MPs uninvited in wake of Christmas 'cancelling' fallout
One of Tasmania's largest schools has rescinded invitations to all politicians for upcoming celebrations over the premier's "mismanagement of a complaint" about Christmas celebrations at a nearby school.
On October 14, Premier Jeremy Rockliff posted on social media that he had been told "there had been efforts made to remove all references to Christmas in end-of-year school celebrations".
Trevallyn Primary School in Launceston had planned to change the name of an end-of-year event from "Christmas on the Hill" to "End of the Year Extravaganza".
It is understood the school still planned to hold numerous Christmas-themed events.
Jeremy Rockliff's original post was published on October 14. (ABC News)
While the premier did not name the school, and social media comments were moderated, the name of the school he was referring to was soon revealed.
The post remains online.
It is understood Trevallyn Primary School's acting principal then went on stress leave.
On Friday, the Australian Education Union called on politicians to "stay away" from Tasmania's public schools for the rest of term four, unless the premier apologised.
It's understood politicians of all stripes have had their invitations to Launceston College celebrations revoked. (Supplied)
The ABC has since seen a letter, dated October 27, to a Tasmanian politician from the principal of Launceston College, retracting an invitation.
"The Launceston College Community supports concerns expressed by TASSO [Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations], the AEU [Australian Education Union] and TPA [Tasmanian Principals Association] by the Premier's mismanagement of a complaint that has resulted in distress and harm to members of a local school community," principal Vicki Mackrill wrote.
"We have decided to support union action and retract invitations to politicians to attend upcoming College celebrations."
It is understood politicians from all parties will not be invited.
Union, senator repeat call for apologies
The Australian Education Union's Tasmanian branch manager Brian Wightman said he was not sure if other schools had done the same.
He said he hoped it would finally prompt the premier and Education Minister Jo Palmer to apologise.
"We'd like to continue to focus on the work that we do best, which is supporting our educators in schools and colleges," Mr Wightman said.
"But until the premier apologises for the psychological, social and emotional hurt that he has caused, then we won't stop to uncover the truth in this matter."
He believed the ban would extend across all school events for at least term four.
Jeremy Rockliff and Jo Palmer have both been called on to apologise. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)
Labor Senator for Tasmania Helen Polley said the withdrawal of invitations to politicians from schools was "deeply disappointing" and urged the premier and education minister to apologise.
"I call on the Minister for Education Jo Palmer and the Premier Jeremy Rockliff to put our public schools before political pride," she said.
"They should apologise now.
"Repair the harm that has been caused and ensure our schools can celebrate the end of the year without being caught up in unnecessary controversy."
The Tasmanian Principals Association said it sent an open letter to all education department staff and politicians on Friday, urging them to follow procedures when dealing with complaints, to "avoid the harm caused when those are not followed".
The premier and education minister have been contacted for comment.
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