Criteria for school parades clarified

THE MINISTER of Education has sent a circular out to schools, clarifying the criteria used when choosing students for school parades.

The latest one followed complaints after an earlier circular called on students of ‘impeccable appearance’ to attend parades.

Reports that PE teachers were selecting taller students, sparked anger among parents and students alike who felt it conflicted with the community spirit of school parades, and bordered on discrimination.

In the latest circular Minister of Education Andreas Demetriou made clear to the schools that student parades are a less formal occasion than military parades.

Regarding the section in the previous circular that stated candidates should have ‘immaculate appearance’, Demetriou clarified that this referred to dress code, tidiness and conduct, and not a student’s height or physical appearance.

The letter was sent out to a total of 22 schools and among other things stated the proper posture students should during a parade and the correct way to hold a flag pole.

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