By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE grandmother who raised concerns after Islamic students were given the choice of leaving assembly at a Cranbourne primary school to avoid singing the Australian National Anthem has said she was “quite amazed” by how much coverage the story received.
Lorraine McCurdy told Star News, who broke the story, that she was pleased her concerns had received nation-wide attention.
Last month’s incident – in which Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School allowed its Islamic students to leave the Year 2-6 assembly, citing a religious month of mourning – was covered on at least two television networks, on 3AW and 2UE in Sydney, drew comment from opinion writers and national columnists, and even a response from Senator Jacqui Lambie and Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison.
Ms McCurdy, whose grandchildren go to Cranbourne Carlisle Primary, attends the assembly most weeks and said she was concerned by the staff’s decision to give Islamic students the option to not sing the national anthem, after which about “30 to 40 children left, all of Middle Eastern appearance” left the assembly.
“I was pleased, I thought I had got my message across, and thrilled at the fact that some of the groups that came out in support were Islamic groups,” Lorraine said this week.
In a statement released earlier this month by the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), secretary Kuranda Seyit said the group did not want the assembly incident to “divide Australians”.
“The national anthem is important to all Australians, including Muslims,” Mr Seyit said.
Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School principal Cheryl Irving had previously said the decision was made in adherence to Muharram – the Islamic month of mourning associated with Shi’a Muslims in which they do not participate in “joyful events”.
“Muharram is a cultural observation marking the death of Imam Hussein,” Ms Irving said.
“This year it falls between Tuesday 13 October and Thursday 12 November. During this time Shi’a do not participate in joyful events as it is a period of mourning.
“This includes listening to music, attending parties, wearing nail polish or make-up, etc.
“Prior to last week’s Years 2-6 assembly commencing, an announcement was made advising anyone participating in Muharram, that it was an opportune time to leave the hall as music was about to be played (the National Anthem).
“Anyone who was unable to listen to music due to this cultural observance was given adequate time to comply with their religious belief.”
