'O Canada' stages a comeback

SPRINGFIELD, New Brunswick, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Canada's national anthem will once again be played every morning at Belleisle Elementary School, an official with the New Brunswick school district says.

The school's principal had dropped the daily playing of "O Canada" over the public address system after receiving complaints from some parents. But School District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson pulled rank and directed Principal Erik Millett to rescind his decision after a flurry of phone calls and e-mails from people in Springfield, the province and across Canada, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday.

"It is very clear from the communication I have received that people want to see the national anthem played daily at this school," Watson said. "As Superintendent of District 6, I will act in the best interest of the Belleisle Elementary School community and reinstate the playing of the national anthem during daily announcements, effective immediately."

Millett said the decision to cancel "O Canada" was made about a year ago and was part of a reform package to make the school feel more inclusive.

A mother with two daughters attending the school learned of the policy change recently and complained to Watson and a member of Parliament.