Latest news with #CrossArthurliePrimary
Sky News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Council apologises after headteacher's letter to parents 'implied Union Flag was potentially offensive or sectarian'
A council has apologised for any "upset" caused over a letter sent to parents by a headteacher which implied the Union Flag could be seen as "potentially offensive or sectarian". Fiona MacDonald, head of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, raised concerns following a P7 leavers' event last week which was attended by parents and carers. In her letter, Ms MacDonald said the use of a Union Flag featuring staff images "caused some upset at the beginning of the evening". She added: "As a school we promote inclusion and acceptance, actively working against potentially offensive or sectarian messaging. "Although we recognise this was not the intent we are concerned that others within or beyond the school community may consider that this is something we would encourage." The headteacher said she had spoken to the children to explain "why it wasn't a good idea" to use images without permission. She also explained "the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people" and how the youngsters' actions were "contrary to the school values of respect and kindness". Ms MacDonald then signed off: "I hope this helps everyone understand where mistakes have been made and we can move on enjoying the rest of the end of term celebrations." East Renfrewshire Council later apologised and said it was "not the school's intention to imply the Union Flag is sectarian". The leader of the Scottish Conservatives had earlier called for the local authority to apologise for the "daft letter". MSP Russell Findlay said: "For a school to tell parents that our country's flag is 'offensive or sectarian' is ludicrous and embarrassing." Former party leader and colleague Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, also voiced his anger at the letter. Posting on X, he said: "Let me be clear - to equate the Union Flag with sectarianism is totally unacceptable and deeply offensive to people both locally and across Scotland." Demanding an apology, he added: "Our national flag is not up for debate - it is a symbol of our tradition, unity as a nation and hope for so many." In a statement, East Renfrewshire Council said: "It was not the school's intention to imply the Union flag is sectarian and both the headteacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community. "All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society.
BBC News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Council apologises after primary school union flag row
A council has apologised after a primary school wrote to parents saying the appearance of union flags at a leavers' event could have been seen as "offensive or sectarian".The head teacher of Cross Arthurlie Primary School in Barrhead said flags featuring pictures of staff, which had been brought to the event by primary 7 pupils, "caused some upset".Senior Scottish Conservatives criticised the letter on social media and demanded an apology. East Renfrewshire Council later said it was not the "school's intention to imply the union flag is sectarian". Head teacher Fiona MacDonald wrote to parents after the leavers' event on letter said "the use of the union flag with staff images on had caused considerable upset at the beginning of the night".It added the school worked against "potentially offensive or sectarian messaging".Ms MacDonald said: "Although we recognise this was not the intent we are concerned that others within or beyond the school community may consider that is something we would encourage." The headteacher explained she had spoken to the children to "explain why it wasn't a good idea" to use images without permission and to explain "the symbolism and association of flags and symbols to different groups of people". Conservative politicians from East Renfrewshire, including former Scottish party leader Jackson Carlaw, had demanded an apology for the implication in the letter that the union flag itself was Conservative leader Russell Findlay posted: "Our country's flag is not 'offensive or sectarian'."A council spokesperson said: "It was not the school's intention to imply the union flag is sectarian and both the head teacher and the council apologises for any offence and upset that has been caused to pupils, parents and carers and the wider community."All educational establishments in East Renfrewshire should be spaces that are focused on learning, unity, and pride in a diverse British society."We expect our schools to foster an ethos of respect for diverse perspectives and national identity."
