School bans birthday cupcakes to respect 'cultural diversity'
Upset parents have hit out at a Perth primary school after it banned students from bringing cupcakes and lollies to class to celebrate their birthdays.
Glen Purdy, the principal of Arbor Grove Primary School, said in a letter sent to parents that one of the reasons spurring the change was “cultural diversity”.
“Following concerns raised by members of our community the School Executive have reviewed the school’s position,” he said.
“During our deliberations we have been mindful of the increasing number of students with food allergies and intolerances, the cultural diversity of the school and the beliefs and traditions of these cultures, and the Department’s Healthy Food and Drink in Public Schools Policy.”
“As of Monday 17 February we would ask that parents no longer send students with cupcakes, lolly bags or other unhealthy options for students to share with their classmates to celebrate their birthday.
“Should a student arrive with such items teachers will no longer hand out items during school time, instead returning them with the student at the end of the day.”
Mr Purdy said he knows the decision “may not be a universally popular decision” and offered to speak with any parents upset by the change.
The letter was posted to Arbor Grove Primary School Parent and Caregiver’s Association group on Facebook.
Parents were quick to slam the idea and asked why they hadn’t been approached before the sweet treats were banned.
“Allergies I understand, but how many cultures don’t celebrate birthdays. Since when does minority rule?” one mum wrote.
“Don’t even get me started... so it’s ok to sell soft drinks at a school disco for fundraising but not ok to bring a cupcake to school for a birthday?” another asked.
“I agree. Next the kids won’t even be allowed to breathe. What a crock of poo. I’ve been so angry all arvo,” a third mum responded.
After the outrage online, Principal Purdy announced on Thursday afternoon the school has put the new policy on hold and will present the subject to all parents in a survey.
He said the school has seen a “growing number of children who have anaphylactic reactions and intolerances to particular foods. That’s our main priority."
“We also have some families with children who are unable to eat food with animal by-products in them.
“We’ve not banned birthdays. We’ve had some parents raise good ideas for alternatives to celebrate – bubbles, pencils, or the like.
"We're still happy for kids to celebrate their birthdays, we just want to ensure everyone is safe," he said.
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