The Education Department has thrown its support behind a school that invited students to leave assembly during the singing of the national anthem.
Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School recently told Shiite Muslim students that they could excuse themselves from singing Advance Australia Fair because it was a religious month of mourning.
The move infuriated Lorraine McCurdy, who has grandchildren at the school and told 3AW radio that up to 40 students left the room.
.... Independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie was also upset by the situation, which she described as "disgusting".
Principal Cheryl Irving said the school's Shiite students were observing Muharram, a month of mourning that marks the death of Imam Hussein. This year, the month of mourning runs from October 13 to November 12.
"During this time Shiite do not participate in joyful events, including listening to music or singing, as it is a period of mourning," she said.
The school prides itself on being multicultural, and has adopted the slogan "many children, one culture" [The Age] Read more
