NSW: Teacher reportedy disciplined over Santa revelation

AAP General News (Australia)
12-02-2001
NSW: Teacher reportedy disciplined over Santa revelation

MELBOURNE, Dec 1 AAP - A NSW primary school teacher has reportedly been disciplined
for telling young students that Santa Claus does not exist.

The Sunday Herald Sun said the relief teacher at Corowa Public School, in southern
NSW, told a class of six-year-olds that Christmas presents came from parents and Santa
was fictional.

The report said several parents had complained to the school principal about the unnamed teacher.

Albury district schools superintendent Allan Schirmer confirmed the teacher had been disciplined.

"It was an inappropriate thing to say," he told the newspaper. "It was a most unfortunate
incident.

"If Santa is real to a child and that is what parents want the child to think, it is
not up to me or other people to destroy that perception."

Parent Vanessa Lohse said her sons had been confused and angry after being told their
parents lied about Santa.

The report said it was believed the teacher would not be allowed to teach at the school again.

AAP sjg/las

KEYWORD: SANTA

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