A Burns Lake resident, Kristopher Shively, is expressing concern over the cancellation of the Christmas concert at Francois Lake Elementary School. The decision followed a complaint about religious elements in the planned performances. In response, the district removed all religious components, citing the School Act, which restricts teaching religious dogma in schools.
Shively argues that Christmas carols, while linked to the Christian holiday, do not promote religious doctrine and are a cultural tradition rather than indoctrination. He points out that while other controversial topics are taught in schools, the historical significance of Christmas is being excluded, which he sees as an unfair application of the School Act.
He is urging the school board to reconsider the decision, stressing that teaching about the cultural and historical aspects of Christmas is an important part of a well-rounded education.
Editor:
Good day Honourable Board Members and Council. My name is Kristopher Shively of Burns Lake, and I am writing you today in response to a complaint that the Superintendent’s office has recently received in relation to this year’s Christmas concert at Francois Lake Elementary School (FLES). It is my understanding that a complaint was made by one ‘community member’, who is remaining anonymous, regarding certain ‘religious’ aspects of the children’s upcoming Christmas performances.
I understand that there has been an investigation into this matter, resulting in the administrative decision to have the teachers remove ‘all religious’ components from the Christmas concert, which has come into force. Apparently, this decision was made in order that FLES should conform to the School Act of British Columbia (Nov. 26, 2024), as per Division 2, Section 76(2) which states “…no religious dogma or creed is to be taught in a school or Provincial school.” This is an obvious misinterpretation of the Act, as Christmas carols impart no religious dogma or creed upon those who consent to participate in singing them.
Unfortunately, as the teachers now have little time to prepare alternative skits for the children to perform on such short notice, a decision has been made by the instructional staff to forfeit the Christmas concert this year. While I respect and support the decision of the dedicated FLES staff, this difficult decision has caused the staff, students, and families unwarranted emotional and morale distress.
In Canadian culture, Christmas day is recognized as a national holiday, based upon the Christian celebration of the historical birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Recognizing this simple fact, and giving respect to the origin of Christmas does not indoctrinate one into the Christian religion any more than celebrating and understanding Labour Day endues union membership.
It seems that there is some confusion between the difference of ‘indoctrination’ and ‘education’. The difference is outlined by the British Columbia School Act Division 2, Section 76(1) which states “All schools and Provincial schools must be conducted on strictly secular and non-sectarian principles” (November 26, 2024). This allows for a robust education where pupils can be exposed to subject matter well beyond the scope of their limited experiences. ‘Non-secular’ subject matter, such as religion and spirituality, are not to be excluded from the educational experience.
Thus, it is quite hypocritical and confounding that diverse and sometimes controversial ideological theories can be taught in classrooms, but material related to the historical significance of Christmas cannot. This slippery censorship slope erodes the foundation that quality education is built upon, and replaces it with a doctrine that dictates what historical events are acceptable, and which are not.
As the old axiom states, “What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.” It is my hope that the Board can be equitable and consistent. Fairness starts with the consistent application of the Provincial School Act that the Board is sworn to uphold, as “the highest morality must be inculcated” (British Columbia School Act; Division 2, Section 76(2), November 26, 2024). Honourable Board Members, please reconsider this administrative decision and make appropriate adjustments. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Kristopher Shively
