Catholic schools shun Valentine's Day

[Gumleaf]

Sunday Feb 10 08:43 AEDT


Two Catholic girls' schools have banned the delivery of flowers - and teddy bears - from admirers on Valentine's Day.

The Melbourne schools enforced the ban because of fears some students could feel left out, News Limited newspapers report.

Ave Maria College and St Columba's College have contacted local florists to ensure deliveries would be stopped on Thursday.

School students were flooded with roses and teddy bears on the special day last year.

Ave Maria principal Olwen Bell said the levels of affection had become extreme.

"I wouldn't be surprised if one or two girls sent flowers to themselves so they didn't miss out," she said.

Angela Anastasi, of Essendon's Irelands Florist, said she would lose business but could understand the schools' decision.

"We did four or five runs to each school last year," she said.


©AAP 2008

[goin to work]

thats wrong

[Kaleidoscope Eyes]

It makes sense to me. I mean, I'd give out little cards to my friends and such at school, but if I was giving flowers or a teddy bear to someone, I'd do it more privately. I mean, it's supposed to be a sentimental thing, not a contest. And come on, what do you do with a teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers all day? It's not going to fit in your locker with your books, and you can't cram flowers into your backpack. It's just not sensible. If you're going the flowers route, do it later that day.

Sure, it seems a little extreme, but girls take this kind of thing very seriously. An insecure girl (or boy, even) who receives nothing, or gets caught sending herself flowers, is going to be so humiliated and upset. I can understand the school wanting the kids to do their gift exchanging elsewhere.

[Zephyr]

Personally, and don't take me the wrong way, it's just a Hallmark Holiday so it makes people very upset because they don't have a sweetheart to celebrate with. Heck, my sister and I are going out to dinner with each other on Valentines because we both don't have anybody. From my own observations, very few actually even get things from a sweetie. Most people get things from friends, family or themselves.

But I can see why the school would do that. They're just trying to make everybody equal so that nobody feels left our or embarrased.

[Φρανκομβριτ]

You know what. Life sucks! If you're alone on valentines day, get used to it, cause it probably wont be the last. It's no different than any other day. I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. These girls should just suck it up, grin, and bear it

[Gumleaf]

i will give my jessica a card and a rose. did it last year and it was well received. nothing over the top. but because we go to different schools i wouldn't be giving it to her at school anyways.