2GB radio's Ray Hadley, who said his grandchild's school – Kedron State School – had "not one Christmas carol" at a ceremony.
The caller, from Mr Dutton's Dickson electorate, said the final song replaced the lyrics of We Wish You a Merry Christmas with "we wish you a happy holiday".
Related Content
In response, Mr Dutton said people should rise up against political correctness.
"You make my blood boil with these stories. It is political correctness gone mad and I think people have just had enough of it," he said.
"The vast majority of Australian people want to hear Christmas carols. They want their kids to be brought up in a normal environment and they don't want to be lectured by do-gooders who frankly don't practise what they preach in any case."
Hadley blamed "left-wing teachers" and the school's principal: "What she's (sic) got to get through her skull: by doing it, she causes division, because the kids who want to hear the Christmas carols ... suddenly target those minority groups."
But a quick glance at the Kedron State School's website reveals there is no shortage of Christmas cheer at the north Brisbane school.
On December 2, the school held a P&C; Christmas stall and Christmas concert, which featured carols.
The school's online diary also advertised the Kedron Church of Christ Christmas concert on December 4.
And in his final newsletter of the year, the principal wished families a "safe, happy Christmas" and celebrated the recently held "magical Christmas evening".
The school also held an end of year concert on December 7, which included performances by students.
It is understood the offending song was sung at the end-of-year concert.
A spokesman for Education Minister Kate Jones said Kedron State School's principal was a dedicated and hard-working leader in his school community.
"It would be smart for Peter Dutton to check his facts before talking down a great local state school," the spokesman said.
"We should be supporting school communities as they come together to celebrate the great work of all staff and students throughout the school year."
Hadley and Mr Dutton have been contacted for comment.
31 comments
New User? Sign up