Santa Banned in Richmond Schools?

I spoke today with one of the moms whose kids received a computer. I recalled when her 8-year old asked about whether I knew Santa. I wasn't sure whether he still believed so I answered, "Yes". She told me that he still does very much believe in Santa. She then went on to relate what happened at his school. Apparently one of the teacher's aides told him that Santa doesn't really exist and instead it's more of a "Santa spirit" that he should believe in. Huh?! She complained to the principal but the principal supported the staff member. Double Huh?!?

I realize that Santa isn't a religion per say, but there is still a belief system involved with him. I don't know about you but I find this rather disturbing. I checked with two teacher friends of mine, one in Vancouver and one in Burnaby, to see if this was school policy. "Absolutely not", they both exclaimed.

There are two sides to every story but I'd be interested to see what reasons the principal and the teacher's aide have for what appears to be grinch-like behaviour.