Anger as school puts an end to ancient tradition
Councillor Monty Nicholls told The Cornishman head teacher Jackie Steele should have consulted the church and the town council before breaking the custom of giving school children Feast Monday off school.
St Just school pupils have always been allowed to take the day off for Feast. However, this year the head teacher has said pupils must go to school.
The mayor said: "Feast is a celebration that involves the entire community.
"Children have always been part of it and families enjoy spending the day together; the head teacher should have sought the feeling of the town before making this decision."
Jackie Steele moved from London to take up the post at Cape Cornwall School in January.
A school spokesperson said the decision to keep the children in school was reached at a recent meeting of heads of department.
"It was felt that over the last few years Feast is not being celebrated as much as it once was and it was decided it was probably best to keep the children at school and celebrate feast in our own way with a free teacher and pupil lunch and afternoon sports.
"It's unfortunate that some people see this in a negative light because we have worked hard to make it a really nice day."
The Reverend Stephen Leach, St Just vicar for 21 years, said he agreed with the Town Mayor.
"I think the head teacher should have been advised to consult at least with the town council.
"I would imagine the children would want to have the day off to enjoy the hunt and the football and rugby matches.
"There's lots of things going on."
St Just town councillor Colin McClary, whose daughter attends Cape Cornwall School, said he was "totally annoyed" with the head teacher's decision.
"I am concerned that there is a long tradition being broken here. Feast is not quite as vibrant as it once was and we need the youngsters there to inject ideas and keep the tradition going for the future," he said.
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