Furore as school rebrands Christmas cards as ‘winter cards’

A Scottish primary school has come under fire for rebranding Christmas cards as ‘winter cards’.

In an email to parents, which was widely shared on social media, Kaimhill School in Aberdeen explained that it would be using the terminology to “ensure that our language is welcoming and inclusive of all members” in a “multicultural and multi-faith community”.

Although the school stressed that families can still call them “Christmas cards”, concerns have been raised over the impact of the school’s language.

‘Erasing Christianity’

Marie Macklin CBE, a Scottish businesswoman, said that Christmas has been “cancelled” in Aberdeen, adding: “I am sick and tired of the Christian faith being eradicated by this type of messaging.”

Chris McGovern, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, branded it a “suppression of language”.

He added: “The stranglehold of political correctness is slowly but surely robbing Scotland of its Christian identity. Christianity has defined Scotland since Saint Columba arrived on the island of Iona from Ireland in the 6th century.

“Far from being ‘inclusive’ the school’s action is deeply exclusive of Christianity.”

Activities

In response to criticism, headteacher Susie Webster claimed that it is “simply not the case” that Christmas is “somehow being removed from our school”.

A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council confirmed that the school has planned several Christmas activities, including parties, crafts and films.

“The school community enjoys celebrating a number of festivals and Christmas continues to play a large part in Kaimhill school at this time of year.”