A primary school has been blasted for encouraging pupils to walk around a field five times on the hottest day of the year – to show solidarity with refugees.
The Met Office had issued a warning to stay out of the sun as temperatures in the south east reached a sweltering 33.3C on Monday, the day the kids took part in the sweaty trudge.
But acting head teacher at St Gregory’s Catholic school in Margate, Kent, Diane Rougvie-Fevrier, says the walk was optional and water and hats were provided.
One of the pupil’s grandparents raged on social media, labelling the decision ‘disgusting’ in a Facebook post that garnered almost 300 comments before it was deleted.
A primary school has been blasted for encouraging pupils to walk around a field (pictured via aerial view) five times on the hottest day of the year – to show solidarity with refugees
St Gregory’s Catholic school in Margate, Kent, has been criticised for letting children walk around the school grounds five times
The fuming gran said: ‘So my granddaughter came home from school today saying they had to walk around the field five times so they would know how a refugee would feel like.
‘They had a guy from CAFOD come to speak to them.
‘The whole school had to do it the younger ones done the playground.
‘I think this is disgusting on the hottest day of the year.’
Another concerned parent told MailOnline: ‘They had to walk around the school grounds 5 times. They did have water and hats.
‘Children were not asked if they wanted to participate or not, they were told that that is what they were doing. A few staff members disagreed with it going ahead because of the heat but apparently the powers above insisted on it..
‘One of my daughter’s has said that each time they walked round they had to stop and say a prayer, this was not done in the shade..’
She added she was ‘very unhappy’ children were asked to walk in the heat and said it was just before a picnic at midday, which was also outside.
Many supported the initiative, while others said it should have been abandoned because of the hot weather.
Acting headteacher Diane Rougvie-Fevrier said the walk was ‘optional’ and children were provided with hats and water
The head said: ‘Children were invited to walk around the school field and we were overwhelmed with the number of children who chose to join in.
‘Although the day was hot, the children enjoyed the early-morning stroll in the shade and had plenty of water and hats to wear.’
Others have since voiced their opinion online.
Brian Varney said the decision was ‘not acceptable’.
But Lucy Boyle said: ‘This was a walk was to show support to the refugees who have to make a longer and hotter walks to a safer place, as their home has been turned into a battle ground.
‘I think it wonderful this walk still went ahead, it helps the kids truly understand what refugees have to go through.
‘The walk was optional and lots of water provided.
‘I think everyone is just trying to use the weather as an excuse to get off whatever they can at the moment.’
Rachel Louise Sheavills added: ‘Early morning stroll with hats and water provided- we are lucky to have tap water that we can drink for starters.’
The walk was part of the school’s spiritual day, with a representative from CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) giving talks to the children.
Pupils took on the walk as part of the organisation’s campaign Share the Journey, which was launched by Pope Francis to recognise people who are forced to flee war, poverty, persecution or natural disasters.
Mrs Rougvie-Fevrier added: ‘Pope Francis wanted to show solidarity with our global neighbours by encouraging people to walk and represent the journeys they have made.
‘St Gregory’s Catholic primary school children wanted to add their steps to the target of 24,900 miles, which is the distance around the world.
‘John Darby, from CAFOD, came in to support the morning and shared information with the children about the purpose of the walk.
‘Both children and staff had a wonderful uplifting morning and we are proud of our contribution to Pope Francis’ campaign.’