WITH the holiday season fast approaching, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded school officials and teachers not to compel students to shell out donations or contributions for their Christmas party.

DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said voluntary contributions should be applied in public schools and celebrations like Christmas “should not be a burden on the parents” should teachers coerce students to donate.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

Lapus also addressed the warning to the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), saying they could not compel contributions for the annual school party.

The DepEd chief said even this early, his office has already received complaints from parents about schools that are asking their students to contribute P100 for Christmas decorations.

In some cases, the students are also required to contribute for related activities, like exchanging gifts.

Lapus said DepEd would not hesitate to punish school officials and teachers who violate the department’s policy.

At the same time, he directed school officials to observe austerity in the holding of Christmas parties. Decorations should be inexpensive, and if possible, produced by students and school staff.

“Christmas celebration should be simple but meaningful, bearing in mind the true spirit of the season,” Lapus said.

The guidelines for the celebration of Christmas parties are written in DepEd Order 74 series of 2008.

Under the same DepEd Order, the whole of DepEd from its central down to field offices are told to minimize expenses during celebrations.

Guidelines on voluntary contributions and avoidance of work disruptions also apply to education officials and employees. (Sunnex)