[John Philoponus]

Wow, I don't know where to begin with this one! All I know is I'm proud of the mother for refusing to send her child to the Diwali event. Attending an event of a religion that believes the kid is crippled because of the sins he committed in his "past-life" would be cruel and traumatizing to the child. I'm impressed the mother knew enough about Hinduism to make an informed decision, most would have just sent their kid there without thinking.

[Tamar1973]

After the Evening Post made inquiries with the city council about the case, Mrs Walker received an apology from Ms Hinchcliffe for any distress caused.

Notice the teacher only apologized after she knew the press was involved. How sincere is that?!

[Yo-Yo]

Diwali was on Oct 21st this year. Why is this story out now? Did the teacher know so little about Diwali that she couldn't even get the date correct?

[voiceinthewind]

"when a child is born disabled, it could be that this is a testing period of some sort for the child. It could also be said that the parents had done something bad previously, but there are many factors."

Yup, this is a religion I REALLY want my disabled son exposed to. Thank goodness for homeschooling.
And yes, my kids are taught about other religions. From a Christian perspective.

[Macoraba]

I wonder whether non Christian students (read Muslim) were excused from Diwali participation?

Or do Muslims have their own separate schools so not to be contaminated?