A primary school in Aberdeen has found itself at the center of a controversy after a teacher allegedly shattered the festive spirit by telling students that Santa Claus isn’t real. This revelation reportedly occurred during a lesson at Greenbrae Primary School, coinciding with All Saints’ Day.
During the class, nine and ten-year-old students were engaged in a discussion about saints, including Saint Nicholas, the historical figure often associated with Father Christmas. It was during this discussion that the teacher’s comment reportedly upset the young students.
The incident has sparked complaints from parents, who are concerned about the handling of the topic. In response to these grievances, Aberdeen City Council has stepped in to investigate the matter further.
Parents have expressed disappointment, describing the incident as a significant blow to the magic of Christmas. Some believe it’s unfortunate that such an iconic element of childhood joy was undermined, while others have called for a discussion with the teacher to address the situation.
One mother, whose child is in the affected P5 class, described the incident as “not nice,” acknowledging the emotional impact it could have on the children involved. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about how sensitive topics are approached within the educational environment.
One mother, of a P5 pupil, said the situation was ‘not nice’ and recognised that children would be ‘upset’.
A spokesman for Aberdeen City Council said: ‘We are aware that a group of primary six pupils engaged in a conversation about All Saints’ Day, which led to some children posing questions about other saints, including St Nicholas.
‘Families can be assured that investigation learnings have been shared to support our staff to help navigate sensitive discussions.
A teacher from Greenbrae Primary School in Aberdeen has been added to Santa’s naughty list
‘The council values the magic and joy of the festive season and appreciates the small number of parents and carers who brought their concerns to us.’
Parents have insisted the alleged slip-up has made Christmas less special for their children.
One said: ‘This shouldn’t be a topic that is discussed at school time at all.’
Another added: ‘Kids aren’t young for very long and Christmas is so special for them.’
A P4 pupil’s mother said she hoped there would be ‘words’ within the school to ‘sort this out’.
But one parent admitted it was getting ‘increasingly difficult’ to hide the harsh reality about Father Christmas’s existence – or lack of – from their children.
Another parent, of a P7 pupil, added: ‘I have already discussed that with my kids. I think it should be up to the parents, but I would have thought kids that age would have already known.’
Aberdeen councillor and education convenor Martin Greig said: ‘Santa is an important part of the Christmas celebrations.
‘It’s great to see the happiness and fun that Santa brings to children and families. Each year, the experience creates lovely, long lasting memories.’
Only last year, there was an explosion of outrage on Mumsnet after a mother revealed her seven-year-old child’s religion teacher also told him Father Christmas was not real.
Last year, taking to British parenting platform Mumsnet, a mother claimed her son came home from school to reveal his teacher told him the truth about Santa
Parents then accused Rev Dr Paul Chamberlain of ‘ruining’ Christmas with his comments about Father Christmas. Pictured is Rev Chamberlain in 2018, with the town’s war memorial
Taking to the British parenting platform, she claimed her child ‘isn’t one to exaggerate’ and questioned whether it was ‘reasonable’ to tell someone of that age the truth, following Reverend Dr Paul Chamberlain’s remarks at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School in Hampshire.
Many rushed to the comments with mixed views, as some claimed teachers can’t lie to students if they are asked.
The post read: ‘Is it reasonable for a RE teacher to tell seven year olds that Father Christmas isn’t real?
‘My seven year old dear son has just told me that his RE teacher told the class Father Christmas ‘isn’t real’ today.
‘He isn’t one to over-exaggerate. I asked if any of the kids prompted it by asking and he said no, she just said it.
‘If you think it’s unreasonable, would you say anything to the school? YABU – teachers are fine to say FC is not real at the age of 7.’
But one person wrote: ‘Yes she is right, I expect a couple of the children asked and the teacher could hardly lie. Father Christmas isn’t real!
‘Children can be told about St Nicholas and others from whence the myth originated and it’s fun to pretend but there comes a point where pretending stops.
The remarks last year were made in a talk to pupils at Lee-on-the-Solent Junior School in Hampshire
‘I certainly never believed in the Santa myth when I was seven, I doubt many did. It strikes me that parents get a lot more upset about it than their children.’
Another added: ‘Sorry, but I think 7 is an age when they should probably learn that FC is not real.
‘There have been quite a few discussions on here where people mentioned finding out at later ages and being quite traumatized by being lied to for such a long time.
‘And letting everyone know now, together, as a group – at an age when none of the kids is going to be teased by peers if their reaction in class makes it clear that they believed up until this point – is a way of ensuring that some of the kids don’t get mocked by other kids at 10 or 11 when it gets out that they still believe in FC.
‘I think some of the parents here (especially nowadays? At my school in the 80s, I’m pretty sure everyone knew by 7 or 8 anyway?) are letting this stuff drag on way too long. I don’t think it encourages critical thinking, and it creates the risk of teasing and humiliation at some point.’
